Let Love Lie
Chapter 8 – Bittersweet
EPOV
I sifted through paperwork at the station over and over, not being able to understand what I read because Bella filled my every thought. This woman has me wrapped around her finger. I smiled remembering a day last week when we went to the park.
Bella and I walked hand in hand, well more like glove in glove, as we walked through the park downtown. Snow was falling from the sky in small flakes.
Bella let go of my hand and bent down to pick up snow. She mashed it into a ball between her palms.
"What are you doing with that?" I chuckled. She brought it to her mouth and bit some snow off. I smiled and watched the extra flakes of snow melt on her lips. She held it up to my lips with a small smile. I opened my mouth and she shoved it as best as she could into my mouth. I laughed as I pushed her arm away and spit the snow out.
"You're going to pay for that," I warned jokingly before wiping my mouth off. She backed away from me before running as fast as she could away from me. "Hey, get back here!" I laughed. I darted towards her but she had too much of a lead.
She got to a play structure and climbed up it. I started climbing up after her.
"Really, Bell?" I laughed. When I got up into the structure she went to the slide and started walking down through the snow. "Oh no you don't," I laughed. I grabbed onto her and lost my footing causing us both to fall. We slid through the snow getting soaking wet and freezing. We landed at the bottom of the slide with a thud with Bella on top of me.
"I blame you," I chuckled.
"Cullen," Chief's voice pulled me from my memory.
"Yes, Sir?" I asked.
"Where is this relationship you have with my daughter going, exactly?" he asked as he sat in one of the chairs in front of my desk.
"W-what?" I chuckled nervously as I shifted in my seat.
"Do you plan on being with my daughter long-term? Or will you dump her if you get bored in a few weeks?"
"Sir, there's no way to tell how long Bella and I will be together, but if I have it my way I'd like to be with her for a while and see where it goes from there. We're taking it day by day. If one day she decides she doesn't want me in her life anymore then she can get rid of me." He sat for a minute, staring at me and contemplating.
"So, let's say, hypothetically, she figures out what your job is and why you lied to her. What then? You're just going to let my daughter be hurt?"
"I'll explain to her why I was given the job and why I had to keep it from her." Seemingly satisfied with my answer he got up from the chair and walked away. I shook my head and returned to my paperwork.
XOXO
After work I walked out to my Volvo and drove to my house. I walked into the house and listened to the messages while flipping through my mail.
"Hi, Honey, it's me. I forgot you were working today. Well, I just wanted to invite you and Bella over for dinner. Give me a call! Love you!" My mom's message ended and I deleted it before moving on to the last one.
"Stay away from my girl, Cullen," a threatening voice came through the phone. I put down my mail and stared at the machine as the message played. "You're never going to have her while I'm around. Consider this a warning." I heard the distinct clicking that comes from when a payphone is being hung up. I pressed the replay button and listened to the message a few more times.
I pulled out my cell phone and dialed Chief's number.
"What is it, Cullen?"
"James found my number."
"What?" he roared.
"He left me a message telling me to stay away from her and to consider it a warning."
"Do you have a number?"
"No, it's unknown. But I can tell it's from a payphone."
"Okay," he sighed exasperated. "I'm going to assign a few more officers to the search for him."
"Okay Sir." He hung up and I pressed the sleep button on my phone. I kept the message saved before turning my phone on again to call Bella.
"Hello?" she asked, sounding sleepy.
"Did I wake you?" I asked.
"No, no, I just dozed off," she yawned.
"Well, I'll let you get some sleep, Baby girl," I said.
"No, I want to talk to you," she said with a smile evident in her voice. "Can you come over?"
"Sure, Baby, I'll be there in a few," I chuckled lightly. I pressed the red phone icon and put the phone in my pocket before grabbing my keys and shrugging my jacket on again. I walked out to my Volvo and drove over to Bella's house.
I knocked on the door and Bella flung the door open and jumped into my arms. I chuckled and held her to me with my lips attaching to hers. I walked us into her house and kicked her front door shut. I pressed her back against the door and moved one arm to rest the forearm against the door beside her head.
"A little eager?" I chuckled in her ear as I pulled away and then kissing under her earlobe.
"It's been a few days since I've seen you," she mumbled into my neck. Bella and I have been too busy to see each other since the day in the park, which was almost a week ago. Well, Bella's been busy. I've been camping out in the woods by her house but for all she knew I was swamped at the hospital.
She placed a soft kiss at the crook of my neck.
"I missed you," I grinned.
"I missed you too," she smiled. She unwrapped her legs from my waist and I set her down. She placed her hands on either side of my neck and looked at me smiling.
