Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight, nor do I own any songs/lyrics/poems that may be used in this story. All of that belong to their respective artists/authors etc. No copyright infringement intended.
Thanks to beta Lynette for all her hard work!
Sorry we're a few days late, things happen and I won't explain other than to say that family comes first- not just for me but for anyone and everyone involved with this story! Thanks for your patience! Enjoy!
Chapter 13
BPOV
The week literally flew by. Edward's schedule has been jammed packed with meetings and appointments, which in turn fills my schedule up as well. Unfortunately, the busy work schedule left little personal time to spend with Edward.
Sure, I see him at the office every day. On the lucky days, I even get to have lunch with him. Though we have yet to repeat Tuesday's office delight. In fact, we have yet to be naked together since that wonderful afternoon.
Sigh. I need to get that man naked…soon.
But, that was then. Today is Saturday and I get to spend all day with Edward. Well, with Edward and ten kids from the orphanage. Not just any ten kids though, ten musically talented children. To say I am excited about today would be the understatement of the year. I am ecstatic, over the moon, giddy even.
I have the whole thing planned out for the most part. We're going to take them to Golden Gardens, one of the local parks, where we'll have a feast of fried chicken, burgers, hot dogs, chips, baked beans, coleslaw, watermelon and more. I'm bringing my acoustic guitar, as is Edward. We figure we could play some songs for them, or they can play for us. There are playgrounds and hiking trails and all sorts of things to do with the children. There's also a creek if we feel inclined to splash around for a bit. Even the forecast is cooperating today, calling for a rare hot and sunny day. It's going to be a perfect day!
My phone buzzes from the kitchen as I run throughout the apartment, making sure I'm not forgetting anything. A quick glance shows a message from Edward.
B- I'll see you in ten! ~E
E- Awesome! Door is unlocked- See you soon! :-* B
I smile. He's going to be here over an hour early.
Oh the things I can do to him in that hour.
I can't do them though. It's been too long already, and I know once we get started we won't stop. So we'll have to wait until later for that. Edward already asked me to spend the weekend with him, so we'll have plenty of sexy time soon enough.
A few minutes later and I am happy with the large pile of stuff in the kitchen. We're all set! I have my acoustic guitar in its case; all of the food stuff is ready to go; I have blankets and a few lawn chairs. There's also a portable iPod docking station, with extra batteries, and I even have my overnight bag ready to go. I'm all set from my end!
"Wow, are you sure we're just having a picnic or are we moving to the park?" says my favorite voice.
I turn and find Edward casually leaning against the doorframe. He's dressed for the hot day in low slung khaki cargo shorts and a tight dark gray t-shirt. His tattoo peeks out of the bottom of his sleeve and makes my mouth water.
"Hey you. I was just thinking about you," I tell the handsome man as I walk to him, wrapping my arms around his waist.
He wraps his arms around me as well, hugging back. He places a soft kiss on the top of my head before answering. "Oh yeah? What exactly were you thinking?"
I laugh and shake my head 'no' at him. "Nope, not telling. Not yet. You'll find out later," I giggle some more. No way am I going to tell him I was having sexy thoughts of him. We just don't have time to go there this morning.
"Okay, keep your secrets. That's fine. I'll be here, in the dark. All alone." He sticks his lower lip out and gives me an exaggerated pout.
I wince at that. He has no idea what secrets I'm really hiding from him. I still haven't figured out what to do about that. Part of me wants to tell him the truth, tell him that I am really Victoria. I know I should tell him. If I keep the secret too long, he'll hate me for keeping it from him when the truth surfaces. But the other part of me, the less rational part, says that if I tell him too early then I'll never know if he'd continue to date me because of Victoria or because of me.
It's a stupid thought, I know, but I don't want that to happen. I mean, shit, I'm pretty damn sure I've fallen in love with the man but I'm still trying to guard my heart. If 'we' are going to continue, and be a real couple, then that 'we' needs to be me and Edward; not Edward, Bella and Victoria.
