Let Love Lie
Chapter 4 – Thanksgiving Feelings
BPOV
Edward and I were hanging out on Alice's couch after Riley went to bed.
"You're great with Riley," I noted.
"He's important to me," he shrugged. "Have you talked to your family?" he asked. I rested my head on the back of the couch.
"I talked to my sister-in-law. I haven't had the chance to talk to anyone else."
"Bella, I'm here for you if you need any help, okay? You don't have to do this alone."
"I don't want to burden you with this," I shook my head.
"It wouldn't be a burden," he smiled.
"Can we talk about something else?" I asked.
"Yeah, what do you want to talk about?" I thought about it for a second.
"Don't you have a family of your own? A wife? Kids?"
"No," he chuckled. "I haven't had a real relationship since college."
"How long ago was that?" I asked.
"Wow, huh, I graduated two years ago this winter. I haven't had an actual relationship since freshman year. So it's been nine years?"
"Nine years?" I giggled before containing myself. "Sorry. So nine years you say?" I bit my lip.
"Yes, you silly girl. Nine years. I'm very guarded of my heart, you know," he quirked an eyebrow.
"What, did your girlfriend dump you in college or something?" I joked.
"Bingo," he smirked. "Actually, she dumped me after we moved from Seattle to Alaska for college, after dating for five years, and for my roommate. So that's like what? A triple bingo?"
"Oh shit, Edward, I'm so sorry," I said, feeling bad immediately. Blush washed over my cheeks in embarrassment. I covered my face. "I'm such a bitch," I said softly.
"Hey," he said and grabbed my hands. I didn't tense up from his touch. "Bella," he said as he pulled my hands away from my face. "Don't call yourself that. Ever. You didn't know. I'm over it."
"Why didn't you ever have a girlfriend since then?"
"I've had no interest in having one. I told you I'm very guarded of my heart. I figure, don't put yourself in that situation and you won't hurt." I nodded.
"Uncle Eddie," Riley came out into the living room rubbing his eye. He looked like he had been crying.
"Hey, Punk, what's wrong?" Edward asked as he went over to Riley and picked him up.
"I wet the bed," he cried.
"Oh, Bud, it's alright. Come on, let's go get you cleaned up."
"I'll get some new sheets," I offered.
"Thanks, Bells. They're in the linen closet. It's right next to the bathroom." Edward took Riley to get cleaned up. I walked to the linen closet and grabbed a set of sheets with a baseball theme. I walked into Riley's room where Edward was stripping the bed. Riley had on a new pair of pajamas. Tears were still streaking his cheeks.
"Come here, Honey," I said and set the sheets on his dresser. He came over to me and I sat on the floor. He climbed into my lap and laid his head above my heart. "You're fine."
"Bella?" Riley asked as he looked up at me.
"Yeah, Honey?"
"Are you and Uncle Eddie going to get married?"
"Riley." Edward warned. "Why do you keep asking these questions?" he asked as he came over. "Bella and I are friends, Punk," he said in a soft almost pleading voice.
"Friends don't get married," I added gently.
"Alright, time to go back to bed," Edward said as he picked Riley up and stood him on his feet. Riley climbed into his racecar bed and Edward tucked him in. "You good?" he asked. Riley nodded. Edward kissed the top of his head before whispering, "Goodnight." He shut the light off and we left, leaving the door opened a crack.
Edward sighed and ran a hand through his hair.
"I'm so sorry about that," he said and pointed to Riley's room. "He," Edward sighed. "He asked me earlier if you were going to be his aunt and I told him no, girls have cooties. I guess he wanted to see if you had a different answer." Edward plopped down on the couch and scrubbed his hands over his face. He kept them there, resting his elbows on his face.
"Edward," I said and sat next to him. "Look at me." He kept his face in his hands. I mustered up all of my courage I could, telling myself he wouldn't hurt me, and grabbed his hands. I pulled them from his face. "Look at me," I said again. He kept his eyes averted to the floor. "Edward," I insisted. I grabbed his chin gently and pulled his face to look at me. He closed his eyes and sighed before looking me in the eye. "What happened in there is fine. I didn't mind."
"I just," he sighed. "You know we're only going to be friends, right? Nothing more," he said seriously.
"I know, and I'm not asking for more. I don't want more. A friend is all I can handle."
