The Third Year - the First Six Months
EPOV
It was the end of May when I received the final divorce decree and it felt great to just hold it in my hands. I was finally as free of Tanya as I could be. It was rare that we bumped into each other around town and when she decided she wanted to see the kids because it was supervised my interaction with her was limited. She was seeing the kids about once a month for 2-3 hours. Her parents on the other hand were insistent that I allow the kids to visit them in Chicago over the summer and threatening to take me to court if I said no. I had already checked with Doug and he assured me that with the visitation Tanya had the court would not force me to send them. So I said no, they hung up on me after telling me they would see me in court - I couldn't wait.
I called Bella to tell her the good news and she was stressed over one of her English finals.
"She hates me Edward. Nothing I do in her class is good enough. I am going to end up with a B on my transcripts because she is a bitch and we don't see eye to eye modern poetry."
I couldn't help but chuckle at her. "She doesn't hate you Bella, she is pushing you to do the best you can. That is what teacher's do sweetheart."
"No, I'm pretty sure she hates me."
"Why don't you try setting up a conference and have her look over your paper to see if you are on the right track. You have an A in class now, play nice with her and you will probably finish with an A."
"Ok, but I still say she is a bitch." She was so cute it sounded like she was pouting.
"Fine, I concede the point that she is a bitch but you need to figure out what she wants from you. I actually called for another reason. I received the final divorce decree, I am free of Tanya." I felt like shouting it from the roof.
"That's great Edward. I'm glad your divorce is finally over. You do know the women in Forks are going to be after you even more now that they think you are officially single." She was actually laughing when she said it.
"Well, I'm not single and all I want is for them to leave me alone. We will have to think of a way for it to get out that I am with someone. But what I need to do first is talk to the kids and I need to know if you want to be present for that or not?"
"I would love to be there but honestly Edward, I think it would be better if I wasn't. They need to be able to speak freely about this and if I am there I don't know if they would or not."
"I thought that is what you would say but a part of me was hoping you would be here so I don't have to face the firing squad on my own."
She laughed, "Just be honest and do what we talked about. We didn't hide it because we are ashamed and you are telling them as soon as it became possible. I think they will be able to understand most things Edward, I just hope they don't think I broke up your marriage."
"That is the one thing I am sure they won't think. They lived it Bella, they know how miserable I was. I hate to cut this short but they should be home soon and I want to be ready."
"Ok, call me later on and let me know how things go. I love you Edward."
"I love you too Bella, bye."
Bella had not outright said anything but I knew she was nervous about me telling the kids and so was I. The only thing that would keep Bella and me apart was if the kids did not want us together. I wasn't expecting them to be a problem but not knowing for sure was making me nervous.
I waited until after dinner and everyone seemed to be in a good mood before starting the conversation.
"Hey guys let's go in the living room, I need to talk to you about something." They looked at each other worried but left the table and moved into the living room with me.
"I have a couple of things I need to tell you guys. First, I received the divorce papers in the mail today, so your mom and I are officially divorced." I paused to see if they had any reaction and they didn't, they just looked at me.
"Okay, the other thing I want to talk to you about is harder to discuss but..." I took a deep breath and tried again. "Listen guys, see I have been..." I had no idea how to tell them.
"I love you guys and only want for you to be safe and grow up happy. I have something I need to talk you about and I am having a hard time doing it, so please hear me out before you say anything." I looked at each of them and they nodded but looked scared.
"It is nothing bad so don't worry about that. I have someone I have been seeing for a while. I was not seeing her while I was with your mother and I did not leave your mother for her but we have been seeing each other and I want to tell you guys about her."
"You have a girlfriend?" Evan shouted.
"How long have you been seeing her dad?" Ethan questioned.
"I have been seeing her for about 2 years, pretty much since I left your mother."
"And you expect us to believe you didn't leave mom for her?" Ethan said with an eye roll.
"Ethan, your mom and I were not happy for a long time and I have a feeling you guys know this. I have known the woman I am dating a long time but neither of us were open to anything until after I left your mother. Have I ever lied to you guys? I did not leave you mother because of her."
"I believe you dad." Emily said. "You have been much happier since moving out and I just want you happy. I do need to know though, why hide it? Is there some reason you think we won't like her?"
"You 3 are the most important things in my life, I will never bring anyone around you guys that you don't like. If after I explain everything you don't want me to see her anymore then I won't. I'll call her right now and tell her things are over."
"You do that Dad, I don't want her with us." Evan shouted at me.
"Evan, you said I could explain, please listen to me." He nodded his head at me. "We didn't tell anyone because your mom would have drug out the divorce even longer. The woman, I love her, and I didn't want to put her through going to court or the things the people in this town would say about her. I told you guys as soon as I could, as soon as the divorce was final."
"Are we the first to know about you two?" Emily asked.
"You are the first ones we have told but Grandma and Grandpa Cullen figured out I was seeing someone last year and they met her by accident when they were here for Thanksgiving. Her father figured it out at the beginning of this year and those are the only other people to know."
"Are you going to marry her? Will she live with us?" Ethan asked.
"To be honest I would love for her to live with us but that just isn't feasible at this time. As far as marriage goes, we haven't discussed it and I do not see it happening any time soon."
