Disclaimer : SM owns Edward & Twilight, not me (sadly!)
8th August 1998 (Summer holiday)
It was the beginning of August and we were going on our family holiday. We go every year to our holiday villa in Florida but this year is different. This year, Bella was coming with us and Alice wasn't.
Sat on our couch the day we were going, I looked over at Alice. I was actually a little sad she had decided not to come on holiday with us this year. Now she was seventeen, Mom and Dad said if she wanted to stay in Seattle with her best friend Kate she could. So that's what she chose to do.
Alice and I had been getting on better than ever. She had become less annoying and more happy, smiley and giddy. I think Bella was the main reason for us all getting along better. Bella and Alice had really bonded over the last couple of years. I knew that Alice now considered Bella to be her little sister. I also knew that Bella and Alice talked about boys which bothered me. I wasn't sure why it did, but it did annoy the hell out of me when I walked into the room, they would just stop talking mid sentence. I knew it was girl talk about boys. Sometimes with how they shut up so quickly, I'd swear they were talking about me.
For Alice's birthday, she did something I never though she'd do. She cut her hair. And when Alice did something, she never did it by halves. Alice's long black hair became a short pixie cut. I'm a lad so I don't really do hair and crap but I had to agree that the new hair cut suited her.
I smiled at her even though she wasn't paying any attention to me; she was too busy cuddling up to Mom on the other couch. They're really gonna miss each other.
We were picking Bella up from her house after dropping Alice off at Kate's. I stayed in the car while I watched my mom and dad say bye to Alice. We were only going for two weeks but I saw Mom with tears in her eyes as she hugged Alice fiercely then got back in the car.
I got really giddy on the drive from Kate's to Bella's. I was so happy to have Bella with me on holiday so I wouldn't be stuck with Emmett for two weeks solid on my own. Emmett was now twelve and he thought he knew it all. He was an annoying brat. He and I were good friends as well as brothers but when Emmett turned eleven, he just turned over night. He ditched his oldest friends so he could start to hang with the 'cool' kids from his year at school. I knew Mom was worried about him when his grades started to slip. He'd now had school detention more times than me, Bella and Alice put together.
When we pulled into Bella's driveway, she was sitting on her porch steps with her suitcase next to her. When she saw our car, she literally bounced to her feet and started clapping like some crazy person. I think Alice was rubbing off on her a little too much. I chuckled to myself as we stopped and jumped out of the car to help Bella with her suitcase.
"Hey Bee! You ready for some fun!" I shouted as I galloped in her direction, picking up her large suitcase and throwing my arm over her shoulder. She grinned at me and grabbed my t shirt with both hands while we walked.
"Yup" she stated as she emphasised the p with a 'pop' sound.
"Charlie here?" I asked.
"Nope" as answered emphasising the p again.
"Wow Bee, you're philosophical today" I rolled my eyes.
"Big word Edward, make sure you don't hurt that big brain of yours" she smirked back. Touche!
I loaded the suitcase and we were soon on our way to the airport. Bella and I watched the planes while we sat waiting for our flight. We boarded, sat in our seats and a short time later, we were touching down in Florida.
Waiting for us when we arrived was the rental car my dad hired while we were there. It was a red Audi and it looked so cool. Think dad might let me have a drive I wondered to myself as I trailed a finger over the bonnet. "Not a chance" my dad said as if he read my mind. I smirked at him; he knew me too well.
We arrived at our villa by late afternoon. My mom and dad bought the villa a few years ago after dad started complaining about how much we would spend each year in hotels for the holidays. It was near Disneyland which I knew Bella was excited about visiting even at her age.
The villa was painted cream with a brown tiled roof, two garages in which my dad had converted into a games room. The large open kitchen was brand new white cabinets which my mom loved. We also had an outdoor pool and hot tub. The living area was open plan so you could see the second floor; a bit like an indoor balcony. It was a very cool place to have holidays each year.
Bella had seen the villa on loads of occasions through photos and video footage but the first time she actual saw it with her own eyes, they popped out of their sockets and her jaw literally dropped. I thought it was hilarious; I was laughing so hard I had tears. She looked like the something out of a cartoon.
Through the tears, I saw Bella was giving me the evil eye, her arms crossed across her chest while she was tapping her foot. I tried to stop laugh but trying to stop only made the giggles worse.
"Am… sorry… Bee… that… was… so... funny..." I said between the hysterical laughter.
"You're so gonna pay for that Edward Cullen" she seethed at me. I thought she would was about to run at me and beat me within an inch of my life, but instead she turned on her heel and marched into the villa. I sobered up immediately, I'm so screwed.
