*I don't own these characters
Time Apart
EPOV
As soon as the plane landed, I was on my phone texting Bella that I had gotten there safe. I knew she would still be in the air for a few hours. I was a little nervous about explaining Bella to my family, but I knew she was going to be in for a much tougher time. Understanding the role of older brother, I somewhat sympathized with Emmett's need to protect Bella. I only hoped he would listen to her and want her to be happy; I would do anything to make her happy.
I had spent my entire flight reliving the last day and night. Never before had I believed in love at first sight, but meeting Bella changed my mind. There was no doubt in my mind that I loved her, as unrealistic as it sounded. She called to me in every way...her voice, her face, even her smell. I could wrap myself up in her scent and die a happy man. I couldn't wait to see her again and have her in our home every day. I wanted to know every detail about her.
Two days.
I got my luggage quickly and made my way to the airport exit. As I walked out I saw my mom's Jaguar parked along the sidewalk. I swallowed the lump in my throat and ran my hand through my hair, gathering my wits for the interrogation.
She must have seen me coming; her car door opened and she stepped out to greet me. My mother was a beautiful lady. I got my eyes and hair from her while Alice inherited her short stature and trim figure. She beamed as I walked to give her a hug.
"Edward, how was New York?" she asked, sounding a little too happy.
Yep, Alice told her.
"It was great, Mom. The conference was very enlightening. I'm looking forward to discussing some studies of interest with Dad." She hummed and nodded, turning back to her door to release the trunk. I put my luggage in and joined her in the car. I decided to ease into the conversation.
"So, anything interesting happen back here in the last few days? Is Alice up to any trouble?" I asked, wanting to throw her off the scent a little.
"No, not really. Your father has been busy but he has promised me a romantic weekend getaway soon. Alice is working hard on next year's spring line. She did call me last night though." She was throwing down the gauntlet.
I wonder if it would work if I played stupid.
"She did, huh. Well, that's great." I grinned over at her and she slapped my arm.
"Edward, what's going on?"
I took in a deep breath. This was it. Would she be happy for me? Would she think I was nuts? Would she be worried that I had been put under some voodoo charm by a complete stranger? Would she start watching America's Most Wanted scanning for Bella's picture?
"I met the one," I told her, putting as much confidence in my voice as I could. She gasped and put one hand over her mouth. The car slowed down as she pulled over into a restaurant parking lot. She turned to look at me with tears in her eyes.
"Oh, Edward. I have been waiting so long to hear those words from you. Who is she? When can I meet her? Tell me all about her," she blurted out. Relief consumed me before I started laughing at her excitement.
"Well, I'm sure this is all going to sound crazy. I wouldn't believe it myself if I wasn't living it. I can tell you I believe in love at first sight now though." Her smile widened. "Her name is Bella. Isabella Swan. She will be here on Thursday, but I'll ask her if she would like to meet the family at Sunday dinner," I paused and took a breath, happy that my mother seemed on board at that point.
"Mom, she's gorgeous. She's funny. She's so selfless and caring. She's had a lot of loss in her life. She's never really had a mother," I explained with a frown. I hated that Bella never had a mother in her life, especially when Alice and I had been blessed with the best mom in the world. I looked and saw my mom's pained face from my revelation. I knew she had already started planning ways to be a mother to my girl.
"Her mom died about six months after Bella was born. Then she lost her father her senior year in high school. He was the Chief of Police in her hometown and was shot in the line of duty." My mom grabbed my hand and held it as she cried for my girl. I squeezed her hand. I knew Bella had survived a lot of loss, but I wanted to do everything I could to fill her future days with as much joy as possible.
"Mom, she's from Seattle. She is starting her junior year at college. She wants to be a teacher. I…ah…asked her to move here. She's moving in with me." I prayed she would understand my actions, that I simply couldn't be separated from Bella even if we had only met. I watched her closely as she sat there looking down at her lap. When she finally looked up at me, it was as if she was searching for something in my eyes. Then she smiled.
"I can't wait to meet her," she said softly. I breathed out a sigh of relief. I knew my family would love Bella the moment they met her. However, it was difficult telling our story; it would be easy for them to dismiss the notion of me and Bella because things were happening so quickly.
"Does she have any family at all?" she asked.
"Yes, her older brother and his girlfriend, Emmett and Rosalie." She nodded as I continued. "Actually, the crazy thing is that they are moving here, too." She threw a confused look at me. "Well, Emmett Swan was just drafted by the Chicago Bears," I explained. She laughed, knowing he was going to be a hit with our football-loving family.
"I take it since she agreed to move in with you that she has strong feelings for you also?" she asked. I wasn't sure Bella felt as strongly towards me as I did for her, but I did know she felt the intense connection which could turn into love if it wasn't there already.
"Yes. She told me how much she cares for me. Oh mom, she's amazing. I can't wait for her to get here." I couldn't hold back my excitement.
Her eyes glistened as she started driving again. She continued to listen to me go on and on about my Bella, smiling and nodding the entire drive to my apartment. When we got there, she pulled me into a hug and told me she was happy for me. I was happy for me, too.
