A huge thank you to my beta cdunbar....I'm patiently waiting for more Geekward BB!!
To EclipseoftheTwilightMoon...Thanks for all your support and for being the President of my fanclub! MWAH!
A special shout out to Wandaf....I've got your back with the Jackson stitch...no worries ;-)
And to the ladies on the thread of this story on Twilighted....thank you all for keeping me motivated :-)
If anyone is interested in the 'fish throwing' mentioned in this chapter there is a short youtube link in my profile.
CHAPTER 7
Packing
EPOV
"We'll meet up at Lowell's in two hours." Bella was physically restraining Alice at the entrance to Pike Place Market. She was holding her firmly by the shoulders, waiting for some acknowledgement that Alice had heard her instructions.
"Yes, yes, ok!" Alice exclaimed impatiently, her whole body appearing to be vibrating.
She sprang into action the second that Bella released her, snatching Jasper's hand and dragging him toward the crowd of shoppers.
"Two hours!" Bella shouted after them, both of us laughing at the sight of her pixie-like friend pulling a much taller Jasper behind her. His blonde head disappeared among the sea of people within seconds.
"So, where do you want to go first?" I asked Bella, willing to follow her lead.
"I like to start in the North Arcade building. The stalls in there are constantly changing, so I like to see what's new," she said, motioning in the direction of the Arcade.
"How about you lead and I'll follow." Like a lost puppy, I couldn't help but add in my mind, quickly visualizing myself panting like a dog and yapping at Bella's heels for her attention. I shook my head, banishing the strange thought. I wasn't that far gone yet.
"Sure, but if there's something you want to see, just let me know, ok?" she conceded, unaware of how easily my mind could misconstrue the request.
"Deal," I said, my hand returning to its new home on the small of her back as she walked toward the entrance.
The marketplace was incredibly busy with every available space in the aisles between the stalls packed with people. I had lost my connection with Bella twice in the bustle of bodies, when she suddenly reached behind her and took my hand in hers. The simple gesture made my heart soar as I twisted my hand to lace our fingers together, forming a stronger, more intimate link and eliciting another blush from Bella.
There were stalls of all varieties in this part of the Market, from fresh produce and homemade baked goods, to handmade jewelry and artwork. I was walking on a cushion of air as we made our way around, with Bella only releasing my hand when we paused to check out the merchandise at the different stalls, in order to properly shop. But each time she was ready to move on, she would reach out and intertwine her fingers with mine, and each time my heart would race and a jolt of electricity would run up my arm.
Shit. I've got it bad, I thought resignedly.
Something caught Bella's eye on our way out of the arcade and I trailed behind her to a stand of handmade jewelry. I hadn't seen her wear any jewelry up to this point, so I was interested to see what had drawn her there. Looking over her shoulder, I saw that she was holding up a delicate necklace consisting of a string of tiny, multi-colored glass beads with a teardrop-shaped, silver pendant. It was exquisite in its simplicity, perfect for Bella.
Leaning down to speak to her over the noise of the crowd, I said, "Let me buy that for you."
"Oh!" she jumped slightly. "No, it's ok. I don't need it, I just think it's pretty, don't you?"
"Bella, nobody needs jewelry and yes, it is pretty. If you want it, then I'd like to buy it for you." She was shaking her head, so I continued. "Please?" I begged teasingly.
"Honestly, Edward, I hardly ever wear any jewelry," she giggled, amused at my attempt at a pout. "It really would be a waste of money. But thank you."
She put the necklace back on the display rack and snaked her fingers through mine again, steering me away and out of the rear of building.
Once we were back out on the street, our ears were accosted by the sounds of dozens of street performers that lined the cobblestoned lane between the buildings. Stopping in front of a man who was sitting on a tall stool, playing the guitar, Bella blinked as her eyes became re-accustomed to the bright sunlight.
"Wait here, I'll be right back," I said.
"Where are you going?"
"I…uh…need to find a washroom," I lied.
"Oh, ok," she replied, looking embarrassed that she'd asked.
