A/N: Wow! Such great feedback on that last chapter! I'm glad you guys liked the details I put in and Jake as a frolicking puppy lol.
I do not own any of the characters. They all belong to the wonderful Stephenie Meyer. I also do not own any songs or websites mentioned. They belong to their respective owners.
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Chapter 9: Endlessly
BPOV
"I knew it was too soon. I shouldn't have asked. Forget I said anything." Edward babbled on, as I stood there in shock.
I finally snapped myself out of it when he tried to leave.
"No, Edward. It's great. I want to meet your parents. I was just shocked that you wanted me to." I said trying to smile and reassure him.
He smiled his crooked grin and picked me up in a hug, twirling me around.
"Great. I'm gonna call my mom in the morning and tell her you're coming. She's going to be so excited." he said, practically beaming, as if I had just agreed to marry him.
Actually, that thought didn't sound too bad about now, but I was getting ahead of myself.
He kissed me quickly then hurried off to his car. Emmett and Alice came back in and saw my dazed expression.
"What's up with you? Looks like he just asked you to marry him or something." Alice said smirking at me.
I blushed and shook my head.
"No, he invited me to his parents' house for Thanksgiving and told me to bring my parents." I said grinning like a madman.
"Oh really? That's awesome! Jasper and Rosalie invited us to Thanksgiving with their parents and the Cullens, too! We're bringing our mom and dad along, also!" Alice squealed.
I smiled. This was going to be an exciting and memorable Thanksgiving with everyone I loved altogether.
Wait, did I just say love? Do I love Edward? I mean it's definitely more than just liking him, but love? That seems so strong of an emotion. Could this really be it? Is he "the one"? I thought to myself, truly trying to contemplate my real feelings for Edward.
I wondered if he thought about this. Did he love me? Maybe I'd tell him soon. Maybe.
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The next few weeks passed quickly with random work shifts, pop quizzes and movie nights. Soon, it was the night before the concert.
I still hadn't told him I loved him, but the topic hadn't come up. I needed just the right moment to talk to him about it.
The concert was at night, but we were going to go on a lunch date before the actual concert. Tonight, Alice was helping me pick out the perfect outfit. She said that since the venue was a more private venue, I should dress up, plus it was a date and she felt it was going to be a very special occasion.
My mind immediately thought proposal, but I quickly reasoned otherwise knowing that we hadn't even said "I love you" how could we be ready for "I do"?
She decided that I should wear the dress that was my absolute favorite. The one she had given me for my birthday. I hung the dress on my bathroom door and got online to talk to Edward.
TrippingOnAir13: Hey Edward.
MusicMaster17: Hey Bella. Are you ready for the big day tomorrow? :)
TrippingOnAir13: Of course. Why wouldn't I be? But, what's so big about it? Besides it being Muse and all.
MusicMaster17: Oh, I don't know. Every day with you is a big day for me. It's the next day in forever. ;)
I smiled at the computer screen and blushed, even though he couldn't see it.
MusicMaster17: Well, I'm going to go to bed, so I'm refreshed and ready to see your beautiful face bright and early. G'night.
MusicMaster17 has signed off.
TrippingOnAir13: Goodnight. I love you.
Your message was not received. Please wait until the user you are trying to contact has signed on.
I missed a perfect opportunity. Again. Well, I had to admit that I wanted to tell him in person. It would be more romantic that way. I'll just wait. Maybe I could tell him at the concert.
I shut my laptop and got ready for bed. I slipped on the t-shirt Edward had left from before my party and climbed into bed.
I woke up around ten to the sound of loud music and a wind-chime singing voice.
Alice was up.
She had the stereo on, full blast practically, playing the newest Jonas Brothers' CD.
"Speechless. Over the edge of just breathless. I never thought that I'd catch this, lovebug again." Alice sang from the kitchen.
Hopeless,head over heels in the moment,
I never thought that I'd get hit,
By this love bug again.