We had four bedrooms; Mom and Dad's, Alice's, Emmett's and mine. Alice's room had two single beds so she could bring a friend on holiday and all the others had doubles. I tried and tried to convince Bella she should take my room with the double bed instead of having the single one but it was no use. Bella was such a stubborn person.
Once the car was unpacked, I gave Bella some chocolate as a peace offering so she let me show her around. The last room was Alice's bedroom. "Er yeah, this is Alice's room. Well actually yours for the next two weeks." I nodded towards the two single beds in the middle of the room. I placed her suitcase on the bed nearest the window.
"You sure you want this room? My room has a double bed and ..." I looked at Bella who was now staring out of the bedroom window, ignoring me. I continued.
"My room is next door then Emmett's with Mom and Dad's at the end. You have a bathroom of your own" I said as I walked over to the en suite door, opening it wide. Bella was still looking out of the window.
"I'll leave you to unpack." I waiting by the door, again hoping she'd respond but she seemed deep in thought. I walked up behind her, putting my hands on her shoulders giving a little squeeze. "You okay Bee?" I asked softly in her ear. I thought I felt her shiver a little.
Bella turned her head to face me, "Yeah, just thinking..."
"I'll be downstairs. Take your time to unpack but don't be too long cause I need to show you the pool and the beach before the sun sets" I stated as I gave her shoulders a parting hug.
For the rest of the afternoon, I showed Bella the beach which was a short walk away from the villa. We set down our towels and stretched out in our shorts and t shirts, watching the people, the sea and the sun. We sat in mostly silence, talking a little until the sun was setting. I couldn't decide if Bella was still mad with me for laughing or she had something else on her mind. I decided not to push her for answers; she'd tell me when she was ready, she always did.
The next day I woke to a cold wet sponge hitting my head. Bella seemed a lot better and this was her idea of getting her own back. On the second day, we had our trip to Disneyland where Bella was so excited about meeting Goofy, I thought she might faint. Goofy was her favourite which never surprised me as she was a bit goofy herself. She had a huge grin on her face as my mom took our photo with him.
On the third day, Bella and I have decided to go to the beach. The weather was sunny and warm so Bella and I packed to spend the whole day there. After the five minute walk from the villa, we found a perfect spot near the seafront to set up camp. It was still fairly early so there weren't many people around yet. That would soon change. I was just unpacking my book when I realised I'd forgot the sun cream.
"Oh damn! I forgot the sun cream Bee. I'll just run back and get it, okay?"
"Yeah" Bella answered as she unfolded a beach towel ready to lie on. Her long brown hair picked up red hints in the early morning sunshine.
"You sure you'll be okay?" I asked again; I didn't like leaving her on her own.
Bella straighten up from her crouch, smoothing her t-shirt and shorts as she rolled her eyes at me, "Silly Edward, of course I'll be okay".
Bella still used her child-like name for me even after all these years. I smiled then turned to sprint back to the villa as quick as I could. It only took me a couple of minutes when I crashed through the doors. No one was here. Strange. Shrugging to myself, I ran up the stairs two at a time, rushing into my room to grab the sun cream. I turned to walk out of the room when I heard someone coughing.
As I walked down the stairs, the coughing got louder. It seemed to be coming from the pool area. I was in a hurry to get back to Bella but the coughing sounded nasty so I started walking towards the back of the villa where the pool was to investigate.
As I rounded the corner, I could see Emmett hunched off coughing his lungs up. "Hey Em, you okay?" I shouted over the coughs as I put the sun cream down on the table and made my way over to him. He sounded like he was choking. Just before I got to him, he held his hand up as a gesture to stop me. Stopping just in front of him, I was worried. Had he eaten something that was stuck in his throat. Emmett's hand was still in front of me as his whole body shook violently with coughing.
"Em, is something in your throat? Do you need me to hit your back or do... ummm... the Heimlich manoeuvre..."
Emmett just shook his head but the coughing seemed to be slowing down.
"Just breathe" I chanted to him as his breathing became more normal and he lowered his arm. As he did this, I saw he had something in his other hand. What the hell was that! I looked like … no. A lit cigarette.
"Emmett!" I shouted. "Is that a cigarette?" I'd gone from worried to calm to outraged in the space of seconds. I couldn't believe my eyes, he was smoking. "You idiot! Don't you know those things will kill you! Wait 'til I tell Mom and Dad ..." I started to march away from him when he caught my arm after a few strides making me swing back round in his direction.
"Don't you tell Mom and Dad!" he shouted "You can't!"
"Yes I can, where are they?"
"Gone to do some shopping but I didn't want to do that crap" he answered.
