Chapter 8
-The Parents Part One-
"Oh honey, your house is beautiful." My mother sing-songs as she makes her way from room to room, opening each door, each cupboard, each drawer and finally settles on re-organizing my towels.
I see my dad roll his eyes and we share a secret smile. I've always been more of a daddy's girl. We're a lot alike, me and Charlie. Straight to the point, a-social, reserved and extremely outspoken when we feel threatened."
"This is nice Bells." He walks to stand beside me after he hauled the last suitcase to the guest room.
We arrived a little over half an hour ago, and while Charlie and I struggled to get all Renee's luggage into my apartment, my mother has been exploring every nook and cranny of my home.
"Thanks dad." I give him a one armed hug, which is the closest we'll ever get to physical affection.
"It's a bit fancy for my liking." he says as he gently squeezes me and then surveys the living room furniture, probably picking the seat he'll be occupying for the next three weeks, where he'll most likely spend most of his time. "I don't see a TV." He mumbles and releases me to do a three-sixty of my living room, his eyes scouring every surface.
"I don't own a TV, dad." I say warily. Watching sports are like breathing to Charlie and by the look on his face, he appears to be in desperate need of fresh air.
"You don't own a TV?" I've never seen my father look more dejected than he does right now.
"No, but there are so many sights to see in and around Seattle Dad, I promise you won't even miss the thing." I know my efforts are useless, but it's worth a try.
"I'm glad to hear that Honey." My mother resurfaces with a bright smile and I'm thankful for the interruption. Charlie looks like he's about to pass a kidney stone. "Besides Charles," she looks at my father and smiles sweetly, "surely you don't want to spend your holiday in front of the TV? There are so many things I want to see while we're here."
My dad mumbles something under his breath and takes a seat on a nearby couch. I presume he has made his choice of seating arrangements, and doubt that he will move from that spot for more than five minute toilet brakes.
"So honey, what time is Edward coming?" My mother sounds absolutely giddy at the prospect of meeting my boyfriend. It's all she's been able to talk about since I picked them up from the airport, and quite frankly, I'm actually looking forward to the meeting if it means that she'll stop with the incessant questions.
"Not much of a boyfriend if he couldn't even convince you to buy a TV." Charlie grumbles from the couch.
My mother ignores him and awaits my response with wide eyes.
"He should be here any second." I offer a reluctant smile and raise my left wrist to check the time. It's ten minutes to six, which leaves me about five minutes to freshen up. Just as I'm about to excuse myself, my cell phone chimes and I reach for my purse. Why is it that the item one looks for always ends up right at the bottom? I rummage through my purse and finally find my phone to see that I have a text from Edward.
Running late. Be there in 20. –E
I frown as I re-read the message, irritation boiling beneath the surface of my calm exterior. I hate tardiness. Just, hate it!
"It's Edward." I explain to my parents once I drop the phone back in my purse, not even bothering to reply. "He's running a little late." I give them a forced smile. "I'm just going to freshen up quickly."
"That's fine honey. You go make yourself pretty for your man. I'm sure your father and I will find something to keep us busy while we wait for you." She gives me a conspiratorially wink.
"I'm not just going to freshen up for him, Mom." Liar, liar, pants on fire. "Just…whatever." I give up when I see that my mother isn't buying into my story at all. "There's water and juice in the fridge, and Dad, I bought you beers."
"Might as well drink I guess." He mumbles and I sigh in exasperation.
Fifteen minutes later, right after I apply a small amount of perfume, the front doorbell rings. I look at myself in the mirror, giving my appearance a once over. Hair hanging loose in soft curls, a little charcoal eye shadow and mascara, dark jeans, ballet flats and light blue sweater. That will have to do.
"I'll get it!" I call as I hurry to the front door, taking a deep breath right before I pass my parents on the couch.
"That's probably Edward." I announce as if it's not the most obvious conclusion in the world.
Renee grins eagerly and Charlie…well, he's still pouting, but at least he's nursing a beer now, which will hopefully have him loosen up a bit.
I flick my hair over my shoulders, straighten my back and smooth my sweaty palms against my thighs.
Here goes nothing.
"You're late." I announce irritably the moment the door swings open. If I was a swearing woman, I probably would have sounded like a pyrite at the sight of Edward standing outside my door with a devilish smile in place, hair tussled sexily, dark blue jeans that hang on his hips just so and a grey t-shirt with Seattle Mariners printed in bold blue letters. Luckily I'm still upset with him, so I keep my lips tightly shut.
