Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
AN: Okay I hope that this meets all of the expectations of my reviewers. It is my longest chapter yet and we do get to the much anticipated prologue. I hope I did it justice.
BPOV
I was putting the last of the pies I had made into the wicker carrying basket when I felt two strong arms snake around my waist and the most tempting set of lips brush against my neck.
Mmmmm, Edward was here!
"If you keep doing that we will have to explain to your mother and my boss why we are late for Thanksgiving," I murmured only half caring at that particular moment.
"It would be worth it," Edward whispered back against my neck. His breath sending shivers down my spine.
"I have no doubt about that, but I guess I have to be the responsible one," I stated in the firmest voice I could muster, which was not really that stern. Thank goodness Edward relented his attack and reached over to take the basket off the counter.
"Just remember Miss Swan that this is simply a pause. We will finish this later."
The seduction in his voice was clear and decisive and I was looking forward to 'later'.
We headed to his parent's house and chatted catching up on the last week. Once again we had spent only fleeting moments together. The preparations for he Winter Carnival had all of us running in all directions trying to complete the last minute details before the holiday weekend rush.
I was definitely looking forward to the upcoming long weekend, so that Edward and I could spend some time together. I was actually looking forward to dinner with his family and the upcoming carnival party. Admittedly I was a little apprehensive about attending the family Thanksgiving, but Esme had stopped in to see me and made sure I knew how much I was wanted there.
It made me feel like a part of their close knit family to share this holiday with them. It also helps that she agreed to let me bring dessert. I couldn't go to anyone's home empty handed.
The road to Carlisle and Esme's home was very similar to the tree lined road leading to Edward's. It was on the other side of the resort's property, opposite of the others' homes. Edward explained that it had been built with the original resort and renovated over the years to keep up with the times.
I was speechless when the house came into view after the last turn in the road. It was magnificent. Again it looked as if it was made to be a part of the surrounding landscape. The exterior was constructed of wood, stone, and large glass windows that sparkled in the afternoon sun. It was easy to tell that the inspiration for the home came from the main lodge at the resort.
"Edward it's amazing!" I exclaimed as he parked in front of the house.
"It really is. I can honestly say that I loved growing up n that house. Although I think I would say that no matter where we grew up. My parents gave us a great childhood."
Edward's honest appraisal of his parents was always so heartwarming. There were many people that had little appreciation for their parents. Not only did he appreciate them, but he truly considered them to be one of the important people in his life.
When we walked into the foyer, we were immediately accosted by the most tantalizing smells.
"Mmmm, that smells fabulous!" I exclaimed.
"I have to agree with you there, Beautiful. Mom is a great cook. I will bet though that Emmett is already trying to sample and Mom is chasing him off!"
Sure enough as we walked through to the kitchen Emmett was trying to grab a piece of some of the turkey that Esme was basting. The only thing he received though was a rap to the back of his hand with the baster.
"Aww, Mom come one. I just want to make sure it's ready," Emmett whined giving her his best injured expression.
"Emmett, if I let you taste everything that you are trying to get at, the rest of us will have to eat bread and butter for Thanks giving. Now get out of here!" she chastised her bear of a son before giving him a kiss on the cheek and a shove out of the way.
Edward looked at me and mouthed the words 'Told you so.'
I couldn't help but giggle at Emmett's antics and Edward's eerily accurate prediction about his brother.
Edward sat the basket on the counter and walked over to give his mom a hug and kiss on the cheek. I followed him and did the same.
"Happy Thanksgiving, Esme. Thank you again for having me."
"Bella, it's our pleasure. It wouldn't be the same without you here with us," Esme spoke with such sincerity that I couldn't doubt her words.
"Emmett! Get your hand off that basket right now!" exclaimed Esme over my shoulder just before I heard the basket lid snap shut and Emmett jog out of the kitchen. I guess he figured that he had pushed his mother far enough for one holiday.
I couldn't help but giggle at Emmett's childish antics. He was just too funny for words sometimes. If I would have had a big brother I would have wanted him to be just like Emmett.
"I swear that boy's body kept growing, but his maturity is still stalled at age 12!" stated Esme with a slight shake of her head.
"At least you have me, Mom," said Edward putting an arm around her shoulders and squeezing her to his side.
"I seem to remember that you were the one always willing to follow your brother's many ideas their dear son of mine," came Esme's reply.