I entered my penthouse and threw my bags in my room to deal with later. I had a couple hours to spare before I expected a call from Bella. I wanted to use this time to figure out what I needed to do or get for the apartment before Bella got there. I knew I had originally offered Bella one of the guestrooms, if she was uncomfortable moving into mine, but she never mentioned it.
Was that good or bad? I need Alice.
She and mom had decorated my entire apartment themselves. I never really thought much about it because they knew what I liked; it was perfect for me. Alice would know if anything needed to be done before Bella got there to make her more comfortable.
As if on cue, my phone beeped with a new text message.
We are on our way over. See you soon! xoxo Alice
Ha, you can't get anything over on that little pixie. Which makes it extremely difficult on birthdays and Christmas.
I went to the study to find a bottle of wine. I had built in a small temperature-controlled wine closet when I moved in, since I liked to collect various vintages. I opened a bottle of pinot noir and poured myself a glass, keeping the bottle and two more glasses ready in the living room for Alice and Jasper. I needed a little liquid courage, but nothing too strong.
I sat back in a recliner and closed my eyes for a moment. Visions of Bella danced in my thoughts. The ache in my chest, present since she released my hand to get on her plane, burned knowing she was so far from me. I needed her back in my arms, of that I was sure. I sighed when I heard the front door open, and Alice and Jasper coming in. When they entered the room, Jasper stood in the entry looking at me with one raised eyebrow and Alice immediately came over and gave me a hug. She pulled back and looked me in the eyes.
"She's the one, isn't she?" she asked.
"Yeah, she is." I smiled at Alice and she grinned back. She slapped my leg and asked Jasper to pour them each a glass of wine while they sat down on the loveseat.
I proceeded to tell them everything I knew about Bella. I described the incredible, instant connection I had felt to her from across the lobby. I described the sensation I felt from her touch. I told them everything…okay, well not everything. They didn't need to know what happened in the bed, twice. Alice and Jasper were my best friends, my family, my closest confidants and I knew they would support me even if they thought I was crazy.
However, it seemed they thought it more romantic than crazy.
When I was through, Alice was literally vibrating in excitement. Jasper kept a hand on her knee, trying to keep her somewhat calm.
"Alice, I want to get your advice…" My question was cut off in the middle before I could complete it.
"Yes, I know. I've been thinking about it and I know I have this place set up as your personal bachelor pad. But, I don't think that Bella is too particular when it comes to the aesthetics of the place. She'll like the decorating. I do think we need to get another desk in the study that will be hers alone for studying and writing. The shelving will need to redone. Bella has her own personal library so I'll need to clear a lot of space for her books. I also need to go update the kitchen cookware. You don't cook so there are really only the bare essentials in there. I'll go with mom tomorrow and pick up everything you need. I know you'll be at the hospital all day so I will be here with mom." She was talking a mile a minute and I didn't think she even took a breath. I thought her ideas so far were great, but I really wanted to know if she thought Bella would be more comfortable moving into one of the guestrooms.
"Edward, she will want to be close to you," she said, looking at me with knowing eyes. "Besides, I think the guestrooms will need to be converted to something else soon enough."
She then started rambling about pots and pans and shelves and I was left wondering what the hell she was talking about. She got up to dance out of the room and take stock while Jasper and I sat back and shook our heads. I didn't know where she got all her energy.
"I'm happy for you, brother. I can't wait to meet the little darlin'," he said with a grin.
"I just want her here, Jasper. I swear I hurt inside knowing she is so far from me," I replied.
"I know how you feel man. I met Alice and it was like I was hit by lightning. We've been together from that moment. You know how she went back to Dallas with me to pack up and tie up loose ends before I moved to Chicago? We just couldn't be apart," he explained and I nodded.
"I wanted to go to Seattle with her. I asked her if I could. But, we agreed it was probably best if she told her brother first...alone. You know this situation isn't the norm for a relationship and she didn't want Emmett to blow up at me. She was trying to protect me," I said the last line softly, deep in thought about my selfless girl. I went on to explain about Emmett and Rosalie being very protective of Bella. Jasper nodded in understanding.
"I can't believe you love a girl with pro football player as a big brother. Only you," he said, laughing so hard he almost spilled his wine everywhere. I glared at him.
Emmett might be big and strong, but maybe I could outrun him.
I was just about to explain my theory of evasion, when I jumped up from the sound of my phone ringing. I had it in my hand so I check it intermittently, willing her to call. I saw it was Bella calling and answered it with a smile.
"Hi, baby!"
"Oh Edward, it's so good to hear your voice. I just landed and saw your text from earlier. I wanted to call you first thing." I was relieved both from the sound of her sweet voice and knowing she had landed safely.
"I miss you so much," I whined.
"I miss you too. Less than 48 hours and I'll see you again. I can't wait to get to Chicago. Have you told anyone yet?" she asked.
"Yes, my mom picked me up at the airport and we talked on the drive home. And Alice and Jasper are here with me now. Everyone is excited to meet you." I could almost feel her smiling on the other end of the phone. I knew she would be eased by my family's approval. She didn't understand how wonderful she was, but I vowed to tell her every day for the rest of my life until I could convince her.