"Hi baby." He drawls slowly, leans forward and swoops me up in his arms, my feet almost lifting from the floor. His arms are wound tightly around my waist, pulling me flush against his body.
It takes me several moments to recover from my initial shock, before I eventually lift my arms from my sides and loosely drape them around his shoulders. I turn my head to rest it on his shoulder awkwardly and unconsciously take a whiff of his freshly showered skin.
"A little eager, aren't we?" I whisper through clenched teeth once I've found my voice.
"I've missed you." He replies laud enough for my parents to hear. I respond by digging my nails into his shoulder blades in warning. I understand that he's trying to get into character, but there is honestly no need for over exaggeration.
"So you like it a little rough, Bella?" He at least has the decency to whisper his perverse little statement close to my ear, which causes my body to unwillingly break into goose bumps. Before I even have a chance to chastise him, he pulls back slightly and then his mouth is on mine…and it's not a quick peck like we practiced either. It's long and hard and wet, and if it isn't for pretences alone I may even have to admit that it is really, really nice. My knees buckle slightly out of their own accord, but the grip Edward has on me only tightens pushing the air out of my lungs. I pull back with a gasp forcing much needed air into my lungs. I step back shakily and break his hold on me. I can already feel the tell tale signs of a blush spreading across my cheeks.
When I raise my eyes to Edward in anger I'm greeted with a cocky smirk which sets my blood boiling.
"Come in." It's more a demand than a request and I'm sure he can tell that I'm far from impressed by his little display. I have no idea what has gotten into him. His demeanor is cocky and bold, and I'm baffled at his indifference. This morning he was civil and almost kind about the whole thing. The Edward I'm looking at now seems almost…vengeful.
He nods cheekily and bends to pick up something from the floor I didn't notice before. It's wine, flowers and a six pack Heineken. I grab the wine with shaky hands from his and allow him to step past me into the foyer. I close the door behind us and lead him into the living room where my parents or at least my mother, hurriedly stands for introductions.
"Is everything okay with you?" I ask under my breath, looking at him sideways.
"Sure. Why wouldn't it be?" He asks with a shrug, but I can tell he's hiding something from me. I can read people like a book, pun intended. It's a skill I've obtained in my time as editor at Breaking Dawn, and something is most definitely off.
I decide to let it go. Now is not the time or place for this.
"Mom, Dad, this is Edward." I try to keep the tremble out of my voice as I finally introduce them. My mother's jaw is practically unhinged and my dad eyes the beer in Edward's hands.
"Edward, this is my parents, Charlie and Renee."
"Good evening." He says politely and hands my mother the flowers, which she takes with an excited squeal. I roll my eyes and divert my attention to Charlie.
"Edward." He nods stoically. "Are those beers only for you?"
"Dad!" I exclaim in chagrin and turn to find Edward laughing heartily.
"I wasn't sure whether Bella had any, and I don't drink any other brand." He explains simply and places the beer on the table before stretching his hand out to shake Charlie's. "I don't mind sharing."
"Damn straight." My dad concurs as they shake firmly. "She has me drinking this watered down crap." He points to his half empty bottle on the side table. Obviously my father is not a fan of Budweiser and I feel really annoyed at the fact that Edward managed to do something right in my dad's eyes, where I seem to be failing miserably. I comfort myself in the thought that for now Edward seems to have dropped the attitude and the introductions seem to be going smoothly.
"Edward, Bella has told us so much about you." Renee swoons and I'm sure she just checked him out a little.
"Only because you were asking so many questions." I mumble sourly.
Renee shrugs indifferently and looks at Edward appreciatively. "Bella certainly didn't do you any justice. You are far more handsome than she described you." I'm about ready to stick my head in a whole and die. My mother is flirting with my fake boyfriend. Kill me now.
"Well, I'm glad that at least one of the Swan women approves." He says with a wink to her and then out of nowhere slaps my ass with a resounding smack. I yelp in surprise and turn towards him in complete mortification. He smiles at me crookedly as my father clears his throat in discomfort and my mother giggles like a thirteen year old.
"Let me put that in water for you Mom." I quickly make a grab for the flowers and turn swiftly to make my way towards the kitchen. "Edward, will you bring the beer?" I ask over my shoulder and don't bother waiting for a reply.
Once I'm in the kitchen I drop the flowers in the basin unceremoniously, plug the hole and open the water faucet. I turn to find Edward leaning against the fridge he just placed the beer in, his arms crossed over his chest casually.
"What the hell was that?" I whisper-shout at him.
"What the hell was what?" He shrugs innocently. "You're parents seem nice." He comments simply offering a small smile.