"So you thought you'd kill yourself instead" I screamed, "You're an idiot Em! I just … I just can't believe you would do something so stupid!"
"Well everyone does it" Emmett argued.
"Who? Who's everyone Emmett." I started counting on my fingers, "Mom, Dad, Alice, Bee, me all don't, so who's does? Hm!"
"Jared and Paul do!" he screamed back. He had tears in his eyes and I didn't know whether it was the coughing or the thought of me telling Dad.
I laughed sarcastically "Jared and Paul are idiots too then. Why do you even hang out with them?"
Emmett was looking straight at me when he paused to consider his response. His expression changed as he smirked at me with an evil gleam in his eye, "Well, at least I'm normal and I hang with boys. Not like you who has a girl for a best friend"
I frowned, "I'm normal, and it doesn't matter that Bee's a girl"
"Bet you fancy her now she has boobs!" Em continued. "Paul says Bella has nice boobs and he would love to touch them"
I was shocked to hear my twelve year old little brother talk about this type of stuff. I stood just looking at him until what he said actually sunk in.
"What the f..? Don't you dare talk about Bee like that you... you..." I was furious; I nearly slipped up and swore.
"Yeah and Jared said he thinks Bella likes him, like really likes him as she's always smiling at him" Emmett continued tossing the cigarette over the fence into the field behind the villa then crossing his arms across his chest.
"She does not like a little twelve year old! She smiles to be nice and polite!" My blood was at boiling point.
"Well I heard that Mike Newton really likes her too and after the summer, he's going to ask her to be his girlfriend and ..."
Mike bloody Newton. When Bella and I were fourteen, we started going to the same school which was the same school Alice was at. Mike Newton was the idiot that broke Alice's heart a few years back. There was no way he was going anywhere near Bella. Over my dead body.
I didn't let Emmett finish before I launched myself at him, knocking him to the floor with me. Kneeling over him I growled "Don't you ever talk about Bee like that again, you hear me or so help me, I'll… I'll..."
Emmett still had a smirk on his face, "Ooooh you jealous big brother?"
"I... I..." I stumbled back to my feet. I couldn't think straight. Did I bang my head with the fall 'cause it hurts like hell.
"I have to go" I stated as I ran away from the pool picking up the sun cream on my way out. I walked slowly back toward the beach, eyes down, I still couldn't think straight. Why did Emmett think I was jealous of Mike? I was just protective; always have been. I didn't like Mike but that's because he and I have never got on especially with the Alice situation. And I know Bella doesn't like him either. Why didn't I just say that?
As I got to the beach, I was still lost in thought. As I looked up to find Bella, I noticed the beach had filled up. As I looked, I stopped dead as my eyes got caught on a pink bikini not that far away from where I left Bella.
A girl about my age was lying on her back on a towel with her face facing away from me. She didn't look very tall but she looked drop dead gorgeous. Lots of pale, flawless skin was on display, long slender legs, one of them bent at the knee. Small shoulders, her arms were at her sides and boobs, yes I saw boobs and they looked really good.
I stood at the edge of the beach and shamelessly stared at this girl's boobs. I had that funny feeling in my groin that my dad ensured me was normal when we had 'the talk' a couple of years back. I saw her arms move slightly. She reached up and touched her own boob. I was in teenage heaven as my peen started to grow and became uncomfortable in my shorts. Trying to adjust myself without anyone noticing, I looked up from her chest to her head. This was an attempt to try and stop the problem in my shorts. It didn't work.
Her face was still facing away from me so all I could see was her hair that looked brown and long but piled on the top of her head. With one last glance at her chest, I shook my head as my eyes drifted across the beach to find Bella but she wasn't where I left her.
I started to feel the panic rise from my stomach to my chest. I started to pace over to where I left Bella. I passed pink bikini girl not looking as I couldn't think about her now; I needed to find Bella and make sure she was okay.
"Edward?" I heard just behind me.
I twirled on the spot at the sound of Bella's voice. She was sat up on a towel a couple of feet away wearing a pink bikini. Oh my god …... Bella is pink bikini girl?
"Edward? I moved a bit because of the volleyball game starting over there. Is that okay? You look… umm… sort of shocked..."
I couldn't speak. I opened and closed my mouth a couple of times but nothing came out.
"Edward? You're kinda scaring me now … what's wrong?" Bella frowned at me.