Edward pretended to look shocked and hurt by his mother's assessment, but he quickly gave her that infamous crooked grin before looking at me.
"Don't listen to a word she says, Bella. It's all lies I tell ya!"
I found myself giggling again. I loved watching them interact with each other. It was exactly how a family should be.
He walked over to me and placed his arm around my shoulder and kissed my temple. It set my heart into a flutter to know that he was comfortable being affectionate with me in front of his parents. James had never even introduced me to his family. At the time I never really thought about it, but seeing Edward so content to include me with his family's traditions made a lump start to form in my throat.
Esme smiled at us before addressing her son, "Edward can you go find your dad and tell him that dinner is almost ready. I think he is in his study. Let the others know to while you are at it."
"Sure, Mom."
Edward looked at me and I could tell that he was trying to gauge what I wanted to do, stay here with Esme or go with him.
I smiled at him and kissed his cheek before stepping towards Esme to see if she needed a hand with anything.
Esme and I made small talk while we got the food ready and carried to the dining room table. The table was set with candles, and table settings that looked like they belonged in a magazine shoot.
When we returned to the kitchen to check for last minute items, Esme turned to look at me with a kind smile on her face.
"Bella. I just wanted to say thank you."
"Esme, it was my pleasure to help you," I replied honestly thinking that she was thanking me fro helping finish up the meal preparations.
Esme just smiled and shook her head at me, "No, Bella, I am not thanking for helping me. I am thanking you for the joy you have brought my son. He has been alone for so long and I have always wanted to see him find what my other children have found with their partners. It makes me so happy to see what he has found in you."
For the second time in less than hour I found my throat clenching in emotion.
I managed to rein myself in well enough to say an emotional. "Thank you, Esme."
"No, thank you Bella," was her brief reply before grabbing me into a tight hug.
There wasn't anything else to say, her hug said it all.
We could hear everyone making their way to the dining room, so we walked in to join them.
Edward held out a chair that was situated between himself and Alice for me. I smiled at him and took my seat.
***
Dinner was great. Everyone ate too much, and that was only half of what Emmett consumed on his own. I really enjoyed being a part of a traditional holiday with such a loving family. It gave me a deep sense of hope that someday I may be a part of such a family permanently.
Before Edward took me home, Alice made me promise that I would be ready to go dress shopping the next morning at the crack of dawn. I groaned thinking that I would be one of the idiotic masses that would be shopping at the wee hours of the morning on Black Friday, which according to Alice was a national holiday.
I knew that it had to happen tomorrow because I needed the dress for Saturday, but it didn't make me any less apprehensive. Shopping with Alice was sure to be an Olympic level sporting event!
***
When Edward took me home, I asked him to come in for a little bit. I felt like we haven't had any quiet time together recently.
Edward built a fire in the stone fireplace and we sat against the couch on the woven rug drinking a glass of wine and snuggling together while we talked about nothing in particular.
I was sitting between Edward's legs and he was running his fingers through my hair. How something as simple as that could make my heart race was beyond me. When he started trailing hot, open mouthed kisses down my neck to my collarbone I almost came undone.
My breathing hitched when his hands trailed under my shirt and made small circles across my stomach, I could help the small groan that escaped from my parted lips. Slowly Edward widened the circles and eventually his hands ghosted over my bra before trailing back to my stomach. It was not nearly enough for my liking, but I decided to let him lead.
He repeated the same pattern on my stomach and headed back up to my breasts. This time staying there a little longer and ghosting his thumbs under the edge of my breath. I could feel my heart racing and my breath making an embarrassing amount of noise.
I loved feeling his hands on me, but I was in desperate need of feeling his lips on mine at that moment, so I twisted around in his arms so that I could kiss his lips with all the passion he was creating in me at that moment. I had never felt like this before with any other man. Al though my experience was not extensive, I had been with enough men to be able to separate the experiences. Being with Edward was in a whole other league.
Our kisses were passionate and filled with emotion. I wasn't even aware at what point my shirt came off and was thrown to the side. I just didn't care anymore. All I wanted to do was feel Edward's skin on mine, so I started unbuttoning his shirt as best I could while not letting my lips leave his.
"Bella," came Edward's muffled groan as he kissed along my jaw to my ear.
I loved that I was the one doing that to him. As soon as I released the last button, I pushed his shirt off his shoulders and tossed it aside.