"What?" I chuckled.
"Nothing," she shook her head.
"Really," I smirked before cupping her jaw and leaning in to kiss her.
"Really," she breathed when I pulled away. She bit her lip and looked at me again.
"You're staring," I whispered.
"I know," she whispered back. I leaned down and kissed her slowly. She slid her hands behind my neck and up to my hair, tangling fistfuls between her fingers. My hands slid down to my waist and pulled her closer to me so every inch of my body is pressed up to mine. She moaned at the contact and slid her hands down to my chest.
"Baby, I need you," I groaned. She moaned into my mouth and pushed my jacket off before moving her hands to the bottom of my shirt. She lifted it up as far as she could before I helped her get it off. I kicked off my shoes and pulled her shirt off her, throwing it somewhere in the house. I latched my lips back onto hers before picking her up again. She wrapped her legs around my waist and I headed for the stairs. I tripped up one of them but caught us by grabbing the railing, earning a giggle from Bella.
Once we got to the top of the stairs I walked us into Bella's room. I fumbled with the clasp of Bella's bra before it finally came undone. She squeaked as it snapped away from her back and I pulled away from her a bit.
"Are you okay with this?" I asked. She nodded before kissing me again. She unlinked her legs from my waist and I set her down. She hooked her index finger around two of my belt loops and pulled me towards the bed, all the while I was admiring her breasts. She let the back of her knees hit the bed before falling onto her back, pulling me on top of her. I pushed up onto my elbows and began kissing down her neck to her chest. I nipped at each nipple before placing a soft kiss on them and working my way down her stomach. When I got to her jeans I was kneeling on the floor. She pushed herself up onto her elbows to watch what I was doing. I unbuttoned her jeans and she lifted her hips so I could pull them off of her. I threw them to the side before looking at her, silently asking for permission to continue. She gave me a soft smile and a slight nod. I hooked my fingers around the waistband of her panties and started pulling them down her legs revealing the smooth skin of her pussy. I kissed down the inside of her leg and to the bottom of her foot before removing her panties and working up the other leg. When I got to her center I gently spread her legs farther apart and looked up at her before placing a soft kiss on her folds. She closed her eyes and let her head fall back, biting her lip to strangle a moan.
I spread her folds with two of my fingers before licking the length of her slit. She moaned, urging me to continue. I sucked her clit into my mouth and nibbled lightly, teasing her. One of her hands wove itself into my hair and slightly pushed my farther into her. I teased her entrance with my tongue before slipping it inside her. Her delicious taste filled every bud of my tongue. I brought my thumb up to her click and started rubbing it while I continued my work on her entrance.
"Oh god, Edward," she moaned. "I'm about to," she trailed off. I rubbed her clit harder and faster. Seconds later she came undone with my name streaming from her lips over and over. I licked up everything she gave me, enjoying the taste of pure Bella. Once I got every last drop I got up and hovered over her on the bed, keeping my weight on my elbows.
"You taste so damn good," I mumbled before kissing her, knowing she could taste herself on my tongue. She sat up higher and pushed me onto my back. She straddled my waist before kissing my lips again. She made a line of kisses down to my neck before nibbling at one spot that I knew would have a mark later. She continued kissing down my chest to my stomach as she moved her body down my legs. She unbuttoned my jeans before getting off of me and pulling both my jeans and boxers down at the same time. I heard her slight intake of breath as she took in my size.
Bella knelt beside me on the bed and took my cock in her tiny hand, just barely able to grab the whole width in her hand. I groaned as she slid her hand up the length of my shaft before running her thumb along my head and sliding her hand back down. She continued her motions while increasing speed.
"Grip a little harder, Baby," I instructed.
"Like this?" she asked shyly as she gripped tighter.
"Perfect." She pumped me at a fast pace, keeping a steady rhythm. She stopped all together a few pumps later. I groaned in protest before I felt her hot mouth engulf me. I gasped and clamped my eyes shut. She took as much of me in her mouth as she could and used her hand at the base. She lifted her head back up to my tip before swirling her tongue around it and dropping her head back down. When I felt her teeth graze my shaft I knew I was done for.
"Baby, I'm so close," I groaned. She bobbed her head quicker and squeezed my base as she pumped me with her hand. She sucked me and swirled her tongue until I couldn't hold it in any longer. I felt my dick twitch before I came into her mouth. I opened my eyes as Bella made her way up to me. Fuck, my girl swallows! That mere thought almost had me hard again.