"I… I…" Oh my god I was checking out Bella. When the hell did she get so … I daren't even think of the word. I subconsciously looked down from her eyes to her chest again. I just couldn't stop myself. It was as if my eyes had a mission of their own. The problem in my shorts now refused to go away and I think I may have been drooling a little too. She's gonna think I'm a pervert! When my eyes lifted back to her face with what felt like hours later, Bella was looking down at her crossed legs and biting her lip. Bella had always bit her lip when she was nervous. It's probably because you're looking like she's something to eat I chastised myself.
I tried again with the talking and it seemed to work this time. "I... I got the sun cream?" I said holding out the bottle, not sure whether it should be a statement or a question.
Bella lifted her eyes to me keeping her face down so she was looking through her eyelashes, still biting her lip. Oh my god, kill me now. The problem in my shorts just got worse, a lot worse. Quickly, I saw my towel set up next to her and almost lpeat on to it, crossing my legs and resting my arms across my lap. I sat at the other end of the towel to where Bella was with my back to her. I just need a minute...
"Great! Could you do me?"
My eyes popped out of my head as I spun around to face her, "Excuse me?" I squeaked in a high pitch voice.
"My back? Would you put some cream on my back? I know I shouldn't have started sun bathing before you came back with the cream but I was just so hot with my shorts and t shirt on. I'm surprised you haven't started lecturing me on sun safety" she chuckled as she grabbed the cream for my hand and squirted some in her hands and started to rub her arms.
"Yeah" I squeaked then I coughed and tried to sound more manly. "Yeah, course I will Bee. What are friends for?" I gulped.
"Fantastic. Two minutes ..." she said as she got some more cream and put it on her legs. My eyes watched her hands movements. Up and down. Up and down. Up and down. I'm so screwed. When she moved for hands to her stomach and chest, I couldn't watch any more without being caught.
"Okay Edward. Be gentle. It's still cold." she said turning to lay on her front. Her hair was already piled up on her head so I didn't have to worry about that. I crawled to her side and put some cream in my hands, rubbing them together so it wouldn't be as cold then placed my hands on her shoulders. My hands tingled when they touched her skin as I worked the cream into her shoulders and neck. I moved down to her back and before I realised what she was doing, she pulled the strings of her bikini top so I had full access to all of her back. My hands froze in the middle of her shoulder blades. Then my hands started to move before my brain caught up. Starting from her shoulder blades my hands moved outwards towards her sides and before I knew it, my finger tips on both hands skimmed the sides of her boobs. I bit back a groan that threatened to escape until I could actually taste blood in my mouth. I quickly finished the rest of her back and before she asked me I tied the strings back together, God help me if that top slipped away.
Bella sat up on her knees, "You want me to do you now?" I nodded not sure of my voice. "Take your top off then silly"
I felt very self conscious lifting my t shirt over my head, strange how I never thought about this earlier knowing we would be on the beach all day. Over the last couple of years, the hormones started so I wasn't a skinny kid any more but I still have a lean physic. And the hormones were definitely raging today with the site of Bella in a bikini.
I laid down just as Bella did while she creamed my neck, back then the back of my arms and legs. "Turn over Edward and I'll do your front too" she said in my ear, leaning over me.
I quickly scrambled to sit "It's okay Bee. I can do that myself" I think my face was red just thinking of Bella touching my stomach.
She shrugged as she reached over my legs for her sunglasses, putting them in place with a smile then laid down again. I was hot and bothered and it wasn't because the sun was beating down on us. I needed some space to breathe and think.
"I'm just gonna grab a drink, you want one?" I asked.
"Yes please"
I jumped to my feet and almost ran towards the little café just off the beach. Once I got there I was glad of the queue as it gave me time to think. It felt like I was seeing Bella for the first time and it was very strange and confusing. Did I know her at all? I wondered. But of course I knew her; she was my best friend of the last ten years but when did Bella grow up. I got to the front and brought two cans of Coke then made the trip back to Bella.
As I did, I could see she was sat up and someone was with her. A lad who looked about twenty one was crouched next to her; his tanned chest just inches from her face.
"Who the fuck is that?" I whispered to myself. I could feel the dread in the pit of my stomach as I continued to walk toward them.
"Hey Bee, I got you a Coke." I said as soon as she would be able to hear me. I handed it to her.
"Oh Edward, this is Sam. Sam this is Edward who I was telling you about"
I couldn't help the smirk I gave Sam when I shook his hand knowing that Bella had been talking about me.
"Oh so this is your best friend" Sam emphasised the friend element of the sentence. I gritted my teeth as I heard Bella answer with a yes and a grin.
"Sam's just asked if we want to join in with the next volleyball game that's starting in a few minutes. I was telling him I'm not the best person for sports" Bella rolled her eyes at me.
"Oh Bella, you'll be fine" Sam cooed. "Come on, you don't want to miss the fun" and then he winked, at my girl! Wait, what?