"Oh, good. I just don't want them to hate me, thinking we are rushing into something because I got my claws into you." I shook my head at my silly girl. I stood and walked a little ways from Jasper so I could talk more privately.
"Baby, you can put your claws on me anytime you want," I joked. My cock agreed. Twitch.
"You are going to be lucky if I don't cause a public scene by jumping you when you pick me up at the airport," she replied in a sexy voice. I groaned at the thought.
"Baby, don't say things like that. I can't go talk to my sister with a hard on." She laughed at me.
"Well, I better get a move on. Rose and Em are probably waiting for me outside and I need to grab my luggage." I didn't want to let her go, but I had to.
"When are you going to tell them?" I asked. I was really worried about their response when she told them. I didn't want my Bella to be upset.
"I will wait until we get back to my place. I figure I'll butter Em up with some pizza and beer before I drop the bomb. But, it will definitely be tonight. I have no time to waste. Wish me luck," she said.
"Good luck, baby. Will you please call me afterward? I don't care how late it is. I'm worried you'll be upset if they have trouble understanding. I have to be at the hospital most of the day tomorrow but will try to send you texts anytime I get a break and I'll definitely call you when I get home tomorrow night. I know you'll be busy packing but I can't go too long without hearing your voice." I almost choked up as I said that. When did I become such an emotional mess?
"I'll try to call you later. I don't want to wake you up though. I know you have a long day tomorrow," she paused and continued, "I miss you, Edward. I…I…lo…can't wait to see you on Thursday."
Was she about to tell me she loved me?
I would have told her right then and poured my feelings out completely if we hadn't been talking over the phone. I wanted her in my arms when I told her I loved her for the first time.
"I can't wait to see you, too. Call me soon. Bye, beautiful girl," I said, needing to let her go. I didn't want her brother waiting too long; I needed him to be in the right frame of mind.
"I'll call you. Bye, Edward." I listened to her hang up before I did. My shoulders slumped as I felt the loss of connection again. I turned around and saw Jasper watching me and shaking his head.
"You do have it bad, brother. Welcome to the club." He lifted his glass in salute before smiling and taking another drink.
BPOV
It had been a long flight from New York to Seattle but it gave me plenty of time to think through the whirlwind of the last day. It was so out of character for me to make rash decisions, yet that was all I seemed to do where Edward was concerned. It wasn't because he was hands down the most beautiful man I had ever seen. That was simply a bonus.
It was that I could actually feel the connection between us. My physical reactions to his proximity, the way even the slightest touch from him calmed (or excited) me, his gentle and caring demeanor, and his absolute willingness and desire to be with me...they all combined to form a powerful bond. I wasn't sure there was anything he could ask of me that I wouldn't agree to, except not being with him.
My mind conjured up images of our time together while I sat back in my seat with my eyes closed. By the end of the flight, there were three things I was absolutely sure of.
One, Edward Cullen was the most perfect man I had ever met.
Two, as unbelievable as it seemed to me, he wanted me to be with him.
Three, I was absolutely and irrevocably in love with him.
Now, I just had to figure out a way to convince Em and Rose that love at first sight was real and there was no other choice for me except to be with Edward.
When the plane taxied into the terminal, I couldn't turn my phone on fast enough. I smiled as I saw his text letting me know he had safely landed in Chicago. I wondered whether he had told any of his family about me yet. I bit my lower lip anxiously hoping that they would accept me.
After I gathered my carry-on bag, I made my way to the luggage arrival area and called Edward to let him know I had landed. The sound of his voice somewhat eased the pain which had resided in my heart since I left him. I didn't understand how our connection manifested itself into physical reactions like it did, but I knew it was real because I could feel it. When he teased me about touching him in his husky tone, my abdomen tingled and I had to bite my lip to prevent a moan from escaping. I didn't know how I was going to make it two days without his touch.
At least my lady parts should be fully recovered by the time I got to Chicago. I can't wait for him to be inside me again.
I shook my head, trying to force out lust-filled thoughts. I couldn't go see my brother while panting from being so aroused by the thought of Edward. I begged my inner good girl to tie up and control my inner bad girl. Unfortunately, my inner bad girl seemed to like being tied up.
Hmmm, I wonder if Edward liked that kind of thing?
Stop it!
The ache in my heart re-ignited when I pressed the end button on my cell phone after talking to Edward. I think I whimpered.
I grabbed my luggage and walked outside where Rose and Em were waiting for me. As soon as I hit the sidewalk, I was lifted in the air and spun around in a big hug.
"Welcome home, baby sis!" Em was such a jovial guy. It was a rare thing for him not to have a smile on his face. He beamed at me as he set me down and gathered up my bags.
"It's good to see you. I missed you." I truly meant it. I was happy knowing that moving in with Edward would allow me to continue being close with my family. While I hadn't planned to move with them to Chicago, my soul hurt knowing they would be so far away. I just couldn't rationalize putting any further burden on them, wanting them to be able to start their new lives with no luggage, so to speak.