I smelled bacon and waffles, so I climbed out of bed. When I walked into the kitchen I nearly fell over from laughter. Emmett and Alice were in the kitchen in their pajamas and aprons that read "Kiss the Cook." Emmett was swaying about humming to the music as he cooked the waffles in the waffle iron. Alice was dancing around the stove cooking the bacon and watching the biscuits in the oven.
Even Jake was dancing on his hind legs between the two. It was so adorable, yet so hilarious all at the same time. Boy, were they a sight for sore eyes in the morning.
Alice caught sight of me on the floor in just Edward's shirt and her grin grew wide.
"Why hello, Miss Bella. How nice of you to join us! Care to cover up that amazing booty of yours and have some breakfast with us and the JoBros?" She asked as she took the biscuits out of the oven.
I smiled at her and ran to grab some gym shorts.
When I went back into the kitchen, Jake ran straight over to me and tried climbing up my leg.
"No, no Jake. Not right now. After breakfast I'll hold you." I said in a voice you would speak to a child with.
He seemed to be upset by my reply and sulked off to who knows where. Alice handed me a plate of food and we all went to sit at the couch to watch the Saturday Morning Cartoons.
Alice shut off the blaring stereo and switched on the television. Even Emmett had to admit that Saturday Morning Cartoons were not like they used to be. They were more cheesy and more boring. Some even had worse coloring. The only good one left was Spongebob, so we settled on that.
In the middle of my breakfast, I found Jake nuzzling my feet from under my couch. So that's where he had run off to. I bent down to scratch behind his ears and found something else next to him under the couch. A very wet, very destroyed sock. One of Emmett's favorite baseball socks. Uh-oh.
I quickly stuffed it back under the couch and gulped down my breakfast. I went to go get ready and take my shower.
I got out of the shower and slipped on my dress with my shiny, black flats. Next, I would have to endure Alice's torture that she called make-overs.
As if she knew it was time, she burst into my room, hairdryer and make-up bag in hand.
"Time to beautify!" Alice squealed as she pushed me into the bathroom and onto a stool I normally kept under the sink.
She went to work, raking a comb through my wet hair and turning the dryer on full blast. In what felt like the longest half hour ever, my hair was dry and framing my face in soft curls.
"Perfect!" she said, stepping back to admire her work.
She wasted no time in her attack on my face, curling my lashes, slathering on eyeliner and dabbing on lipgloss.
When she was finished she had me look in the mirror. I had to admit, she was good. I looked...hot.
I got up to check my phone for messages, when I head Emmett yelling from down the hall.
"Has anyone seen my baseball socks? Rosalie and I are going to the batting cages today!" he yelled, as I heard drawers being opened and slammed shut.
Oops. Why did Jake have to pick those as his chew toys? I blushed trying to figure out the best way to break the news to him, but was saved from having to do anything.
"Aww, Jake! Why? You're lucky you're so darn cute!" Emmett said with booming laughter from the front room.
I let out a sigh of relief, as I walked into the front room. Emmett was holding up one normal black and white baseball sock and one soaked one. Thankfully there weren't any holes in it. Jake was sitting at his feet wagging his tail and panting happily.
Alice brought the hairdryer into the front room and plugged it into a nearby socket. She started drying the sock, just as the doorbell rang, signaling Edward's arrival. Jake ran around the couch, slipping on the hardwood floor and nearly ran into the front door, yapping the whole time.
I opened the door and my breath stopped at the sight of him. He had a very flattering outfit on that somehow managed to make him look even more gorgeous than normal.
It was a gray v-neck sweater with black edges, nice black slacks, a gray and black scarf with random square designs, and some black boots. (Picture in profile).
He took my left hand and handed me some blue-dyed roses to my other hand. (Picture in profile. They're so pretty!). He spun me around with one hand, like a child dancing with her father, to see the whole dress.
"Stunning. Simply Beautiful." he practically whispered.
I blushed crimson and he immediately pulled me to him, placing a sweet kiss on my lips.
"Shall we be on our way to lunch then?" he asked, holding his arm out for me to take.