Victoria hasn't been around since Monday though. Edward has only tried calling once or twice, so it's been easy to almost forget about her. But that can't go on for long. She has another performance with Breaking Dawn on Monday and I just know Edward will be there. I also know he'll expect and want me to be there with him. That's just not possible and I hate lying to him about why I can't be there.
I hug him tighter and rest my head on his chest. I'm not sure how, but I know I have to tell him the truth, all of it. He needs to know about Victoria. He needs to know the story behind how she came to be. He needs to know that I love him. If the time presents itself, then I'll do it today. If not, then I'll figure something else out. I have all weekend to spit it out. I will tell him by Monday.
"Everything alright, babe?" Edward asks. As I tear myself away from my thoughts, I realize I'm still in his arms and he's stroking my hair with one hand and my back with the other. Nothing escapes him. He knows I'm upset about something.
"Yes and no. There are some crazy things in my life right now, and I can't explain right this second, but I will. Soon," I tell him, looking up into his eyes. "I'll tell you everything, soon."
Being the ever understanding and perfect man, Edward just smiles and looks at me with a look that can only be described as content. "Take your time; I'm not planning on going anywhere. You can keep your secrets; they can't change my feelings for you."
I can't stop myself.
I stand on my tip toes, slide my arms around his neck, and kiss him deeply. My tongue effortlessly slides into his waiting mouth. I lick his top lip, nibbling a little on his bottom. I promise him, with my kiss, that I will tell him everything.
He kisses me back fiercely. I feel everything he does: happiness, excitement, passion and love.
Love? Could he love me too?
I can't think about that one too much. I'm probably misreading that one. There's no way he can love me. Is there? I guess he could…
I hope he does…
Edward pulls back, breaking our kiss. "Are you sure you're okay? You don't seem all there."
Damn him for being so in tune with me.
"I'm good. Should we start loading the car?" I answer.
It takes several trips, and some creative arranging to get everything in, but we manage to get all of the food and other stuff into Edward's Volvo. Before I know it, we're on our way to the orphanage. We were originally going to drive separately, but Golden Gardens Park is about a twenty minute ride from the orphanage, so Edward arranged to have a mini bus to transport the kids. We are to meet with the director first, for a few minutes and then load up the children for their picnic. I'll ride the bus with the kids and Edward will drive behind in the Volvo. Then I'll be leaving a little early to head back to the studios to be sure everything is set up properly. Edward has graciously offered me his car to do this, and he will ride to the studio in the bus with the kids.
It doesn't take long to get to the orphanage, which is named the Lighthouse Academy. I am shocked by the building in front of us. So much so that I check and double check the address to be sure we're in the correct place. The large building in front of us definitely does not belong in Seattle. I can't help my jaw dropping at the white stone architecture; large white washed wooden porch and bright red door. It looks more like the front of one of those old lighthouses you find on the East Coast in Maine. I struggle to pick my jaw up off the ground as we exit the car and walk to the front door.
"You sure this is an orphanage?" I whisper to Edward after ringing the shiny, brass bell.
"Yes, Bella, it's the right place. The name on the sign says so." He points to the wooden sign over the door that clearly states this to be the Lighthouse Academy.
The door opens a few seconds later and we are greeted by a petite blond woman with a thick Scottish accent. "You must be Bella and Edward! Welcome! Welcome! Please come in!"
I smile at the small woman. She's a little older than Edward and I, but still can't be much older than thirty. She introduces herself quickly; her name is Leigh and I am surprised to learn that she is the Director of the Academy. It seems like such a large job for such a small woman, but I can tell she's the right person for the job. Her energy overflows and you can hear how much she cares about the children when she speaks of them.
During a short tour of the main house, we learn that the founder of the Lighthouse Academy was in fact from Maine. He had come to Seattle in the 1920's when he was just nineteen looking for his little brother. They had been orphaned as children. The man was adopted at age five from a Seattle based orphanage and moved to Maine. He never heard anything about his brother who was three years younger. He was happy with his new family, but not a day went by that he didn't think about his little brother.