Bella sat on my stomach and leaned down to kiss me. She slipped her tongue in my mouth and our tastes mixed. I rolled us so I was holding myself up over her with her legs still linked together behind my back. I broke my lips from hers and nipped at the skin under her ear.
"That was the best blowjob ever," I whispered into her ear. She shuttered under me and I smiled before nibbling on her earlobe. She grabbed my now hard dick in her hand again.
"Edward, I need you," she whimpered.
"I need to get a condom," I said as I tried getting up. She tightened her grip on me. When I turned my attention back to her she dropped her legs and spread them for me.
"I'm on the shot." I grinned before lining myself up at her entrance. I slowly pushed in and groaned at the feel. Bella leaned her head back on the pillow and shut her eyes, her lips parted slightly. I slipped my tongue into her mouth as I started pulling out again. She trailed her hands up my arms and I thrust back in making her moan. She curled her fingers around my shoulders with her palms on my back. I continued thrusting into her increasing speed with each thrust.
"Bella," I whispered a pleasured pant into her ear.
"Oh, yes, Edward," she moaned. She opened her eyes and looked me in the eye. I curled my fingers behind one of her knees and hitched it over my hip, thrusting in her at a different angle. She moaned louder than ever. She met me with every thrust, digging her nails deeper into my skin with each one. The only sounds in the room were the slapping of skin and our breathy moans and whispers of each other's names.
"I'm so close," she whimpered. I lifted her leg higher and she gasped before crying out in ecstasy. "Right there," she cried.
"Fuck, I found your g-spot," I groaned. I nipped at her neck as I felt her clamping around my cock. I felt her come undone and she cried my name over and over. I felt my cock twitch shortly after and I pounded into her harder before I spilled into her. Once we both rode out our orgasms I collapsed next to her, pulling out. Bella rolled onto her stomach and rested her chin on my chest and bit her lip, smiling.
"What?" I chuckled. She shook her head. "What?" I asked again.
"Nothing," she giggled. I pulled her so she was face to face with me before turning so my body was pinning her to the bed.
"What," I whispered in her ear huskily, "are you smiling at?" I looked at her and she shifted her eyes and blushed. "It amazes me how you can go from having sex with me back to day one and be completely shy," I said stunned.
"Sorry," she whispered. "That was great sex," she said blushing even brighter.
"Best sex I've ever had," I agreed and kissed her lips lightly. I rolled off of her and pulled the blankets up over us. I pulled her to me and kissed the top of her head.
"How was school today?" I asked after a few minutes of silence.
"I had to give a student detention," she sighed.
"Why?"
"He told me my skirt made my ass look sexy," she mumbled. I let out a short chuckle.
"Really?" I asked bewildered. She nodded. "Well, for what it's worth, he was telling the truth," I said as I skimmed my fingers along her lower abdomen.
"Mm," she moaned, closing her eyes. I lifted my head and kissed her shoulder as my fingers travelled farther south. She lifted her leg over mind, spreading them for me. I ran my fingers over her folds and she was wet again.
"Ready for round two?" I whispered huskily in her ear. Her lips parted slightly and she nodded.
XOXO
BPOV
Edward and I got up and showered, rinsing off all the sweat from our previous activities. And we may have fooled around a bit in the shower.
I feel amazing after our sex. I was nervous at first. I hadn't had sex since James and I were dating. But Edward made me feel cared for with his gentle touches and kisses. He made me feel so comfortable that I couldn't remember why I was nervous to begin with.
Now Edward and I were sitting on the couch while I graded tests my students took the other day. I was sitting with my back against Edward's side with his arm around my middle. His fingers lazily traced designs on my stomach.
"How do you like having the house to yourself?" Edward asked.
Jasper moved out early last week. He took Rufus with him too
"It's okay," I shrugged, placing my pen down on the paper and turning my head to look at him. "It's kind of lonely without Rufus."
"And not without Jasper?" he chuckled.
"Well, I had lived here without Jasper before so I'm used to it," I explained.
"Right, I forgot," he nodded. I turned back to my papers. Edward removed his arm from my waist and brought it up to sweep my damp hair to one side on my neck. He began placing soft kisses on the exposed part of my neck.
"I can't grade if you're going to do that," I moaned and leaned my head to the side, giving him more access.
"Your point?" he smiled against my neck before continuing his assault. I bit my lip as the electric current I have grown used to intensified, setting my skin on fire. I set my papers on the couch next to me and turned to straddle Edward's lap. I cupped his jaw before leaning in to kiss him. His hands trailed under my shirt and gripped my sides. I squealed and jumped causing him to let go.