"What is the big thing you aren't telling us? You are still too nervous to have told us everything." Emily stated.
"I don't care. I already have someone picked out for dad." Evan pouted. I looked at him but chose to answer Emily's question.
"She is younger than I am, much younger than me actually."
Emily smiled at me and asked, "Who is she? What is her name?"
"Bella Swan" I said and waited to see what they said.
"Yes!" They yelled and Evan ran into my arms. I had no idea what to make of their reactions to Bella.
"Okay I didn't expect this reaction, especially from you Evan I thought you wanted me to get rid of her?"
"I did before I knew it was Bella, I like her. She is the one I picked out for you."
"So all of you are ok with me dating Bella?"
"Yes" they said in unison. "When can we see her again Dad?" Ethan asked.
"Well, she will be home for a week before starting her summer classes in two weeks and you can see her then but I you need to understand we don't really want people to know yet. Bella has been working really hard so she can graduate early, then we will tell everyone about us."
"But why wait so long?" Evan asked.
"We are not sure how people in town will react buddy. We expect some people to be really upset because she is a lot younger than me."
"That's just dumb, why do they care?" Ethan asked. I was having a hard time explaining to them in terms they could understand.
"Because people are nosy and can't mind their own business. Listen guys it doesn't matter why people will get upset. The fact is Bella and I would like to keep it a secret a little while longer. We can still all do things together if that is what you want but we will need to go to Seattle to see her. When she comes home she will of course come here and you guys will see her then but we can't do things around Forks at least until after Christmas. Ok?"
"If asked, can we tell people you are dating her?" Emily asked.
"You can tell people I am dating someone but I would rather you not tell them who until after Christmas."
"Fine Dad, if that is how you want it then we won't tell anyone who you are dating. Right boys?" Emily was looking at her brothers and they finally nodded their heads agreeing with her.
"Thanks I appreciate this at it is just until after Christmas. Let's clean the kitchen and then you guys need to get in bed."
After the kids were in bed I called Bella to tell her how it went. We agreed that it was better then we both expected, there was none of the resentment that we both knew would have been justified. I had decided to be there when Bella told Alice and Rose so she was having dinner at her apartment on Friday, Emmett and Jasper would also be there. I had managed to arrange for the kids to spend the night at their friend's houses so I wouldn't be rushed to get back to Forks. I was looking to get lucky, the web cam was great but nothing was as good as being inside Bella and I wanted inside Bella.
It was Friday and I was on my way to Seattle. We had intentionally timed it so I would be the last to arrive. Bella had not told them the reason for the dinner and would only tell them before I arrived that they were meeting her boyfriend. As I knocked on her door I was nervous as hell, Bella had always said they can either accept us or find a new friend but I knew they were important to her, she did not want to lose her two closest friends. Jasper and Emmett were a couple of years older then the girls and had gone to school in Port Angeles so I had never meet them. I heard Bella walking to the door...here goes nothing.
She looked beautiful and very nervous, I picked her up into a hug.
"It will be fine Bella, I promise to be on my best behavior." She chuckled at my comment.
"It's not you I am worried about and I have missed you." She said right before pressing her entire body against me and kissing me senseless.
"Baby I don't want to have a hard on through dinner, I missed you so much Bella."
"Ok, Ok but after everyone leaves I definitely need you hard for what I want to do to you." She turned and walked away, leaving me to adjust myself before joining everyone else. When I walked into the living room I saw the shocked looks on Alice and Rose's faces.
"Mr. Cullen, what are doing here?" They asked together and looked at Bella very confused.
"I told you I wanted you guys to meet the man in my life." She said laughing. "Edward you know Alice and Rose, these are their boyfriends Jasper Whitlock and Emmett McCarty." She introduced me and we shook hands.
"OMG, you have been dating Mr. Cullen. I mean I suspected something but I figured it was a fling and then you moved on to someone else." Alice shrieked.
"How long? And why, I mean you have hot young guys after you all the time, why him? He is so much older than you Bella. Is he using you to feel young, why isn't he with someone his own age?" This was coming from Rose and the two guys were standing there shaking their heads. I think they had forgot I was even there.
"Enough!" Bella shouted. "Why don't we sit down to dinner and I will tell you guys what you want to know." She had made lasagna and garlic bread and it smelled great. Everyone filled their plates and Bella started to explain.
"We have been dating for two years and we couldn't tell you before because his divorce wasn't final but it is now and I wanted you guys to be some of the first to know. I know this may come as a shock but we love each other and I want you to be happy for me, for us." She looked around the table expectantly. Then the questions started up again and it was impossible to tell who was asking what question.
"He left his wife for you? How did you get together? Is he why you won't go out on the weekends? Couldn't you find anyone your own age? What is he a child molester? Does your dad know? His kids? Were you seeing him in high school? Is this why you are pushing so hard to get through school? You should be having fun, live a little. Can't you see he is using you to feel young or something?" I had had enough now, I was not using Bella. I slammed my fist on the table to shut them all up.