"I'm sorry that put you in an awkward situation," he sighed.
"It's fine," I smiled. I realized I was still holding his hands and I let them go.
"Want to watch a movie?" he asked.
"Sure, a movie sounds great," I nodded. He got up and put in a movie.
"I don't know where Alice keeps her movies, so one of Riley's will have to do. Horton Hears a Who okay with you?"
"Yeah, Dr. Seuss," I giggled.
"That did rhyme, didn't it?" he chuckled. Edward sat down next to me and threw his arm over the couch behind my head.
EPOV
I don't remember much of the movie. I fell asleep about halfway through. The next thing I knew, Alice was home.
"Edward," she whispered as she ran her hand through my hair. I sighed and slowly opened my eyes. I felt someone curled up into my side. I looked over and saw Bella asleep, her head resting on my shoulder.
"When did you get home?" I asked groggily.
"Just now."
"Time?"
"Ten thirty."
"What took you so long? You left at four."
"Yeah, well, what Riley wants he gets. I had to go to Seattle."
"And you talk about me spoiling him."
"How was he?"
"Good. He asks too many questions though."
"What did he ask?"
"If Bella and I were going to get married."
"Well you two look pretty cozy," she wiggled her eyebrows.
"He also wet the bed, but we took care of it," I said. I guess I should wake Bella, but I didn't want to disturb her. She looked so peaceful. And, I'll admit, I kind of like having her close.
Bella sighed and stirred a little in her sleep.
"Bella," I said softly and shook her shoulder. Alice excused herself to go check on Riley. "Bells, come on, wake up." I rubbed her arm and she groaned. She opened her eyes and looked up at me. Realizing she was so close to me she scooted a little away.
"Sorry," we both muttered at the same time.
"Here, let me drive you home," I offered.
"I'm fine to drive," she yawned.
"Really, you look like you're going to pass out any minute."
"What about your bike?"
"You have a truck, I can put it in the back."
"Okay," she sighed. Alice came back into the living room.
"Hey, Bella," she smiled.
"Hi, Alice," Bella said back in a soft, groggy voice.
"Thanks for helping Edward out tonight."
"Yeah, no problem. I wasn't a big help."
"I'm going to take her home, Al," I said and kissed the top of Alice's head.
"Okay. Drive safe," she smiled. "And thanks again."
We walked out and Bella helped me get the bike in the back of her truck. We got in and she pulled her legs up onto the seat. She rested her head on her knees as we drove.
I parked her truck in the driveway and looked over at Bella. Despite all the noise that spewed from her truck, Bella was sound asleep in the passenger seat. I got out of the truck and went over to her side. Hesitantly, I lifted her into my arms. She wrapped one arm around my neck and hooked the other over my shoulder. She rested her head on the hand that was on my shoulder.
I got Bella up to her porch and set her on her feet, keeping an arm around her to steady her. He head just barely reached my shoulder.
"Bella, where's your house key?"
"It's unlocked," she mumbled.
"You really need to lock this when you're not here," I lectured softly.
"Yes, Sir," she replied sarcastically.
"Alright, well you go inside and lock the door. Get some sleep," I instructed. She nodded.
"Thanks," she mumbled. She stood on her tiptoes and hugged me. I hugged her back, rubbing her back softly. She let go of me and stumbled into her house. She smiled once more at me and shut the door, muttering a quick "goodnight".
I stood on her porch for a few minutes feeling like my skin was on fire. I missed her touch. It felt right having her curled up next to me earlier. But we're just friends. I can't let romantic thoughts get in the way of the friendly ones. I can't let my heart feel this. I can't let myself get hurt again.
BPOV
The next few days dragged by. I had barely talked to Edward and I was starting to fear that he was pulling away after the night at Alice's.
I was now in my kitchen making dessert for Rose's house tonight.
I woke up this morning, took a shower, put on the shorts and sports bra I wore to bed and put my hair up in a messy bun.
Rufus was lying in the kitchen while I made pumpkin pie. Whenever I bake I listen to music, so right now I was shaking my ass to the beat of Waking Up in Vegas by Katy Perry.
I spread the pie filling into the crust as I danced. I put the pie in the oven and set the timer.
"Come here, Ru," I smiled. I patted my shoulders and he put his front paws on them. I grabbed his paws and started dancing with him.