I followed Em toward the car, finding Rose standing there like a supermodel. It was difficult to develop a lot of self-esteem when you are a female hanging out with Rosalie Hale. She ran over to me as I walked up, gripping me tightly in a hug and kissing my cheek.
"Welcome home, Bella. How is my baby sister? Did you have fun at the wedding? Meet any cute guys?" I gasped at her last question.
Little did she know…
"I missed you. It was a long flight, but I'm OK." By this time Em had gotten my bags in the trunk and we were piling in the car. "The wedding was beautiful. I'm really happy for Ang." Rose turned back to look at me. She knew it was hard for me to see my best friend enter a new phase of her life. That was why I loved Rose, she wanted me to be happy. I avoided the "cute guys" question like the plague, needing to get them home and Em fed before I started in on that topic.
I did tell them about kneeing the best man in his junk for getting too frisky with me. Em's knuckles got white as he gripped the steering wheel, asking who the hell the punk was. Like he was going to fly out to New York and beat him up. I smiled and shook my head. Rose continued watching me. It was like she knew something had happened.
Did she have a sixth sense? Did she somehow know that I was no longer a virgin and had popped my cherry with the most delicious man on the planet? Did I have a scarlet letter on my forehead?
I knew the only physical sign of my sexing up from the night before was the small red mark at the base of my ear where Edward had paid lots of homage. I purposely left my hair down. Even though I hid it, I rather liked that it was there. It was proof Edward was real and I wanted to tell the world he belonged to me. Just thinking about his lips on my neck caused me to squirm in my seat.
"So, what's the plan tonight?" Em asked, looking at me in the rear-view mirror. "Are you tired? Do you want to do dinner?"
Was I tired? Well, yeah. I just had a sex marathon last night with my bronze-haired adonis.
"Yeah, I'm a little tired. I was hoping we could do something simple tonight. Maybe pizza and beer at my place?"
"Sweet!" Em shouted. He loved his pizza. Rose rolled her eyes at him and smiled back at me. Then her eyes narrowed slightly and I wondered what she was thinking. She seemed to let it go as she asked me more about the wedding and if I had seen any of the sights in New York. I kept up the idle chatter until we arrived at my apartment. Em unloaded my bags and carried them up as Rose and I went inside.
I paused as I entered the apartment and looked around, taking stock of my lonely life there. Instead of friends, I had books. Instead of a boyfriend, I had my journal. I suddenly realized if I hadn't met Edward, I would have been crushed when Em and Rose left and I was here alone in my solo existence. My breathing quickened, understanding how fortunate I was. If any one of hundreds of things had happened differently the day before, I may not have met my future.
I didn't know exactly what my future would hold, but I knew with absolute certainty it would be better than if Edward hadn't gotten on that elevator. I faintly heard Rose through the fog of my deep thoughts. She told Em to call and order pizza while she helped me unpack in my bedroom. She tugged on my hand, leading me to my room where Em had placed my luggage. We walked in and she shut the door behind us.
"Bella, what's going on?" She squeezed my hand, looking at me with concern. I tried to clear my head, not wanting to blurt it all out right then. I had wanted to tell them both together, but looking at Rose made me think it might be better to tell her first.
Would she understand?
I knew she wanted me to be happy. Maybe if she saw how much Edward meant to me, she would help me when I told Em. She kept watching me, waiting for me to say something. I knew she was getting worried. Finally, she pulled me to sit beside her on the bed.
"Bella, please. You are really worrying me. Did something happen? Are you OK, honey?" Her eyes gave away her fearful thoughts. Rose definitely had her own personal demons in her past. She was raped and mugged about a year after meeting Em. It took her a long time to get over it and I was so glad she had Em there for her. She always called him her rock. I knew she must have been thinking I was hesitating because something bad happened. She probably thought I had been assaulted or something. I gathered my courage, wanting to speak and alleviate her fears. I placed our interwoven fingers on the bed between us and took a deep breath.
"Rose, I'm fine. Nothing bad happened." She sighed in relief as I continued. "Actually, something really great happened, I'm just a little scared to tell you," I breathed out.
"You can tell me anything. I love you." I smiled at her, knowing she loved me. She was my Rose. My sister of my heart, my substitute mother, my friend. I took another deep breath before continuing.
"Rose, I met the love of my life," I said quickly, pleading with my eyes for her understanding as I bit my lip nervously.
Before she could say anything, our heads turned at the knock on the door. Em's head peeked in, his brows drawing together at the sight of us on the bed.
"Pizza's going to be here in about 45 minutes. Everything OK?" he asked.
"Everything's great. Em, would you mind going to pick up some beer really quick? I don't think Bella has any in her fridge," Rose asked quickly. He looked from her face to mine trying to figure out what was going on. She must have given him a look.
"Sure, babe. I'll be back in a few," he said as he shut the door. When we heard the front door close, we turned back to each other. She squeezed my hands in comfort.
Now comes the hard part.
"So tell me what happened," she said in a tone that told me she was willing to hear me out.