I nodded, but started to walk to the kitchen to put the flowers in a vase. When I got back over to Edward, I felt something at my feet. I looked down to see Jake whimpering and patting a paw on my shoe.
I picked him up and kissed the top of his head. He nuzzled into my neck, no doubt trying to convince me to stay home. I scratched behind his ears, then set him on the couch.
"Sorry Jake. I already have a boyfriend, but I'll be home to play with you tonight." I said patting him one last time before turning to Alice, who was still finishing drying the sock.
"If he gives you and Jasper any trouble, just call me and put him in his cage. Don't leave him outside by himself, he'll find a way out of the yard. Oh, and don't give him any people food, it makes him sick. He's never been away from me for a whole day, so good luck and I'll see you tonight." I said waving good-bye to her, as Edward and I walked to his car.
We got to the restaurant quickly, listening to Muse the whole way to get us ready for the concert. The restaurant was on Aurora Avenue, just ten minutes from the concert venue. It was called Canlis. The place looked very beautiful and very expensive.
The maitre d' led us to a private room. It was gorgeous. We were away from the sun so the room was somewhat dim, but romantic, with a beautiful view of Lake Union. There was a table for two set with a gorgeous red flower arrangement in the center of the table. The room also had a comfortable-looking couch and a fireplace. (link on profile).
"Edward?" I asked timidly, after being seated.
"Hmm?" he murmured looking through the menu.
"Could we maybe, go somewhere else?" I asked quietly.
This brought his attention to me. His eyes grew big and worried.
"Why? Is something wrong?" he asked, guilt and worry tinging his voice and gemstone eyes.
"No, it's just, Idon'twantyouwastingyourmoneyonme." I mumbled out the last part quickly, and blushed
in embarrassment.
"Money is never wasted on you, my beautiful Bella, it is simply spent wisely." he said, his crooked grin making a dazzling appearance.
My eyes glazed over for a bit, as I thought back to my birthday morning and our..antics. I suddenly realized Edward was staring at me and waving a hand in my face.
"Are you okay?" he asked, trying not to laugh.
"Oh, uh, yeah." I said, breaking out of my stupor.
"Looked like you were having a nice little daydream there. I was almost expecting you to drool." he said winking at me and no longer able to hold back a chuckle.
I wanted to slink under the table and disappear, but the waiter made his appearance to take our drink orders.
The rest of lunch passed by casually, it felt as if it was just us and we had nowhere else to be. I had ordered the stuffed chicken, while Edward ordered their special lamb shanks. There was plenty of small talk as we enjoyed our meals and even stole a few bites from each other. I had to excuse myself to the ladies' room after almost six glasses of Coke.
As I was walking back to our table, Edward was facing away from me, on the phone. I caught the last few sentences of his conversation.
"Yes, about that time." he said, pausing for the response.
"Okay. Yes, we'll want those seats." he said, I could almost hear his smile in his voice.
"Thank you so much. This is going to be perfect. I'll see you soon." he said and hung up the phone.
I walked around to my seat, as if I had not been standing behind him eavesdropping, but did not sit down.
"So are you ready to go?" he asked smiling and getting up to join me.
"Yes, I can't wait." I said plastering on my smile, trying to figure out the conversation I had overheard.
"Okay then. I paid the bill while you were away. I felt it was the safest route." he said chuckling.
I smirked at him and walked to the car with my arm linked through his.
In the short car ride, he seemed to feel my almost tension, as he kept stealing glances at me, but he did not speak up.
We walked into the venue with Edward's arm around my waist. He called over a man in an usher suit with the name tag reading "Seth." The boy smiled and led us to a row near the front of the stage. It was already a very intimate show, seeing as the room could only hold around two or three hundred guests.
The stage was a decent size, with many colored stage lights, what looked like balloons above us, and a large television making up the back wall of it. It all looked so beautiful and exciting. It was my first concert.