Bella blushed at the attention and gave a sweet smile. I wanted to tell him to fuck off but I didn't think Bella would appreciate that so I forced another smile.
"Maybe some other time" I said through gritted teeth.
Sam sighed. "Well at least I tried to get the hottest girl on the beach to play with me" he chuckled. The arrogant bastard! I didn't miss his double meaning even if Bella did. I was getting really pissed off with him and then he stroked Bella's leg with one finger.
"Hey mate. Back off!" I almost growled.
"Edward it's fine. I think he's leaving now" she shot him a pointed look.
"Okay baby" he said. He stood then and reached for his short's pocket and pulled out a card. "But if you want some fun later, here's my card"
I jumped to my feet and was surprised that I was the same height as him. "She's fifteen you pervert!" I had reached my boiling point. I wanted him gone and now. I didn't care that he was older and bigger than me.
He just chuckled and shook his head at me, turned then stalked off back to the volleyball nets. I was still furious when I sat down staring a hole in Sam's back as he walked away. "Dick" I muttered quietly.
Bella gasped and I turned to look at her, "Edward, I've never heard you swear before. You okay?" she placed her hand on my shoulder and I immediately felt better but not enough to stop the bitter edge of my words.
"Yeah I am now" I scowled towards the volleyball game again.
I was restless and pissed off for the rest of the day. Every guy that walked pass us seemed to ogle Bella laying in that pink bikini. I felt like some sort of guard dog, growling at all the unwanted attention. And when I said unwanted, it was unwanted by me. Bella didn't seem to notice everyone's eyes on her. This pissed me off even more.
As the sun was setting, I was tired with being on edge for most of the day.
"It's getting a little chilly with the sun setting, I think I'll put my t shirt on" Bella said reaching for it.
"Now you decide to do that!" I snapped.
"Edward, what's gotten into you today? You've been acting weird all day"
"I'm fine Bee, just peachy!" I snapped again.
Packing our stuff in silence, we made our way back to the villa just in time for dinner. I was quiet again at the table while Mom talked about her day shopping. I was still furious over what had happened earlier with Bella on the beach so I daren't open my mouth. I looked over at Bella and she looked sad. She was quiet too; pushing a few peas around her plate. Then I felt horrible that I was the one that made her feel like that. I hated to see Bella sad; always had. I was basically ignoring her; she probably hated me. Once everyone had eaten, Bella excused herself and went to her room.
"You two okay?" my mom asked as I helped her load the dishwasher.
"We're fine mom" I snapped followed by a quick "Sorry". Mom looked took a long look at me, "You're tired honey, go get some rest and talk to Bella in the morning"
As I crawled into bed that night, I thought I was going to be able to go straight to sleep but my brain wouldn't switch off as the events of that day replayed in my mind. Emmett, smoking, Mike, Bella, pink bikini, Sam, Volleyball all rolled over and over. I pushed the thoughts of Emmett and his newest habit to the back of my mind because I had more pressing matters to attend to. Bella.
I turned over for what seemed to be the hundredth time when what Emmett said to me earlier popped into my mind, You jealous big brother?
Jealous? Was that the reason I was pissed off with everyone looking at Bella today at the beach? In that small pink bikini?
Just the mere thought of Bella in that bikini made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end and I had goosebumps on my arms. That similar warm feeling was spreading through my groin as I bit my pillow to stop groaning. I glanced over to my clock to see it was now past midnight and everyone would be asleep. So I did what any fifteen year old lad with a boner does, I snuck into the bathroom for some cream and tissues and jacked off. It wasn't the first time I'd done this. I had a thing for Sharon Stone. But it was the first time I imagined Bella and what her hands would be like if she was the one doing it to me. And what scared me the most was it didn't feel weird.
The next morning I woke up early even though I was still tired, pulled on his swim shorts and raced down to the pool. I think I was hoping the cold water would cool me down in more way than one. After the fifth length, I paused by the side for a second. I pulled my wet, flat hair away from my forehead, trying to catch my breath when I saw movement to my left. Bella had walked then sat in one of the sun loungers by the side of the pool without me realising. She was sat in her t shirt and jean shorts, one leg bent with her arms crossed against her chest. She didn't look happy.
"Bee? You okay?" I worried as I pulled myself out of the pool and rushed over to where Bella was sat, then kneed by her side dripping wet. Bella gave me a small look of shock before going back to the pissed off look.
She took a couple of deep breaths. "You!" she seethed. "You… Argh!" she screamed, throwing her arms in the sky. "What the hell is your problem?"
I frowned then looked away from her. "I'm sorry" I whispered.