After making my purchase, I hurried back to where Bella was waiting. As I approached, I noticed that her cheeks were a deep shade of red and she was shuffling her feet nervously. I was baffled by her behavior until I saw a hand reach out to touch her arm. She shifted her body abruptly to avoid the unwelcome touch.
That fucking guitar player is flirting with her!
My blood was boiling in my veins as I picked up my pace, warring internally with the desire to pummel the guy into the sidewalk and the need to remove Bella from a situation that I had ultimately put her in by leaving her alone. The decision was made in the spilt second before I reached them.
"Hey beautiful," I purred, wrapping my arms around her waist and placing a chaste kiss on her cheek. "I hope you haven't been waiting long."
Her body stiffened at first, but then she relaxed into me as she brought her hand up to lightly stroke my cheek. "No, I just got here, hon." She smiled and winked at me. "We should get going; we don't want to keep Alice and Jasper waiting."
I reluctantly unwound my arms from around her, holding my hand out for her to take, throwing a menacing glare at the ass with the guitar, before leading her away.
"Thanks for that," Bella said after we had walked a few steps.
"No, Bella. It was my fault. I shouldn't have left you. I'm sorry." I was still furious, mostly at myself.
"Hey!" She tapped me on the shoulder with her free hand. "You make it sound like I can't handle myself. I would have just walked away, but I didn't want you to panic if you came back and I was gone!"
"Oh, sorry," I said sheepishly.
"Stop apologizing." She grinned. "Let's just forget about it, ok? We still have time before we have to meet the others. Come on, let's watch them throw fish!" And with that, she had diffused yet another awkward exchange as she pulled me in the direction of the main building.
We watched the fishmongers throw their wares skillfully back and forth across the counter, occasionally pulling an unsuspecting audience member out to join in, who invariably dropped the fish, which spurred cheers from the gathered crowd.
"We should head out," Bella said, glancing at her watch after one of the flying fish whizzed by her, barely missing her leg.
I nodded my head and offered my hand to her. She took it without hesitation and we made our way through the busy side streets to the designated meeting place.
Lowell's Bar & Restaurant was a three story establishment. There was a bar at street level with the two floors of the restaurant above it. We arrived on the second floor before Alice and Jasper, and the hostess seated us at a table next to one of the large picture windows overlooking the harbor.
I had just opened my menu when I heard Bella choke out a laugh. Glancing up, I followed her gaze and soon we were both doubled up and gasping for breath at the sight before us. Alice was practically skipping towards the table, not a hair out of place, looking as though she had just spent the last two hours at a rejuvenating spa. Following behind her was an exhausted looking Jasper, his hair sticking up at odd angles and his feet dragging along the carpet as he struggled past the tables of diners, trying not to knock their plates to the floor with the dozens of bags that were hanging from both of his arms.
Alice glided into her chair while Jasper dumped his baggage under the table and flopped down with a thud, seeming to not even have the energy to pull the chair closer to the table.
"So, how was shopping?" Bella asked, stifling a laugh.
"It was great! Wasn't it Jazz?" Alice squealed.
All Jasper could muster was a lazy nod of the head as the hostess laid a menu before him.
"Food," he whispered. His vacant expression became slightly more animated as he picked up his menu as though it weighed considerably more than the four pieces of card it consisted of.
We ordered our meals and fell into the same comfortable banter that we had enjoyed the previous evening, Jasper only participating once he had had the first few bites of his burger. After our coffees were finished and Jasper had picked up the tab, much to Alice's amusement and Bella's dismay, I took half of the bags and we walked back to the car.
On the drive home, I searched fruitlessly for an excuse for Bella to prolong her visit, without sounding like the love struck teenager I had turned into in the past 24 hours. When we pulled into the driveway and got out of the car, I had no choice but to escort Bella to her truck.
"I had a wonderful time today, Edward. Thank you," Bella said through the open window as she reached over her shoulder and pulled her seatbelt across her body.
"No, thank you. I can't remember the last time I've had that much fun." I smiled and leaned down slightly so that our eyes were level. "Do you have your phone with you?" I didn't trust Bertha to get her home safely.