When he was old enough he came looking for him, ready to bring him to his home in the East. What he found sickened him. The orphanage they had once been placed in was on the verge of being shut down. The place was absolutely horrid. It was dirty, rundown and just plain unhealthy; several of the children had gotten sick and died because of it over the past decade. He learned his brother had been one of the unfortunate kids to fall victim to the sad excuse for a home. That was when he vowed he would earn the money to buy it and turn it into a place where the orphans of Seattle would be able to call 'home', even if they never got adopted.
It took him many years, but he was finally able to achieve his goal. He bought the building and tore down the old pile of bricks to build the Lighthouse Academy in its place. He purposely modeled it after the lighthouses in the northeast and the red door was brought from his adoptive parents' home. He wanted the new orphanage to be a beacon of hope and acceptance to all who enter. He wanted a place where the kids would feel loved, welcomed and cared for. He wanted them to have a home.
It is very heartwarming to see that the man's vision is still very much alive, so many years later. This place it definitely not what I had expected from an orphanage. I had expected to see the house from the movie "Annie" with small dirty rooms and rats. The Lighthouse Academy is anything but, it's not only an orphanage, but it's also a school for the residents. The classrooms we are shown are nice and appear to be fairly up to date.
At the end of our tour, we find ourselves in Leigh's office where we go over a few rules and business issues before we can go to the children. We learn that one of the Academy teachers will join us as well. Edward and I are fine with that. The more the merrier as far as we are concerned. Edward takes the time to inform the director of our plans to donate the old studio instruments to the music department. She is beyond thrilled. When I further explain that Edward would also like to give new instruments to the students joining us today, she sheds a few tears.
"You two are rare gems indeed," she gushes as she hugs me tightly. "Not only did you donate your money and time, but to go so far beyond for these children is just a blessing."
Soon it is time to meet our lucky ten wards for the day. I can hear the sounds of happy and excited kids as we approach the door to a common room. I smile up at Edward and bounce a bit, clapping my hands lightly like a five year old who's been told they can buy anything they want in a candy store. I'm here, it's time and I can't wait to get this show on the road.
I'm also excited because I put together a plan for easing Edward into the Victoria secret while we drove here. The more I think about it, the more I want him to know. So I'm going to get to work on that today.
Leigh opens the doors and we are led into a large room. There are sofas, chairs, tables and bookshelves all around. A small television sits on one end of the room, a bank of old computers are on the other end. Everything is well worn and extremely outdated. I try to keep a smile on my face but simply can't.
Edward, sensing my sadness at the state of room, wraps an arm around my waist and kisses the top of my head. "It's pretty bad isn't it?" he whispers to me.
I nod my head. I don't want to admit it, but it really was. Most of our tour had been around the school portion of the Academy. Everything we saw there was in fairly good condition and well taken care of. But now that we're seeing the living areas it's a different story.
"Leigh," I whisper to our host. "Why is this room so much more… tattered than the other rooms?"
With a sad smile she explained quickly that they receive a small amount of state funding for the school. It's not much, but enough that they can keep the school nice and fairly up to date. They still buy older models of most things, to save cost, but they're in good working order. The orphanage part of the Academy is privately funded and entirely non-profit. Therefore, it is much harder to keep things as nice as they'd like. Most of their donations go towards food and overhead. She sighs and looks ten years older as she explains that donations aren't what they used to be.
I look up to Edward again. A single tear rolls my cheek; he is quick to wipe it away.
"It's not fair, Edward," I say quietly.
"I know, babe. I know," he replies, dropping a sweet kiss onto my forehead. "But let's not dwell on it right now. We can always help more. Let's meet these kids and show them an awesome day."
"Okay, you're right. We can always do more."