The doorbell rang and I danced over to it. I continued to dance as I opened the door, expecting Emmett or Rose. My dancing stopped when I saw who it was.
"Hi," I breathed, blush creeping onto my cheeks.
"Dance party?" Edward chuckled.
"Seems like it," I smiled. "Want to come in?" I asked.
"Sure," he smiled. I moved to the side so he could come in. "You listen to Eminem?" he smirked. I then realized the song that was playing was Shake That.
"Emmett," I groaned. I went into the kitchen and pressed next on my iPod. "Emmett is always adding rap to my playlists."
"Something smells good," Edward said as he inhaled deeply.
"Pumpkin pie," I smiled. "Speaking of which, what are you doing here? Not to be rude, I mean, I'm glad you're here, but," I realized I was rambling so I shut up and bit my lip.
"My mom kicked me out. She said she was getting more work done without me there. So I figured I'd come bug you," he raised his eyebrows.
"Well, you're always welcome," I shrugged.
"Nice belly button ring," he smirked. I looked down and realized I was only wearing a sports bra.
"Oh, uh, thanks," I mumbled, blush coloring my skin again. "Be right back," I ran up to my room and searched for a shirt. I pulled on a cream colored, semi-baggy shirt that had blue horizontal stripes.
I skipped down the stairs and into the kitchen where I left Edward. He was now sitting at the table waiting for me.
"Hey," he smiled.
"Hi," I smiled back. I sat in the chair across from him and pulled my legs up onto the chair. I rested my chin on my knees.
"What are you doing tonight?" he asked.
"Going to Emmett's house. It's his year to host Thanksgiving. Well, more like Rose is hosting. And you?"
"Going to my parents' house. Same as every year."
My phone rang and I jumped from the high-pitched shrill.
"One moment," I smiled as I got up. I went over to the phone dock and picked it up.
"Hello?" I answered. No one answered. "Hello?" I repeated. Nothing. I looked at the caller ID but the number was out of area. I could hear someone's soft breathing. "Is anyone there?" the line went dead. I hung it up and furrowed my eyebrows. "Odd," I mused. I sat back down.
"No one answered?" he asked.
"No, but there was someone on the other line. I could hear them."
"Were they saying anything?" I looked up at him and he looked like he was trying to figure out who called.
"Edward, it was probably just a pocket dial," I assured him. He didn't look convinced. He pulled his cell phone out of his pocket.
"I've gotta go, Bells. Thanks for letting me bug you," he winked before standing up.
"Uh, okay," I said a little confused. He came over to me and hugged me. I hugged him back almost immediately.
"Have a great Thanksgiving," he said.
"You too." And with that, he was gone. Weird.
EPOV
I headed down to the station where I called Chief.
"Chief Swan," he answered.
"Sir, it's Officer Cullen," I replied.
"Cullen," he said. "What's going on?"
"I was just at Bella's house. She got a call from someone, except they didn't answer when she tried talking."
"How long was she on the phone?"
"About forty five seconds. Long enough for it to be traced. She said she could hear them on the other end, but they didn't say anything. Then they hung up."
"Okay, keep an eye on her. She's going to be around me today so no need to worry. I still want you around when my son comes home from Afghanistan. It's not that I don't trust him to protect her, I would just like an officer there in case something happens."
"Yes, Sir." I hung up the phone and went back to Mom's house.
When I got there I pulled out my phone and called Bella.
"Hello?"
"Hey, it's me, uh, Edward," I grimaced at how much of an idiot I sounded like.
"Hey, what's up?"
"I just realized how rudely I left. I'm sorry about that. I had to get to the hospital."
"No, it's fine, I understand," she sounded a little distracted.
"Are you okay?"
"Hmm? Oh, yeah, I'm fine. I just keep getting these phone calls."
"How many have you gotten?"
"Two more since you left."
"Unplug your phones. Just use your cell phone."
"The last call was on my cell phone."
"Okay, hang on, let me think," I said pinching the bridge of my nose.
"I'm heading over to Rose's now. I can have my dad take care of it. He is the chief of police after all," she said. Shit, that's right. I'm not a cop.
"Alright. If you need anything, or if these calls keep happening, I'm here."
"Thanks, but Edward, I really have to go," she said.
"Okay, have a nice Thanksgiving," I said.
"You too, Edward. I'll talk to you soon."