"I don't even know where to begin to describe him. I first saw him across the lobby as he was walking from the elevators. He's absolutely the most beautiful man I have ever seen. My body tingled in excitement just from his nearness, before I ever looked at him. It was like nothing I had ever felt before. Then, later in the day we happened to both be on the same elevator. I swear, Rose, I could feel the air vibrate between us." She looked at me in rapt attention as I continued. "You know me. I'm not adventurous, I'm not one to make snap decisions, I'm not fanciful, but everything in my world changed yesterday when I met Edward."
"So, what happened then?" she prodded.
How was she going to react when I tell her that I slept with him? She knows I have basically no sexual experience.
How do I tell her that I was just as active a participant as he was? I didn't want her to jump to conclusions thinking he used me because that couldn't be further from the truth.
"Bella, did you have sex with him?" I knew from the look on her face she could read me like a book. "Oh my God, you did." She released my hands and pulled me to her in a hug. I heard the tears in her voice, "Bella, are you OK? Are you hurting? Oh, my God, sweetheart, I don't mean to get hysterical, but this guy was a stranger. I don't care how beautiful he was. Did you use protection?"
Fuck.
I remembered I forgot to talk to Edward about that before we left. Oh well, I couldn't think about it at that moment.
"Rose, please calm down. I'm fine, perfect in fact. He made it so special. He was so gentle with me. I'm telling you I love him and I'm pretty damn sure he loves me. Yes, it sounds completely crazy, but it is the absolute truth." My voice rose as I continued. I wanted to make myself perfectly clear. "And, don't think that he persuaded me, forced me, or coerced me. I wanted him more than I have ever wanted anything before in my life. I want him still. It was the most amazing experience of my life. Then, we held each other and talked for hours. It was so romantic. I told him all about myself, including about you and Em. He told me all about himself and his family." She had released me from her hug and I grabbed her hands again. "He's a doctor, a pediatrician. He's smart, he's caring, he's gentle, and he wants me to be with him." She was processing all this information as I squeezed her hands.
"Be with him? So, how is that going to work? Where does he live?"
Well, here goes the next bomb drop.
"Chicago." Her eyes popped out of her head. "Rose, I am going to move to Chicago and try to transfer to Northwestern." She started crying at that point.
Oh no, she doesn't want me to go.
"Oh," sob, "my," sob, "God." She was crying so hard, I didn't know what to do or what she was thinking. I got up and went to my bathroom, grabbing some tissues for her. She dabbed her eyes and blew her nose, trying to compose herself before she said anything more.
"Rose, please. You're my family. I need you. I need your support in this. I'm telling you I love him and he makes me so happy. I need to be with him. Please understand. Please don't be upset that I'm moving to Chicago. I won't be a burden on you and Em." She looked up at me with anger in her eyes.
"Isabella Marie Swan, don't you even think such a thing. How could you think that you could ever be a burden to me or to Em? I want to strangle you sometimes, you silly girl," she huffed. " I'm not crying because I don't want you there. I'm crying because I'm so happy you will be there. You don't understand how upset I've been since you told us that you were staying here. Em and I have been trying to figure out any way we could to convince you to go with us. I couldn't stand the thought of us moving and you being here alone. My heart couldn't cope with it." She jumped up and pulled me to her, twirling me around in a dance. "Yes! You're going to be there with us! Oh, Bella, I'm so happy!" She beamed at me and I was in disbelief.
She was happy! Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Then she sat back down, leaning forward with her hands on her knees.
"This is a lot to process, baby girl. I'm trying to wrap my head around it," she said slowly. I sat down next to her again while she remained silent. Eventually, she looked up at me again. "So, this Edward, you love him," she asked and I nodded. "After knowing him for only a day?" I nodded again. "You're moving to Chicago to be with him even though you wouldn't move there to be with me and Em?" I knew she was feeling a little hurt by this. I wasn't sure how to word an explanation to make her understand.
"I know it sounds strange. You have to understand from my point of view though. After dad died, you and Em were constantly there, taking care of me, taking so much time out of your lives to make sure I survived. I know you don't think I should, but I feel guilty for taking and taking and taking so much from you both and never giving back enough." I thought I heard her mutter something about nonsense under her breath as she shook her head.
"I can't help it, Rose. When Em got drafted, I knew you would both be taking off to start your new lives. I didn't want to be a third wheel anymore. But, it's all different with Edward. It's like he is my other half. I think I've finally found my own special someone. When he asked me to move to Chicago, you and Em being there was a major factor in my decision. It was like having my cake and eating it, too. I won't feel like a third wheel or feel like I am burdening you and Em, because I will be with Edward." She looked up at me then.
"When you say that you'll be with Edward, what does that mean exactly?" she asked.
"I'm moving in with him," I told in the most confident voice I could muster. She huffed, jumped up and started pacing back and forth.
"This is absolutely crazy, you know that, right?" she shouted, shaking her head at me. "This is insane." She took a couple deep breaths. "OK, OK. Why don't you move in with us and start dating Edward like, you know...normal people?" she asked in a calmer voice.
"He gave me plenty of options. We discussed living arrangements at length. He asked me to move in and I want to. He has plenty of space and we talked about it as a trial basis. He said if I wasn't comfortable, it would be easy for me to go stay with you two or to get my own place. He's willing to do anything that I want to do." I got up to stand in front of her and stop her pacing. "Please, Rose. I want to be with him. I want to try this. I can always leave if it doesn't work. You'll be right there." She was still shaking her head in disbelief.