"How dare any of you talk to her that way." Bella had tears running down her face as she looked at me. I stood up and pulled Bells to my chest, looking at them and talking over her head. "You do not know what the fuck you are talking about. I am not using Bella for anything, I love her. When she opened the door tonight I saw a woman who was happy that she could finally introduce to me her friends, her friends that she has stood by no matter what and mean so much to her. By the display I have seen tonight I wonder why you mean so much to her. Instead of being happy for her and asking your questions nicely, you are attacking and ridiculing her for her choices. Do you not know Bella at all? She would never break up a marriage or allow someone to use her for any reason and I am not a child molester. Look at her, she is gorgeous, witty, compassionate, loyal and smart as hell, why would I not want her."
Bella pulled back to look at me and ran her hands up my arms before placing a quick kiss on my lips. "I am going to go to the bathroom and clean up then we can continue this conversation." She kissed me again and pulled away, when I heard the door shut I looked around the table again.
"I get that you want Bella to lighten up and go out and have fun and I do not stop her from that. She has told me how you force her to go to parties and clubs and try to get her to 'live a little'. But let me ask you this, does she enjoy doing this, does she have fun there or do you force her to go because you do not want her to feel left out, you don't feel right having her sit at home while you go out and get drunk. Does Bella even strike you as the type that likes to drink?" I looked around the table and none of them could look at me. "You don't know the answer to those questions do you, because when you go to those parties and clubs you are so wrapped up in each other she is left out anyway. So what do you expect her to do pick up a random guy for the night? Does she really seem the type to do that? If it is so much fun then why aren't you guys doing that?" I again waited for someone to say something and when they remained silent I continued.
"Stop trying to turn Bella into what you think she should be and accept her as she is. She goes to those places for you not because she enjoys it and if you would watch her once instead of getting wrapped up in your date you would realize that. How many times did she leave early and you didn't even notice? Don't you think that hurt her? I know it did because I am the one she calls when she is hurt by it. Hasn't she been happy the last two years? Tonight was her chance to show you why she is happy because she has someone who loves her very much and would do anything for her but now that can't happen. Instead of stepping back and watching how happy she is you immediately start questioning her choices. Is that what she does to you? Or does she give you the benefit of the doubt first that you know what is best for you? You guys are severely underestimating Bella and how well she knows herself and what she wants out of life. I suggest you rethink what type of friend you are willing to be to her before you lose her friendship altogether." That got a reaction out of them, the girls heads snapped up just as the bathroom door opened.
"But why her?" Rose asked. "Couldn't you find someone your own age? Don't you know what will happen once the gossip in Forks starts?"
"It is just wrong." Alice said. "I mean what did you do seduce her? Why would you be with someone that much younger than you? What is her attraction to you, sure you're hot but is it some kind of daddy complex or something?"
"That's enough, I think you guys should leave now." Bella said re-entering the room. The girls gasped at her statement. "Edward is right you guys really don't know me as well as I thought you did. I have stood by you and encouraged your relationships through everything. Through Emmett's cheating, Jasper's gambling addiction and Alice's kleptomania, I should have known better than to expect you to be happy for me. If you had taken a breath and thought back to conversations we have had you would remember that I started everything with Edward. He did not pursue me I pursued him. We love each other and that love is a beautiful thing. I will not subject Edward, myself or our relationship to this any longer. Please let yourselves out and do not come back until you are at least willing to be open minded." She started clearing the table even though people had barely touched their food. I picked up some plates and carried them into the kitchen, Bella was sobbing into a towel.
"I am so sorry Bella." I said pulling her to me.
"I never expected this Edward. I thought they would be surprised but not this reaction. They acted as if I am some kind of idiot and a naive one at that. They know how happy I have been and how excited I was for them to meet you. I just don't understand." We heard the front door closing.
"Baby why don't you go lay down for a bit and let me clean up in here. I know this is hard on you Bella, just go relax and I'll join you when I'm done."
"Ok, I do have a headache starting maybe laying down for a bit will help with that. Thank you Edward. I love you."
"I love you too little girl, now scoot." I said lightly slapping her butt. I thought over what had happened as I was cleaning the kitchen. Why had they reacted that way? Bella has told me how she thought they were nosy and that they didn't see how hard it was on her to be the fifth wheel. I knew that was why Bella was so excited about tonight, she wanted to prove to them she wasn't the fifth wheel and had someone who loved her. Charlie hadn't reacted this bad for goodness sake, Alice and Rose should have been the ones to be happy for her. The more I thought about it the more I came to realize that they did not know the real Bella. They kept trying to get Bella to do things that were out of character for her. I mean did they want her to hook up with random guys, did they want to do that themselves and hoped to live vicariously through her? I had no idea what was going through their minds but I know they had hurt Bella and badly. I started the dishwasher and went to comfort Bella.
She was laying on the bed crying softly. I lay down beside her and pulled her to my chest. "What can I do to make this better honey? I will do anything you ask of me?"
She looked up at me and didn't respond. "Please Bella, talk to me. Do not shut me out. I love you, let me help you."
"Will you make love to me Edward? I want to get lost in us. I need to know that what they said won't make you turn away from me. I love you Edward, I only want forever if I have it with you. Please don't leave me because they are narrow-minded." She started sobbing softly again.