"Did you say something?"
Turning, I looked her straight in the eye "I'm sorry Bee. Sorry for being a, well you know..." I trailed off.
"A dick" Bella finished using my own choice of words from yesterday.
"Suppose I deserve that" I sighed looking down.
"Yes you do Edward! What the hell happened yesterday? Why were you being an ass all day?"
I decided to be honest as Bella and I have always been. Here goes... everything?
I looked back at Bella; her eyes were wide and wanting answers. They were beautiful as was the rest of her. "Bee, I'm very protective over you. You know this right?" I smiled as I reached and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. My fingers tingled slightly as they lingered at her cheek as I cupped it gently.
"You're the most important person in my life so when I see people trying to... to take advantage of you, it..." I shook my head struggling to get the right words out. Taking a deep breath, I continued "It really gets to me. That Sam yesterday, argh, I wanted to knock him out!"
Lost in my own thoughts I started to rant, "He doesn't even know you but because you were in that bikini looking as hot as hell, he tried to chat you up! Even though he could see you were with me. Idiot! Hope that volleyball takedown I saw really hurt him because he was..."
I was pulled out of my rant but Bella moving my hand from her face to hold onto it at her side. "Hold the phone!" she said "You think I looked hot yesterday. Like Sharon Stone hot?" she tiled her head to the side. Bella knew of my crush.
"Well, I suppose..."
"Or is that a yes or a no Edward?" Bella sound interested to know the answer.
I held her gaze as I answered, "Sharon Stone has nothing on you Bee"
Bella stare was now intense as her eyes burned into mine. Before I realised what I was doing, I was within a few inches of Bella's face staring at her lips. When she bit the bottom one I looked into her eyes again. It was at that moment, I realised I wanted to kiss her. Not just a friendly peck but a proper kiss. I closed the gap again testing for Bella's reaction and when she didn't move away from me, I leaned in closer. I was within an inch of Bella's full luscious lips when...
"Ahem! Ex squeeze me" said a familiar voice from behind me. I jumped away from Bella so quick I stumbled back. Luckily, I managed to grab hold of another sun lounger before falling on the floor. I whipped my head around to see Emmett smirking at me. Rising to my feet, I glared at him before looking back at Bella. She was still sat on the lounger with her head down, staring at her twisted fingers in her lap.
"Hope I wasn't interrupting..."
"No" answered a little too quickly. I looked at Bella again who didn't seem to have moved.
"Well..." Emmett trailed off "Can I talk to you Edward? About yesterday?"
"I'll get out of your way" Bella quickly stood up and moved towards to the house. She was gone before I could say anything. Great.
"What Emmett? What do you want as if I don't know" I huffed.
"You gonna tell Mom and Dad?"
"Will you do it again?" I looked him straight in the eye.
"No" he said calmly and I believed him.
I sighed "So no I won't say anything, but if I hear or see you do that shit again, I won't be so understanding."
"Thanks big brother" he whispered. He gave me a small smile then I realised I was still wet from the swim so I grabbed my towel and made my way into the house to find Bella. I needed to talk to her. Was I going to actually kiss her then? Was she gonna let me? Did she want to kiss me too? So many questions running around my head. But I couldn't find her. I looked in every room of the villa but she was no where.
"Dad, you seen Bee?" I asked as I ran down the stairs.
"She's gone with Mom for a walk I think"
"Oh" I answered with a frown.
"You okay son?" Dad asked.
I answered with a shrug. "Yeah"
"You want to talk?"
"Nah." Dad took a long look at me "Okay. I'll be by the pool if you need me." I nodded as I wandered back upstairs to my room and crashed.
I woke mid afternoon, racing downstairs. I couldn't believe I'd actually fallen asleep. Must be all the sun. I found Mom in the kitchen sorting out a salad for lunch. I smiled when I saw her.
"Hey Mom. Why didn't you wake me?" I hesitated while I asked my next question, "Where's Bee?" I almost whispered her name and mom seemed to understand.
"She's in her room honey. She'll be down when she's ready"
"'Kay" I said glumly as I dragged my feet towards the games room. I really wanted to see Bella and talk about what happened over the last couple of days. I felt like my whole world had somehow changed and I needed to talk to my best friend about it all. Of course, it made it a hundred times harder as Bella was the person I needed to talk about but I still felt I needed to talk to her before anyone else. Maybe she can help me straighten a few things out in my head.