"Thank you, and don't change the subject." I'm practically seething at this point.
"What did I do wrong?" He steps closer to me forcing me to step back until I can feel the edge of the counter behind me. He doesn't stop his approach until we are practically standing toe-to-toe. My breath hitches as I raise my head slightly to look at him. He licks his lips slowly and bends forward, his burning eyes fixed on mine.
"What are you doing? You're acting like a buffoon!" I'm so angry that my body is shaking. The heat of his body and his goddamned smell is sending me into a frenzy and I feel the edges of my control blurring.
"I'm acting like your boyfriend." His words sound bitter and catch me by surprise.
"If we were living in Jersey. What's gotten into you?" I narrow my eyes in suspicion. Edward's expression remains one of blank ignorance.
He reaches his right hand around me forcing my back further into the counter. For a split second I'm afraid that he might wrap his hand in my hair or settle it on my hip, but he stretches even further, and I hate to admit that I'm slightly disappointed. He breaks eye contact at the last moment and then takes a few measured steps back leaving me slightly dazed.
"You left the water running." He explains as he shoves his hands into the front pockets of his jeans.
I blink at him a couple of times as my brain fights to make sense of his words. He realizes my confusion and focuses his eyes behind me for a second and then back on mine. The movement makes me turn and stare blankly at the flowers in the basin. I see the water level and then realization comes crashing down. The tap. I left it on.
I spin around feeling utterly humiliated and furious past the point of reason.
"You did that on purpose." I practically spit the words at him.
"I'm sure I have no idea what you mean." He's smiling deviously and it takes all my control not to launch myself at him and punch him right in his irritatingly perfect nose.
I squeeze my eyes shut in an attempt to regain control and take a few much needed breaths. I have no idea why he insists on making this as thorny as possible, but if it's retribution he wants, I'll show him retribution. I open my eyes and focus them on his spiteful ones steadily. I see the mirth leave his features as he takes in my expression and returns my stare with calculated calmness.
"So, this is how you want to play it, Mr. Cullen?" I ask with a cock of my head and earn my reputation with a steely glare.
He doesn't answer, but it is clear from the look in his eyes that he is past the point of being threatened by me.
I sigh heavily and pinch my brow with my fingers. "Look," I say before opening my eyes and letting my hand fall to my side in defeat, "I don't know what happened between this morning and now, but can you please try to keep up with your side of the arrangement?"
"Like you have, Bella?" He asks and it's the first time ever I hear him speak to me in such an aggressive tone.
"What do you mean? Of course I have." I defend in confusion, my voice raising a few octaves.
"Was that the doorbell I heard?" My mother calls from the living room.
"I've got it!" I shout in frustration.
"Can we talk about this later?" "Please, just…" I'm pleading with him feeling my sand castle disintegrate around me.
He looks at me for several moments, the air around us charged to the point of possible combustion. He replies with a short nod and looks away, as if the sight of me disgusts him.
I feel my heart clench. Something happened. But what exactly, I'm not sure of, and I realize that I miss our light banter of earlier today desperately.
"Thank you." I whisper before stepping past him to collect the pizza from the front door.
I can hear Edward and my parents talking as I make my way back into the living room, pizzas in tow.
"I know!" I hear Edward exclaim with a laugh. "Who doesn't own a TV, right?"
I roll my eyes at his remark before I step into the room, finding Edward and my father deep in conversation while my mother sits to the side and looks at Edward as if he discovered the cure to cancer.
"Um…" I interrupt their little bubble uncomfortably. "I thought we could eat in the dining room." I shrug as the three of them turn to look my way. I suddenly feel like an outsider amongst my own family and swallow thickly. My parents seem completely taken with Edward, and the relief I imagined I would feel, makes place for bitterness. It must be an only child thing.
"Let me help you, baby." Edward rises from his seat and walks toward me, his eyes burning wholes in mine. This time it's me who drops my gaze first.
He takes the boxes from me and I mumble a thank you. My parents follow us into the dining room and take their seats as I busy myself with setting the table.
"Don't go to too much trouble Honey." My mother smiles as I carry the plates toward them. "We usually eat it from the box."
"Me too." Edward smiles conspiratorially to my mother and I feel my cheeks flame in embarrassment. I feel like a stiff amongst normal people and for a moment I'm jealous about the fact that Edward seems more at ease with my parents that I do.
"Okay." I smile bravely. "Dad?"
"The box is fine Bells." I nod dejectedly and take the plates back to the kitchen, keeping one for myself.