I stood up and removed my clothes then slowly removed Bella's. When we were both naked I took her hand and held it against my heart. "Do you feel that Bella, how my heart is racing?" She nodded. "It races because of you, because of what I feel for you and from you. No one has ever made my heart race. You are my forever Bella, I won't turn away from you and the only way I will ever leave is if you asked me too. Let me love you Bella. Let me show you how I know you in ways no one else ever will, let me prove how much I love you. Let me worship you and when I am done you will never doubt how very special you are to me." She nodded again. "Thank you Bella, now no talking for either of us just watch and feel."
I spent the next few hours worshipping her body and soul, I kissed, licked and nipped every inch of her and the places that drove her crazy I did at least twice. By the time I actually slipped slowly into her she had cum several times. Neither one of us said a word and when she whimpered and moaned and gave all the signals for me to pick up the pace I shook my head and refused. I did pick her up so she was sitting on my thighs looking at me as I slowly moved her up and down my shaft. I know I was looking at her with absolute love and wonder because I saw the look returned in her eyes. I was getting close so I reached down and gently rubbed her clit, when I felt her start to cum I pulled her to me and kissed her with all the passion I could as we fell over the cliff together.
I lay her down and couldn't help but smile at how peaceful she looked. "Now do you believe me? You are my life Bella, I will never leave you. I love you."
"I know Edward, I know." Those were the last words she said before she snuggled up to me and we fell asleep.
I kept hearing something. I felt Bella get out of bed and was on the edge of falling back asleep when I heard voices. I thought about going back to sleep when my eyes popped open, I knew those voices - Alice and Rose. I decided to stay in the bedroom unless Bella called for me or things got out of hand but I did get up and put some pants on.
It was hard to tell sometimes who was speaking, Bella's was the only voice I always recognized.
"We're sorry about last night Bella but we were caught off guard by everything."
"I have told you guys all along that it was complicated, I am not buying that you expected a college guy. Whatever last night was, it was more than being caught off guard."
"I just don't get it Bella, where is the appeal? When you are 40 he will be almost 60 can you live with that?" I was sure that was Rose speaking.
"Yes, I can. His age doesn't matter to me, the man he is inside is what I love. It wouldn't matter to me if he was 60 now or 16, if he was still the same man on the inside I would love him just as much. I really don't understand why this is such a big deal."
"You are tying yourself down Bella and you're only 20." I think that is Alice.
"And you aren't tied to Jasper? Or Emmett? I am not buying the bullshit you are trying to sell me. It is not like I never dated anyone else, I did. I dated high school guys and college guys while in high school and they did not appeal to me. You guys know this, so what is the real problem here."
"We have told you the real problem. What does Charlie think? I bet he is thrilled or haven't you told him yet?" That was Rose and she was starting to get bitchy.
"Charlie has known for a while and he is giving us a chance. He sees that we love each other but is worried about the backlash when we go public. He sees what I see in Edward and wants me happy. I meant what I said last night I have stood by your sides through everything and you can't even stand by me long enough to give us a chance."
"What if he leaves you Bella? You are so dependent on him, what happens when he leaves you."
"He won't leave and are you listening to yourselves. The two women who can't go 1 hour without talking to their boyfriends are telling me that I am too dependent on Edward, the man I only see every few weeks. Have I curled up into a ball and refused to function when I don't see him, no I haven't. Edward helps and supports me in ways that you wish Jasper and Emmett did..." Bella stopped mid sentence and it sounded like she hit something with her hand.
"Oh. My. God. I know what this about. I can't believe this shit, you are jealous. This has nothing to do with age or anything else, this is jealousy through and through."
"I have no idea what you are talking about, Bella." That was Rose I could tell even with out the shouting.
"I remember the conversations you two used to have about Headmaster Cullen and the crush you had on him or the things you would say about how he treated Tanya. What, are you pissed because I my get to life the live you day dreamed about living?"
They both laughed but it sounded forced and they didn't deny it.
"Listen, I understand that this took you off guard but I have supported you guys through everything even when I personally thought you were nuts for doing it. That is what friends do. If you guys can't support me on this then I have a hard time being around you even without Edward there. Do not force me to choose, Edward will win every time. He accepts me as I am and hasn't tried to change one thing about me. He pushes me to be the best I can be at whatever I want to do. He makes me happy and I'm sorry you can't see that. If you don't have anything else then you need to leave so I can get back to Edward."
"Bella, we have been friends a long time and we don't want this to come between us."
"It only will if you let it. I have never asked you to make a choice between me and your boyfriends do you realize how selfish it is of you to threaten me with that? This conversation is over, leave."
I heard the front door close right before she opened the bedroom door. She looked pissed as hell. "Bella are you okay?"
She started pacing her bedroom. "I can't believe them. You would think that my best friends that I have stood by no matter what would want me to be happy. I do not want to deal with their crap right now. I want to curl up and go to sleep for a few more hours safe in your arms." So that is exactly what we did.
