Wow, I am so sorry everybody. I haven't updated in so long and I am terribly sorry. Life is just insane! I am going to Mexico for Christmas (where I will still be writing) but I will not be able to update. However, I'll post one more chapter before then.
Sorry again, but enjoy;
I woke up slowly, dragging my eye-lids up reluctantly. I was very well rested, but I just wanted to stay in bed. I shut my eyes, letting the warming sun filter through the window and gently let my body know it was a new day. I sighed at peace and prepared myself to go downstairs. With my eyes still closed, I tried to roll off the side of the bed, but I then realized that I had a steely grip around my waist. My eyebrows furrowed for a moment before I heard a ghostly chuckle. My eyes snapped open to see that I was face to face with Edward. I stiffened the tiniest bit and allowed a few more inches to separate us.
"Good morning love." He said amused. Love? Love… Love! My brain registered the events from last night and noticed with elation that I no longer had to hide my feelings.
"Sleep well?" He asked and my smile grew.
"Incredibly so." I beamed.
"Do you want to go get some breakfast?" I pouted playfully.
"But I don't want to move!" A gentle smile settled on his lips.
"Then I'll just have to carry you." He lifted me onto his back and I could see the effort it took him to be soft.
"Is it hard to be around me?" I asked sadly n our way to the kitchen. He was silent for a moment.
"At the beginning, yes. Especially when you were a baby." I blushed- it was beyond embarrassing that he knew me as a drooling toddler. "But I have become so accustomed to your scent. I just need to remember to be gentle." He concluded as I rested my head on his shoulder.
"Good morning Bella." The family called as we passed through the living room. Their smiles told me they already knew everything.
"Morning." I mumbled back.
"Here you go Bella." Esme said as she handed me a plate with waffles. I took it greedily and started to eat while sitting on Edward's lap.
"How is your leg Bella?" Carlisle enquired.
"Fine, fine." I said rolling my eyes, he checked every morning and even though I still had a bit of a limp, it didn't hurt much anymore.
"Good, what about everything else?"
"Fine!" I said exasperated and I felt Edward's arm wrap around my waist. I leaned back into him.
"Hmm." Carlisle said thoughtfully. "What would you think about going back to school." He asked hesitantly. I froze, my fork in the air and Edward's arm tightened.
"It's okay if its too soon." He whispered in my ear. I lowered my utensils onto the plate and pushed it away. I curled into a defensive ball and hid against Edward's chest. I couldn't go back to school! What about Lauren and Jessica and-
"One of us would be with you at all times." Rose said.
"I know it will be hard Bella, but think about it. It might do you some good and you will never be alone." Carlisle reasoned but I could see that he wouldn't push me.
"I'll think about it." I whispered and they nodded.
"Do you want to go for a walk?" Edward suddenly offered and I bobbed my head up and down- some air would be appreciated. He set me on my feet and took my hand as he led me out the door.
He kept holding my hand as we walked on the easy and familiar path in the forest.
"What do you think?" I asked and he sighed.
"You don't have to go. I don't want you to be uncomfortable."
"But?" I knew he wanted to say more.
"But," He stopped talking and turned to me. "But, you need to do it eventually. There wont be any reason to be afraid because we will be there." I sat down on a log at the edge of the path.
"Being here has been great." I sighed. "I don't want to pop my perfect bubble with reality." I leaned my head on Edward's shoulder.
"You know I wouldn't force you into anything right?" He murmured while kissing my forehead.
"Right." I confirmed and he leaned his chin on my head.
"I think you should go." He then said and honestly it was all I really needed.
"I think so too." I whispered.
"But, what if I get a flashback? Or if someone comes too close? What it Lauren and Jessica-".I started to panic, but he interrupted me.
"You're forgetting that I'll always be at your side." He reminded me gently before chuckling, "Do you really think that Emmett, Jasper or I will even allow someone to look your way?" I giggled too thinking of my family in body-guard mode.
