Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight. I am not making any profit from this story. Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight and all Twilight characters.
Enjoy this chapter.
Oh yeah and just to clarify, Edward was using his cell phone but Bella was using a corded phone. I mentioned corded phones in the A/N at the bottom but not in the chapter... I think. It was late when I wrote it.
Also, GIVE IT UP FOR ALABELLE, She's my new beta and is doing a wonderful job.
If the format is a little crazy today, I'm sorry.
I could make out light behind my closed eyelids. Was it morning already? I didn't have those idiotic morning thoughts of not knowing where I was or what was going on. I think that even in my sleep I was aware of Bella's presence. Not that this is the first time that Bella and I had slept together. Let me clarify that. Slept in the same bed together. However, this was the first time Bella and I fell asleep in each other's embraces. That had to count for something right?
Bella's arms were soft against mine. When I opened my eyes, I was surprised to see that we hadn't moved at all since the previous night, or early morning, I suppose.
She looked very distressed, like she was about to wake but was still telling herself she needed sleep. Her face buried in my chest and she groaned slightly. Her breath was warm and I wished I had the confidence to go to bed shirtless. I was sick. If you had told me just a few weeks ago that I would think perverted thoughts about someone, I would have called the cops on you.
Then again, I would never have thought that I would so quickly start to like someone, yet here I am.
Love at first sight? Maybe. Perhaps since I had never known what love was before, I hadn't given it a second thought. But, I really don't think I'm in love just yet. Maybe like at first sight? That sounded more appropriate.
I squeezed my arms around her neck slightly tighter and put my nose in her hair. She smelt innocently of strawberries.
"Clair de lune?" I heard her sweet voice mumble groggily, directing more warmth at my chest. She was dreaming of music? I paused all thoughts momentarily.
Oh. I had the classical station playing before the power went out, and when the power came back on it must have started playing.
"I'm a big Debussy fan," I mumbled back. Truthfully, I was surprised that she could point out the names of classical songs. I doubt anyone other teenager in Forks could. But Bella isn't just another teenager in a small town. She was more.
When she unwrapped her arms from my waist I was sure that it was my sign to let her go as well.
Just then, her stomach emitted a rumbling growl indicating that it wanted food. A blush immediately appeared on Bella's face, enhancing her natural beauty.
"I'm hungry too. Let's see what there is to eat in here." We both left my room and headed downstairs. The entire way I noticed how Bella was gaping at my house. I guess it is kind of flashy for such a small town.
Once we got in the kitchen I sorted through the pantry, trying to find something suitable for breakfast. I'm sure if I tried I'd be able to cook, but the skill had never been needed. Esme had always cooked all my meals.
"Edward, wait!" I turned around to face Bella, just now noticing what she had on for nightwear: a large shirt and sweat pants. It looked surprisingly attractive on her. Who knew someone could look so beautiful in something so... not beautiful?
"What is it, Bella?" I finally spoke out after several moments of gawking at her.
"You've done so much for me. The least I can do is cook your breakfast. I cook for Charlie every night and I'm very good at it." She cooks too? Is there any flaw in this girl? Oh yeah, she won't seek help from her father's abuse.
I stepped aside from the pantry and allowed her to inspect the kitchen. I watched her pull out some ingredients I had seen Esme used many times.
"Why don't you get ready for the day? Breakfast will be ready when you're finished." With that, I marched back to my room and picked out my outfit for today. It was a little warmer than usual so I pulled out a plain white tee shirt and some fitting jeans; on my way to the bathroom to shower I looked out my window. It was bright and sunny today.
Damn.
I was hoping that it would be thundering and lightening out so I could have Bella all to myself the rest of the week. Maybe Bella will be too frightened to stay home alone again.
It was a vain hope most likely.
I stepped into the warm shower, wondering if I was going to wondering why there are 2 random stars?) again. I mentally slapped myself for that one. Of course I wasn't going to do that! As amazing and wonderful as it felt, it was wrong to think of a lady like that. Disrespectful, even. Plus, Bella was in the house. I would rather my parents hear me do that after school activity before Bella.
Once done with my shower I hurriedly changed into the clothes I had previously picked out, practically running towards where a mouth watering scent was collecting.
There, in the kitchen, I saw what looked like a feast made for a king. There were omelets, bacon, eggs of all kinds, toast, muffins, and we can't forget the pancakes.
Sitting in the kitchen and eating a home cooked meal with Bella in the morning kind of made me feel like we were newly weds. The warm bubbly feeling was beginning to rise again. We ate in silence, except for the slight sound coming from the TV.
When we finished I thanked her and grabbed our dishes so I could load them in the dishwasher.
"This weekend only, come to the Seattle Zoo and you can save up to 75 percent off on all gift shop items!" When the commercial spoke this I saw Bella's head snap to the television set, looking at it with awe.
"Do you like the zoo, Bella?" Her head slowly turned away from the television set, which was now playing a Snuggie commercial. She looked down at the table as a smile placed on her face.
"Yeah... I guess. I haven't been there since my mom died. But, when I did go there I just remember it being amazing." Her eyes glazed over momentarily, thinking about fond memories, I guess.
"Bella, you can take a shower in my room if you'd like. I'm going to clean up around here." Bella finally sat up from her spot at the table mumbling something like a "Thank you" and headed off towards the stairs.
Moments later I heard the shower running. I started the dishwasher and sat down on the couch staring emptily at the television. I couldn't comprehend anything the characters on the family sitcom were saying. One thought was repeating itself like an asexual disease inside my head. As much as I begged for it to leave before things got serious, it stayed.
Bella was naked in my house. Naked.