Summer passed fairly peacefully. The kids and I went to Seattle to see Bella a few times and everyone got along great. They realized she was someone they could count on but she was not trying to be their mother. It was a time for everyone to get to know each other. Evan almost peed himself from laughing so hard when we went up in the Space Needle and then found out Bella was scared of heights but held her hand tight the entire ride back down to the ground so she would be ok. Ethan loved to talk books with her, he was currently into Mark Twain and she wanted him to try reading Jules Verne, which he reluctantly agreed to. Emily was all about some new vampire book that was being made into a movie. Bella said it was ok but she preferred the non-sparkling vampires and maybe Emily should start reading Anne Rice's books because Lestat sounded really hot. I took offense to that and they laughed at me and started talking about the British guy that would be in the movie. Bella spoke their language and it didn't make me dwell on your age difference, instead I was glad one of us understood them.
Tanya arranged to see the kids twice and both times the kids said she looked terrible and was very fidgety. I worried she was doing drugs and would have to have Doug look into how her drug testing was going. Rumor had it Seth had moved into the house with her but I no longer cared. She was only allowed supervised visits with the kids so they were not exposed to most of what she did. I found myself hoping she would give up her rights to them but I didn't want to ask and risk her wanting more time with them. She was bitch enough to do it just to spite me, I wanted her to offer to leave the kids alone. Her parents still complained because I wouldn't send the kids to Chicago to see them. But I noticed they never came to Forks to visit them so it made me wonder if they would try to take the kids from me. I wouldn't put it past them, Tanya got her craziness from somewhere.
I bumped into Alice and Rose a few times and they were always polite but I knew they were still giving Bella a hard time. Like Bella, I couldn't understand why they were so against giving us a chance, it didn't make any sense to us. Hopefully, in the fall, when the three of them were all in Seattle they could work things out. Before I could blink summer was over and it was September, which brought about school and Bella's birthday, her 21st birthday to be exact.
Bella was a senior this year and I was very proud of her. She had already been accepted to the graduate program and some of her classes in the spring quarter would count towards her Masters Degree. She had arrived at a truce of sorts with Alice and Rosalie, they wouldn't tell her the truth about the problem they had with us but they would keep their comments to themselves. They wanted to take Bella clubbing for her 21st birthday, she was the last one in the group to turn 21, she didn't want to go but felt if she didn't they would try to say I wouldn't let her. The kids and I would be spending Saturday with her in Seattle, I told her to go and have a good time.
She went and had a good time until Jasper and Emmett showed up. It was suppose to be a girls night out but once the boys showed up they coupled off and Bella was home by 11, she did say Alice called her around 1 to find out where she was. Bella hung up on her when she realized Alice was drunk. The kids and I showed up late morning to take Bella to lunch at The Crab Pot, then we were going to explore Waterfront Park especially the Aquarium and maybe the Arcade if we had time.
Lunch was great and I loved watching Bella with the kids, they accepted her so readily in their lives. I know the boys saw her as some sort of a mother figure and Emily saw her as more of a friend or Aunt, Bella was only 8 years older than Emily after all, but they all relished in the attention they received from Bella. She was very good for all of us and we were good for her too. After lunch and the Aquarium the kids wanted to go to the playground instead of the Arcade. It wasn't raining and was probably one of the last warm days we would have, they wanted to be outside. Bella and I were relaxing under a tree keeping an eye on the kids, well I was watching the kids Bella was deep in thought and I knew she was thinking about the night before.
"Bella, talk to me. I know last night upset you more than you are saying. What can I do to make this easier on you?"
"That's just it Edward, I don't understand their problem and I am not sure it even has anything to do with you anymore. I mean, I guess I expected them to back off once they saw how happy I am and not try to force me to have 'fun'. I have never been into partying or the being reckless thing. I know in high school they thought it was because I was the Chief's kid but we've been in college over 2 years and they don't see it's just me. I don't need to be the life of the party, I am fine being by myself and I enjoy the quiet. It hurts to realize that two of the people I thought knew me so well don't know me at all." I pulled her into my chest, I could tell she was fighting off tears.
"Bella, I do not know all the history the 3 of you have but I am not sure even they know why they feel this way. I can't believe they would hurt you intentionally though, just give them some more time to adjust to things."
"So I should just go along with things..."
"No, actually I think you go along with things too much. You need to do what is right for you Bella. You are an amazing woman and I understand you are a peacemaker at heart but I think the time has come for you to do what you want and not what makes everyone else happy. I love you Bella, as you are, always remember that."
"Knowing that is what keeps me sane in all of this."
I kissed her forehead, "Good. Now I have a present for you."
"I like your presents." She purred as she started running her hand down my chest.
I grabbed her hand quickly to stop her. "Not that kind of present my naughty little girl, although I would love to give you that present too. But I was talking about this one." I pulled an envelope out of my shirt pocket and gave it to her.
She opened the envelope and her eyes got big, "Oh. My. God. Opera tickets! To see Lucia di Lammermoor by Gaetano Donizetti. Thank you so much." She was squeezing me so hard I couldn't breath.
"You mentioned that you liked the opera but had never been, this is a good one."
"I know, I have read it. Thank you, thank you, thank you." She was kissing all over my face and the kids came running up to see what was wrong.
"What did you do to Bella dad?" Evan asked.
"Gave her the birthday present, I told you she would like it."
"How could she like that lady screaming? Did you tell her what it was?" Evan asked. I had played part of a video from the Seattle Opera's website and the kids were not impressed.
