Chapter 10: And so the games begin…
Edward's POV.
The house was a hive of activity. Well, it was not the depressed state that held us prisoner for the last five years. Everyone was excited about Bella moving back in. Even me. Especially me. Despite the fact that she hated me with every molecule in her body, she was here with her family were she belonged. It was strange how one little human had an effect on all of us. Thoughts were filled with happiness and meaning. Strained relationships began to mend, and we began to speak to each other with civility and love again. And it had only been one day!
She spoke privately with Esme and Carlisle last night. I paced outside Carlisle's study hoping to hear what was said but Esme and Carlisle were working very hard at keeping me out and all I heard was the scratching of pen to paper. God, she was so crafty. I smiled ruefully. She knew me too well. Knew my weak points and my disadvantages. My clever little Bella. But she was no longer mine and she was no longer Bella either. She insisted on being called Izzy. I didn't like it. It felt wrong on my mouth. Like I had swallowed acid. Emmett on the other hand was ecstatic that we were all finally calling by her new name.
Bella had chosen the bedroom right next to mine no doubt to taunt me. Her happiness expanded when she was told we would have to share a bathroom. She was a sly little thing, and yet I was still madly and irrevocably in love with her. Regardless whether she hated me I was happy just to be able to lay my eyes on her. A war waged internally inside me. I was overjoyed that she was back in my life, but felt utter despair that she would never love me again.
She insisted that she sleep on the couch that night until her furniture arrived. Alice and I were rocked when Esme and Bella went online to look at beds, and other furniture for her room. The sheer fact that she was accepting anything from us was overwhelming. Alice needed to lay down, she was that shocked. The fact that she didn't bring anything with her though worried me a little. Just a her bike. Her bike. I kept wanting to go out and destroy that dangerous piece of metal, but Emmett stopped me.
It's hers, Edward do not make her hate you even more.
I growled at him and marched back into the living room, thinking of ways to get rid of that death trap without the blame coming back on me. I lost myself momentarily when I saw her asleep on the couch. How many times had I watched her sleep? It never got old. I loved watching her eyes flicker under the pale lavender of her lids as she dreamed.
I wondered briefly if she still dreamed about me but pushed that thought far away. She lay on her back, her hand rested just beside her neck and her other on her stomach. I marveled at how delicate she was. How remarkably beautiful she had become. Her body had matured divinely. Her face had lost the last remnants' of baby fat, her jaw poised and striking, leaving her neck to become long and exquisite. Her breasts, oh god, her breasts were firm and high, and I thought back to them pressed against me. I struggled to pull my eyes from them. I continued my visual exploration finding her hips had widened accentuating her tiny waist line, and giving her glorious curves. Curves I would love to explore but knew I would never. Never…that word caused me to swallow the hard lump that had formed in my throat as I tore my eyes from Bella sleeping frame and stalked over to the stairs where I could watch her from a safe distance.
At different times of the night, the members of my family came to check on her. First Alice and Jasper then Emmett and Rose sat with me. We didn't need to talk just watched her sleep. Then my parents came down. Esme hugged me while Carlisle squeezed my shoulder. I was happy that they were happy. But I got a sinking feeling in my gut that it was going to get a lot worse for me.
I found that she slept deeply barely stirring, and not a sound escaped her lips. I struggled with the fact that she was not dreaming of me. Of that my only link into her silent mind had closed it's doors to me. My mind played over the disaster that was this afternoon, and I realized that her heart stayed steady the entire time. I sadly realized then that she had gotten over me, but not over her anger.
When the morning dawned, Bella got up and stretched languidly across the couch. My breath hitched, and I struggled to maintain my seat on the stairs. God she was so beautiful. Her head snapped towards me, and I watched a small sneer play on her delicate lips.
"Watching me sleep Cullen. How very stalker like of you."
I sighed, shaking my head slowly. I knew she must have been uncomfortable sleeping in her clothes so I suggested that she go and have a shower. Her eyes narrowed and she stood up stomping over to me, putting her hands on her tilted hips. It took every part of my will power to keep my eyes on hers.
"Are you trying to tell me I stink, Edward?"
I stared at her, shocked. How could she even suggest such a think? Her scent was the most intoxicating thing in my world. If I could, I would spend the rest of my days enveloped in her amazing perfume.
She's playing you, you fool!
Oh.
"What, no I was merely thinking…"
"I don't care what you merely think, Cullen."
She quickly pushed past me and bounded up the stairs. I watched in amazement as she barged into Emmett and Rosalie's room.
"Oh. My. God Bel ..urh.. I mean Izzy, what are you doing?" Rosalie screeched.
I chuckled at the thought of Bella standing there blushing as she tried to avert her eyes from Rosalie and Emmett's love making.