My bra was not far behind it falling to the floor as well. The feel of Edward's strong hands as the caressed my breasts was amazing. Our chests pressed together just felt right. It was as if our bodies were made to be together with each other in this way. I ran my hands down his chest to his chiseled abs and groaned again at the feel of his skin under my fingers.
Edward eventually pulled away gasping for air, but never letting go of his hold on me.
"Bella, I can't believe how amazing it is to be with you like this, but I think we need to stop for now," his words came out in a raspy whisper.
What? Maybe we weren't on the same page here. Maybe I had misread things.
EPOV
As soon as the words left my mouth I realized that Bella would hear them differently than I had meant them. I needed to reassure her before her mind made her think otherwise.
I hugged her tightly to my chest and almost came undone as I felt her breasts press against my bare chest. It took all of my will power to not continue from where we had just left off.
"Bella, let me explain please," my voice was shaky both from emotion and the restraint I needed to get the words out before my desire took over all of my faculties
I felt her nod against my chest in response, but she didn't say anything. I guess this was going to be as good as it was going to get for now.
"Bella, believe me when I say I want nothing more than to throw you down on this rug and ravish you all night long. I want to hear you scream my name until your voice is hoarse. I also want to make sure that you know exactly how important you are to me when that time comes. I want to do this right, Bella. Can you understand what I ma saying? " I was pleading for her understanding.
I didn't want my relationship with Bella to follow the same path that I had with other women. Bella was it for me and I was determined that I would do this right.
"Okay," was her solitary response.
"Bella, I don't believe you. I need to know that you truly understand that I want you," I was desperate to make her understand my reasons.
"Edward, it really is okay. I just feel so much for you that it is hard to organize in my head sometimes. Can I ask you for one thing though?"
"Anything."
"Will you stay here tonight? I know that we won't do anything, but I would like to have you close to me. If you aren't comfortable with that I'll understand," her voice was unsure and filled with emotion.
"Bella, I would love to stay with you tonight. I want to spend every moment of my life with you," I cupped her face in my hands and kissed her with all of the emotion I felt. I only hoped that she could feel what my words could not tell her.
She didn't say anything to me, but instead kissed my bare chest several times before standing up and pulling me to my feet. Still holding my hand she led me up the stairs to her bedroom where we crawled under the thick quilt and held each other close before drifting off to sleep.
***
In my state of awakening, I realized that an insistent loud banging was the reason for my interrupted slumber.
What the hell?
It took me another second to realize that I was snuggled up behind the most wonderful woman in the world. Bella's hair was covering her pillow and draped across her still bare shoulder. I inhaled her wonderful, unique scent reveling in the fact that she was the one in my arms when I woke up. Unfortunately, the peacefulness was once again shattered by loud banging. This time Bella must have heard the noise and rolled towards me smiling in her drowsy state.
"Morning," was her muffled greeting as she yawned before snuggling closer to my chest.
"Good morning to you to beautiful," I replied kissing the top of her head.
Once again the mood was shattered by that damn banging.
"What is that?" asked Bella looking confused. It was so early that it made no sense for there to be any loud noises coming from outside at that hour.
"I have no idea, but I'll go check it out," I commented before untangling myself from Bella's arms and legs and padding down the stairs not bothering to put my shirt back on. I had every intention of returning to my girlfriend's warm bed just as soon as I found the source of the noise.
Just as I reached the bottom of the stairs I heard it again, and that's when I realized that someone was knocking rather impatiently on the front door.
Who the hell would be knocking on Bella's door at this ungodly hour?
I opened the door and started to say, "Do you have any idea what -," only be faced with a very pissed off Alice.
As soon as she saw that it was me her expression changed from irritation to an all knowing smirk.
"Well hello there my dear brother. Fancy seeing you here," her voice had an annoying tone as she strolled past me towards the stairs.
"Bella Swan you have exactly 5 minutes to get that cute ass of yours dressed and ready to shop!" She bellowed as she marched up the stairs obviously on her way to make sure Bella was ready in those given 5 minutes.
I knew that Alice would get her way and Bella would be dragged away in a few minutes, so I wandered into the kitchen to make some coffee for her to take along. Knowing Alice Bella would need the caffeine boost to keep up with my high energy sister.
Just as I predicted 4 minutes later, Bella and Alice came down the stairs. Alice looked triumphant and Bella looked less than thrilled.
I walked over and handed her a travel mug of coffee and wrapped my arms around her.