Bella pulled Evan to the ground and started tickling him and giving him raspberries. "I love it Bub so don't knock my present." Evan was crying for help and before long we were one big bunch of arms and legs trying to tickle each other until we all cried uncle. As I lie there trying to catch my breath it hit me, this was what a happy family looked like, the laughter and light-heartedness that Bella brought to us, this was something we had been missing and didn't know until we found it.
It took exactly one week after Bella's birthday for Forks to start speculating if I was dating or not. Evan's teacher had innocently asked everyone to practice their cursive writing by doing a paragraph on what they did last weekend. He, of course, wrote about going to Seattle to see Daddy's friend for her birthday. He told me about it that night and I told him not to worry it was not anyone's business who my friends were. The next morning the teacher asked Evan whose birthday it was and he said "Daddy said it isn't your business so I don't have to tell you." I received a call during lunch about my son being rude to the teacher and when I asked why she wanted to know she had no answer. "If you don't have a valid reason for asking him the question then I suggest you but out of my personal life and do not use my son to try to get information about me." While that ended that conversation it started all kinds of speculation if I was dating or not.
I heard all the gossip and rumors but no one asked me or the kids directly about my dating status. Women were still flirting with me, some bold ones even asked me out, I found it amusing and would chuckle but politely decline. September moved into October and soon it was the weekend of the opera. Mrs. Call had agreed to spend the night with the kids, since the opera would be over so late I decided to spend the night in Seattle. I loved having the kids with me all the time but it severely limited the private time Bella and I had, we were both looking forward to the weekend.
I quietly let myself into her apartment. I could hear her still getting ready, I couldn't wait to see her in the dress I had sent to her. It was floor length, black silk and had a slit up one side to her upper thigh. It was almost backless, I was pretty sure it would cover her tattoo but if it didn't the wrap I had for her would and she should be wearing her new collar. I was getting hard just thinking about it. She came down the hallway and she was a vision, how would I ever keep my hands to myself tonight.
"You are beautiful Isabella. Turn around and let me get the full effect." She giggled but turned and you could just see a hint of her tattoo but not what it was of.
"Thank you Master. You look very dashing in you tux as well." She straightened my tie for me and placed a kiss on my cheek.
"Are you excited for tonight?"
"Yes, Sir. I hope it is as good as everyone says."
"We have dinner reservations at Prelude so we need to go before we are late." I picked up her wrap and opened the door for her surprised to see Alice and Rose standing there.
"What are you doing here?" Bella asked. "I told you I had plans for tonight."
"We thought you were avoiding us, so we came over to force you to talk." Alice said.
"I have not been avoiding you and I do not lie to my friends. If I tell you I have plans then I do. Please excuse us before we are late for dinner." Bella moved past them and I opened her car door for her. She looked back at her friends still standing on the porch. "I can talk to you tomorrow if you like but I suggest calling before showing up and not before noon I won't be up." She sat in the car and I closed her door going around to mine. Neither of the girls said anything else and left.
I looked at Bella, who just sighed and turned her head to me. "I am fine really. I am just tired of having a friendship defined by their rules. I told them I was going out tonight, they should have known better."
"Ok love, I just want us to have a good time tonight and with that in mind," I pulled the egg vibrator from my pocket and her eyes went wide. "Spread our legs kitten," I told her and then inserted the vibrator. "Is that comfortable?" She nodded her head. "You are not to cum Isabella, understood?" She nodded again. "Good girl, now let's have some fun." I said clicking the egg on.
I was careful with the egg throughout dinner, she needed to be able to eat but I made sure she was on edge. This was the first time we had been out in this type of public setting so I was paying attention to people's reactions. Isabella looked gorgeous so I was not surprised when she turned heads as we walked into McCaw Hall for the opera. I was amused by the looks on most of the men's faces when they saw me, especially the younger men in their 20's. I couldn't help but smirk at them, that's right she goes home with me, I am the one she sleeps with and I am the one she fucks senseless. I also saw the looks of appreciation from the men my own age who wished they had a young hottie, keep dreaming I'm not giving her up.
Isabella was enjoying the opera, I could tell by her facial expressions. As open as Bella and I were with each other her face showed every emotion she felt. When the curtain came down for intermission I clicked the egg on once again and she squeaked. I chuckled, "Problem Isabella?"
"No Master" she whispered, "but I would like to use the ladies room." We made our way to the lobby and she once again made heads turn. She had been gone for a while so I started making my way over to the ladies room looking for her when I heard her voice.
"Thank you gentlemen but I am not interested. Now if you will excuse me I must get back to my date."
"Oh, you mean your uncle that you arrived with, I am sure he would understand..."
Bella cut him off by laughing softly. "He is not related to me, he is my boyfriend and I am sure he is looking for me."
I could see her now and two men in their late 20's did not want to let her pass. "Why would you want the old man when you could have one of us or both if you are into that kind of thing." That was going too far and I made my presence known.
"Isabella we need to return to our seats."
"Of course Edward, thank you for finding me."
One of them reached for her arm as we turned to leave, "Come on I can do whatever the old man can and better." Now I was getting pissed.