"There. You see? You'll be fine." He murmured while stroking my cheek.
"When would we go back?"
"Monday." I nodded against his chest. We sat there all afternoon, just discussing trivial things to keep my mind occupied before we fell into a comfortable silence. As the sky slowly turned darker, Edward spoke.
"I think we should go inside." He said. I didn't move. "Esme is worried." He added and I sighed standing up, but I wasn't ready to let go of him yet. I wrapped my arms around his waist and he gave me a smile before placing his arms around my shoulders. We walked back towards the house as a couple. It may have been only recently that we openly admitted out feelings, but we were already completely in sync. I was aware of how my pain caused him pain and I was determined to be stronger from now on.
Esme was indeed waiting anxiously on the front steps. She stood swiftly and blurred at the speed of her movements.
"Bella," She began but I cut her off, already answering the million dollar question.
"I'm fine." I sighed and she hugged me.
"You don't have to-" Once again I interrupted her.
"I'm going back on Monday." Esme looked startled, but then a relived smile appeared. When we walked into the house, I was surprised to see it was empty.
"They went hunting." Edward answered my unasked question. "So what do you want to do tonight?"
"Tonight?" I asked bewildered.
"Yes, we stayed there for quite some time." He smirked.
"Oh. Um, could we watch a movie?"
"Sure. Any preference?"
"Can we watch 'Australia'?" I wondered randomly and he chuckled.
"Sounds good. And dinner?" Esme poked her head in the living room at the mention of dinner.
"Do you have ravioli?" I blushed remembering last night with Edward and he smiled.
"Yes, mushroom. Is that okay?" I giggled as I nodded my head and Edward let out a small laugh; it was quite the coincidence. Esme looked confused, but her gaze was tender as she saw me laying next to Edward on the couch. Edward went to put the movie on before returning on the couch with me. We started the movie in silence before Esme appeared with my food.
"You know, I think that I am just going to catch up with the others for a quick hunt. See you tomorrow." Esme smiled at us fondly before leaving in a flash. It was always disconcerting when they left so abruptly.
"So how is your meal?" Edward smirked.
"Esme makes it better than the restaurant!" I exclaimed happily and he chuckled again.
The movie was beautiful! I cried at the end, even though it was a happy ending.
"Bella, why exactly are you crying?" Edward asked amused and I smacked his chest playfully.
"Shh! You'll ruin the moment!" I whispered and he just chuckled. Once the credits were rolling, I allowed him to speak.
"That was amazing." I sighed.
"It was good." He agreed even though I considered his words to be an understatement.
"You're just jealous." I joked and he widened his eyes innocently.
"Me? No… Do I have a reason to be?" I pretended to ponder his question.
"Maybe."
"Yes or no?" He asked still playing.
"Well, that's confidential information."
"Well then, it seems that I will just have to force it out of you." He smiled wickedly before tickling my sides.
"N-n-o! Stop!" I gasped as I squirmed trying to get away.
"Not until you tell me."
"S-stop! Stop!" I giggled. "N-no! I l-love you, o-only you!" He stopped.
"That's what I like to hear." He chuckled but his smile was immediately wiped off his face as he looked down at me with intensity. I was hyper-aware of his proximity as he was propped above me. I didn't move; like a deer caught in headlights. He slowly moved his head down, looking at me in the eyes. Abruptly, it was Charlie's smirking face approaching mine. I cringed away into the cushions and screwed my eyes shut. I heard Edward calling me.
"Bella, open your eyes. It's okay. Don't be scared." I blinked once and Edward was back, his glorious face even closer. His cool breath blew in my face, clearing my mind from all it's fears and filling me with his essence. His lips were now practically on mine.
"Can I kiss you?" He asked hesitantly, but full of passion. I didn't answer him as I closed the mostly non-existent space between us.