"You know Emmett is going to go through the roof, right?" Of course, I knew this. I was going to be lucky if my apartment wasn't destroyed by the end of the night. I needed her on my side.
"Yes, he's going to have a hard time understanding this. Edward is worried for me because he is a big brother, too. He wanted to be here when I told Em. I need you, Rose. I need your support. I need you to have my back." I grabbed her hands again. "I'm begging you to understand and give me and Edward the benefit of the doubt. I promise you will have every opportunity to judge him for yourself when we get to Chicago. He wants to meet you. He knows how important you both are to me and he wants to know you and prove that he is worthy. Rose, please believe me when I say I understand how unreal this all seems. Love at first sight? That is a Disney movie. I know this. I wouldn't believe it myself if I wasn't living it. I just can't deny what I feel." My voice broke and I started to cry. "If I don't go to Chicago, if I don't go to Edward, I'm not sure if my heart can survive it." I poured every ounce of my emotion into my words. I needed Rose to see how sincere I was in not being able to live without him, no matter if it was crazy or not.
We both heard the front door open then and Em shout out that he was back. We both wiped our faces to get rid of our tears. Rose went and opened the door slightly.
"We'll be out in just a minute, Em." She closed the door and turned back to me with a small smile. I hoped that meant she was going to support me. She walked over and grabbed me in a fierce hug.
"OK, I have your back. You're my family and I would do pretty much anything for you. I'm going to support you." She pulled back, looking at me and wiping the tears that were falling from my eyes. "But, know this. I will be meeting this Edward as soon as possible and there will be a serious discussion about his intentions. I can't wait to meet this Prince Charming," she said with a smirk. There was a pause before she turned serious again.
"You know that all I ever want, all I have ever wanted, is for you to be happy, right?" I nodded at her.
"Thank you so much, Rose. Thank you! You don't know how much it means to me for you to support me in this. I love you so much." I hugged her hard and kept crying.
"I love you, too," she said and squeezed me back. "Alright, we better get ourselves together. Em is probably freaking out by now and he will get himself all worked up if he sees us like this." She went to the bathroom to grab a couple washcloths and dampen them with cold water. "Here, wipe your face and take a few deep breaths. We're going to have to get him fed and lubed before you drop this on him. I'll try my best to keep him calm. It's not going to be easy though," she pointed out. We finished wiping our faces and I discarded the washcloths in the hamper.
We headed for the door and just before reaching it, she turned around once more and looked at me. "Edward does know Em is probably going to punch him in the face when they meet, right?" She winked at me and opened the door, walking out to meet Em. I stood there for a moment. I had survived the first wave of the battle, but had a feeling the second wave was going to be much harder. I gulped and walked out to grab a beer. I needed a little alcohol to boost my resolve.
The pizza had just arrived as I made my way to the kitchen. Em paid for it and brought it in to set on the counter. I knew he was watching Rose and me closely because he suspected something was going on. I grabbed a beer from the fridge, opened it, and took a big gulp before pulling out some plates and napkins for us to use. I looked over and saw Emmett looking from the bottle of beer to me and raising his eyebrow. He and Rose didn't really care if I drank as long as I was responsible, even though I was technically still underage. But, he knew I didn't like the taste of beer and was probably surprised I was drinking one. He was right; I didn't like the taste. It was awful and almost made me hurl what I had already consumed.
"I just felt like a beer, Em," I told him, swallowing to get the horrible tasted out of my mouth. Rose snickered while Em threw his arms up in surrender. We all grabbed some pizza and went to eat in the living room. Em flipped the TV on sportscenter or something; I wasn't paying attention. I was trying to figure out the best way to go about telling him. I knew one thing for sure, I wasn't telling him that Edward deflowered me.
No way in hell.
When we finished eating I took our plates to the kitchen and grabbed Em another beer. I tallied him at three and a half since he had snatched the one I couldn't finish. I sat down on the couch next to Rose, readying myself to begin. I was about to start talking when Em looked over at me.
"So, Bella. I need to talk to you," he said. I looked at Rose. There was no way she had said something to him already. I had been there the whole time.
What did he want to talk to me about?
"Well, I really want you to reconsider your decision to stay here. I have to try one last time, baby sis." His eyes were so sad, he almost looked like he was going to start crying. Rose grabbed my hand to hold in hers, signalling me it was time to tell him. "Bella, please, please come to Chicago with us. I will even get you your own apartment if you don't want to stay with us. I can't leave you here alone. I can't do it. You say you want to stay close to Dad, but he would want you with your family. He would want you to come with us." He sounded so broken and I felt guilty. I couldn't let him go on.
"I'm moving to Chicago," I blurted out. It took about two seconds before I was lifted and held in a big bear hug. Emmett jumped around happily with me in his arms.
"What? When did you change your mind? Oh, thank you B! We are going to have a blast in the windy city." He was so excited and I hated to ruin it. But, I had to calm him down. I took a deep breath, knowing how difficult this talk was going to be.
