BPOV
I walked out of the bathroom tugging at the dress Alice and Rose forced me in. It was basically black lace that wrapped around me and had two straps holding it up. Not to mention the built in corset that had my boobs almost spilling from it.
I never really had much to work with in the boob department until I had Rylan, for some reason they never went back to normal. Not that I was complaining or anything, I did hide my body in my t-shirts and I was fine with that.
"Oh my god Bella," Alice squealed, and I cringed.
"I'm not sure about the dress," I sighed pulling at it again.
"Bella, you're twenty-one this is what girls your age wear," Rose pointed out from my bed.
"I'm someone's mother," I argued.
"Alice and I are little peoples mothers and we dress our age," she explained softly.
"Alice is pregnant."
"Yet I'm still fashionable," she quipped gesturing to her heels, leggings and flowy top.
"I give up," I said quietly in defeat.
Rose stood and applied a little make-up quickly ending my torture. We walked down to the living room where Emmett and Jasper were sitting watching Sports Center with Rylan between them.
"Jazz… ball," he said excitedly looking up at his uncle.
"Yeah Ry-man that's baseball," he grinned ruffling his hair.
"Bayball, bayball," Ry repeated.
"Close enough," Emmett chuckled.
Emery who was sitting on the floor bounced up. "Dad we can show him how to play!"
"He's a bit little, monster," Emmett explained.
"Well we can get him one of those squishy ball and bats," he suggested.
"We'll have to ask Bells."
"Um… that would be fine," I mumbled making our presence known.
Jazz and Em's eyes bugged out. Jazz's reaction was shock where Em's was, I don't know.
"Bells if I never met Rosie," he whistled causing me to blush.
"I can tell you won on the shoe debate," Jazz nodded to my gray Chucks.
"I did."
"Mama," Rylan whined reaching his arms out.
I easily went to him and was instantly scolded by Alice and Rose. I heard the door, noticing Jazz getting up to answer it.
"Bella that dress isn't for baby holding," Alice started.
"Then I'll be more than happy to take it off so I can hold my son," I glared as Rylan buried his face in my neck.
"He is spoiled," she mumbled.
My face turned red, but not from embarrassment, I was pissed. Who was she to tell me I spoiled my baby. I was all he had and she had no right.
I sidestepped her taking my boy with me up to my room. Fuck Alice and Kings of Leon if Edward was as nice as I think he was he would understand.
"Mama, cry?" he asked wiping at my cheeks as we lay on the bed.
I shook my head kissing him.
"Aunt Alice thinks she knows everything, but she doesn't. I'm your Mommy and if I want to hold you I can. She'll have her own baby to boss. You are mine."
"Love," he said and I knew he got it.
There was a soft tapping at the door.
"Go away," I grumbled.
"May I please come in?" Mr. Velvet voice answered from the other side of the door.
"Ward!" Ry squealed and I rolled my eyes as I heard him chuckle.
He opened the door slightly poking his head in. His hair was slick and styled I didn't like it. I still didn't say anything and he stepped bravely in. He was wearing a white button down with black slacks and shiny shoes. I frowned we were going to a rock show and we were both dressed like we were going to a cocktail party.
His eyes widened when he saw me. Rylan crawled off my lap toward him. "Ward hug."
"Hey buddy," he said quietly as he still watched me.
"I'm staying here," I said quickly looking down.
The other day he was here saying things and taking care of me while I was sick. I loved it and it made me fall a little bit more for him, but something seemed off. We didn't seem like us in this moment.
"May I ask why?" he asked softly as he and Rylan sat next to me.
"Alice… I'm in a mood and don't think I'll be much fun," I frowned. I was acting like a petulant child, but none of this seemed right. First Alice started with me and now Edward didn't look like my Edward. He looked like the guy I first met in the shop and he was intimidating.
"We can stay in," he offered.
"I just want Rylan and me tonight," I confessed.
His lips pulled into a tight line and I could tell he wasn't happy. Without a word, he kissed Rylan's head and then gave me a quick peck on the lips that left me feeling guilty. He left. I heard talking down stairs, next thing I knew, I was over Emmett's shoulder and Jazz was picking up Rylan.
"Put me down," I demanded.
"Not happening sweetheart, Edward pulled strings for this date and he is devastated. I hate an Emo Edward," Emmett announced gently placing me in the car next to a shocked Edward. "Sometimes you need to take matters into your own hands Eddie boy."
He shut the car door leaving us alone.
"I'm sorry about him, you can leave," he murmured looking out the windshield.
I glanced to my side watching Jazz and Em guarding the door. If I left, they would just keep bringing me back. I sighed running my hand through the curly mess that was my hair.