"Shut it Rose. I have no clothes and you have million. I'm just going to borrow a few before Alice takes me out shopping."
I almost choked on my own venom. I couldn't choose what shocked me more. The fact that she didn't care that she had walked in on possibly the nastiest scene ever, or the fact that she willingly volunteered to go shopping with Alice. I don't think Alice could believe it either. She was squealing uncontrollably from her room.
"Oh my god. She wants to go shopping, Jazz. She wants to buy clothes. With me!" Suddenly her squeals turned into a husky moan. "Oh Jazz, I am so turned on right now."
I shook my head in disgust, trying to distance my self from her perverted little mind.
"Isabella Swan! Get out of our room now. Can't you see my husband and I are having a moment."
Bella snorted.
"Oh is that what you call it Rose? And here I thought it's correct name was fellacio."
Emmett started laughing.
"You hit the nail right on the head Iz" Emmett wheezed.
"Nah uh, Em, I believe that was what Rose was doing"
That caused Emmett to burst into fresh laughter and Rosalie to screech loudly.
"I will kill you, Swan"
I suddenly feared for her safety. I was in the door way faster than even I thought I could be, relieved that Rose was fully dressed, and standing a few feet away from Bella. Emmett how ever was lying butt naked on the bed his hands laced behind his head enjoying the view.
Has he know shame?
I was about to tell Emmett to cover up when I noticed Bella closed the gap between her and Rosalie. I was astonished at how close Bella got to Rose's face. Her face scrunched up in anger, and her eyes danced with fury. I was also unnerved me how calm she was. Her heart beat steadily in her chest and her arms tensed at her sides, showing sinewy muscles. It was a stand off and I was amazed that for once I didn't think Bella would back down.
"Bring it, Hale"
"Awesome chick fight." Emmett murmured propping himself up and he glanced at me, grinning stupidly.
Edward, quick go get some jelly.
I looked down at him in disgust. Fucking pervert was entertaining ideas of having a threesome with a whole load of jelly. With my Bella. Regardless whether I would ever touch her again the idea of Emmett dirty paws all over her sickened me. I was about to growl at him when I heard a strange sound. Both Emmett and I looked across to see Rosalie and Bella clutching each other giggling.
What the fuck?
"God, Swan, when did you get so bad ass?"
"Gee, Hale, when you started taking it like a bitch."
Rose's face froze. Then her face burst into a massive smile, and both of them fell to the ground clutching their sides, laughing. At that point, Esme glided past the door and stopped
Rose and Bella are laughing. Oh that is sweet, they are finally getting along.
I turned and gave her a weak smile. She returned one to me and then her face fell into a frown.
"Emmett, why are you naked?"
Emmett scrambled for a bed sheet to cover himself which caused fresh laughter to erupt from the girls.
"Sorry mom." Emmett mumbled.
Esme tsked him sternly and then smiled at the rest of us before continuing downstairs. I turned back noticing Bella crawling into the wardrobe. Rose crossed her legs and played idly with her hair. Obviously the fact that she was pleasing her husband just a moment ago was not a priority anymore.
"Why my clothes, Izzy?" she asked.
"Because you are closer to my size now and you have clothes I would probably wear."
"Are you saying I'm fat, Swan." Rose sneered.
"Are you saying I'm fat, Hale?" Bella screamed.
My god, that was a little dramatic.
Rose looked at me, her face frozen in shock, and then she shrugged sheepishly looking back to the closet where Bella was throwing clothes around at an alarming rate. Bright red panties flew through the air and landed next to Emmett who grinned, and flung them at Rose.
"No, sorry that question was redundant." Rose said flinging the panties back in the closet. Bella stuck her head out and nodded.
"Yeah it was, Hale. All I'm saying is that we both have perfectly fine booties and you have the best clothes to show them off."
Rosalie grinned at me.
Ha! Your EX GIRLFRIEND is awesome Eddie. I so love my new little sister.
I snorted at her. Bella wasn't intimidated by Rose any more and suddenly they are besties. This was utterly ridiculous. I felt like I had been sucked through a black hole into an alternate reality.
"Ooooh this is hot."
Bella came out of the wardrobe holding up the tiniest pair of black shorts I had ever seen. I gaped at her and she looked up and smirked at me. She then turned her head and looked at Emmett. She placed the pants against her and wiggled her hips. Venom wheeled up in my mouth and it took all my strength to swallow it.
"What do you think, Em?"
I glanced at Emmett who was lying on the bed his hand propped up against his head. Thankfully the sheet was covering his privates. He grinned at Bella.
"Try em on, Iz. I think they look sexy."