Leigh clears her throat and she gets the attention of the children in the room. She explains who Edward and I are and where we work. Then we briefly explain some of what we have planned. Edward hands me a pad of paper and pen before he asks the kids to introduce themselves. He wants them to tell us their names, ages, and what musical instrument they play most. I am to write all of the information down, because he has yet to get their new instruments. He'll be calling a friend to have them delivered to the studio while we're at the park.
I am surprised that all of the kids are older. For some reason, I was expecting a bunch of elementary aged kids, but most of these children are teenagers. The youngest is a boy named Seth, he's twelve and plays violin. The oldest is a beautiful blond girl named Jane. She is seventeen, plays guitar and says she sings. I can't wait to spend some one on one time with her, already forming plans in my head to bring her to Edward's office if she's any good. We also meet Ashley. She is the teacher joining us today.
We still have a few minutes until the bus gets here to take us to the park and the kids have swarmed Edward. They are all asking him questions about Vamp Records and what it takes to get a record deal. I notice Jane taking notes and smile.
While Edward's occupied, I take the time to talk to Ashley. I learn she's one of the music teachers here. She teaches introductory classes in music to the younger kids and also music theory to the older ones. She tells me she likes to focus on developing the musical writing skills of the older kids.
"So, you have experience composing?" I ask.
She nods her head, her long brown hair moves with her, "Yes, I do."
"Um, I hate to impose, but maybe you can help me sometime? I have a bunch of songs I've composed on my iPod. It's just the music; the lyrics have yet to be put down. But, would you mind listening to them sometime?" I ask.
Yes, I write my own songs as well. It's not something many people know about. In fact, I don't think anyone knows about it. Alice and Rose know I have a state of the art keyboard that can add in other instruments and record everything, but I don't think they understand the extent to what I can do musically. I've written several songs over the past few years and have the music I produced from the keyboard on my iPod. The lyrics have never been recorded. That doesn't mean I don't have them though. They're just not recorded. The lyrics are locked safely away in my head.
Ashley laughs, pulling me back to the present. "Don't you work at Vamp Records also? Surely someone there would be better qualified?"
I give her a shy smile and fidget.
"Yeah, well I haven't exactly told anyone. I have a problem with stage fright. I clam up every time I try to perform. I guess you could call me a closet musician," I mumble. "If I tell you something, can you please, please keep it a secret?"
It's not lost on me that I'm about to spill just about every secret I have to a total stranger. Somehow though, I feel totally at ease with this woman. I don't know her from Adam, but I have a feeling I can trust her, and I really need someone I can trust with this right now. I take a deep breath, trying to steel my resolve.
This is it. Step one to telling Edward the truth. Confess to someone less important.
"Sure, I'm not a gossip. I'm a teacher. You can trust me," she says sincerely.
I believe her.
"Have you heard about that new singer around town, Victoria?" I start.
Ashley's eyes widen and her mouth opens into a small 'o' shape. "Yes! I was in that karaoke contest she won! I didn't make it past the first round though. She's amazing!"
"Yes, she is," I agree.
"What about her though?" Ashley asks.
I glance around the room, Edward is still surrounded by kids and Leigh is walking out the door. I pull Ashley further away from the crowd; just to be sure we are completely out of earshot.
"Okay, you can't tell anyone what I'm about to tell you. Only three people in the world know what I'm going to tell you and those are my two best friends and myself," I say quickly. I take a big breath and continue in a low whisper. "I am Victoria."
Immediately, I feel as if a big weight has been lifted from my shoulder. I take another deep breath and blow it out slowly and run my fingers nervously through my hair.
"Well?" I question. Ashley has yet to answer.
"Oh. My. GOD!" she whisper yells back at me. "I can't believe that! Seriously? YOU are her?"
I nod silently.
"And you want me to listen to some music you've written?"
I nod again.
"Oh my God! I don't know what else to say!" she laughs. "I'm honored, really, that you would include me in such a secret, especially since you don't know me at all. I'd love to help you!"