"No, we can go."
"I know you don't want to go."
"Alice made me mad I had no right to take it out on you."
"Would you like to talk about it?"
"She said I was spoiling Rylan because I held him while wearing the dress," I explained. "It's just a stupid dress and he is my baby, he definitely trumps the dress."
He nodded as if he didn't know what to say. Edward always had something to say, I remained silent the rest of the ride.
He pulled up to the valet, jumping out to get my door. He formally held his arm out to me. This wasn't going to work. He was acting like a well-mannered robot. I stepped in front of him placing my hands on his freshly shaved face.
"Stop," I whispered trying to read him.
"Bella," he breathed as if this was the first time he was seeing me tonight.
I intertwined my fingers in his. "Please act like you," I asked and he nodded.
As we hit the line for the club, all of the people looked stuck-up and fake. It was weird to see this type of concert scene even though it was a private show. Edward associated himself with these people. They looked shallow and that was one thing he wasn't. People actually looked appalled that we were holding hands.
Edward must have noticed because he brought our joined hands up and kissed the back of my hand. I halted our walking once more messing up his perfect hair with my free hand. He looked like the one guy from the Kardashian show that Alice watched. No one seemed to like him. I think this is the best his hair has ever looked.
"Better?" he asked with a crooked smile.
"Much," I nodded giving him a shy smile.
Even for me I was acting rather bold tonight. I was quiet most of the time. When Jake was alive I couldn't be quiet I needed to keep up with him and his friends. That's how I felt with Edward and his family I needed to be heard. I wanted Edward to hear me and I wanted to hear him, not the robot.
"Have you been here before?" I asked as we made our way to the door.
Edward nodded at the bouncer who let us waltz right in. "Yeah I come to some shows, I know people who work here, my friend is a talent booker."
"That's cool."
"I guess it has its perks," he shrugged leading us to our table near the stage.
"You're acting off," I said catching him off guard.
"What do you mean?"
"You're awkward and I don't understand why," I said sliding into our round booth.
"I've never been on a date like this," he said simply scooting close to me.
"What does that mean?"
"I go on a lot dates for work but they're for work."
"Are you saying you've never been on a non-work date?" I asked in shock.
Edward was a ridiculously good-looking man and I found that hard to believe. I found it hard to believe he wanted anything to do with me. I was young and plain. The people here probably thought he was my babysitter.
He cupped my cheek kissing me sweetly. "You are my very first official date, Bella."
I looked at him like he lost his mind. The green of his eyes were dancing and I felt his amusement of my surprise. The waitress interrupted us for our drinks.
"Coke…"
"Um, long island?"
"And a long island for my girl," he smiled at me while ordering.
She huffed away I think she was disappointed.
"Your girl?" I whispered.
"Well I feel girlfriend is a bit juvenile and lover isn't quite where we are yet, I also don't think that title fits you. If I announce you as my girl, it's very Bella and Edward. I think I like calling you love as well," he murmured brushing my hair back.
This was my Edward, his movements weren't calculated or orchestrated. They were now natural.
"That's fine my Edward," I giggled at how silly that sounded aloud.
"Possessive?" he snickered leaning forward a bit.
"I'm only being fair," I said against his lips.
I loved kissing Edward and his sweet lips. This definitely wouldn't help the dreams now because now that I'd felt his lips I actually knew dream lips could do phenomenal things.
The waitress scowled placing our drinks on the table, causing Edward to pull me closer. I frowned looking at my drink remembering Edward couldn't drink.
"I should order something else."
"Why?"
"You're drinking a coke," I trailed off.
"Love you can drink, you're not the one with the addiction," he murmured playing with my hair.
"How long have you been sober?"
"It will be six years in August."
"Is it hard?" Stupid question Bella.
"If you would have asked me the first couple of years I would have said yes, but it has gotten better," he explained.
I sighed and his hand cupped my cheek again as he watched me for a second then he kissed the tip of my nose. I giggled at him and he settled us back in the booth as the concert began.
I loved seeing the band from front row and I swear Caleb Followill winked at me. I heard Edward mumble something when it happened, but I didn't know what because I was too focused on the show.
An intermission broke in between sets and I decided I should run to the restroom. I had two and a half long islands and it was time to go. I almost fell out of the booth.
"Maybe I should escort you there, love," Edward's dreamy voice suggested.
"I'm a big girl," I argued.
"You're quite little actually," he teased with a grin.
"It's right over there," I whined pointing a few steps next to us.
"Fine, but if you take another spill I'll carry you to the stall myself," he stated seriously as his forehead leaned against mine.
"Both legs are functional," I said before turning and leaving.