I was about to protest but Bella was already wiggling out of her tight jeans. The sight of Bella's perfectly round ass, in a pair of black lacy panties no less, wiggling in front of my face caused me to sway. I had barely seen her belly button before this point, and now the very sight of so much exposed flesh made the room spin. I was infinitely aware that I was sharing this moment with my brother and sister, and I closed my eyes to stop myself from grabbing Bella and shielding her from their eyes. Emmett whistled and Rose giggled. My eyes snapped open and I suppressed a snarl. I couldn't believe they were encouraging this. It was enough to snap me out of my drooling state, and I stared at my siblings in disgust.
Rose looked at me and shrugged while Emmett had his eyes trained on Bella. Jealousy rolled through my body like a freight train and I growled loudly. Bella paused just as her she had her jeans at her ankles. Her wiggling bottom stilled and her head peeped around her legs
Wow, look at Eddie sweat. Rose was looking up at me, expectantly.
How cool is she. Favorite little sister EVER! I glanced down at Emmett who was chuckling to himself.
"Well Edward, if you can't handle the heat you should get outta the frying pan."
She shot an innocent smile my way as she straightened, and stepped out of her jeans. I gaped at all three of them. Bella was casually pulling up the shorts and began to button then, ignoring me completely. Rose and Emmett were staring at me smugly waiting for me to explode. I felt my anger boil and my fists began to curl and uncurl trying to calm myself down.
No that's what she wants man and beside at least she has pants on now, so cool it.
I stalked out fuming and listened to all three of them burst out laughing at my expense.
I quickly ran out of the house, ignoring Esme's concern and telling her I just needed to hunt. Really, I needed some space. It was hard enough dealing with Bella being Izzy, but dealing with all the crap my sibling were putting out was driving me insane. I ran for over half and hour taking a deer just for the sake of it. I wasn't hungry, having hunted the night before but with Bella being human, and so close I couldn't take the chance. I reminded myself to make sure that Jasper would have to take on extra meals.
After I disposed of the body, I ran back to the house eager to find out what Emmett had experienced with Bella. He was trying hard to keep me away from those memories, but that made me want to see them even more. I mean how much worse could it get? I found him in the lounge playing Halo with Rose.
"She's cooking breakfast. You know, if your wondering." Emmett murmured.
I nodded and sat down next to Rose. I tried to think the best way to release Emmett's memories of his night with Bella. I concluded that with Emmett the simplest is always the most effective.
"Bella." I said.
Emmett looked at me worried, realizing what I was trying to do and then glanced back at the plasma, a grin widening on his face.
"Nah man, I don't think so. Ape shit ain't your colour." Emmett chuckled tapping the buttons of the console. Rose snickered.
Ok so maybe he wasn't so simple after all. It's like breaking a code though and Emmett code wouldn't take long. Out of all of my family, Emmett had the hardest time keeping his thoughts to himself. Alice had pretty much perfected it, and the rest were pretty good at keeping some of their thoughts private.
No, try another simple one.
"Izzy" I murmured.
Bingo!
All of a sudden waves of memories poured through Emmett's head. I started focusing on one when another would push it out of the way. Motorcycles, extremely fast cars, brawling and working for dangerous people. Emmett's memories were all together too vivid on the best of days but now with his new found respect for Bella they went into over drive.
I glanced at Rose who ignored me completely focusing on killing Emmett's character while he was out reminiscing. Emmett however looked extremely smug.
She different now huh? He said silently glancing at me.
I nodded sadly and looked towards the kitchen. I was dying to see her again and Emmett sighed and threw the controller on the couch.
"Hey I thought we were playing?" Rose whined.
"Not now babe, I don't feel like it."
"Oh right, I'll remember that line next time you want sex shall I?" Emmett laughed and waggled a finger at her.
"Pur-lease Rose, you use that line all the time."
Rose pouted and crossed her arms while Emmett chuckled and grabbed her round the shoulders and flung her over his shoulders. She giggled and smacked him on the bottom.
"To the kitchen, Tarzan." She yelled.
Emmett grunted and then started naming all the actors who played Tarzan.
Strange…it's like he's hiding something from me.
Wait…he is hiding something.
I followed Emmett into the kitchen trying to discern something from his mind. The other memories washed over me, but I was way to shocked to process them properly.
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are the favourite snack of little kids across America.
I shook my head angrily as Emmett kept listing things to keep me from the thing he was hiding for me. It must have been very very good or very very bad because he was concentrating extremely hard.
Miley Cyrus doesn't have a mullet like her dad, though it would be cool if she did. His eyebrows came together and I frowned slightly.
Who the hell is Miley Cyrus? I thought.
I was focused so hard on Emmett that I didn't notice Bella dancing. Bella doesn't dance. My thoughts immediately went back to prom. And Emmett's went immediately to Bella dancing at the club. It was obvious that she had gotten over her aversion of dancing. And shopping. And Rosalie .I leaned against the wall watching avidly as she danced to the music screaming form her ipod.