With that we both jump up and down like giddy school girls. Hugging and speaking in low whispers.
"I brought my guitar and I'm going to try to sing a little. Edward has no idea I can do any of this. My goal is to tell him by Monday, when Victoria performs again." I glance behind me again and see that Edward is looking at us funny. "He has to know, if we're going to have a real relationship.
Ashley simply nods again. "You're absolutely right. I can see the way you two look at each other. He needs to know the truth. Just let me know what you need. I'll help anyway I can."
I hug her again. "Thank you, so much."
"Am I interrupting ladies?" Edward says behind me.
"No, you're not. Edward, this is Ashley. She's a music teacher here," I tell him. "Ashley, this is Edward Cullen, Senior Vice President of Vamp Records Seattle."
They shake hands and exchange pleasantries. A knowing smile is spread across Ashley's face, but I'm not worried.
"Well, ladies, the bus has arrived. Shall we head to the park?" he smiles.
"Let's get this party started!" I exclaim enthusiastically. The children cheer and we make our way to the street.
EPOV
As I drive behind the bus that holds the children, as well as Bella, I can't help but wonder what's going on with her today.
She's been all over the emotional road map and I can't get a handle on what's going on inside her head. All I can tell is that something is bothering her and she won't tell me what. It frustrates me to no end. I'm her man; she should be able to tell me anything.
You're not officially her man yet, you haven't even discussed this relationship with her yet.
I frown at my thoughts. I do need to speak with her about where this is going. Let me rephrase, I need to tell her that I'm not going anywhere without her. Not unless she tells me to leave. I can't. I don't want to. I don't think I'll ever want to leave her side.
Ah, young love.
Love? Is that what this is? I haven't a clue. I've never been in love before. I suppose I could be. My father always told me I'd just know when I found the one woman I was supposed to be with. He would always say the same thing to me:
"You'll treasure her even more than your most prized possession. Every thought will be tied to her somehow and when she's away, you'll feel as if part of you is missing. You would do anything for your true love, anything."
I guess he was right. Nothing in this world, nothing, means more to me than Isabella. She has become the most important part of my life. If I were told tomorrow that I'd have to quit my job and live in a cardboard box just to keep her, then I would.
Holy shit! I'm in love with Bella!
As soon as the thought enters my head, I feel my heart warm. A grin spreads across my face and I suddenly feel as if everything in the world is as it should be.
I love Bella!
By now I've pulled up alongside the bus in the park at our designated picnic area. The goofy, love struck grin is still plastered to my face as I get out of my car and begin taking things to the tables under the shelter.
"Someone's certainly in a good mood," I hear Bella comment. I didn't think it was possible, but my smile grew even larger at the sound of her voice.
I love that woman!
"I am. I figured something out on the way here," I tell her with a wink. My entire being wants to just blurt out my feelings for her, but this isn't the time or the place. I'll have to plan something special.
Her face falls for a split second, but she corrects it quickly. If I didn't know the contours of her entire body and her facial expressions, I wouldn't have even noticed the flash of pain in her eyes.
"Are you sure you're alright, Bella?" I reach out and brush a few stray hairs off her face. "You've been… not yourself today."
"Yes, I know. I'm sorry," is all she says. "Let's not worry about that right now. Let's get everything ready, Ashley took the kids over to the water's edge for some group pictures."
"Okay, but we're talking tonight," I'm firm in my answer. I have to know what's going on with her and then I have to fix it. My love doesn't need to be hurting like that.
Silently, she nods once and turns back to her tasks.
It doesn't take us long to get everything spread out onto the tables. Our bus driver, Bob, offered to stick around and help out. He is currently working the grill, making hamburgers and hotdogs.
Bella walks over to Ashley and the kids and tells them it's time to eat. All the children run to the covered shelter and tear into the food. The adults just hang back while for a bit, letting the kids get settled before serving ourselves.