Our lips moved in perfect harmony, mine moulding against his smooth ones. The kiss was tender, yet passionate. I threw every ounce of love I felt in this kiss and Edward responded generously. He pulled away softly and rested his forehead on my shoulder. As I caught my breath, he gently kissed his way up my temple, sending shivers up my spine.
"Was that okay?" He whispered, his breath laboured even though I could not comprehend why.
"More than okay." I murmured He shifted us so that we were both on our sides with my back to him. He pulled me close and inhaled my scent.
"Was that hard for you?" I asked and he shook his head in my hair.
"It wasn't hard… for me." I clearly understood the question behind his words. I hesitated, I didn't want him to think any less of the mind-blowing experience he had just given me.
"I kissed you. Only you. It was perfect." Edward was there for me, and I truly counted this as my first kiss and not the one-sided kisses that were forced upon me by Charlie.
"I love you." Edward said, punctuating each word with a kiss to my head. I relaxed fully into his embrace, enjoying his company as he played with my hair.
"I love you more."
"I highly doubt that." I smiled at his words, but still couldn't completely agree.
"Do you want to watch another movie?" He asked casually.
"Sure." He unwrapped his arms and started to stand.
"But I don't want you to move!" I moaned and he chuckled.
"You can't have both."
"Stay with me then."
"Suits me." He answered and lay back down. I turned so that I was facing him. I pressed my body to his and closed my eyes. He started to hum my lullaby and when I was just about to fall asleep, Edward stood abruptly, pulling me up with him and hiding me behind his body.
"Don't you dare!" He snarled. I poked my head out to the side to see Emmett standing with a bucket of water.
"Well, somebody needed to wake up sleeping beauty." He smirked and suddenly Jasper, Alice and Rose were at his side; also with buckets. They all moved faster than I could see and Edward hurriedly shielded me. In under three seconds, I was drenched.
"I'm already awake bozo!" I yelled at Emmett, thoroughly upset that they ruined my time with Edward.
"Oops, my bad." He smiled wickedly. Jasper looked guilty as he must have felt my anger and disappointment.
"Sorry." He muttered but I disregarded the apology.
"Come on Bella, let's go get you dried up." Rose said kindly.
"Traitor." I glared and she looked sheepish.
"I was blackmailed, Alice was going to ruin my car!" She pleaded with me.
"Why Alice?" I asked irritated.
"Come on Bella, calm down. I gave you enough time with your beloved here," I blushed and Edward growled lightly. "Carlisle and Esme are still hunting, so we are having a slumber party!" She squealed excited.
"Why?!" I whined and she actually glared at me.
"Bella Marie Swan," They knew that 'Isabella' could be the trigger to panic attacks. "You will go dry up, you will come back downstairs and you will have fun." I sighed and started walking up the stairs when I felt Edward's arms snake around my waist. He kissed my head.
"I'm sorry."
"It's not like you weren't targeted either." I said gesturing to his dripping clothes. He accompanied me to my room and wrapped a towel around me.
"Come on, dry up. I'll wait downstairs." Edward said softly and leaned in to give me a chaste kiss on the lips. I smiled widely and quickly changed into some comfortable pyjamas. I ran down the stairs only to trip on the last one and have Edward catch me.
"Thank you." I mumbled grudgingly as he set me on my feet.
"It's Alice's turn to pick a movie." He informed me while taking my hand and leading me to the couch. Miraculously, it was dry.
"okay, we are going to watch 'Confessions of a Shopaholic'" Alice announced happily and I groaned.
"It's my night." She reminded me smugly. I guess it would be bearable since I wouldn't pay any attention to it anyway. Edward scooped me up and lay me gently on the couch next to him. I was still tired, so I turned to face his chest and closed my eyes. He stroked my back and kissed my nose. I gave him a small smile before falling asleep.
I could get used to this.
Thank you so much for reading and following my story- I couldn't ask for better readers =) And don't worry, there is still quite a bit to come!