I found many of my firsts were with Edward or were going to be, I hoped. First boyfriend, first kiss, first make-out, first concert, first extravagant birthday, first puppy, first time at a super expensive restaruant, I wondered what other firsts would be explored with him. First time on a boat, first "I love you," first time miniature golfing, first time meeting a boy's parents, first marriage, first time making love...I blushed at the last one. I wasn't exactly ready for it, but that didn't mean I didn't know I wanted it to be with him or that I couldn't think about it.
Edward caught my blush and smiled before finally speaking up.
"Okay. Now I have to ask. What on earth are you thinking about?" he said, again trying not to laugh.
"Oh, uh, well, I..."I stammered out, turning a deep crimson.
"I can't read your mind." he said in a low voice as he leaned dangerously close to my lips.
"I wa-was thinking about u-us and, well, uh, you know." I said looking down and blushing even more.
I looked up to see him blushing, too.
"Oh, well, um, I think about that, too, some-sometimes." he said trying to avert eye contact.
He seemed to be trying to slow his breathing. I took hold of his hand and pulled his chin to face me.
"We both aren't ready for that...yet. But when we are, we'll know." I said seriously, then smiled at him.
He nodded, "But do you think, maybe, we could test what we are ready for? Push some boundaries?"
"Testing seems good to me." I said blushing and smiling down at our intertwined hands.
"Just remember, if you don't like something, tell me, and I'll stop immediately." he said looking at me with his smoldering emeralds.
I nodded and leaned my head on his shoulder, as he called for the waiter.
He ordered us some drinks just as the lights went out for the opening act, The Like.
The songs they played were upbeat and fun despite their somewhat gloomy lyrics. I asked Edward if we could buy their CD during the intermission. He grinned at me, but I just felt confused. Did I miss something?
"I already got the CD. I knew you'd like them. It's waiting to be picked up out there." he said close to my ear.
I shivered. Oh, he knew me so well.
After they played about six or seven songs, it was six o'clock which meant it was time for the two-hour intermission. One hour was set aside for people to buy merchandise and meet the band, the other hour was set aside for dinner.
We walked into the main room, hand-in-hand, over to a small table with a bodyguard holding a clipboard and some type of list.
"Cullen." Edward said to the man.
He looked up with a grin and pulled open a door behind him. The door led to a hallway of dressing rooms.
The names "The Like," and "Muse" were found printed and taped to two of the doors. The bodyguard knocked on the door to "The Like" and called to them "Your guests are here."
The door opened and the three pretty girls from the stage stood smiling at the door.
"Hi Edward and Bella!" They said excitedly.
"How-how?" I stammered out confused as to how they knew our names.
"Oh we've already talked to Edward. We're so glad you guys came. Here's a CD for you. We all signed it." the tallest girl said.
They handed me the CD and three signatures were on it in black sharpie.
"Oh how silly of us, let us introduce ourselves. I'm Tennessee." said the tall girl, "This is Charlotte," she gestured to the short brunette, "and finally, that's Elizabeth, but she goes by 'Z'" she gestured to the other blonde.
The all smiled at us and gave us a hug.
"Could we take a picture?" Edward said in a velvety tone, reminding me that he was there.
"Sure! Everybody smile!" said Tennessee.
We took a picture and got another hug from all of them.
"Well I guess you guys have another appointment to get to. Oh, and dinner, of course." Z said smiling at us.
"Bye. It was really nice meeting you all!" I said truly meaning my words.
"Hope to see you guys again!" Charlotte finally spoke up.
With that we left the room. I was about to walk out of the hallway when Edward pulled my arm.
"Where do you think you're going? We still have people to meet." he said flashing his crooked grin making me lose all coherency.
"Oh, y-yeah, uh-huh." I said smiling dumbly.
He led me to the Muse's room and knocked lightly.
I was about to walk away thinking they weren't in there when they opened the door and there stood Matthew Bellamy, lead singer of Muse.
He welcomed us in, but I stood in the doorway dumbfounded, unable to move from the shock. I felt Edward lightly pushing me through the doorway and somehow my feet managed to react and walk me into the room.
I finally managed to gather some coherency as I heard a soft "Hello" coming from the amazing man in front of me.
"Hi." I said in a squeaky voice.