She fished it out of the pocket of her shorts. "Sure, why?" she asked.
I reached in and took the small red phone, flipping it open and entering my number in her contacts list. "Promise you'll call me when you get home, just so I know you got there ok."
She gave me a sly smile as she held the phone up between us and snapped my picture. "Edward, I've been driving, alone, around this city for years. I think I can make it a few blocks without killing myself."
"Just humor me, please," I said as I rolled my eyes.
"Fine," she chuckled, turning her key in the ignition. "But I'll be home before you even make it into the house!" she called out as she pulled away.
I stood in the road, unable to look away, until the tailgate of the truck disappeared around the corner.
As I entered the house I noticed Alice and Jasper engrossed in a quiet conversation on the sofa, the bags of shopping strewn on the floor at their feet. Unwilling to intrude, I told them that I was going up to my room, and they both tilted their heads in acknowledgement, never once breaking eye contact.
Twenty minutes later, I was lying on my bed, staring at the cell phone in my hand. Panic had begun to set in because I thought Bella should have arrived home within fifteen minutes of leaving me. She was running five minutes late. Just as I was ready to run downstairs and ask Alice for Bella's phone number, the generic chirp of my ringtone rang out.
"Bella?" I breathed into the receiver.
"I'm home!" she sang out.
I blew out the breath that I didn't realize I had been holding and relaxed onto my pillow.
"Good. Is everything ok?" I couldn't hide the concern in my voice.
"Yes, Edward, everything is fine. My door is locked and I've checked under the bed. I'm safe and sound, ok?" she said with undisguised amusement.
"You're making fun of me," I gasped in mock indignation.
"I'm sorry," she sniggered. "It's just that it's been a while since I've had to 'check in' with anyone."
"Well, I wasn't sure that Bertha was going to make it," I sneered the name of her vehicle.
"Hey! No dissing the truck," she laughed. "She's going to come in very handy over the next couple of weeks, you'll see!"
"Speaking of which," I said a little more soberly. "Do you want me to come over tomorrow to help you get started on your packing?"
"Oh, you don't have to do that. Really, I can manage on my own."
"I know I don't have to, Bella, but I want to. The faster you get things done, the more time you can spend with…uh… Alice, before you go," I explained, hoping to convince her to let me see her again. "So, I'll ask you again. Would you like some help tomorrow?"
"Well…when you put it that way…sure, I'd love some help. So, I'll see you in the morning, then?"
"I'll be there first thing." I smiled.
"Ok, Edward. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Bella."
I waited until the line went dead, not wanting to be the one to break the connection.
The anxiety I had felt before Bella's call had not completely dissipated and, setting my phone down on the nightstand, I found myself staring at the alarm clock; willing the minutes to pass by more quickly.
One hour and twenty-three minutes later, I heard a high pitched giggle float down the hallway as Jasper and Alice retired to his room. Sighing, I grabbed my iPod and popped in the ear buds. I selected a playlist of my favorite classical pieces and attempted to relax, trying to shake the lingering feeling of uneasiness.
When I closed my eyes all I could see was Bella's face, as though her image had been burned onto the insides of my eyelids. I let the music wash over me as I fell asleep, my final conscious thought was of seeing her again in the morning.
I awoke the next morning to bright sunshine filling the room, my eyes squinting protectively as they struggled to adjust. My thoughts immediately turned to Bella and my heart leapt at the prospect of spending another day with her.
I noticed that I had pulled the ear buds out at some point during the night and I was thankful that the house was quiet, almost too quiet.
Rolling over to look at the clock, I groaned and sank deeper into the pillow, the red numbers on the display read 6am. It was too early to leave and yet, I was wide awake and eager to get back to Bella.
I stared at the clock for fifteen minutes before deciding that I wasn't going to go back to sleep and that watching the time wasn't going to make it move any faster. Pulling back the covers, I swung my legs over the side of the bed and stood up; raising my arms above my head I stretched out my aching muscles, tensing and relaxing them as my back arched and my toes dug into the carpet.