"What the hell was that?" he asked shocked. I blushed and covered my face with my hands. I just ruined the moment because I had to be ticklish. How embarrassing…
"Bella," he chuckled. "Why are you being shy?" I felt him poke my side and I squealed and jumped again before getting up and dropping my hands. "Ticklish?" he smirked.
"No," I jokingly pouted.
"Really? Then I can poke your side and nothing will happen?" he asked as he got up. I started backing away from him.
"Stay," I pointed. He took a large step towards me. I took one back. He started walking towards me and I turned and ran the opposite direction. He started running for me. I made it halfway up the stairs before he caught me. He lost his footing and fell, landing on his ass with me in his lap. We skidded down the stairs with me squealing. We landed with a thud at the bottom step and Edward pinned me on my back. He started tickling my sides and I squirmed and laughed, wheezing for air.
"Stop, stop, stop," I chanted through my laughter. "I can't breath!" I pushed at his shoulders until he let me push him off of me. I pushed him onto his back and straddled his stomach. He went to put his hands on my waist but I grabbed them and entwined my fingers with his before pinning them to the floor beside his head.
"Your cheeks are really red," he pointed out with a smug smile.
"I wonder why," I said sarcastically before leaning down so my lips were about an inch from his. He leaned up to kiss me but I pulled away.
"You're such a tease," he pouted and set his head on the floor with an audible thud.
"Poor Baby," I said jutting my lip out a little before kissing him. He pulled my bottom lip between his teeth as I sucked on his top lip.
"I'm never going to get enough of you," he whispered when we broke apart.
"Good," I smiled. "Because I feel the same way." Edward sat up, causing me to slip into his lap and pulled me closer to him.
"What do you want to do now?" he whispered before placing a chaste kiss on my lips.
"I really need to grade those tests." He groaned and dropped his head onto my chest. I giggled and ran my fingers through his hair.
"Can't it wait until tomorrow?" he asked.
"No, it can't. I have to go to Emmett and Rose's house for wedding preparations. I need to get these done." He sighed lifted his head.
"I'll see you soon?"
"You better," I smiled. I got up and helped him up. Edward grabbed his leather jacket and shrugged it on before slipping his feet into his sneakers. I walked him to the door and leaned up to kiss him goodbye. He cupped my jaw and started to deepen the kiss.
"Edward," I smiled against his lips. He moaned and didn't stop. I brought my arms up around his neck and ran my fingers through the short strands of hair on the back of his neck. He slowed the kiss and sighed before pulling away to rest his forehead against mine. He dropped his hands to my waist and held me to him.
"Why is leaving you so hard?" he questioned, his eyes still closed.
"Probably the same reason letting you leave is hard," I whispered.
"Don't do anything reckless," he chuckled.
"Now you're spoiling my fun," I giggled. He opened his eyes and looked straight into mine.
"Have fun grading."
"I'll try," I smiled before kissing him goodbye. He sighed before pulling away and placed one last kiss on my forehead before leaving. I watched him pull out of the driveway and down the road before closing the door.
It's official. I'm head over heels, unconditionally in love with Edward Anthony Cullen.
XOXO
"Here's the next dress," Rose said as she thrust a blood red dress into my hands. I went into the dressing room to change into about the tenth dress today. I was trying on maid of honor dresses. Rose already had her bridal gown; we just had to find a dress for me.
Rose and I went to her house after school and figured out wedding details before coming here to find a dress.
Rose wants a small wedding, just family and close friends.
This dress was halter-top and floor length. There was a slit going from the bottom to the thigh with a lighter shade of red material under it. The chest line dipped to between my breasts.
"This one!" Rose said confidently when I came out in it. I looked in the mirror and the dress fit me perfectly. It made my normally small breasts look bigger and made me look curvy.
"I like this," I mused. I turned back to Rose and sat on the floor.
"Bella!" she complained. "Don't wrinkle it!"
"I think Edward's the one," I mumbled and stared at the ground. Rose came and sat in front of me, forgetting about my wrinkling of the dress.
"Are you sure?"
"If I wasn't sure I would be denying it. But yesterday was just so…so," I struggled to find the right words.
"Perfect?"
"Yes, but so much more than that. I'm so confused by how I feel. I mean, we've only been together a little over a month but this feels so real, you know? And it feels like it's been so much longer. I feel like I've known him my whole life."
"Do you know if he feels the same way?"
"I don't know, I mean, he seems to, but I'm not too sure."
"Excuse me, Miss?" a worker came up to me. "Could you please not sit on the floor with the dress on? Thanks," she smiled before walking away.