She quickly snuggled into my chest and thanked me for the coffee. Knowing that the longer I delayed her leaving with Alice would only prolong their return; I walked them both to Alice's car and made sure to give her a sound kiss good bye.
"Have a good day, beautiful," I whispered against her lips before tucking her in the car.
"Miss you," came her reply before Alice started the car and the radio blared out of the speakers. My sister was truly obnoxious sometimes. Refusing to let her win, I leaned again one more time and whispered in Bella's ear, "Miss you more".
BPOV
Alice drove like a maniac down the snowy mountain road like she was on a race track. I think I would have been scared shitless, if I wasn't so irritated at her early and demanding arrival. She certainly wasn't kidding when she said that we would be leaving bright and early. The early part was accurate enough, but the sun had barely crested the horizon so bright was stretching it a bit.
When I glanced over at her face she was sitting there just smirking away like the cat that ate the canary. I knew that this look had to be because she found Edward at my house this morning. I also knew that this meant that I was going to be interrogated to the fullest extent this morning. Knowing this, I decided to le her sweat it out a bit. At the very least I could have a little fun at her expense!
So I pretended to close my eyes and doze while she drove. Her patience lasted all of 2 minutes before she let out an exasperated groan.
"Bella, you can't possibly sleep now. I want details and I will not wait another minute! I want to know how exactly my dear brother came to be half naked at your door this morning?" she demanded.
I paused for a minute just for torture sake before talking.
"It's not what you think Alice. Honest I just wanted to spend some more time with him, so I asked him to stay. We didn't sleep together last night. Well we did sleep together, but not in the way you are thinking. We actually slept."
"Are you telling me that nothing happened, dear Bella?" she questioned raising a perfectly shaped eyebrow at me.
"I didn't say that Alice, I just said that we didn't sleep together in the biblical sense."
I knew that she wasn't stupid enough to believe that we hadn't been physical, but I still felt as if those details were private. Although part of me wanted to ask her about Edward wanting to take it slow. I was curious as to if this was something he always did with his girlfriends. I was trying to rein in my insecurity, but it wasn't always easy. As much as I believed Edward's sincerity about how he felt about me, I still held onto that little piece that said I wasn't in his league.
"Well it's good to know that you are at least having some fun thanks to my brother."
I just shook my head at Alice's remark. As much as I wanted to ask her about Edward's past, I knew that wasn't fair to him or her. Any questions I had should be asked directly to Edward.
Sooner than it should have taken us, we pulled into the dress shop that Alice said had the best selection in the area. I was surprised to see the lot had quite a few cars already. It was hard for me to fathom that other people were as insane about shopping in the wee hours of the morning as Alice was. Crazy people!
The store itself was actually a place that I would have shopped at on my own without Alice's encouragement. It was small and personal. The owner greeted us as soon as we entered with a smile at me and a warm hug for Alice. It was obvious that Alice was a favorite customer and was treated as such. Alice declined any assistance from the owner, stating that we would be fine. The owner nodded, but made Alice promise to find her if we needed any help.
Alice grabbed my hand and led me to a dressing room and pushed me inside. I thought this was a little odd because I hadn't even looked at anything yet, but Alice was quick to offer an explanation.
"Okay Bella, now get undressed and I will bring you some dresses. I am going to find the perfect dress for you to make my brother fall over. Not that it will take much. It is already so head over heels for you that a garbage bag would do the trick!"
I heard that last word she spoke before she walked out of the door, apparently a woman on a mission!
Alice was so absurd sometimes. The way she viewed Edward and I was over the top, although the thought of causing Edward to see me that way was definitely appealing.
Deciding to humor her at this point I quickly stripped down to prepare for the parade of dresses sure to some my way.
A few minutes later I realized how true that really was. Alice reentered the room with no less than 15 dresses over her arm.
"Holy crow, Alice. Don't you think this is excessive," I exclaimed. I had never tried on more than a few things before being satisfied with something. Shopping honestly was not a favorite pastime of mine.
"Bella, this is nothing I have 10 more waiting on a rack outside if the winner isn't among these. This is serious business. Now get moving. I have put them in order so start trying them on!"
I swear Alice was a dictator in her former life!
As I began to try on dresses, I realized that Alice's order was such for a reason. Each consecutive dress I tried on was better than the last. I was tempted to just tell Alice to give me the one that she really wanted me to wear, but my giving nature was still in rare form, so I played along. As soon as I saw the next to last dress I knew that it was the one.