After an hour in the games room, I sat with dad by the pool for a couple of hours 'til it was early evening. I was really worried about Bella now as I still hadn't seen her. It was killing me; all the thoughts and questions swirling round my mind. Was Bella mad with me? I was horrible to her yesterday. Was I jealous? I knew the answer to the last question. What made me anxious me was why I was jealous. Sure Bella's been my best friend for ten years and we are inseparable. Maybe I just don't want to share her? I couldn't help thinking that there was more though.
As early evening turned into late evening, I dragged my sorry self to my room. It was obvious that Bella didn't want to talk to me and I was sick of Dad continuing looking over at me with that worried expression. Once I was in bed, I couldn't sleep, again. All I could think of was Bella. It didn't matter whether my eyes were open or closed; images of Bella filled my mind. Images from the day before; Bella in a pink bikini, seemed to be forever etched in my head. I racked my brain to think of when Bella started becoming a young woman instead of my clumsy, kid best friend. I smiled to myself thinking back to when we were just kids, playing for hours and hours in our backyards. Thinking back to all the birthdays and Christmases we had together made me feel warm and fussy; just like home.
I must have been laying there for hours, thinking back at all the fun we'd had when I hear the faint sound of my bedroom door opening. Thinking it was Mom checking on me, I squeezed my eyes shut hoped I looked like I was asleep but a voice I knew all too well made me sit up so fast my head began to spin.
"Edward? You awake?" Bella whispered.
After the initial dizzy moment passed, I waved her into my room. Bella tipped toed in. It was dark so I couldn't see her face, just the black silhouette of her coming towards me. Once she reached the bed, I thought she would sit but I was wrong.
She turned back the sheets and climbed in. I gulped as her hands found my bare shoulders; she cuddled next to me and the familiar tingle returned. I'm so glad I don't sleep naked. With my arms still firmly by my sides, she placed her head in the crook of my neck and sighed loudly next to my ear. Her next word shocked me.
"Sorry"
After a few seconds I realised I still hadn't spoken her. What was she sorry for? The near kiss? Probably.
"No need to say sorry Bee, you have nothing to say sorry for. I'm the idiot. I'm sorry Bee" I whispered.
Bella sighed again and nuzzled her nose into my neck, "Sorry for avoiding you today. I..." she trailed off.
"You don't have to explain Bee. I'm sorry for this morning. I didn't mean to… you know" I felt Bella move a little.
"Oh… okay"
We laid in silence. Bella's breathing evened out eventually and I knew she must have fallen asleep. I was a little worried; I didn't feel as comfortable as I probably should with my best friend in the same bed as me. Before this holiday, Bella was just like any other friend apart from being my very best friend. Now I wasn't so sure how I felt.
I slipped out of Bella's grip and stood. Looking back at Bella, she looked so peaceful in the dim moonlight. I smiled then made my way to Alice's room for the night.
We never talked about the near kissing incident again as it was obvious Bella just wanted to forget about it. So that's what I did; it was as if it never happened. We slipped back into our goofy, friendly selves with ease which made me feel a little weird.
On the last day of our holiday, Bella and I took a last stroll on the beach before we were heading back. As the sun set, we both looked out to sea as Bella took my hand. I was a little surprised at first but I gave it a bit of a squeeze as we continued to watch our beautiful surroundings.
12th September 1998 (Night before Bella's 16th birthday)
Sat at my kitchen table waiting for Dad to give me a ride to Bella's, I was really nervous. It was Bella's sixteenth birthday tomorrow and she was having a few select friends round for a sleep-over tonight. I was one of those select friends of course. The problem: I was the only lad there. It was me and three girls. I really wasn't sure about that but I knew Bella's would be really pissed off with me if I didn't go.
This wasn't the first time I had slept over at Bella's house but it was the first time since this summer. After the holiday, we continued to not talking about the near kiss but it was all I could think about since we got back to school.
The first day back, Mike Newton decided he was going to ask Bella out on a date. Even though Emmett had told me this, it took me completely by surprise. But what surprised me more was that Bella said yes.
It was a week ago since Mike and Bella went to get ice cream together. I shouldn't be angry at Bella but I felt sort of betrayed. I'd never liked Mike and the fact that Bella now was sort of his girlfriend made my skin crawl.
Arriving at Bella's with my sleeping bag rolled under my arm and bag on my back, I waved at my dad as he drove away. I took a couple of deep breaths before knocking on the door.
"Edward. You don't need to knock" Charlie said as he opened the door for me. "You're almost family".
"Thanks Charlie"
"They're in the living room set up" Charlie rolled his eyes at me. "You're a bigger man than me spending a night doing girls' things" he slowly shook his head at me as he led me to the room. In front of the log fire and television, there were three sleeping bags already laid out, all pinks and purples and all occupied by their owners; Bella, Angela and Jessica.