"Bitch," Rose muttered under her breath. I giggled and elbowed her before getting up. I went to the dressing room and changed into my jeans and hoodie before hanging the dress up and walking out. We went up to the counter and paid for the dress.
We drove to my house and she dropped me off.
"Bye," I smiled before kissing her cheek.
"Bye, thanks," she smiled. Rose pulled out of the driveway and I grabbed the mail before heading inside.
I went through the mail before making myself a sandwich for dinner. My phone chimed signaling a text message. It was from Edward: I can still feel your lips on me.
I groaned before typing my reply: You're making this separation thing kind of hard.
I was washing my plate when I got the next message. I dried the plate off before reading it. I can think of something you make incredibly hard.
I put my phone in my pocket and put my shoes and jacket back on before grabbing my keys and getting in the truck. I drove the few minutes to Edward's house and parked on the street before going up to his porch. I was about to knock but he opened the door and pulled me into his arms.
"What the hell are you doing here?" he asked before kissing me.
"You honestly think you can send me a text like that and expect me to just sit at home?" I asked bewildered. He chuckled before pulling me inside. He pulled my jacket off of me and I kicked my shoes off before he pulled me into a passionate, heated kiss. I felt my back hit the wall and he placed his hands on either side of my head, trapping me.
"Edward," I moaned as he moved his lips to my neck. "Bedroom."
"No, too far," he groaned before starting to undress me.
XOXO
I woke up to my phone ringing somewhere. I became aware of Edward's arms around my waist and under my head and his head on my back.
"Edward," I said groggily. I then realized we were on the floor covered by a blanket. I'm pretty sure I have rug burn on various parts of my body. Edward groaned and held me tighter to him. "My phone's going off." He sighed and rolled off of me. I got up and ran over to where my pants were and grabbed the phone out of the pocket. It was Rose.
"What?" I hissed annoyed into the phone.
"Where the hell are you?" She said with as much annoyance.
"What do you?" I started before pulling the phone away from my ear to look at the time. 10:47 A.M. I sighed as I remembered I was supposed to cover for Rose with cheer today. "Shit, Rose," I sighed. "I'm sorry. I'm at Edward's, I'll be there."
"Never mind. Just don't promise me something you don't intend on keeping," she snapped before hanging up. I groaned before grabbing my panties and pulling them on before putting my bra on.
"What's wrong?" Edward asked from behind me and I jumped and put a hand over my heart. I turned to see him in his boxers leaning against the wall.
"Jesus," I said breathily. "I just got off the phone with Rose. She's pissed at me."
"Why?"
"I'm supposed to be at school to help her with cheer. I've got to go." Edward sighed before grabbing my shirt off the ground. I pulled my jeans on before taking my shirt from Edward muttering thanks. He pulled me into his arms and kissed me sweetly.
"Good luck with Rose," he smiled when he pulled away. I smirked doubtfully before walking out. I got in the truck and drove to the school. I went into the gym to see the cheer team practicing tumbling. I spotted Rose sitting at the top of the bleachers. I walked up to the top and sat down beside her.
"You didn't have to come. I have it under control," she said without looking at me. "Lauren!" she called out. A cheerleader finished her last back handspring before looking up.
"Yeah, Coach?"
"You're leaning sideways, try to stay centered!" she nodded before returning to the other side of the mat to wait behind a few other girls.
"You said you wanted me to be here, I'm here," I insisted.
"I'm fine, Bella. Go back to Edward."
"Rosalie, seriously, I'm here," I said stubbornly. "I'm sorry that I forgot. We fell asleep and I didn't set an alarm."
"I thought you weren't seeing Edward yesterday."
"I wasn't planning on it, but plans change."
"I'm going to meet with Jennifer," Rose said as she got up. Jennifer is her wedding planner. She walked down the bleachers and out of the gymnasium. All the girls watched as their coach left before turning their heads to me.
"Okay," I said as I clapped my hands together and got up. "What has Coach been working on with you guys? Aren't Nationals coming up soon?"
"Yeah, we've been working on a routine," Jessica, the captain, said.
"Alright, let's see it." Jessica walked over to a CD player and pressed play before running back to the squad. A mash up of up-beat songs started playing and girls were flying into the air and others were tumbling. Once the routine was finished I clapped.
"That was great," I smiled. "Only minor problems. Let's start with," I started but Jessica cut me off.
"Miss Swan, no offense, but you're not Coach."
"No, I'm not, but I was a cheerleader. Co-captain actually," I mused.
"Really?"
"Yes really, Miss Stanley," I nodded. "Now, back to fixing the mistakes. Lauren, you're still leaning to the side with your back handspring. I'd like you to practice whenever you can to keep it centered."