It was the darkest blue silk that I had ever seen. In the light it almost appeared black when I turned in certain ways, but it was blue. The top was a clean strapless neckline that fitted my body in just the right way. It ended just above my knee in a simple hemline. The true beauty of the dress was in the crystals that encrusted the top of the dress. At first they were numerous, eventually fading away as the traveled towards the hem. It was magnificent!
Alice squealed when she saw me in the dress.
"I knew it! That's the one. Edward is going to positively drool seeing you in that dress! I am going to go and grab some shoes. I saw the perfect ones when we came in. Don't even bother trying the other ones on it's a waste of time," came Alice's fleeting response as she danced out of the room.
I was taking one last look in the three way mirror in the outer portion of the dressing room when I heard a female voice behind me.
"So you're the flavor of the month?" snarled a female voice I had never heard before. At first I thought she was talking to someone else, until I realized we were the only ones in the dressing room.
I quickly turned around to see who was talking to me. Then I sucked in a quick breath realizing who had just spoken to me.
Tanya.
I wasn't even sure what to say at first. I had technically never met Tanya before. I had only seen her at a distance. Unfortunately for me I realized quickly that her beauty was greater than I had imagined at that distance. Up close she was stunning.
Tanya decided to take advantage of my silence to continue with her verbal confrontation.
"I just thought it was only fair to tell you that Edward is mine! It will only be a matter of time until he realizes his mistake and comes crawling back to me. He and I belong together. I can't even imagine what he sees in someone like you," she sneered at me as she talked. I was so floored that this woman who I had never even spoken to could have such venom in her voice directed at me. Granted I can't blame her for wanting Edward, but being so malicious was just ugly.
Finding my voice I realized that there was little I had to say to her.
"I honestly don't have anything to say to you. I don't even know you, but try as you might Edward is with me now, so good luck with that!"
I felt quite proud of myself for standing up for myself against Tanya. Confrontation was typically something I avoided at all costs.
My pride was short lived at Tanya's next words. The familiarity struck a nerve that I thought was finally starting to lose its sensitivity, but apparently some wounds are deep.
"Keep telling yourself that sweetie, but you will never satisfy Edward like I have! I know what he needs and wants and I am the only person that can give it to him, so don't even bother trying!"
With her last words she turned with a satisfied look on her face and sashayed out of the room.
I just stood there rooted to the spot. Tanya's words stinging me to my very soul. Alice walked into the room moments later with a scowl over glancing over her shoulder before turning to look at me. She immediately saw my expression and rushed over to me,
"Bella are you okay? What's wrong?" Alice was frantically looking at me trying to gauge what was the matter.
I wanted so badly to tell her everything that had just happened, but couldn't. I was too humiliated. How in the world had I allowed myself to think that someone like Edward would want me. The echo of her words 'you will never satisfy Edward' brought the memory of James to the forefront all over again. They were almost the same words that he had spoken to me the night I had caught him cheating.
The combination of that memory along with Tanya's words was devastating to say the least. I wanted desperately to not find purchase in Tanya's words, but I was finding it very difficult. I knew better than to place my faith in a woman that was obviously after Edward, but it was extremely difficult. Having just begun to trust a man again didn't help my predicament either. For now I decided to just push it to the side until I could feel better equipped to sort it through.
Thankfully Alice didn't push me to talk to her on the ride home. I had a feeling that she had seen Tanya in the store by the look on her face when she returned to the dressing room, but to her credit she didn't push me. My guess was that she knew that I wasn't ready to talk just yet.
The ride back to my cabin was quiet. I was lost in my own thoughts and Alice left me alone to think.
When we pulled in front of the cabin, I reached for the door handle and was ready to get out when Alice's grabbed my arm.
"Bella wait a sec, okay. I know that something happened at the dress shop, and I am not asking you to tell me what it was. I respect your space and that when you are ready to talk that you know I am here for you, but I need to say one thing before you go."
Alice's voice had a hint of desperation, so I simply nodded to let her know I was listening.
With a sigh of relief Alice started talking again, "Bella I have a feeling that Tanya is somehow the cause of all of your silence. I saw her at the store and I know her well enough to know that she has no tact. Please know that Tanya is a manipulative woman that has no problems crushing those around her to get what she wants. Believe me when I say that Edward feels more for you than he has ever felt for anyone. Tanya holds nothing for him. Can you please trust me?"