Bella patted my forearm that was holding hers and turned to the man, "The old man loves me and treats me like a queen, something I am sure you couldn't do but let me put this on the only terms you seem to understand." She leaned in to him and whispered, "He also has a 9 inch cock that I can't fit my hand around and knows how to use it." She looked at the young man's crotch, "I can see you aren't able to make the same claim so no you can't do for me what he can nor would I want you to. Good night." She patted my arm again and we moved to return to our seats. I was speechless over what she had said but I was unable to wipe the smile off my face too.
As we watched the rest of the opera I kept thinking back to the incident during the intermission, Isabella would need to be punished for not walking away when I said it was time to take our seats. As much as what she said turned me on, I couldn't allow her to get away with it. She was wearing her collar and should have deferred to me. I knew just how to punish her too. We enjoyed the rest of the opera, most of my enjoyment came from seeing Bella so entranced by it. She loved to learn and experience new things and I enjoyed giving her those opportunities.
There were no problems leaving the opera and I clicked the egg on and off at random intervals on the way back to Bella's apartment. I tried talking to her about the opera but she found it hard to concentrate on the conversation so I let her focus on not cumming. As we entered the apartment I clicked the egg on high and guided her to the bedroom removing my jacket and shoes along the way.
"Stand at the end of the bed Isabella, legs spread with your hands on the bed." I removed my shirt and pants while she was positioning herself. I pushed her dress up over her waist and then removed the egg and fuck but she was dripping. I pushed my boxers down and started running my cock through her folds. "Do not cum Isabella." She was whimpering and I knew she was close already.
"You have to punished for something you did tonight Isabella. Do you know what it was?" She shook her head as I rammed into her hot pussy. "Fuck kitten you are hot and soaking my cock." I held still, "What should you not have done tonight?" I slowly pulled out of her, "Answer me." I said and slapped her ass.
"Do you mean the incident during intermission Master?"
I rammed back into her. "Yes I do. I said it was time to go and you chose to engage him anyway. What should you have done Isabella?"
I push on her back until her chest was on the bed, pulled her hands behind her back and tied them together with my tie that was on the bed. I had stilled inside her and was lightly running my fingers over her pussy collecting her juices.
"I should have obeyed and walked away Master." She said in a shaky voice. She was almost at her limit.
"Yes you should have Isabella and tomorrow we will be discussing punishment for your disobedience but now I want you to cum when ready." I pushed two of my lubed fingers in her ass and set a hard and fast pace fucking her pussy.
"Fuck you feel good kitten, so tight..." She was clenching around me and cumming and I didn't let up on my pace. "My little slut who likes to brag on her Master's cock." I said as I slapped her ass. I started moving my fingers in time with my cock and I could feel her getting close.
"So fucking close... cum Isabella..." She clenched down on me hard and I was suddenly close too.
"Shit kitten" I yelled at the same time she shouted, "Master" and we came together. I untied her quickly and moved us up on the bed. I was still rubbing her shoulders when she fell asleep.
I woke up alone but could smell coffee and bacon, Bella was cooking breakfast. My best guess was in hopes of lessening her punishment, that wouldn't happen. I showered and dressed quickly before going to see what was for breakfast. She noticed me immediately and lowered her head.
"Good morning Master."
"Good morning Isabella. Breakfast smells good."
"Thank you Master." She said as she sat my plate down.
"Fix yourself a plate and join me Isabella." She did as I told her but I noticed she kept glancing at me out of the corner of her eye. "Do you remember me mentioning punishment last night?" She nodded her head. I put a finger under her chin to force her to look at me. "I understand why you did it Isabella I do but that doesn't change the fact that as your Dom when I tell you to do something you do it regardless of how you want to handle the situation. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Master and I am sorry for my disobedience." She looked ready to cry and I wanted to let it go but I couldn't. When we reached the point where we would be spending more time together she needed to have already learned these lessons.
"I know kitten but you still need your punishment. Bring me Big Eddie." She gasped and looked at me as if I had slapped her. "Now Isabella or do you want me to take all of your toys." She quickly got up and returned with her favorite dildo. She handed it to me with the saddest look on her face. "I will give him back to you at Thanksgiving. You are free to use any of your other toys with the normal rules. Come give me a kiss kitten, I need to go and I am sure Rose and Alice are waiting by the phone for noon to roll around." She came over and kissed me. "I love you Bella."
"I love you Edward."
I was on the road about 30 minutes when I received a text.
I truly am sorry Master -
Isabella
I know kitten. See you at Thanksgiving. I love you-
Master
The weeks between the opera and Thanksgiving were fairly uneventful. Isabella asked several times if I was taking care of Big Eddie and I couldn't help but chuckle because she sounded so sad. I assured her each time he was safe and she would get him back at Thanksgiving. She spoke as if he was real and I began to wonder if I should be jealous of a dildo.
Bella was cooking Thanksgiving dinner at my house and we would be joined by Charlie later. Emily was in the kitchen helping her and I could hear them laughing and talking about a boy at school that Emily liked. I tried not to listen to that conversation, I just knew it would give me gray hair if I did. Ethan had started to notice girls so he was in there for a while questioning Bella about how to get a girl to notice him and what kind of things girls liked. I started joking with him when he came into the living room that I could have helped him if he had asked.
"But Dad she is a girl and is willing to answer my questions, why wouldn't I go to her?" That is what my son said to me as he rolled his eyes and went to his room. I found I couldn't fault his logic.