I felt my face heating up at the thought of that. I didn't let my thoughts get too in depth; I didn't want to have to deal with a rather uncomfortable problem. It felt like seconds before I saw Bella coming down the stairs with light jeans and a purple zip up hoodie, her still wet hair in a ponytail.
"Hey." She smiled at me from her place at the end of the stairs. I switched off the TV, so I could turn my full attention to Bella.
"Hey, um, I was wondering do you want to go somewhere with me today?" I asked, not quite sure how to word it. I didn't want it to seem like I was coming on to her or something. When she didn't say anything I felt the need to explain myself.
"Not as a date or anything," I explained too fast. "Just because I thought it would be nice to get out every once and a while. The zoo sounded like a good choice." Her face immediately brightened when I finished.
"Yeah, that would be great. But... I don't have money to get in, it's sort of expensive." She was fiddling with the sleeves of her hoodie.
"Don't worry about it," I said, grabbing my keys and jacket from the table. I looked back at Bella, who was following me out to the car; she had a huge grin on her face, causing me to share the same expression.
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It was a long drive to Seattle, I knew there would be traffic since it was spring break and all those irresponsible teenagers and partygoers go to Seattle, Federal Way, and Tacoma for stupid parties at clubs. I only know this because Emmett used to try to convince me to go to these parties until he realized I wasn't going to budge on not going. What is the point in going to some party where you know you're just going to get drunk and as a result do God knows what with God knows who. The whole idea disgusts me.
Because of all the traffic, Bella and I took a back road that was, although longer, far more efficient on time since the main roads were a nightmare.
The whole way Bella and I listened to the classical station. She never stopped surprising me by humming along to the music or telling me how much she loved the artist.
"Next," a male voice cracked, signaling Bella and me to walk up to the ticket booth.
"Two please." I reached for my wallet and took out the appropriate amount of money. When I looked back up at him, I noticed that he looked about my age and that his eyes were glued to Bella, who hadn't seemed to notice. I placed the money on the counter and after what seemed like hours I finally cleared my throat and asked for our tickets. When we walked away the man didn't forget to smile at Bella, who smiled back.
I think that Bella was just that kind of person, who doesn't notice when guys are coming on to her or trying to be flirtatious. In other words, Bella was dense. There was no way Bella would ever be interested in some greasy-faced teenager who sounded as if he hadn't even gone through puberty yet.
"Can we go to the big cat section first?" Bella asked staring down at the Zoo map. I would give Bella anything she wanted.
"Sure, that's this way, right?" We headed towards the right. On the way we got to see the monkeys and hippos and zebras. Finally, we came a sign with the words 'Big Cats' on it; Bella looked excited.
After we passed snow leopards and cheetahs, Bella practically ran to the next exhibit: the lion. Bella squealed as the lion emerged from its makeshift cave ad prowled around its exhibit. It walked towards its mate and licked her fondly. I wasn't a big fan of lions. They were Africa's biggest predator, causing many innocent animals to become extinct.
"Edward, look! Aren't lions beautiful?" Bella asked me, tugging on my shirt so I could get a closer view. "They're so amazing, don't you think?" she asked as she stared at the lions.
"They're okay," I mumbled back. She snapped her head towards me for the first time since we came to the lions.
"No, they're more than okay. They're strong and they protect their kind."
"Like I said, they're okay."
Her eyes narrowed down on mine. She couldn't actually be offended, could she? "I think you have a bad taste in animals, Cullen." I couldn't help but chuckle at her. She pouted on the way out of the Big Cat section. I wanted to kiss that pout right off of her lips.
After the big cats we went to the bears section, then we saw the elephants and the monkeys and finally came to my favorite part of the zoo.
The petting zoo.
I don't care if it's wimpy. I think all these animals have a very special quality. What that quality is, I'm not sure.
"The petting zoo, Edward?" I smiled at her. "Yeah, all these animals are harmless. That's what makes a good animal."
She rolled her eyes at me but still giggled when a pig snorted.
When we got to the lambs I leaned over the gate to pet one. "You like lambs?" Bella asked, leaning next to me. The sudden close proximity made me warm inside, I wanted so bad to just wrap my arms around her and pull her close.
"Yes," I finally was able to make out while continuing to pet the small lamb.
"Why? I mean they're so uncool. They're small and fragile and vulnerable," Bella said, reaching down to pet the same lamb I was petting.
"So? What's wrong with being weak when you have nothing to be strong for?" I asked looking over at her until her hand brushed against mine while attempting to scratch the lamb.
"Nothing... I guess. But, I bet this lamb is wishing right now that she was a lion." Bella said smiling, I couldn't help but smile back. We both pulled our hands away at the same time.
"This lamb will never see a lion, so how do they even know they exist?" I asked. I doubt the zookeepers give their animals a tour of the zoo before locking them up for a lifetime.
After a few moments of silence I asked, "Are you ready to leave now?"
"Can we see the lions one more time?"
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It was dark now and we had both just gotten into our nightwear. I guess Bella had decided to stay one more night, even though this wasn't spoken aloud.
I was beat but my mind wouldn't let me sleep. There wasn't a certain thought stuck in my head, rather a collaboration of thoughts jumping about.
Bella's back was toward me and I couldn't tell if she was sleeping or not but I decided not to ask in fear of waking her up. I heard Bella mumble my name. I looked at the back of head, hair splayed across the pillow she had made her own.
"Thank you for being my lion." It was so quiet I wasn't sure if I was supposed to hear it, or if she was sleep talking for that matter.
But I couldn't stop the silly grin that spread over my face.
Bella will always be my fragile lamb.
Ferderal Way and Tacoma are both Cities near Seattle that are although large, not as famous as Seattle.
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