Her voice was pleading and her expression was so earnest that I knew I would try my best to keep the faith I had gained with Edward. Edward had never given me any reason to doubt his feelings, and until he did I was going to trust him. Screw Tanya!
"Alice, I promise I still have faith in Edward. Tanya did say some things to me, but I will make sure I put them aside and chalk them up to a jealous ex-girlfriend's ranting."
Her expression relaxed with my declaration and she leaned over to hug me.
"Bella, Edward is so lucky to have met you!"
I hugged her back thinking to myself that I was the truly lucky one.
***
Alice arrived in the early part of the afternoon to help me get ready for the evening. To be honest, I was glad that Alice was coming over. Although I had decided to let the confrontation with Tanya go, I still wanted to make sure that I was worthy of being with Edward. I know that the thoughts were irrational, but it was what I needed at that moment. I knew with Alice's expertise in the beauty department that when all was said and done that I would look and feel my best.
True to her word and several hours of primping later I really felt the part of the beautiful girlfriend. My hair was shiny and hung in loose curl around my face. My makeup was more dramatic than usual, but not so heavy that I felt out of character. The dress was perfect, and even the shoes that Alice had found were just right. They had a heel, but it was not so high that I would be a detriment to my own safety.
After a last nod of approval, Alice left to get ready at her own house. Edward was picking me up shortly and I was both excited and anxious. Although we had been dating for several weeks now, this was the first time that we had gone out together to something that was not a casual event.
Before I knew it there was a knock at the door. Taking a deep breath, I threw it open to see Edward standing there in a black sports coat and pants. His shirt was a pale blue and unbuttoned near his throat. My throat went dry and I had no words for the god-like man in front of me.
After a few seconds I regained my composure enough to gesture for him to come. I realized at that point that he had yet to say anything to me either. Before I could even ponder this, Edward had grabbed me around the waist and crashed his lips to mine.
I guess he liked the way I looked!
I was more than happy to oblige his actions. Hell I was willing to skip the party and maybe work on moving our physical relationship a little further along. I know that I was trying to ignore Tanya's comments, but part of me still yearned to prove I was able to take care of all of Edward's needs.
Too quickly, Edward eased us apart slightly, but he didn't let go of me entirely.
"God Bella, you are stunning! It's a good thing that I fear Alice enough to make sure we still go to the party tonight. Otherwise we might never make it!"
"Mmmm, that does sound tempting. However you are right about Alice. I have no plans to incur her wrath tonight! There is always later though," I said in what I hoped was a seductive voice before sliding away from his grasp to get my coat so we could go.
I chuckled to myself as I heard Edward groan behind me. Thankfully he didn't push anymore because I wasn't sure how much I would be bale to resist at this point.
Ever the gentlemen, Edward helped me on with my coat and opened all of the doors for me. The trip was quick and peaceful to the lodge. We parked near the entrance and made our way inside quickly. The temperatures were dropping quickly and the forecast was calling for snow in the near future.
Edward pulled me close to his side and led me to the large ballroom that was where the party was located. We quickly spotted the rest of the family and headed over to the large table that was reserved for them. Everyone oohed and aahed over how fabulous everything looked. Alice had out done herself. The room was transformed into a winter wonderland. White lights and candles covered every surface. It was very magical and romantic. Eventually the group left the table to mingle and dance.
Edwards wrapped his arms around my waist and leaned close to my ear, "May I please have this dance?"
My knees trembled as his breath flowed around my neck. I simply nodded and allowed him to lead me to the dance floor. As he spun me around and wrapped himself around me a caught a glimpse of Tanya standing along the far wall glaring directly at me, her expression was so venomous that I actually had to look away.
Even though I had decided to not let Tanya get to me, I had a feeling that she was more determined than ever to get her way. Thankfully Edward was unaware of the silent conversation between Tanya and me.
After another dance, Emmett came over and cut in claiming that he had 'big brother' rights and he wanted to dance with his 'little sis'. Edward just shook his head and kissed my cheek before handing me over to Emmett. I just shook my head. Emmett was such a softie, but dancing with him was like dancing with a big bear, He spun me around the dance floor for a few songs before we both decided we needed a break.
When I glanced around the room, I didn't see Edward right away, so I decided a quick trip to the ladies room was in order before trying to track him down. My guess was that Alice had commandeered him for some task that needed completed at the last minute.