"Talk to you soon," I said and hung up.
BPOV
I literally ran out of the house with the pie and drove to Rose's house. Today was the day I was going to talk to my family about what happened. I need to tell them what happened. Even if I don't get through all of it, I need to start talking about it.
I parked my truck and walked into the house.
"Hey guys!" I called. I went into the kitchen and set down the pie.
I greeted my family with hugs before pulling my dad aside.
"Hey, I need to talk to you," I said pulling at my sleeve. I had changed before I came over here into a long sleeved light blue thermal tee and a pair of skinny jeans with my Ugg boots.
"Yeah, sure," he said, sounding a little confused. We walked out onto the porch and he lit a cigarette.
"You know Mom wants you to quit," I said pointedly.
"It's not a habit, Bells. This is my first one in a week." He sent me a pointed look of his own before saying, "Now talk."
"I got some phone calls today," I said as I looked at the wood on the porch.
"Okay," he said cautiously. I looked out across the front yard and at the tree that has a yellow ribbon wrapped around it. I stared at it as I spoke.
"I don't know if it was a pocket dial or if it was deliberate, but, I got three calls where no one would talk on the other end but I could hear them breathing. They would hang up after about a minute. That was the first time. Then they called again and I hung up after they answered on the first hello. The third time was on my cell phone, though."
"What's the number?"
"I don't know, it just said out of area," I shrugged.
"Don't pick up anymore calls like that. If they continue, you let me know and we'll change your number." I nodded.
"I want to talk to you about what happened with James," I nearly whispered. He looked at me silently for a few minutes.
"Let's wait until after dinner. Okay?" he asked as he stubbed out his cigarette.
"Yeah, I just feel like I really need to get this out. I'd like it if everyone was there, too." Dad nodded and came over to me. He's not a very affectionate person but he pulled me into a hug. I clung to his shoulders as if my life depended on it.
"You know everything I do is for your safety, right?" he asked.
"Yeah, I know," I sighed. I let go of him and I started walking inside.
"Bell?" he called. I turned and looked at him. "Thank you. For coming to me about the calls. And for wanting to open up."
"Yeah," I nodded. I walked inside with him right behind me. We walked inside and Rose was on her computer with headphones in. Mom had taken over cooking, currently mashing potatoes.
"Here she is," Rose smiled. She took the ear buds out. "Jazz wants to wish you a happy Thanksgiving." She pushed the laptop towards me and I put the headphones in. When I looked at the screen, I saw my back. I looked at the small box that showed my camera and I saw a man holding a laptop facing me in the background.
"Oh my god," I gasped and pulled the ear buds out before quickly turning.
"Jasper!" I cried. Jasper was in his army uniform standing in the entry of the kitchen. Tears were immediately streaming down my cheeks. Jasper set the laptop down. I ran over to him and jumped into his arms. He held me tightly to his chest.
"I missed you so much," he whispered.
"I missed you too," I sobbed softly. He set me down and wiped my tears away.
"Look at you," he smiled. "You're looking great!"
"Thanks," I sniffled. I smiled wide and hugged him again, holding onto his midsection. The familiar Jasper smell filled my nose and I felt a wave of calm wash over me. "When did you get home?" I asked when I pulled away from him.
"Yesterday. Mom and Dad picked me up from the airport and I stayed here last night. I wanted to surprise you."
"I'm surprised," I smiled through my tears. "God, Jazz," I cried as I hugged him again. Jasper chuckled as he rubbed my back.
"Come on you two, time to eat," Mom said with a smile. Jasper used the sleeve of his uniform to wipe away the smeared make-up and tears.
We all gathered around the table where our feast awaited.
"Who would like to start?" Mom asked.
"I will," Emmett said. "I'm thankful for my beautiful fiancé," he grinned at Rose.
"I'm thankful for you guys, my family," Rose smiled.
"I'm thankful for Jasper's safety," Mom smiled.
"I'm thankful for everything," Dad shrugged.
"I'm thankful for my fellow troops still over in Afghanistan. May God watch over them," Jasper said looking distraught. I squeezed his shoulder reassuringly before I spoke.
"I'm thankful for all of the support you guys give me. And to new friendships."
"Let's eat!" Emmett boomed. We all smiled and giggled before digging in.
EPOV
"How's Bella?" Alice asked when I walked in.