"Come on, let's sit down. I need to talk to you," I said as calmly as I could. He released me and went back to his seat. I took a big drink of water and grabbed Rose's hand again. "Em, I met someone while I was in New York. His name is Edward Cullen. We spent some time together," I glanced at Rose quickly and then looked back at Emmett, "and well, we fell in love. He actually lives in Chicago. His sister, his parents, and both sets of grandparents all live there. He's amazing Em and he can't wait to meet you. He's so kind and gentle and you will love him when you meet him. He's a big fan of yours already," I added that last part on, trying to lessen the blow. I was speaking so fast I hoped he heard it all. A lot of details were glossed over, but I got the major point across. I continued squeezing Rose's hand as we waited for Em to say something.
"Isn't it great? She's going to be in Chicago. Our family isn't breaking up," Rose threw in her support. His eyes flashed in anger.
"Yeah, Rose, that's just fucking peachy. She goes off to New York and "falls in love" with some dude she just meets and then wants to move to be with him when we have been begging her to move there with us since I was drafted." He even used the finger quotes.
Damn, he's mad.
He turned to me. "What the fuck do you mean you fell in love with him?" he demanded. I needed to get tough with him or he was going to steamroll me.
"First of all, quit cursing at me. Second, I mean what I said. We. Fell. In. Love. Yes, I know it sounds crazy and impetuous. But, in my whole life, have you ever seen me go off half-cocked on anything? The answer is no. I always take my time to think things through. I never do anything spontaneous. And look where that has gotten me. A lonely life filled with books and nothing else." I took a deep breath and kept going. "Yes, I did decide to move to Chicago because he asked me to. But, you and Rose were a major factor in my decision. I wasn't being truthful with you when I told you I wanted to stay here to be close to dad," I cried, the tears returning in force.
"I wanted you and Rose to be free to start your new lives without your tag-along, burden of a sister. I know how much you two have given up for me since dad died and I was tired of feeling guilty for taking so much from you." He went to open his mouth and I put my hand up. "And, before you comment on me thinking I'm a burden, let me just say that Rose has already given me the third degree. I can't help that I felt that way, even if it isn't true." He shut his mouth into a thin line and sat there silently.
"I know I just met Edward. I never believed in love at first sight until it happened to me." I got down on my knees in front of his chair so I could hold his hands. "Em, I've never in my life felt the way I feel when I'm with him. Just for a moment, no matter how foolish it seems, can you imagine the possibility of me finding my soulmate and knowing it instantly? I love you and I know you love me and want to protect me, but don't you also want to see me happy? I've never felt as happy as I have since I met him. Please give him a chance?" He rubbed his face with his hands, taking time to think about what I said.
"OK, so you are moving to Chicago with us and you want to date this Edward guy who is your soulmate. I guess I can handle that as long as you are there with me. Are there any other surprises I need to know about?" He looked like he was starting to come around.
Too bad I was about to drop another one on him.
"Em, I'm going to be staying at Edward's, at least to start. If I decide I'm uncomfortable there or I would rather live elsewhere, I'll either come and stay with you or find my own place." His hand came down on the coffee table hard enough to topple my vase filled with fake flowers.
"You're not moving in with some stranger in a strange city. Not gonna happen." He was pointing at me like I was a child. Well, I wasn't having that.
"I'm an adult. You are not my father and you have absolutely no right to tell me what I can and cannot do. I love you, but you cannot control me like that. I am going to stay with Edward. You'll be living in the same city and who knows, you could be right next door. He's not going to chain me up, you imbecile. I always have the option of moving somewhere else. He said he would find me another place if I was at all uncomfortable. He's a good man. He wants to meet you. He wants us all to be a part of each other's lives," I screamed. I shook my head at him. "I need to get out of here for a minute," I yelled, slamming my bedroom door as I ran inside.
The running, screaming, and slamming doors were childish, but Em couldn't order me around like that. Even if I was making the worst mistake in the world, he still didn't have the right to force me to do something against my will.
I heard Rose yelling at Em through the door and decided to ease some tension with a shower. As I started shampooing, I smiled remembering the smell of Edward's shampoo and wishing I could use it again. I finished and walked out of the bathroom, finding Rose sitting on my bed. I sat down beside her to hear what she had to say.
"He's going to be alright, Bella. He's just worried. He loves you so much." I knew he did. He still pissed me off. He needed to give Edward a chance. "Let him stew for awhile and he will come around." I nodded to her.
"Rose, is it OK if I put my boxes into your moving truck? Edward said we could come to your place to pick up my stuff. The truck will be there on Saturday, right?" I looked over at her.
"Yeah, it's scheduled to be at our place on Saturday by two pm. I still have a bunch of packing boxes. Do you want me to bring them over tomorrow morning and help you pack up?" I smiled at her. She really did have my back.
"Yes, that would help so much. Hopefully, Em will be in a better mood tomorrow and we can load my things in. I was actually planning on flying out on Thursday. I don't really have a whole lot since this apartment came furnished. Mostly books and clothes. I still need to go by the building office in the morning to let them know I won't be renewing. I also want to drop by school to see what is involved in a transfer. One last thing, you and Em get to trash the Beast." She laughed at that.