I wobbled into the bathroom, which was huge and found an empty stall. Once my bladder felt lighter, I stumbled over to the sink to wash my hands. A lady that wasn't there before was sadly looking into the mirror.
She was beautiful her black hair was in perfect waves. I didn't even know hair could curl like that. Her brown eyes met mine in the mirror.
"Your date is very handsome," she said giving me a sad smile. I detected an accent that sounded Italian. Mom dated a guy from Italy once but his accent was thick hers was light like she lived here for a while.
"My boyfriend," I corrected with a smile because he was much more than a date.
"Boyfriend," her eyes widened as if I just stabbed her. "Stronzo."
This is getting weird. I dried my hands off and adjusted my glasses, just about out the door.
"You are a bambina," she cried.
"Um, are you okay ma'am?" I asked slightly concerned for this strange woman.
"Do you like older men?" she asked her eyes pleading with me.
"I really don't know…"
"What is he like with you? Is he passionate? Does he go soft when he makes love to you?" her questions poured out into demands.
What the fuck is happening?
Her hands were holding my wrists and thankfully, her crying weakened her hold as I pulled away. I tried running to the table tripping my way back.
"Bella?" Edward's face was concerned.
"Can we go? This lady freaked me out…" I trailed off pulling on his hands.
He looked past me, but I didn't want to see if crazy was behind me. He hurried out of the booth tucking me under his arm. I breathed a sigh of relief. That woman was asking uncomfortable and personal questions about Edward and me. Did people do that when they saw people with their significant others? If so, I didn't want to go out.
Edward helped me in the passenger seat, kneeling in front of me. "Are you alright?"
"Just freaked out," I sighed as he ran his fingers through my hair.
"What did the woman say to you, love?"
"She asked personal things about us," I whispered my cheeks feeling warm.
He pulled me into a hug and kissed my head. "I'm sorry that happened, love."
"It's not your fault," I said against his neck.
Why was he apologizing? This is ridiculous. "My head is fuzzy and I'm tired, can we go home?"
He smiled, standing to go to the driver's side. I shut my eyes on the way home drifting off. I felt Edward lift me from my seat.
"Stay the night?" I asked snuggling further in his arms. He felt good.
"I don't think that's a good idea," he said digging in my bag for the house key.
"Please, I'll keep my hands to myself," I said quietly and I think I heard him groan.
"Your brother or my sister is going to kick my ass."
"I'm worth it," I giggled playing with his hair.
"Very worth it."
He sat me on the bed and I knew if I slept in this dress, I would die of asphyxiation or pain. "Close your eyes," I told him biting my lip.
Edward smiled placing his hand over his eyes. I somehow shimmied out of my dress grabbing a hoodie and shorts. I slipped them on and then walked on my knees to the edge of the bed where Edward stood.
I started to unbutton his shirt and he slowly lowered his hand from over his eyes. "Bella," he murmured quietly.
"If you're sleeping over I want you comfy," I explained knowing Edward and I weren't ready for sex. But drunk me was feeling bold and liked undressing him.
"I need to leave the pants on," he said.
I looked him in the eyes. "Why?"
"I don't wear…you know."
"You're free balling," I giggled hysterically.
"I guess if that's what you want to call it."
"I'm not wearing anything under this," I gestured to my outfit.
"You just had to confess that?" he sighed leaning his head against mine. I really liked doing this it was like we could see each other's thoughts or something.
I picked up his hand and guided it up my shirt until he was gently cupping my breast. He moaned as he squeezed me and I squeaked. "No sex, but if your good I'll let you get to third base," I laughed.
"I…" was all he said before capturing my lips with his.
Once our intense make-out session came to a close Edward and I laid under my covers. I remembered I had some of Jazz's clothes over here because Alice ran out of closet space for her stuff putting his stuff in my drawers for space.
He watched me curiously as I grabbed a pair of sweats for him and threw them on his head. "Good aim, love," he chuckled telling me to close my eyes while he switched pants.
"I like you, your all snuggly," I said as he held me.
"Rylan could have told you that," he teased.
I kissed his chest where his heart was. We didn't say anything else, but I could feel something change between us as his hold became tighter and I smiled to myself. Edward made me happy and I knew I had fallen.
A/N: Downward spirals are bad… I wrote two chaps this weekend I felt accomplished. Note what Edward does isn't legal just keep that in mind for later. Second thought keep a lot of things in mind for later. I'm a woman with a plan…
Dolphin62958 is my beta I appreciate her work and time! Let me know what your thinking. I try to get back to your reviews, not going to lie I read a lot of them on my phone I don't know how to operate the new mobile format. Leave me a line or talk to me on twitter.