"She's good. I went to see her today," I smiled.
"You like her," Alice smiled knowingly.
"Al, I'm not looking for someone to date. She's a friend. That's all she'll ever be."
"Edward, it's been nine years since the whole Tanya thing," Alice pushed.
"I know," I nodded. "I've kept my single status because I don't want what happened nine years ago to repeat itself. I literally don't have it in me to go through that again," I said hoping she would get the hint and drop the conversation.
"I have a good feeling about Bella," she continued.
"Alice," I pleaded. "Drop it."
"No, you need to at least admit it!"
"Fine, Alice. I like Bella, more than a friend. But that's all we can be. She's going to hate me anyways after Chief lets me off this job."
"What do you mean?"
"Al, she thinks I'm a pediatrician. Once I tell her the truth she's going to hate me."
"I'm sure she'll understand. She," Alice started but I cut her off.
"I'm lying to her, Alice. The way we met is all a lie for her. She thinks her dog just came up to me randomly. I approached her dog because I needed a way to introduce myself." Alice looked down with pursed lips.
"I think she likes you too," Alice whispered.
"She just got out of an abusive relationship," I started but Mom called us for dinner. I looked at Alice, showing her I wanted her to drop the conversation before going into the dining room to eat with my family.
BPOV
We all got a slice of pie and a mug of hot apple cider before congregated to the living room.
Dad looked at me expectantly. I drew in a deep breath before talking.
"I want to tell you guys what happened between James and me." Four more pairs of eyes averted to me. I swallowed and looked around at everyone. I told them all I could. It wasn't much. Just what I had told Edward and Rose.
I set my barely-eaten pie and cider down.
"I can't," I whispered. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you guys sooner, but please realize how hard this is for me." I felt sick from all the thoughts flooding my mind. "I can't talk about this anymore right now." Jasper rubbed my back. Everyone was silent as they took in the new information. The unwanted silence left me to drown in my memories.
Today is our one-year anniversary. I pulled the baked-to-perfection lasagna out of the oven. I set it on top of the stove to cool while I went to go change.
I wore a brown strapless dress that hugged my curves. It went down to my knees and had pockets on the sides. I curled my hair and left it to down, framing my face.
I walked back into the kitchen and set the table for two. I lit two candles and waited for James to come home.
Two hours past and my stomach was growling profusely. I sighed and got up to make myself a plate of now cold lasagna. I put it in the microwave and heated it up. I sat at the table and blew out the candles that were significantly shorter than before.
I started eating the lasagna slowly, upset that James forgot about our anniversary. The more I thought about it, I was more angry than upset.
After finishing my lasagna I got up and washed my plate before putting the clean dishes away. I put the leftover lasagna in the fridge. I went up to our room and changed into sweats, a t-shirt and put my hair up.
I went back into the living room and sulked.
Another hour later, James got home. My anger intensified when I saw him walking through the door.
"Hey, sexy," he said as he came over me. He went to kiss me but I turned my cheek. "Don't you ever fucking turn away from me," he hissed before roughly grabbing my chin. He twisted my neck so I was looking straight at him and kissed me.
"So I can't turn my cheek but you can forget about our anniversary?"
"Drop the tone, Isabella," he warned.
"No!" I said as I pushed him away from me. "You told me you'd be home for dinner. I made your favorite. And what happens? You forget. Did you even realize it was our anniversary?"
"Quit with the bitchy attitude," he said through clenched teeth. I could tell he was holding back his anger. I just kept pushing though.
"The lasagna was delicious by the way. Not that you would know. What were you doing? You and I both know you don't work this late."
"Did you hear me?" he roared.
"No, did you hear me?" I screamed. "All I wanted was a nice dinner! But I'm put last because you're number one in your mind! It's all about you, James!"
"Shut the fuck up!" he yelled as his hand made contact with my face. I fell to the floor and held my face. Tears threatened to spill but I wasn't going to give him the satisfaction. "Look at you," he screamed. "You look like you're fucking homeless! The least you could do is dress nice!" I stood up and shoved him. He grabbed my arm tight in his hand and threw me onto the ground.
"Bella," Jasper's voice called to me. I was snapped out of my memory by his hand on my back and his voice. I realized I was shaking and tears were running down my face fast.