Thinking that I could kill some time by taking a much needed shower, I left the room and shuffled down the hall to the bathroom. Dragging the long curtain around the tub, I reached in and turned on the water, adjusting the temperature until it was just shy of scalding.
Stripping down, I left my clothes in the floor, and parted the fabric just enough to step inside. I stood, motionless for a moment, allowing the spray to heat and relax my stiff muscles. My head lolled back onto my shoulders, as the water soaked through my hair, and I closed my eyes as the droplets pelted my face.
The second that my eyes closed, I was assaulted with visions of Bella, my mind replaying the many fantasies it had created during our time together.
I instantly hardened at the image of her, naked in this very tub. Little Eddie began to throb and twitch as I relived the vivid thoughts that had been conjured up by watching her drink that shot at the bar. Reaching down to grasp my painfully erect dick, I began to stroke its length, searching for some release. My movements matched the rhythm of my imaginary Bella's mouth as she worked her way back and forth, sucking and licking as she looked up through her lashes and into my eyes.
A muffled grunt escaped from my lips as I exploded, the orgasm hitting me hard and fast; my knees weakened and my breaths came out in short, sharp puffs. I sat on the edge of the tub and waited until my heart had slowed back down and I had regained the strength in my legs, before continuing with the more mundane task of actually showering.
I stepped out of the tub and dried off the worst of the water before securing a towel around my waist. Retrieving my discarded clothing, I headed back to my room.
Throwing the garments into the hamper, I pulled the towel off and began rubbing it vigorously over my sopping wet hair, while strolling across the room to my closet. I tossed the jeans and t-shirt that I had selected onto the bed and chucked the towel in the direction of the hamper.
I caught sight of the time, as I was pulling on my jeans, and groaned again…6:48, still too early. Although my body was relaxed from the morning's activities, the underlying nervousness that I had felt since Bella had driven away remained and I struggled to find ways to pass the time.
I went down stairs to the kitchen and switched the coffeemaker on, hoping that Jasper and Alice would appreciate the gesture when they eventually got out of bed. I emptied the dishwasher, just for something to do, before going into the living room and choosing one of my textbooks from the shelf beside the fireplace.
Sitting down in the recliner, I flipped through the pages, unable to concentrate long enough to even read a full paragraph. I slammed the book down on the coffee table and began to pace the room, my anxiety level rising with each step. Finally, I couldn't stay in the house any longer, so I grabbed my keys and flew out of the front door.
The gentle purr of the engine served to soothe me, somewhat, and the little green numbers on the dash informed me that it was now 7:30. With the stop I was planning to make along the way, I was relieved to note that I wouldn't be getting to Bella's at too ungodly an hour.
I pressed the button on the intercom of Bella's building at precisely 8am.
"Hello?" she answered sleepily.
"Hi, Bella, it's Edward. Am I too early?" I spoke nervously into the mic.
"Oh…ah, no. No, it's ok. Come on up," she said as I heard a low buzzing sound when the front door unlocked.
Walking briskly through the lobby, I decided to forego the irritatingly slow elevator and instead pushed the door marked 'stairs', arriving at her door before the elevator even had time to reach the ground floor.
Her door swung open before I had a chance to knock and the anxiousness that I had been plagued with disappeared as my eyes roamed the vision before me. She was still in her rumpled pajamas and her hair was pulled back into a messy ponytail, but she was beyond beautiful. Her eyes were still groggy from sleep but her lips pulled into a smile when she saw the items that I was holding.
"Breakfast," I said with a smile, lifting the cardboard tray containing two coffees and a small, brown paper bag.
"That's two days in a row. You're spoiling me." She moved to the side to allow me access in to the apartment. "I'm not going to want to leave if you keep this up!" she laughed.
My heart beat wildly in my chest at her words. "Ah…you've uncovered my evil plan," I laughed as I entered the kitchen, placing the tray on the counter.