When I heard a knock on the door I wasn't surprised to see Charlie there but I was shocked to see Sue Clearwater with him. She was very nice to me, it wasn't uncomfortable so I went with the flow and didn't bring anything up either. Bella looked surprised to see Charlie with Sue, he had told Bella he was dating but not who he was dating. Sue went to help Bella in the kitchen and they seemed to be getting along fine. Charlie and I were awkward at first but eventually relaxed around each other and began to enjoy the football game that was on.
Dinner was going great. Bella had cooked the turkey and all the traditional trimmings. I sat on one end of the table with Bella next to me and Charlie sat on the other end with Sue next to him, the kids were behaving and I saw Charlie watching Bella and I together. He was smiling and happy so I chose to take that as a good sign. We were almost ready for dessert when someone knocked on the door. I was shocked to open the door and see Tanya standing there.
"You can't be here Tanya. If you wanted to see the kids you should have arranged something sooner." I was closing the door when she stopped it with her hands.
"Wait, I'm already here can I just wish them a Happy Thanksgiving." She was trying to see inside the house and that told me she was just being nosy and didn't want to talk to the kids.
"No, you can call them later to talk to them we are in the middle of dinner." I once again tried to close the door. I heard Bella call out to me softly asking who was at the door as Tanya once again stopped me from closing it. The direction Bella was approaching from Tanya could hear her but not see her, I told her who was at the door and asked her to stay in the dining room with the kids.
"Is your girlfriend here Edward? I would love to meet her." At this point Seth got out of the car, I didn't know he was with her and hoped I could end this before Sue figured out he was here too. However, Bella must have told Charlie who was at the door because he came to the door to see if there was a problem.
"Tanya this is the last time I am saying this, go home and call the kids later. You are not welcome in my home."
"Edward, I have every right..." She started but Charlie cut her off.
"No, actually you don't, aside from supervised visitation you have no rights here. Now I suggest you leave or I can arrest you for trespassing." Charlie noticed Seth coming up the stairs to stand by Tanya. "Seth what are you doing here? Didn't you tell your mother you were having dinner at your girlfriend's house?" Seth looked down and blushed, that was all it took for Charlie to figure out who his girlfriend was. He looked back inside the house and lowered his voice, "You two need to leave now before this gets any worse."
Seth looked confused, until he heard his mother's voice. "Seth? Did I hear you say Seth Charlie, what is he doing here?" Sue walked into the foyer and saw who Seth was standing next to at the door. The look on her face spoke volumes, she had no idea they were together.
"Is these who you have been dating? You have had the same girlfriend for years?" Then she turned to Tanya, "You started dating my son right after he turned 17. How could you? You not only cheat on your husband but you do it with my son, who was a minor at the time?" She stepped towards Seth and was poking his chest with her finger. "I raised you better than this. It makes some sense now, the changes that have happened to you in the last few years. This is not the man I raised, if you expect to come home then be ready for us to have a long talk about the company you have been keeping and changes will have to be made."
"He is 20 years old and can make his own decisions..." Tanya started before Sue stopped her.
"You will never be welcome in my house..." Sue was interrupted by Tanya this time.
"I have been in your house plenty of times. As a matter of fact, Seth loves what I do to him in your house..."
Sue moved so fast she had slapped Tanya before Charlie or I could move. "You whore stay out of my house, if I catch you there I will have you arrested." She looked at Seth, "You could do so much better than her." Sue walked into the house crying.
Charlie spoke to Tanya and Seth, "I hope you are happy with yourselves. You need to leave before I find a reason to put you both in jail for the night."
I just shook my head and shut and locked the door, leaving them standing on the porch. Charlie was in the living room with Sue trying to calm her down when I returned to the table. Bella and the kids looked at me and I shook my head to say not now and we started clearing the table for dessert. Charlie and Sue returned to the dining room and we ate dessert like there hadn't been an interruption. After Charlie and Sue and the kids were in bed I explained the situation to Bella.
"What I don't understand Edward is what she gains by finding out about who you are dating? She must think she will get something out of the information. She is trying too hard to find out about your life now, any ideas why?"
"I don't know and at this moment I don't care, I have you in my arms and I am very thankful for that." I kissed her and then we snuggled into each other to enjoy the rest of the night.
The rest of the weekend was uneventful, the kids and I got a Christmas tree and Bella came over to help us decorate it. After our tree was done we went to Charlie's to help Bella with his tree and had hot cocoa. My mother called and invited all of us to Chicago for Christmas and that included Bella. She was going to talk to Charlie but admitted that she wanted to go and now that he had Sue she wouldn't feel bad about not being here with him. Bella made a special trip to the house to retrieve Big Eddie before heading back to Seattle. I had forgotten about him to be honest and when I told her that she laughed. "I thought so Edward but I could never forget Big Eddie, if I can't have the real you, he is the next best thing."
Everyone returned to school on Monday and I learned I was in a love triangle with Charlie for Sue's affections. Charlie and I laughed about it and then added fuel to the fire when the three of us met for lunch at the diner one day. No one knew exactly what to make of the situation after that day but it made for interesting rumors until Christmas break.
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or its characters.
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