I take my seat next to Edward, across from my parents and help myself to a slice once they've started digging in. For a few blessed moments everyone remains silent as they eat. I watch the people around me from the corner of my eye, taking small bites from my pizza seeing as I've lost my appetite.
"So Edward," Charlie starts between bites, "Bella tells us you're a junior editor at the publishing house she works for."
Edward swallows his mouth full of food and nods eagerly. "Yes Sir."
"Oh, no need for formalities. You can call him Charlie." My mother offers kindly.
"Sir is fine." My dad grumbles and I feel the corner of my mouth twitch in an appreciative smile.
"No, that's fine." Edward laughs comfortably and gives my mother a smile, which she accepts with relish.
"How old are you then?" Charlie is on a role, and who am I to interrupt? I'm relieved that he's acting like a dad and looking out for his daughter. At least that hasn't changed.
"I turn twenty seven in May, Sir."
"So you're younger than Bella?" Charlie seems skeptical and I take that as my cue to join the conversation.
"Only by a couple of months, Dad."
"How old were you when they made you senior editor, Bella?" I can see where this is going, and even though I feel like I should deflect my father's questions, I'm still upset by Edward's earlier behavior, so I decide to leave him to his own devices.
"Twenty six." I shrug and watch Edward from the corner of my eye. If Charlie's questions are making him uncomfortable, he doesn't show it.
"Bella is very driven." Edward turns to smile at me, but it doesn't reach is eyes, and the double meaning to his words are not lost on me. He takes my fingers in his and gives it a quick squeeze before pulling his hand back. To anyone looking, it would look like a sweet gesture, but the moment he withdraws his hand I feel the pizza grease covering mine. I narrow my eyes at him and make a show of wiping my hands clean with a napkin.
"Edward is writing a book." I say matter-of-factly, deliberately down playing his accomplishment.
"That's wonderful!" My mother exclaims. "When will it be published? I would definitely be interested in reading it."
"Oh no," I say before Edward can get a word in edgewise, "no one has offered yet." The statement is meant to hit the mark, and by the way Edward's back straightens stiffly, it obviously has.
"There has been some interest." He says almost to himself and concentrates on the pizza slice hanging limply in his hand.
"I'm sure it won't be long now, baby." I smile at him sweetly and stroke his bicep patronizingly.
He gives me a tight smile and then surprises me by putting his hand on my thigh. I'm instantly pissed. We had an agreement, one that specifically ruled out any touches to thighs. He runs his hand up and down my inner thigh slowly, keeping his eyes on my mother who is rambling on about how much respect she has for writers and the interesting places they take their readers.
I drop my hand below the table and place it on his firmly, stopping his movements. I dig my nails into the skin of his palm and feel his arm jerk at the sting. He clamps his fingers down on my thigh in an attempt to have me release him, but I'm not giving in that easily and keep my grip on him tightly.
Eventually he pulls his hand back and rubs it with the other below the table. I momentarily feel victorious, until my eyes fall upon my dad. He's looking at us suspiciously, and being a cop, I know that he knows something is going on. I fear that it won't take much for him to uncover our little ploy, and nervously pick at the half eaten pizza slice in my plate, keeping my eyes focused on it in apt fascination.
My thoughts are disrupted by my mothers carefully composed voice. "So Bella," she starts warily, "Jacob and Leah are getting married next month."
My whole world screeches to a halt at her words, and I feel the color drain from my face.
"Excuse me?" I choke as I look up to find my mother nervously exchange glances with my father, who has wisely decided to keep his eyes on the beer bottle in front of him.
"Jacob and Leah are getting married next month." My mother repeats slowly, her eyes finding mine sympathetically.
"Who are Jacob and Leah?" Edward asks from beside me and my head whip in his direction, my eyes wide and pleading.
"Bella hasn't told you about Jacob?" My father asks suspiciously. Of course he would be suspicious. How is it possible that my boyfriend of two years doesn't know about my childhood friend and boyfriend since tenth grade up to college?
"Bella?" Edward asks cautiously and turns to face me. I can't make myself look at him as I say the next words. The thought of Edward seeing my biggest weaknesses is killing me, but I know I have no other choice but to explain seeing as I left my whole history with Jacob out of the binder. I take a deep breath as I realize that Edward will finally see the cracks in the pavement…the flaw in my carefully crafted armor.
"Jacob was my boyfriend for six years. He cheated on me with my best friend in college, and apparently they are getting married next month." I jump up from my seat without another word and storm towards my room, tears falling freely from my eyes as I slam the door behind me.
Well, this evening is just getting better with every passing second.