Bella and Ashley sit in the middle of the kids, Bella answering more questions about Vamp Records. She is completely at ease with the kids. She's a natural with them. I give her some space; this is her day with the kids after all. I sit with Bob and just watch her handle the group with an ease that I haven't felt since my mother passed away.
Once everyone has eaten Bella announces it's time for a nature walk. She turns to me before they set out on one of the many trails in the park.
"Are you coming, Edward?" she asks.
"Not yet, I'm going to help Bob clean up a bit, and then I'll catch up."
"Alright." She pecks me lightly on the lips, earning a few groans from the kids.
She turns and rolls her eyes at the kids. "Enough of that, let's hike," she says. I see her pick her guitar out of its case before they leave, slipping her arm into the strap and letting the guitar settle on her back. With a wave they walk into the woods and out of sight.
I realize I've never heard her play. Sure, I know she can, but I haven't seen it yet. I quickly move about to get things cleaned up so I can meet up with the rest of the group.
BPOV
I can feel Edward's gaze on my back. We both know that we can each play piano and guitar, but we've never played for each other. Of course, we haven't known each other all that long either, just a few short weeks.
With a sigh and wave to Edward, I walk after the kids. Ashley is in the lead, already heading up one of the nature paths. We hike leisurely for about an hour and come to a beautiful clearing. It's a large patch of grass in the middle of the woods. Wild flowers are blooming all around, throwing patches of yellow, purple and orange against the deep green background of the soft grass. I can hear a stream babbling somewhere in the background and in the middle of the small field is a large tree stump.
I smile. This is the perfect place to relax and have a little music time.
"Okay everyone! Let's take a break and hang here for a bit!"
The kids cheer, happy for the reprieve. Once snacks and waters have been passed out, I take a seat on the stump and pull my guitar around to the front of my body.
I strum a few chords, tuning a few strings as necessary, and begin to play. I don't play anything in particular, just random chords and melodies to begin with. I haven't played much since I met Edward, so I'm just fiddling around with the strings while my mind drifts to him. Before I realize what's happening, a new song is taking shape. I close my eyes and imagine what the lyrics would sound like. I don't sing out loud, but I know what words will go with this tune I've started. I keep strumming until I'm happy with what I've put together.
When I open my eyes I notice that all the kids have gathered around me in the grass. They clap and cheer as I strum the final note of the song. Surprisingly, I am not embarrassed that everyone has been listening to me. I am completely at ease and don't feel any of the nervousness that usually accompanies me when playing with others around; I am comfortable around these kids and my usual stage fright is non-existent.
"That was great, Miss Bella!" Seth tells me.
"Can you play something else?" another child asks.
"Yes, I can. I can play just about anything. Is there something you want to hear?" I ask them.
All of the kids start talking at once. Some ask questions while others shout song names at me. One melodious voice stands out. "Did you write that last song yourself?" asked Jane.
"Yes, I did. In fact, I just made it up right now," I honestly tell her.
"Do you know "Plush" by the Stone Temple Pilots?" she asks me.
I smile and start strumming the opening the chords. Jane moves so she's standing next to me. I open my mouth to sing the opening lyrics, but out of the corner of my eye I see her do the same. I close my mouth and let her sing.
And I feel that time's a wasted go
So where you going 'till tomorrow?
And I see that these are lies to come
Would you even care?
My mouth drops wide open as Jane sings. She is an extremely talented, young lady who could definitely have a future in singing. I make a mental note to have her sing for Edward before the day is over.
And I feel it
And I feel it
Where you're going for tomorrow?
Where you're going with that mask I found?
And I feel, and I feel
When the dogs begin to smell her
Will she stand alone?
And I feel, so much depends on the weather
So is it raining in your bedroom?
And I see, that these are the eyes of disarray
Would you even care?
And I feel it
And she feels it
Where ya going to tomorrow?
Where ya going with the mastiff hound?
And I feel, and I feel
When the dogs begin to smell her
Will she smell alone?