I was transfixed on the beautiful dancing nymph in front of me. Her eyes were closed and her lips murmured along softly with the words. Her soft green tank lifted slightly revealing a taut stomach, and I did everything in my power not to rush over to her, rip it off and lavish her in kisses. I closed and opened my fist a few times regaining control. My eyes travelled down past those tiny damn black shorts, and I couldn't help but note how defined her legs had become. I had felt how firm and strong they were last night, but seeing the muscle move under her skin as she spun around had be panting like a dog in heat. I shook my head.
Get a hold of yourself.
She wore no shoes, her tiny feet on tiptoes as she twisted and twirled around the kitchen. I couldn't take my eyes off her. Not once did she falter and by Emmett's memories alone it would seem she had gotten over her clumsy tendencies. I felt saddened by that fact that another part of my Bella was gone.
Emmett pulled out a stool from under the kitchen island, and gently set Rose down on it. She smiled up at him before pivoting around to watch Bella. Emmett went over to Bella and laughed as she twirled closer to him.
"Oh yeah shake that ass."
Emmett gave her a light tap on her ass, and all I could see was white hot fury spewing from every pore in my body.
Calm down, do not make a scene
I opened and closed my fist again, and clenched my jaw not taking my eyes off Emmett. He sat down on a stool next to Rose and she smacked him across the head. I calmed slightly and reminded myself to thank Rose later for that. I glanced at Bella as she leaned over to put her plate away. There was something about her face that caught my attention. She was waiting for something. Something that amused her. I looked over at Emmett who was watching Bella avidly and then I looked at Rose who was staring at Emmett with a look of disgust mixed in with jealousy and lust.
I really don't get those two.
As Bella straightened she pushed her ass out, and something snapped it Emmett's head letting a barrage of images out that assaulted my vision. Bella wiggling her ass on the bike. Bella all over Emmett. Emmett spinning her round and grinding himself into her ass. Emmett with wood!
"Emmett!" I roared and launched myself at him. He turned just in time to catch me and we both toppled to the floor. I immediately started punching at any free part of his body. He started laughing which only increased the ferocity of my blows. Emmett started to cringe beneath me.
"But, dude, she was sticking her ass in my crotch not the other way round."
"Arh!" I snarled and head butted him just to get the image of Bella gyrating all over Emmett out of my head. He looked a bit daze and thankfully all was quiet in his head. I looked around realizing we were alone. All the anger I had a moment ago was spent and I collapsed on the floor. Emmett still looking a bit dizzy sat himself up and shook his head.
"Dude, she's not Bella anymore."
"I know." I sighed and my hand moved through my hair.
"What should I do, Emmett? I still love her. How can I make this right?"
A grin played across his face and his chest expanded. I inwardly groaned as Emmett's ego grew before my eyes.
"You came to the right person, Eddie boy!" He said slapping me over the back.
True, Emmett had had his share of run ins with Rose. And there were times when I thought he wouldn't survive his marriage. I don't think a week had gone by where Rose wasn't utterly pissed at him, but he amazingly managed to weasel his way back into her good grace. I looked at him as he thought of my plan of attack.
"Don't let it get to you." He said finally, the look of pride spreading throughout his whole body. I rolled my eyes and looked at him like he was nuts.
"Oh, wow! Emmett that was deep. Besides it does get to me. All I want to do is grab her and shake her until I get the old Bella back." Emmett put up both his hands in defence and shook his head.
"No dude. That's what she wants. She wants you to hate her, to yell and get up in her territory. But her anger will eventually leak out and she'll finally see that your still there for her. Just be your normal charming self, and she'll stop seeing the parts she hates and start seeing the parts she loves."
I snorted at the fact Emmett still believed that Bella loved me, even after he had witnessed her say the exact opposite in her sleep. But it couldn't hurt to try.
"Ok that seems to make sense. How long do you think it will that take."
"Mmmm. Well she is pretty pissed at you so… maybe a decade?"
I blanched when I realized he wasn't kidding.
I felt my resolve hardened as I considered it. You can only hate a person so much and at the very least I would be happy that she was here. With me. And not with me. I decided I would endure everything she threw at me, and I would be there at the end, waiting for her to come back to me.
"It'll be a hard road, Edward." I glance at him and nodded. His thoughts kept switching from how happy he was that Bella as back to how sad it was that we were not together.
Edward and Bella. Eddie and Bells. B and E. Ed and Izzy. The Ed Man and The Z girl. They belong together.
I smiled softly at the fact that Emmett had constant hope. His childlike tendencies made him think that anything could happen most of all Bella and I together.
"I just hope it's not too late." I murmured.
"Me too, brother, me too."