It's not like how Edward effects me, with his dazzling smile and looks, but the fact that standing in front of me, were the three amazing artists behind the awesome band, Muse.
"Well I suppose you are Bella?" Dominic said from behind Matthew on a comfortable looking couch.
"Ye-yes." I said finally managing to speak effectively.
Dominic grinned at me. "I think you'll very much enjoy the show tonight." he said cryptically.
"I absolutely love your guys' music. It's amazing." I blabbered out, making myself look like a pathetic fangirl.
They all just chuckled lightly and Matthew walked over to where Chris was sitting with a stack of CDs. There was one of each of their CDs stacked. Chris saw me eying the stack and he smiled at me. Matthew grabbed the stack of CDs and walked back over to where Edward and I were still standing. He pulled out a medium black bag that had "MUSE" written on it three times and some Muse pins, and put the CDs in it, as well as a couple t-shirts, sweaters, and an autographed picture of them. (Store Link on profile to see the stuff).
He handed the bag to me and I about passed out. Edward had to catch me from falling to the floor and I heard him silently laughing at my reaction.
"Well I think that's everything. There's a few posters waiting with the man out front because we didn't want them to get smashed in the bag. Now for a picture before we leave you two to your dinner?" Matthew said smoothly.
I nodded and their stage manager, who had been sitting silently on the opposite end of the couch to Dominic, stood up to take the picture of all of us. I put on the biggest smile as I thought of how amazing this night was turning out to be. Could this get any better?
We left the room and collected our posters from the bodyguard before walking upstairs to the dining area for our dinner. We decided to keep dinner simple with some delicious burgers and a salad. We talked about meeting the bands and the songs we hoped Muse would play during the show.
"Oh I really hope they play their cover of 'Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You.' I love the way they do it. Oh and 'Endlessly.' That song is beautiful." I said excitedly.
"As are you." Edward said flashing that dazzling crooked grin that made my heart flutter.
I blushed, but went back to naming songs I wanted to hear. "Oh and Time is Running Out, Hysteria, Unintended. Ah, I just love all their songs." I said smiling and placing my head in my hand.
Edward smiled and took my hand to get up from the table. He went to pay the check, then we walked back to our seats. The concert would be resuming in just ten minutes. I was so excited, I almost started bouncing in my seat. Now I knew why Alice always started bouncing when she was excited. You couldn't help it!
The lights dimmed and the stage lights lit up. Muse walked out and there were deafening cheers all around the room.
"Welcome Seattle! We're so glad to see you! We have some fun stuff planned for tonight! Hope you enjoy and here's our first song! 'Take a Bow.'" Matthew said to the roaring audience as the fun beginning of the song began.
Songs and time passed by quickly, but I enjoyed every second of it. They had played "Hysteria", "New Born", "Butterflies & Hurricanes", "Map of the Problematique", and Starlight before playing a beautiful piano interlude.
"Now, we have a special announcement before we continue the concert." Chris said, once Matthew had finished playing.
"If you would please direct your attention to the television screen behind us, Miss Isabella Swan." said Matthew.
My jaw dropped and I felt tears coming to my eyes as I read the screen.
It read, "Isabella Marie Swan, I love you. Love Always, Edward Cullen" in a giant red heart.
I was officially crying happy tears, as I practically tackled Edward into a huge hug, kissing all over his face whispering, "I love you, too." over and over again.
I felt the spotlight come to us and I immediately tried to hide my face in Edward's neck.
"Seems like the lovely lady is happy about it!" Dominic said, chuckling on stage.
"Now it is time for the two songs he has dedicated to you, Miss Swan." Matthew said, winking at me.
With that, I heard the beginning of "Endlessly". I smiled at Edward and put my arms around his neck, while he placed his on my hips. We gently swayed as Edward sang along in my ear.