When the dogs do find her
Got time, time, to wait for tomorrow
To find it, to find it, to find it
When the dogs do find her
Got time, time, to wait for tomorrow
To find it, to find it, to find it
Suddenly I hear another guitar begin to play along with me, taking on the harmonizing role of the song. I look around and see Edward directly across from me on the other side of the clearing. He's leaning against a tree and strumming on a black acoustic guitar. I smile at him. He smiles back. All of a sudden, I feel as if I must finish singing this song myself. Jane can sing for Edward later, but now is the perfect chance to complete step two of my plan, which is to let Edward hear me sing. Not Victoria, but me.
I quickly turn to Jane, while still playing the musical break between lyrics. "Do you mind if I take over singing?" I whisper quickly, before I can lose my nerve. She smiles and moves to sit with the rest of the kids. I take over singing with the next lines, focusing my attention on Edward and his reactions while I sing.
Where ya going for tomorrow?
Where ya going with the mastiff hound?
And I feel, and I feel
When the dogs begin to smell her
Will she smell alone?
When the dogs do find her
Got time, time, to wait for tomorrow
To find it, to find it, to find it
When the dogs do find her
Got time, time, to wait for tomorrow
To find it, to find it, to find it
To find it, to find it, to find it.
The clearing is quiet for a split second as the final chords filter through the still air. Before I can put my guitar down, I am surrounded.
"Miss Bella!" I hear Jane, "Can you teach me to sing like that?"
"Jane, dear, you have nothing to worry about. You have a talent all of your own," I tell her honestly.
"Here," I take my guitar off my body and hand it to her, "Why don't you take over?"
She beams and gladly takes my spot. She immediately begins to play and sing with the other kids.
I watch her for a few minutes before making my way to Edward.
"Bella, that was…amazing," he says. "Absolutely beautiful."
"Thanks," I shyly say, looking down to the ground.
Edward lifts my chin with is finger. "Don't be like that. Talent like yours deserves to be shared, not hidden away. Why didn't you tell me?"
"Not now, Edward. I promised I'd tell you everything, later. This- that," I wave my hand to where Jane is playing my guitar, "is just a small part of it. There's more. So much more, but please, just let me get it out on my own terms. Okay?"
He gathers me into a tight embrace and holds me for a few minutes. I wrap my arms around his waist and hug him back. "I promise, Edward. I'll tell you everything," I whisper into his chest.
He dips his head down, his lips graze my ear sending shivers down my spine. "I know you will," he whispers. "And I'll tell you my secret, as well." He kisses the side of my head and pulls away.
Edward has a secret? What the hell?
Before I can dwell on my thoughts Edward speaks again, "Let's go join the kids."
We spend the next hour passing the guitars around, singing and playing songs with the kids. Edward and Ashley both sing some as well. They're both talented singers.
The hike back to the picnic area seems to take longer. Everyone is ready to rest and I am happy I planned for a quiet art activity before it's time for them to head to the studio for the big surprise.
With Ashley and Bob's help, we get all of the students situated with the project. They are going to use things they found on the nature walk to decorate their very own picture frames. Ashley says she'll have prints made of the group shot by the water for each child. It will be a nice memento of the day. Of course, they don't know that they'll also be going home with new instruments later. Once they are fully immersed in the activity, I motion Edward to follow me and head behind the bus, where no one can see us.
I speak as soon as I see Edward come around the bus, he's walking fast. "Hey, I'm gonn…," my words are cut off by Edward's kiss. His left hand is at the back of my head, keeping my lips locked tightly with his. His right hand is splayed across my back, pulling me closer to his body. His kiss is hard, fierce and unrelenting.
I moan softly against his lips. He has taken me totally by surprise, not that I mind. My hands rub along Edward's arms and chest as he deepens the kiss. When his tongue collides with mine, I wrap my arms around his neck, my hands playing and tugging in his hair.