After I had finished in the ladies room, I was walking back the hallway to the ballroom when my whole world shattered before me. There in a secluded alcove at the end of the hallway was Tanya and she had her hands fisted in the most amazing head of bronze hair as her lips were smashed with his. His hands were holding onto her shoulders.
Edward was kissing Tanya! It was my worst nightmare all over again! This time it was a thousand times worse than catching James cheating because this time I realized that I loved the man kissing the other woman!
It seemed like hours passed, but in reality it was only seconds. I turned on my heel and ran as fast as I could in the opposite direction. I couldn't do this again. My heart couldn't take it. I had to get away from here as fast as possible. Self preservation was my only concern at the moment.
I had almost made it to the front doors when I realized that I didn't have a car here. I was
starting to panic at this point. There was no way that I could handle this right now. I needed some time and space.
Just before sheer panic set in, I felt a hand on my shoulder. It was Alice. She took one look at me and pulled me into a fierce hug.
"Bella, what the hell happened? You look like you have seen a ghost!"
She pulled back long enough to survey my expression.
"Alice, can you take me home please?" my voice was shaky and on the verge of losing it.
Alice must have sensed my desperation because she simply nodded and led me to her car.
The ride was painfully silent. All I could think about was seeing the man I had fallen in love with kissing another woman. The truth of her words in the dress shop coupled with James' words from my past were haunting me. I would never be satisfying to anyone.
Thankfully the drive was over quickly even though it had started to snow rather heavily as we drove towards the cabin. When Alice pulled up to my cabin, I knew that I had to get away from here to clear my head. I also knew that I didn't want to cause anyone panic, so I had to let someone know I was leaving for a few days. I just wasn't ready to hear Edward break my heart. I needed some distance and time to prepare for that crushing blow. Having to see James the same night that he cheated was just too painful. I couldn't let history repeat itself.
Without looking at Alice's face I said the few words that I knew I had to get out before I lost my composure.
"Alice, I can't talk about this right now, but I am going to leave for a few days. There are some things that I need to sort out for myself. I don't want you to worry, but I promise that I will call you later."
Alice just nodded her head in understanding before I jumped out of her car and headed into my cabin. I was leaving as soon as possible.
***
I was driving as fast as the snow covered mountain pass would safely allow. I just had to get as far away from him as possible. There was just no way that I could go through this kind of pain and humiliation again. Having your heart broken once in a lifetime was too much. Twice wasn't even imaginable.
I knew that leaving during the snowstorm and being an emotional wreck was definitely a bad idea, but being rational wasn't exactly where I was at this point in time. I knew my old truck was capable of getting me safely away from the resort even in snowy weather. The worst part of the drive was the windy mountain road from the resort to the main highway. After I reached the highway, I would call Alice and let her know that I was safe and needed some time to sort through my racing thoughts and emotions.
I was so lost in my thoughts as the tears streamed down my face that I didn't hear the distant rumble of the avalanche on the mountainside until it was too late.
Although avalanches could be common during the winter months, I had yet to witness one while working at the resort. Therefore, I had no idea what they entailed other than the brief descriptions given by the ski patrol. I was in no way prepared for the large wall of snow and debris that hit the passenger side of my truck with such force that it took my breath away as my chest slammed into the steering wheel. Within a few seconds I realized that my truck was no longer safely on the mountain pass, but was skidding closer to the guard rail on the other side of the road. I tried to swerve back to the right side, but the force of the snow wall was just too great.
The tumult of snow continued its assault on my truck until it hit the guard rail. I sent up a silent prayer that the rail would hold against my ancient Chevy truck and the vast amounts of relentless moving snow. The rail creaked and groaned in a valiant attempt to hold my truck steady, but the snow was ruthless and continued to push in opposition against my truck. Soon the snow had covered the cab of my truck and the glass of the windshield and passenger window began to groan just before it shattered, spraying me in the face with glass shards, snow, and debris cutting into my face and neck.
I knew that I was in serious trouble as the truck groaned one more time before sliding to the left and beginning its descent down the mountain side. My head was hurled into the driver's side window as the truck began to roll. Then everything started to turn hazy and the images in front of me began to swim out of focus. The last thing I remember was thinking…"Edward, Why?" before the darkness enveloped me.
AN: Well there ire is. Now the story has plenty left to go. The next chapter will start in Edward's POV.I am grateful to all who review. I had the most with the last chapter. Please let me know if this was what you expected. Also I love to hear any thoughts you may have. Thanks for reading!