"I'm not sure how to go about that, Miss Swan," Lauren said as she stepped forward.
"Okay, watch me carefully." I kicked off my wet shoes and pulled my socks off before turning so my side was faced towards the girls. "You are leaning to your left when you jump backwards. Just push off with the same strength in both feet like this," I said before doing a back handspring. "See?"
"Yeah, thanks," she smiled.
We fixed a few minor mistakes before calling it a day. I slipped my shoes and socks back on before walking the girls out and locking the gymnasium. I went into the main building to sit for a while in my classroom and grade papers. I pulled my laptop out of my bag and played some soft music while I graded.
"It's a little late, don't you think?" a voice pulled me out of my grading. I smiled as I looked up at Jasper.
"Hey Stranger," I called to him. "How'd you know I was here?"
"I had a hunch," he shrugged. "You're missing dinner at Dad's." I looked at the time. 7:30. Where had the time gone?
"I totally forgot," I sighed. I rubbed my hands over my face and groaned. "Is Rose there?"
"Yeah," he said as he pulled up a chair and sat in it in front of my desk with the back against his chest. "She's not the happiest."
"I know, that's my fault," I grumbled. "I slept over at Edward's last night and I didn't think to set an alarm so I was almost an hour late getting here which made her almost an hour late for her appointment with Jennifer. I'm a shitty maid of honor."
"Sleeping over at Edward's, huh?" he quirked an eyebrow.
"That's the only thing you got out of this?" He shrugged. "Don't start lecturing me, please," I sighed pleadingly.
"I just don't want you getting hurt."
"I'm not going to get hurt." He didn't look convinced.
"Come on, let's head to Dad's," he said as he stood up. I gathered the papers up and put them in my drawer before shrugging my coat on and following him out to our cars. I followed him to Dad's house and parked in the street. I walked into the house with him and helped myself to some leftovers from their dinner earlier.
"Bells, it's not like you to be late," Mom noted.
"She's trying to make a habit of it," Rose remarked bitterly.
"Sorry, it's an off day," I said shooting her a glare. An awkward silence settled in as everyone tried to figure out what was going on. I picked at my salad, suddenly not having an appetite. I set the plate down and crossed my arms over my chest. I noticed everyone but Rose was looking at me.
"What?" I asked annoyed.
"Nothing," Dad muttered and everyone muttered similar responses. I hated this feeling. I felt uncomfortable in my parents' house. My childhood home. I should feel welcomed here, not like my every move was being scrutinized. I sighed and got up. I went into the kitchen and swiped a cigarette from my Dad's pack along with a lighter before walking out to the front porch. I sat on the porch swing and lit it, taking a long drag. I let the smoke sit in my mouth before blowing it out slowly.
The front door opened and I didn't turn to see who it was before saying, "Leave me alone."
"What is with you today?" Rose asked.
"What's with me?" I asked incredulously. I took another drag from the cigarette and watched Rose come to stand in front of me. "You're the one with the attitude problem," I accused.
"What the hell, Bella?" she scoffed. "I wouldn't have an attitude problem if you weren't an hour late! I asked you two weeks ago to cover me!"
"I'm sorry, okay? I'm not perfect!"
"No, you've just got your priorities mixed up."
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" I asked as I stood up. I flicked the ash off my cig before taking another drag.
"Will you put that thing out?" she complained.
"Answer my question!"
"This happened with James too, you know. You put your boyfriend before your family. Are you going to start letting him hit you too? Are you going to hide it from us again?"
"Fuck you," I spat. I threw my cig into the snow before pushing around her and walking into the house. I grabbed my truck keys and went out to the truck, leaving Rose standing on the porch with her arms crossed. As soon as I started driving I let my sobs out. I didn't make it far before my vision got too blurry. I turned the truck off and opened the door before stepping out, trying to get some air. I felt a panic attack creeping up. I wheezed for air, but less and less felt like it was filling my lungs. Tears still streamed down my face and breathy sobs wracked through me.
This was the biggest fight Rose and I ever got in. That was the first time I said fuck you to her. We normally never fought.
I sank to my knees on the snowy ground and tried fighting off the panic attack. I shakily took deep breaths. After a few minutes it had seized and I was just left crying. I don't know how long I sat there crying before a car pulled up behind my truck. I squinted into the light trying to figure out who it was. The lights and engine were killed.