There's a part in me you'll never know
The only thing I'll never show
Hopelessly I'll love you endlessly
Hopelessly I'll give you everything
But I won't give you up
I won't let you down
And I won't leave you falling
If the moment ever comes
It's plain to see it's trying to speak
Cherished dreams forever asleep
Hopelessly I'll love you endlessly
Hopelessly I'll give you everything
But I won't give you up
I won't let you down
And I won't leave you falling
If the moment ever comes
Hopelessly I'll love you endlessly
Hopelessly I'll give you everything
But I won't give you up
I won't let you down
And I won't leave you falling
But the moment never comes
I sighed and kissed Edward when the song finished. Everyone was 'aww'-ing around us and clapping for us and the band. The next song started soon after. Their cover of "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You." How did he possibly know all these things. Oh, he was good. Really good.
I smirked at him and we continued dancing for the rest of the concert. Every now and then he'd whisper an "I love you" in my ear and I would whisper it back. The night was perfect. The concert finally ended, sadly enough, and we left after saying our "goodbyes" and "thank yous" to the band and staff members.
When we got in the car I finally checked my phone. I had found it odd that I had not had one call or even text from Alice about anything bad happening, but when I checked, I realized that my phone was off. Uh-oh.
I turned it on, and there they were. 15 missed calls. 23 text messages. My phone blinked at me. I decided to check the phone calls first. Twelve were from Alice, one from Emmett, and two from my parents surprisingly. I checked the texts next. Every one of them was from Alice. I started scanning through them. Many of them simply said 'Pick up your phone!' or 'Help!' I only opened the ones that said more, deleting the rest.
First message: Omg Bella. I don't know what's wrong with him! He's like running around in circles with his ears pressed to the floor!
Next message: Nvm. He had water in his ear from the bath we gave him. It's okay now.
Next message: Oh my Jesus. He's peeing everywhere! He didn't even whine about needing to go out! What do I do with him?
Next message: Oh God. He pooped on himself. He looks sick. Gotta give him another bath. Please come home!
Next message: Oh, Bella. Please help. He's driving us crazy!
The messages carried on in this fashion each more horrifying and guilt filling than the last. I had to get home to help. I explained to Edward and he drove us quickly home, weaving through traffic at fifteen miles over the speed limit.
We quickly parked and I ran to the house. Before I could even dig my key out, Alice answered the door. Her hair was going crazy, her make-up smeared, and she looked slightly deranged.
"Oh Bella. You're here." she said, laughing like a crazy person.
I swear she belonged in an asylum sometimes.
She dragged us both in and my jaw dropped. Jake was running around yelping, dripping water everywhere, while Emmett was standing ready at the cage, Rosalie was laying in the hall to block access, and Jasper was chasing him around the front room with a towel.
Jake caught sight of me and immediately ran to hide behind me. Jasper threw me the towel and I picked him up. He immediately relaxed and everyone collapsed to the ground in exhausted heaps. Jake nuzzled into my neck, while I walked him over to his cage, dried him off, and put him in.
Emmett crawled over to where Rosalie was now relaxed in the hallway and Jasper and Alice had made it to the couch. They were soon snoring.
"Guess big surprises come in small packages." I whispered to Edward, looking over at Jake's cage.
"Oh yes, more than you could ever know." he whispered back cryptically.
We decided to just leave the others where they were. They were exhausted enough and deserved a break. Edward and I walked into my room and got ready for bed.
Thanksgiving with the families was in a little over a month, we had said our "I love yous" and I had gone to my first amazing concert with Edward. This was turning out to be a very interesting and exciting fall this year. Time was passing too quickly, but it was full of adventure and fun. I never wanted it to end.
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A/N: Okay, so I was busy planning all week for the Halloween party I had last night and coming up with some fun new stories, but those won't be here for a while now. Hope you enjoyed the chapter. 11 entire pages. Jake is such a pain lol. Hope you liked the fluffy I love you's and all that jazz. Thanksgiving and explaining the night with Jake should happen next chapter. Maybe some more fluff and excitement for the characters as well. One last thing, Jasper has been changed again. I like the new one so much better. And we'll be meeting all the parents next chapter, so be on the lookout. You know what to do! R&R my loves! Thanks! :D
-DL