"OK, sweetie. I will be here bright and early in the morning, say around eight? We can pack and you can go take care of things. I'll ask Em to get a couple of his football buddies and they can handle getting the boxes to the moving truck. Is Edward going to pick you up at the airport?"
"Yes." I smiled thinking of seeing him again. I couldn't wait to get my hands on that gorgeous man. Rose chuckled at me and I looked over at her.
"You really are smitten." She shook her head. "Well, is there anything else tonight or are we good? I need to get Emmett home and put him to bed. Don't worry, I'll give him some good lovin' and he'll be better in the morning," she said, giving me a wink. Even if she had doubts about Edward, I knew she was happy about me moving.
"Thank you so much, Rose. I appreciate your help more than you know. I think that's pretty much everything." Then I remembered Edward wanting their address. "Oh, do you know your Chicago address off the top of your head?" I asked her.
"Here, I will write it down for you." I handed her my notebook to write it down for me. I couldn't wait to talk to Edward. I was going to call him as soon as they left, hoping I didn't wake him up.
We hugged again and said we would see each other in the morning. I walked with her out to the living room. Em sat there silently brooding before Rose asked if he was ready to leave. When he stood, I hugged him and told him I loved him. He said he loved me too. He made no more mention of Edward or Chicago before saying goodbye and leaving.
I breathed out a sigh of relief after the door closed. I survived and they both knew what was up. I had no doubt Em would come around. He was too much of an optimist to stay down for long. I did need to warn Edward that the first meeting was bound to be rocky.
Edward.
I needed to call him. I ran to get my phone and sat down on the couch. I cursed seeing the late time, knowing he was probably asleep. But, I promised him I would call. I dialed up his name and waited, surprised when he picked up after only one ring.
"Bella," he breathed out.
"Hello, Edward. I hope I didn't wake you up."
"No, beautiful. I couldn't sleep. I was waiting for you to call me. I almost called you about a hundred times, but forced myself to wait. I've been worried," he explained and I smiled.
My own personal, worrywart adonis.
"So, how did it go?"
"Overall, I think it was a success. Rose cornered me as soon as we got back to my apartment. She has some sixth sense or something. She knew something was up. Anyway, I finally got through to her and she agreed to help me with Emmett."
I really need to do something nice for her.
"Now, Em was a little tougher. He threw a bit of a bitch fit and we had some angry words for each, but I think he is going to be alright." I could hear him sigh. "Rose is coming over in the morning to help me pack and I am going to take care of everything else in the morning. Em is going to get my boxes into the truck and take care of the Beast." I paused to take a breath. "I have their address in Chicago if you want to write it down." I gave him the address as soon as he got a pen and a piece of paper.
"Hey, that's only a couple blocks away from me. They'll be really close." That was good news. I thought it might reassure Em and make him more amenable to the idea of me being with Edward. "So, is everything still good to go with me picking you up on Thursday night?"
"Yes. Rose said she would drop me off at the airport in the morning. I'm going to bring a couple suitcases of clothes just in case something happens to delay the moving truck."
Although, I wouldn't mind lying around with him naked. I wouldn't mind that at all.
"Sounds good. Baby, I can't wait to see you." I almost moaned at the sound of his velvet voice.
"I can't wait to see you, too. I miss you so much. I can't believe it has only been a few hours since I saw you. It seems so long ago."
"I know, baby. It was so hard for me to let go of your hand today."
Awww…I love my sensitive man.
"Edward, I did want to reiterate that it may be little rough the first time you meet Emmett. He's so overprotective. I know he'll come around, but the first time could be a little dicey. Actually, Rose will probably also put you through the Spanish inquisition." I bit my nail, hoping Rose and Em didn't scare him off.
"I'm prepared for that. I understand their position. I put Jasper through the ringer when he started up with Alice. But, now he is my best friend. Believe me, nothing they say or do could make me want you less. You have nothing to worry about. I'll prove my worth to them."
How does he always know the perfect thing to say to me?
"OK," I said softly. "So, you'll keep in contact with me tomorrow, right? I mean, I know you have to work and I don't want to interrupt anything…um, I just miss you."
Damn word vomit. He chuckled a little.
"My Bella, nothing could keep me from taking every opportunity I have tomorrow to text or talk to you. I can't wait to have you in my arms again." I sighed.
Me, too. I want him in my arms. My inner bad girl wanted him in other places, too. That set the lady parts a tingling.
"A day and half and I will be there," I said. "I better let you get your beauty rest. I have to go to bed, too. Someone kept me up all night last night and I have a lot of packing to do in the morning." I smiled when he groaned into the phone.
"Bella, don't talk about our night last night or I'm never going to get to sleep," he whined and I laughed.
"Goodnight, my Prince Charming. I'll talk to you tomorrow."
"Goodnight, my beautiful princess."
That was the first night I dreamt of Edward Cullen.
AN: How did you think the conversations went? What will Emmett do when he meets Edward? Let me know what you think.