"Bella," the voice called as a tall figure stepped out of the vehicle. I couldn't find my voice. I only cried harder. "Baby," Edward said as he bent down next to me. "Come on, you're shivering. And your lips are blue," he said as he helped me up. "What's wrong?" he asked. I only cried harder, not able to speak. "Come on," he said again as he led me to his car. He helped me in before getting in his side. He started the car and put the heat on high and turned the volume of the radio off. He shrugged his jacket off and put it around my shoulders.
After a little while of silence my crying slowed to just tears. Edward just sat silently and let me calm down, waiting for me to speak first.
"I'm sorry, I'm a mess," I sniffled.
"You're absurd," he smiled softly. "You're fine."
"I just sobbed for thirty minutes straight and God knows how long I was out there crying. I'm not fine," I disagreed, shaking my head.
"Well, what time did you pull over?" he asked.
"I don't know. I'm guessing I left my parents' at 7:45."
"You were out there for about twenty minutes then. Why are you crying?" I shook my head, not sure if I could talk about it without sobbing again.
"Today is the worst day I've had in a while," I sighed and leaned my head against the headrest, staring out at my truck. Edward grabbed my hand and held it between both of his, entwining my fingers with his. He stayed quiet. I swallowed thickly before continuing. "Rose and I had a fight. I was an hour late to cover cheer for her this morning so she was late to her appointment with the wedding planner. I was late to dinner tonight and everyone just kept staring at me. I felt uncomfortable so I went outside to have a smoke and Rose came out and we just started screaming at each other," I explained. My voice became thick with tears again. "I said 'fuck you' to her. I've never said that to her, let alone think about saying it." I cried quietly at the memory. Edward squeezed my hand lightly. "We never fight," I whispered. "And it's never gotten that bad."
I turned my head to look out the window as I wiped my now smeared make-up off from under my eyes. Edward let go of my hand to rummage through the glove box. He pulled out a pack of tissues and offered it to me. I smiled and thanked him before taking one out. I pulled the visor down and opened the mirror. I wiped away the remaining smeared make-up.
"Are you okay?" he asked. I sighed before shrugging.
"I don't know," I said truthfully. "I think I just need to go home and get some sleep. I'll deal with all of this tomorrow." I started shrugging out of his jacket but he placed a hand on my shoulder.
"You can keep it tonight," he insisted. I nodded before getting out of the car. He followed me and walked me to my car. "Come here," he said softly before gently pulling me to him. I wrapped my arms around his neck and he squeezed me to him.
"Tighter," I mumbled into his shoulder. He chuckled before squeezing me tighter. I sighed, feeling safe in his arms. After a minute I pulled back and kissed him softly. "Thank you," I whispered.
"Anytime," he whispered back. "Drive safely."
"You too." He kissed me one last time before letting me go. I got into my truck and turned it on, turning the heat up and started driving to my house. Edward followed me to my street, driving past when I turned, heading to his house. I got to my empty home and sighed before walking in and locking the door behind me. I trudged up to my bed and kicked my shoes, socks, and damp pants off. I crawled under the covers still wearing Edward's jacket, my shirt and panties. Tears started falling down my face again before I drifted too a restless sleep.
XOXO
I woke up the next morning to continuous knocking on my front door. I groaned and got out of bed, my head pounding. I went to the front door and opened it before Emmett came bounding in.
"You need to fix things with Rose," he said.
"Good morning to you too," I mumbled. "One second." I trudged back up the stairs and put on a pair of sweat pants before walking back downstairs. I went into the kitchen where Emmett was making a pot of coffee.
"Are you hung over?" he asked.
"No, my head is just killing me," I said as I sat at the kitchen table and rubbed my temples. Emmett sat a cup of coffee down next to me with two Advil. I popped them into my mouth and gulped down the hot coffee, not caring that it burned my tongue.
"You need to fix things with Rose," he repeated.
"If she wants to fix things she can come find me. I have nothing to say to her," I said stubbornly.
"Bella, she's your best friend."
"I don't care! She went too far last night."
"Trust me, we all know what she said. We heard the whole conversation." I looked down at my coffee, knowing he heard the last thing I said to Rose. "She's a mess, B."
"And how do you think I feel? She threw the whole James thing in my face again. That hurts, Em; it hurts like you wouldn't believe," I whined. "If she wants to talk she can come to me. That's my final answer." He sighed before getting up and storming out of the house. Great, he's mad at me too.
I went up to my room and into my bathroom. I drew up a bubble bath before shedding my clothes. I pulled my hair up in a high bun before getting in and resting my head against the side of the tub.
EPOV
After I got home from helping Bella through her breakdown I grabbed a beer and sat on my couch. Seeing Bella so upset broke my heart. I didn't know how to help her and I felt terrible. She seemed a little better though when she got back in her truck.