Bella jumped to her feet when she saw me awkwardly lingering in the doorway. "Hey Edward! Thought you'd never get here"
"Had to wait for my dad to give me a lift" I said as I gave her a quick hug. "Angela. Jessica." I nodded in their direction. Both Angela and Jessica were the same age as me, fifteen. Angela had long black hair and was petite like Bella. She gave me a warm smile. I liked Angela; but not like that. She was probably Bella's best girlfriend. Jessica gave me a grin too. She was a little tall and had more meat on her, as my dad would put it. She had shoulder length brown hair. I was never sure about Jessica. Bella once told me she fancied me but she's never said anything. Thank god!
I unrolled my blue sleeping bag next to Bella's purple one and sat crossed legged on it. Bella joined me.
"So we have a movie night planned. And as it's my birthday, I choose Titanic. Jack Dawson" Bella sighed.
I rolled my eyes at the group sigh and then girly squeal. It's gonna be a long-ass night.
While Bella, Angela and Jessica continued to talk about who would be a better boyfriend, Leonardo DiCaprio or Matt Damon, I got up to get a drink from the kitchen. Charlie was there and he looked like he was ready for work.
"Edward." he greeted me. "Just who I wanted to see. I've just had a call from the station to come down. Just had a breakthrough on a case. Can you hold the fort for me? Keep the girls safe?"
"Sure can" I answered with a grin. I loved to be in charge. "Does Bee know you need to go?"
"No, I'm going to tell her now. In fact, can you send her in here for me?"
I grabbed a can of Cokem "Sure" I answered as I made my way back in the living room.
"Bee. Your dad wants to talk to you in the kitchen"
Bella looked at me with a confused expression but got up anyway and walked into the kitchen.
"So..." Jessica said as I sat back down, opening my can. "You okay Edward? How was your summer?" she asked a bit too sweetly and batted her eyelashes at me.
"Huh? Yeah it was great thanks"
"Not much of a talker are you?" Jessica scooted over to sit next to me. It made me feel uncomfortable.
"Depends what mood I'm in I suppose" God, I hope Bella comes back soon.
"So you're not in a talkative mood tonight then? What mood are you in?" she asked as she put her hand on my knee, making me jump. "Don't worry" she almost whispered, "I won't bite".
I gulped and was then thankfully saved my Bella entering the room. She looked like she might have been crying.
"Hey Bee. You okay?" I asked as I kneed up, dislodging Jessica's hand in the process.
"Yes" Bella said firmly, shooing Jessica back over to her sleeping bag. "So Leonardo DiCaprio anyone?"
We all lay on our stomachs watching Titanic which was okay. It was the first time I'd seen it. At the scene with the steamy car, I glanced over to Bella to see her biting her lip. I probably looked a little too long cause Bella glanced back at me. Once our eyes locked, I couldn't look away. It felt like I was in some sort of spell. A loud cough broke whatever had just happened. I smiled but I wasn't sure why as I looked down at my arms crossed under my chin.
When the sinking started to happen, I got interested. Watching the movie, it was amazing that most of the boat and people were computer generated. Near the end, I had to go to the bathroom; I couldn't wait any longer. As I made my way down the stairs after, Jessica was waiting at the bottom.
"Oh sorry. The bathroom's free now"
Jessica could a step toward me, "Edward, you worry too much". I took a step back and stumbled back on the bottom step.
"Edward? You okay?" I heard Bella shout.
"Yeah I'm fine" I answered, getting up and stepping round Jessica. She muttered something under her breath then started to walk slowly up the stairs.
Once the movie ended, we all chatted for a bit about the summer and school, all still laying on our stomach with our faces resting on our arms. Jessica was the first to fall asleep, thankfully, then Angela.
"Bee" I whispered "We should get some sleep"
"Yeah" she whispered back. With the television off, the room was dark and I could just about see everyone's silhouette. It reminded me of Bella coming into my room on our holiday. I smiled in the darkness then frowned.
"Bee?" I asked "Are you Mike Newton's girlfriend? I mean … Actually, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to..."
Bella was quiet for a long time then she whispered "I don't want to be"
"You don't have to do anything you don't want Bee."
"Yeah, but I want something else..."
These were the last words I heard before drifting to sleep thinking of Bella.
:D Hope you liked this chapter. So jealous, horny teenage Edward, what you think? Let me know by using the review button below.
Thanks again to my beta & friend, SweetLovinCullen and if you haven't already checked out Unexpected Love, please do. It's now complete :D
Next chapter which I'm hoping to post in 2 weeks time will be Edward's 16th birthday – so let to heart break begin :(