"I wasn't sure which you'd prefer," I said, handing her the coffee. "So I got a bagel and a Danish. Take your pick." I held out the bag to her.
"Ooh, the bagel, please." She licked her lips as she reached in to retrieve it.
We stood side by side, leaning against the countertop, as we ate and drank. Bella, savored every bite and every sip, while I simply savored the feeling of calm contentment that was currently washing over me.
"Well, I guess we should make a start," she sighed, throwing our empty cups into the garbage. "Are you sure you don't mind helping?"
"I am at your service." I bowed, causing her to giggle. "Your wish is my command," I added, grinning.
"You have no idea what you're getting yourself into." She rolled her eyes and shook her head bemusedly.
I chuckled at her remark, knowing that she was right in more ways than one. Following her into the living room, I took a seat on the couch while she went to her room to change.
A few minutes later her door flew open wide and she began to struggle through it, her arms piled high with flattened cardboard boxes and stacks of newspaper. I leapt up from the sofa and rushed to meet her in the hallway.
"Where do you want these?" I asked, taking the cumbersome pile from her.
"Over by the far wall, I guess. Thank you." She smiled and blushed, still seeming embarrassed about accepting my assistance, and I could only conclude that being on the receiving end of an apparently selfless act was something new for her.
If only she knew how being here was a completely selfish act on my part, I thought dryly.
"What do you want to start packing first?" I inquired, opening up one of the boxes and taping it back into its useful form.
"I suppose we should start with stuff that I'm not going to need before I go," she reasoned. "Why don't you start with the pictures and I'll try to make a dent in these books?"
With that, I set about carefully removing the framed photos and art from the walls, wrapping each one individually in newspaper before stacking them gently in the boxes.
It took me the rest of the morning to completely pack all of them. I probably could have done it in half the time, but I frequently paused to study many of the photographs, occasionally asking Bella where they were taken or who she was with in them. I drank in every, tiny piece of new information that was revealed through her retelling of the events associated with each one.
Alice called as I was taping up the last box of pictures and Bella made arrangements for her and Jasper to pick up some Chinese food and come over later in the day. Once she ended the call, I joined Bella at the bookcase, intending to help her with the gigantic task of packing away the hundreds of books, when I noticed a small pile set off to the side.
"What are those?" I questioned, pointing at the stack.
She sighed sadly, "I've given myself a limit of three books to take with me. Those are the contenders, so far."
"Ok, why don't you hand me the definite 'no's to pack and we'll go through the 'maybe's later?" I reached over and tucked the few tendrils of hair that had escaped her ponytail gently behind her ear.
She looked unhappy for the first since we'd met and I felt an overwhelming urge to comfort her. I watched as my hand moved, without permission, to cup her cheek, lingering traitorously, as panic began to rise in my chest.
Don't push your luck, Cullen. You don't want to scare her away. Don't make her uncomfortable. For God's sake, take your hand off her face!
Instead of obeying my mental tirade, my hand stayed where it was and, to add insult to injury, my thumb swept an arc across the silky skin.
Relief enveloped me as Bella leaned, almost imperceptibly, into my touch before she twisted swiftly towards the shelves, removing a handful of books.
"Good idea," she said in such an even tone that she almost had me convinced that the last thirty seconds never happened. "Here, you can pack these, they're a series. If I take one, I'll have to take them all."
I took them from her, placing them in the open box on the floor, my hand still tingling from the warmth of the sparks that continued to fire whenever I touched her skin.
The remainder of the afternoon was spent with me sitting on the floor next to an open box while Bella handed me piles of books to pack away. Each time she would pull stack from the shelf she would study the spines, checking the titles, and every third or fourth handful she would pull one out to consider the options, while I looked up at her, waiting.
I loved how her face scrunched up in concentration as she stared at her selection, her eyes crinkling and her brow furrowed as though she were trying to read the pages through the cover. Her nose would wrinkle and her lips would pucker as she contemplated each one. Finally, she would begin to chew on her bottom lip as she flipped the book over to read the summary before her face smoothed out as a decision was made, either handing it to me or throwing it on the now mountainous 'maybe' pile. It was completely adorable and I honestly could have just watched her do that all day, and considered it time well spent.