I got up and went into the kitchen. I grabbed one of Dad's cigarettes and a lighter before walking outside. I lit the cigarette in inhaled, closing my eyes. After a few seconds I blew the smoke out.
I pulled my phone out of my pocket and sent Edward a text.
Hey
It didn't take long before he responded.
Hey, what's up?
Just getting some fresh air.
You okay?
Yeah, I told them.
Edward called me.
"Hello?"
"Hey, are you okay? No bullshit, please," he said, sounding worried.
"I'm fine, just," I stopped and sighed, taking a drag from the cigarette. "It was too silent in there. My memories were getting to me." I hoped he didn't think I sounded like a total idiot.
"So you went outside where there was no one and more silence?"
"At least I can smoke out here," I said, taking another drag. "Sorry, Doc," I added.
"Funny," he chuckled slightly. "That's a nasty habit Miss Swan."
"It's not a habit, Dr. Cullen," I stubbed out the cigarette. "Just a way of relaxing every once in a while." Jasper walked out onto the porch. "I've got to go. I'll talk to you later." I didn't wait fro him to say bye before hanging up.
"Who was that?" Jasper asked as he sat down.
"Edward," I shrugged and jumped up to sit on the porch siding.
"Edward?"
"Yeah, I just recently met him."
"This guy must be something special if you're letting him near you." I nodded.
"He's the complete opposite of James."
"Ready to go home?" I nodded. We walked in and said bye to the family. We went home and Rufus greeted Jasper eagerly. I grabbed a beer before heading outside to our porch swing. Jasper came out with Rufus after a few minutes. He was changed into some sweats and a dark gray beater. He sat next to me and I laid my head on his shoulder.
"Why did you stay with James for so long?"
"He said he loved me, and that he'd stop," I said softly. "When you think you love someone, you want to believe them, no matter how much their lies hurt."
"I wanted so bad to be here during that, Bella. I would have kicked his ass."
"But you couldn't, and now it's over and all that matters is that you're here now."
"Bella, I got the news that you were in the hospital all those weeks ago three days after you were released. Do you know how much it killed me knowing you were hurt and I wasn't there to protect you?"
"Jazz, you were protecting me, just not in the way you wanted to."
"Bella, your freedom doesn't matter if you're not alive to have it."
"But I'm alive," I said as I stood up. "I'm alive and I'm healthy. And you're home from Afghanistan in one piece. That is all that matters to me," I said as I pointed to my chest. Jasper stared at me for a few seconds before sighing.
"What's going on with this Edward guy and you?" he asked, changing the subject.
"We're friends," I sighed.
"Are you not happy about that?" he asked. I sighed and sat on the swing again. I put my legs in Jasper's lap.
"I mean, I'm happy he's my friend, but our situation confuses me."
"You like him more than a friend?" I looked at Jasper.
"No," I shook my head. We're just friends, he made that clear. I can't have feelings for my friend.
"Don't lie to me," he said. "Look, Bella, it's okay to move on. I'm proud that you're moving on and with someone you claim is better than James."
"Edward and I are just friends."
"That wasn't my question," he smirked.
"Yes, I like him as more than a friend!" I said loudly, aggravated. "But we're only going to be friends. He made that clear. Now, if you don't mind, I'm going back to denying it."
"Fine," he laughed. "So he's worth your time?"
"He's really sweet," I smiled and blushed. "He was patient with me while I got used to being around him." Jasper smiled at me. I took a swig of my beer.
"I'm heading to bed," he said as he got up. "Do you want Rufus?"
"No, you can have him in your room," I shrugged.
"Come on, Ru," Jasper called. Rufus looked at me before following Jasper. I sighed when the door shut and took another swig of my beer.
EPOV
We all are sitting in the living room with our pecan and pumpkin pies.
Riley was sitting next to me, mimicking everything I did. I would take a bite of pie, he would take a bite of ice cream. I looked him, and he looked back at me, copying my expression. I stuck my tongue out at him and he stuck his back at me. I couldn't help but smile, having him smile in return. His cheeks dimpled and his eyes squinted a little. I put my now empty plate on the coffee table and Riley did the same with his bowl.
I sighed and folded my arms behind my head. Riley exaggerated my sigh and also folded his arms. There was a flash from a camera and I looked up and saw Alice with her camera.
"Pictures aren't free," I said as I held my hand out.