The hand in my hair travels south, lightly grazing my breast as it makes its way to firmly plant itself on my ass. The other hand reaches lower to do the same. I tighten my hold around Edward's neck and with his help lift myself up and wrap my legs around his waist.
"Bella," he rasps out as he pushes my back up against the bus. His lips dominate again, his hips press into mine and I can feel his erection against my thigh. He breaks away slightly again, panting. We both need air.
I rest my forehead on his, my hands still playing in his hair. Slowly we both regain our ability to breathe normally.
"Bella, God, I have wanted to do that since I heard you singing in that field," he admits. "Watching you play that guitar and sing, that was the single hottest thing I have ever witnessed."
He kisses me again, though this time he trails his lips and tongue up and down my jaw. "I had no idea you were so talented. I wish you would have said something to me sooner."
"I know. I wish I had too. And I will. Soon," I promise again, sliding my legs back down to the ground.
Reluctantly, Edward loosens his grip on me, but doesn't fully let me go. "Just tell me, Bella. Whatever it is, just say it," he pleads. I can clearly see the mix of frustration, worry and curiosity in his eyes.
"I can't, Edward. Not just yet. I'm trying…trying to let you in. I'm just scared. I don't want to lose you," I cry. Fat tears roll down my cheeks.
Edward pulls me close again. He doesn't pry and doesn't push for more. "I'll wait as long as you need. Just know that no matter what you have to say, it won't change how I feel about you. I'm not going anywhere, Bella. I promise. I couldn't leave you, even if I tried."
He holds me for a few more moments, until I'm ready to face him again.
"Thank you, Edward. That means a lot to me," I hiccup as my tears subside. "I have to get going to the studio now. I need to make sure everything is set before you bring the kids."
"Alright, babe. We'll leave here in an hour or so. Do you need us to do anything else here?" he asks me. His generosity shines through his words. I know I can ask him to do just about anything right now and he would take care of it. No questions asked.
"No, I think everything is good to go. Just get everything loaded up. I'm taking my guitar. I have a special surprise for you, as well." I wink at him.
"Oh yeah? Well that makes two of us. But you don't get to see my surprise until later tonight," he jests, waggling his eyebrows.
I groan and roll my eyes and walk to the Volvo. Edward opens the driver's door for me and waits while I get situated. He hands me the keys and kisses me one last time before shutting the door. I start the car and pull away with a wave. As soon as I exit the park, I floor it. I have to make it to the studio.
I hadn't planned on this surprise for Edward, it just came to me, but now it's all I can think about and I need to get to the studio quick if I'm going to pull it off. I race through traffic and make it to the office building in record time. I park and rush in, hurrying through the lobby and to the elevators.
When I exit, I see Paul waiting for me. Paul is one of our music producers and has helped many famous singers and bands put together their albums. "Everything Mr. Cullen has requested is here, and everything is set up to your specifications Miss Swan."
"Thanks, Paul," I reply. I slow down a bit and glance around to make sure everything really is correct. This is a day for the kids. I need to make sure their things are taken care of first.
Things seem to be in order and I'm confident that I have the time I need for my little project. So I turn back to Paul. "Paul, I need your help. I have a song that needs to be laid down. Now," I tell him.
He doesn't ask any questions, just points to the soundproof room. I quickly tell him what I need and he sets everything up fast.
He moves to the production booth and speaks into his microphone. "We'll lay down the instrumental first, and vocals last."
I nod my agreement.
"Ready when you are," he says.
I close my eyes and smile. I conjure up an image of the field I had been at just a little while ago. My fingers move across the strings of my guitar and Edward's song fills the room.
I hope you liked that! All of you are begging for the big reveal of Victoria's Secret- bear with me- it's coming up pretty darn soon!
Please continue to leave your reviews, PMs and tweets! I read all of them and they make me smile so much!
Until Friday...
Songs Used:
"Plush" by Stone Temple Pilots (check out the MTV Unplugged version for what Bella & Edward played)
(We'll find out what song Bella is recording next week! It's really awesome!)