After I finished my beer I stripped down to my boxers and fell asleep dreaming of the beautiful woman I had spent two amazing nights with. The woman I was no doubt in love with.
The next morning I woke up, showered, got dressed and drove to Alice's house. Jasper has been living here for almost two weeks. I knocked on the door before walking in.
"Hey, Rufus," I smiled as I pet my greeter. "Al," I called.
"Uncle Eddie!" Riley cried happily as he ran up to me.
"Hey, Punk," I smiled as I picked him up. "What are you up to?"
"Coloring with Jasper," he grinned.
"Really, having fun?" I smiled. He nodded happily. I walked into the living room and set him down so he could continue coloring at the coffee table with Jasper.
"Hey, man," Jasper smiled.
"Hey," I answered. "Have you seen Bella today?"
"No, why?" he asked concerned.
"Last night I found her parked on the side of the road crying. I think she had a panic attack. She was kneeling in the snow and it seemed like she was having trouble breathing and speaking."
"What?" Jasper asked, his voice higher than normal. "Is she okay?"
"I made sure she got home okay. She's physically okay but I don't know about emotionally. She was really upset."
"Thank you for telling me. I'm going to go see her today." I nodded.
"Can Bella come over?" Riley asked as he looked between Jasper and me. Jasper shrugged.
"Do you want to call her and ask her?" I asked him. His eyes lit up and he nodded. I pulled my phone out and dialed Bella's number before giving it to him.
"Hello?" I heard her voice from my loud volume.
"Hi Bella," Riley said shyly.
"Is this Riley?" I heard her say in a higher voice.
"Yes," he grinned.
"What are you doing with Uncle Eddie's phone?"
"Can you come over?" Bella was silent for a moment.
"Sure, Riley. I'll be over in a few."
"Let me see the phone, Punk," I said as I held out my hand. He put it in my hand and I put it up to my ear.
"Hey," I smiled.
"Hi," she said back softly, her tone completely changed.
"Do you want me to pick you up?"
"Sure," she answered.
"I'll be there in a few."
"Okay, bye." I muttered a bye before hanging up the phone. "I'll be back," I said as I got up. Alice came bounding down the stairs as I walked through the hall.
"Oh! Edward, where are you going? I thought you just got here."
"I'm going to pick up Bella," I explained as I slipped my shoes on.
"Okay," she smiled before walking into the living room.
I drove across town to Bella's house and parked in the driveway. I went up to the door and knocked. Bella answered the door and invited me inside. I could tell she was still pretty upset.
"I just need to get my jacket and shoes," she said as she walking into the kitchen.
"Baby, come here," I called. She came back in the room and looked at me curiously. I pulled her into my arms and she wrapped hers tightly around my neck, burying her face into my shoulder. She let out an audible sigh. "How are you?"
"I've been better," she mumbled. "Emmett came by earlier."
"What'd he have to say?"
"He told me to fix things with Rose, but I want her to come to me. Needless to say he stormed out." I squeezed her tighter. "I'm just hoping I don't do anything to piss off Jasper."
"That's got to be hard to do," I said jokingly, trying to lighten the mood. It seemed to work from the sound of her giggle.
"Come on, my nephew is eagerly awaiting your arrival," I said as I pulled away from her. She leaned up and kissed me softly before going into the kitchen again. She came back with her coat, shrugging it on before slipping into a pair of moccasins. We walked out to my Volvo and I opened the door for her before getting in my side. We drove to Alice's and went inside.
"Hey, Punk, look who's here," I called as we walked through the door.
"Bella!" he cried happily as he ran over to us.
"Hey, you!" she smiled before picking him up. "What are you doing?" she asked as we walked into the living room.
"Coloring with Jasper," he informed her. She set him down when we got into the living room. Jasper got up out of the chair and came over to hug Bella. She hugged him tight and he leaned back, lifting her off the ground slightly.
"Everything will work out," he murmured and she nodded. He let her go and sighed. Alice came bounding into the living room.
"Bella!" she smiled before hugging her.
"Hey, Al," she grinned, but I saw it didn't reach her eyes.
It broke my heart to see her unhappy. I wished more than anything that I could make her sadness go away, but I knew she wouldn't be truly happy until she fixed things with Rosalie.
Hey everyone!
Hope you liked the chapter! This week is exam week then I get a month break from school so that means WRITING MORE! ...hopefully.
Another question: What is your opinion on me making this story not HEA but have a sequel with a HEA? Or should I just make them all one story and have a HEA?
Reviewers get teasers!
Lots of love,
Nikki