"Yeah, pitchers aren't free," Riley repeated and held out his tiny hand. Everyone laughed at Riley's behavior. My phone went off in my pocket. I pulled it out and saw I had a text from Bella. I smiled softly and opened it
Hey
I responded quickly.
Hey, what's up?
"Who is it?" Alice asked.
"Bella," I said to her.
"Bella," Riley repeated. My phone buzzed with a response.
Just getting some fresh air.
Her response troubled me. I furrowed my eyebrows as I composed a new message.
You okay?
Yeah, I told them.
I quickly got up and excused myself before walking outside. I dialed Bella's number and put the phone up to my ear.
"Hello?" she answered.
"Hey, are you okay? No bullshit, please," I said, worry evident in my voice.
"I'm fine, just," she sighed and paused. "It was too silent in there. My memories were getting to me."
"So you went outside where there was no one and more silence?" I said light-heartedly.
"At least I can smoke out here," she paused again. "Sorry, Doc," she added sarcastically.
"Funny," I said with a half chuckle. "That's a nasty habit Miss Swan."
"It's not a habit, Dr. Cullen," she said. "Just a way of relaxing every once in a while." I heard a door close and Bella paused. "I've got to go. I'll talk to you later," she nearly rushed out before hanging up. I sighed and went back into house.
"How's Bella?"
"Uh, fine," I shrugged. I looked at Riley and he looked upset. "What's wrong, Punk?" I asked as I went over to him. He didn't answer me. "Ah, the silent treatment," I nodded. I sat in front of him. "Why aren't you talking to me?" he looked down at his jeans.
"Riley, Uncle Eddie is talking to you," Alice said sternly. Riley sighed.
"You're going to make me cry, Punk," I said as I jutted out my bottom lip and sniffled a little. Riley looked up at me.
"You left," he whined. "We was playing."
"Well, we can play again now. Bella needed to talk to me."
"Can we go play with Bella?"
"She's with her family right now."
"Just like you are, Rie," Alice added. Riley huffed but accepted the answer.
"What do you want to do?" I asked Riley. He thought for a second.
"Hide and seek," he smiled.
"Go hide. But stay on the first floor," I chuckled. He ran from the room. I learned last time that Riley will tell you when he's ready to be found.
"What did Bella want?" Alice asked.
"Who is this Bella girl first of all," Mom intervened.
"Edward's crush," Alice wiggled her eyebrows and I rolled my eyes.
"She's just a friend. It's not my place to tell you what she wanted, Al," I said.
"Oh please," she scoffed. "You told me about her ex-boyfriend. And you told me about the whole undercover cop stuff."
"Undercover cop?" Dad asked.
"Come find me!" Riley cried out.
"Be right back," I sighed. I got up and went to find Riley.
"Riley," I called. "Where are you?" I looked in the rooms for him. Damn this kid is good. I heard his giggling coming from the bathroom. I crossed the hall and looked in the shower, pretty much the only place to hide. "Riley, I'm about ready to give up," I chuckled. I heard his giggles again. "Please tell me you aren't under the sink," I said as I bent down. I opened the cabinet doors under the sink and sure enough, Riley wedged himself in there.
"How do you fit in here, Punk?" I chuckled. He crawled out and smiled.
"I win!"
"Yeah, you win. Hey, I have to talk to Mommy and Nana and Papa, okay?" I asked.
"Yeah," he nodded with a sigh.
"We'll play later. And I'm always around," I assured him. We walked into the living room and I sat down in my previous spot, with Riley by my side.
"Undercover cop?" Dad repeated.
"Chief's very protective of his daughter. He's, uh, having me work undercover to help keep her safe. I'm pretty much an undercover babysitter."
"Are you sure this is wise, Edward?" he asked. "I mean, if what Alice says is true, and you do have feelings for the woman, what happens if you pursue these feelings? Are you going to tell her about the job?"
"This is why things can't go any further than friendship."
"Edward," Mom said warily.
"I can handle this," I assured her. I can put my feelings aside, and just be Bella's friend. I will not screw up this job with my feelings. And when I do finally tell Bella, we'll see where it goes from there.
Hey everyone!
Thanks for reading this chapter! I got such great reviews about Riley! He will definitely be in this story more! I'm going to update Just Friends before I update this story again.
Reviewers get teasers!
Lots of love,
Nikki