It was during one of these careful inspections that we heard a key turn in the lock on the front door, and in the next second the silence was broken by an excited squeal as Alice flew into the room.
"We're here!" she cried as Bella walked over to meet her, the two of them embracing briefly.
"Well, I hope you brought food because I'm starving!" Bella answered teasingly.
"Yeah, I missed you, too." Alice shot back as Jasper entered the room carrying a huge paper bag, full of take-out.
I stood up and moved around the sofa to help Jasper unload the numerous, white cardboard cartons onto the coffee table while Bella and Alice went to the kitchen to bring out some plates and cutlery.
When we were all settled on the floor around the table, passing the cartons around and piling our plates full of food, Alice began to scan the now empty walls of the room.
"Wow, you guys were sure busy today," she drawled.
"It certainly helped to have extra pair of hands. Edward did a fantastic job." Bella smiled at me as my back straightened and my chest puffed out like the Congressional Medal of Honor had just been pinned to it.
Jasper caught my change in posture, his shoulders shook in silent laughter as he shook his head and smiled smugly. Does nothing get past him? I scowled back at him and slouched back down before rejoining the conversation, which consisted mostly of Alice and Bella catching up on the day's events while Jasper and I nodded in agreement at appropriate intervals.
Once we had finished our meal, the girls challenged us to a game of Mario Kart and they set up the game while Jasper and I cleared away the plates and garbage. I sat next to Bella on the couch and Jasper sat in the chair, Alice hopping gracefully onto his lap before we started to play.
Alice and Bella were, of course, beating the living daylights out of us, but I was improving, and I was surprised at how quickly Jasper was catching on when his car suddenly left the track for no apparent reason. I looked over to where he was sitting and it was my turn to let out a conceited cackle.
His whole body was tense, the controller was gripped firmly in one hand, while the other clutched the arm of the chair so tightly that skin over his knuckles was thin and white. His eyes were wide and his mouth hung open as Alice bounced excitedly in his lap, too captivated by the game to realize the effect she was having on him. I was laughing so hard that I actually snorted when his eyes began to glaze over and roll up into his head.
The sound brought him to his senses and, dropping the controller on the floor, he grasped Alice firmly by the hips, ceasing her movement. Confusion and then understanding crossed her features, making her giggle and then lean back to whisper in Jasper's ear. Her remark caused his face to light up, his mouth pulling into a huge shit eating grin, as he nodded his approval of her words.
Ugh. It looks like I'll be spending another night with my iPod, I griped internally.
A short time later we were all standing at the door, saying our goodbyes.
"So, same time tomorrow?" I asked Bella, hopefully.
"You mean I haven't scared you away, yet?" she teased.
"Not yet." Not possible. "And anyway, I'm not sure I can handle being in the house all day with these two." I grimaced playfully, motioning my head towards Alice and Jasper, who were locked together like they were afraid the other might disappear at any moment.
"I see what you mean," she laughed. "Ok, I'll see you tomorrow, then."
"Goodnight, Bella." Alice moved to hug her, but since Jasper was unwilling to release his hold, they both wrapped Bella up in a brief embrace before moving out into the hallway.
"'Night, guys." She gave them a small wave before turning her attention back to me.
I saw my opportunity and took it; I wrapped my arms around her small frame in what I hoped came across as a friendly gesture. "Tomorrow," I whispered into her hair.
"I'll see you then." She smiled as she pulled away, and I started towards the elevator where Jasper and Alice were waiting.
"Oh, and Edward?" Bella called down the hall causing me to turn around. "Call me when you get home, you know, so I know you got there ok." She winked playfully.
"Will do," I answered, the grin on my face probably rivaling Jasper's from earlier.
The elevator doors opened and I floated inside, my heart bouncing around in my chest, performing a ridiculous happy dance, so much that even Jasper's self satisfied smirk couldn't quell it.
A/N PS. I love reviews...they make me giddy...srsly