Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight (Only this nice warm foamy cup of coffee).
14. Family and love.
Epov:
It took everything in me not to turn around and run to Bella. I wanted to scoop her up into my arms and never let go of her. Instead I just kept on walking even though every cell in my body yelled at me not to. I just made it into the house when Alice pulled me into a hug and she was followed by the rest of her family. I heard how Bella entered the house behind me.
"Now Bella don't be a stranger and come visit us whenever you want." Esme said kissing her cheek. She nodded as she gave Carlisle a hug and joined the rest of her family on the front porch. As I walked to our car I noticed how Jacob's head kept darting between me and Bella as if watching a tennis match. Something gave me the idea he didn't like the end result.
When I reached our car I finally gave into the screaming voices in my head and turned to look at her just before I climbed into the car. The moment our eyes met the earth stopped turning, she stood there in all her perfection. I could just stand there and stare at her forever. It wouldn't take much effort to find something new to marvel at, like how her eyes got bigger when she was taken by surprise. I blinked and the moment shattered in front of my eyes, I actually could see the broken glass pieces fall away. I looked away and got into the car watching her wave until she disappeared from sight.
Carlisle and Esme talked softly to each other, I didn't pay much attention to what they were saying and they didn't try to involve me in the conversation. I didn't mind since I was replaying that marvelous, glorious, magnificent, wonderful and most amazing kiss ever over and over in my head. I never wanted to forget even the littlest detail afraid that she would want nothing to do with me tomorrow. When we arrived home I said goodnight to Esme and Carlisle and headed to my room. I only paused to change into my favorite sweat pants and fell into bed.
I woke up screaming, tears rolled down my face and dripped onto my bare chest. Flashes of the dream came back to me. Bella lay on the ground in that alleyway and then flash it was Tanya's white pale blood covered body. The same guy who attacked Bella stood over Tanya with a bloody knife pointing at me.
"It's your fault Edward. It's always your fault."
It's been moths since I had a nightmare like this but it's the first time I woke up crying. As my crying seized I knew what had to be done. Just like Alexander I needed to face my past, I glanced at my digital clock six am. Good Carlisle would still be here. I got up and took two pictures of the board as well as Alexander's letter and headed to Esme and Carlisle's bedroom.
I stood in their room and couldn't decide how to proceed. Should I wake Esme or Carlisle first? Carlisle stirred in his sleep and shot up flicking on his lamp at the same time.
"Edward! What's wrong?" Esme also sat up now blinking in the light.
"I'm sorry to wake you but I really need to talk to the two of you." Carlisle relaxed. Obviously glad I wasn't ill or something, settling into a more comfortable position.
"Sure honey. Make yourself comfortable. You can always talk to us about anything." Esme said mentioning to the bed in front of me. I smiled at Esme and sat at the end of their bed, Indian stile, facing them. I handed them the two photos.
The first one they looked at was of my brother. "That's my brother. Alexander Mason he was two years older than me. He died last year before my sixteenth birthday." Esme and Carlisle looked at me with shock in their eyes.
"You never told us you had a brother." Esme said looking sad and Carlisle put his arm around her shoulder.
"I know and I'm sorry but I never could talk about him until know." Carlisle just nodded as if understanding what I tried to say even though I couldn't say it. They looked at the other picture.
"She is beautiful" Esme said tracing her outlines with her finger.
"That's Tanya. She was my best friend and the center of Alexander's existence. She died a week before Alexander."
Esme looked up tears gleaming in her eyes. "Oh Edward, I'm so..." She stopped talking when I held my hand up.
"That's what I wanted to talk to you about, the reason why they died." Carlisle lifted his hand to reach out to me but instead just took Esme's hand. "We were just finished with exams and Tanya wanted to celebrate. We knew about a frat party some rich kids up the street were planning to throw that night. Eleazar, Kate and Carmen were the hosts I think. Tanya really wanted to go but Alexander being a senior and all still had an exam the next day and needed to study. So Tanya persuaded him to let her go with the condition of me going with her. He took me to one side making me promise to never let her out of my site.
"I cared for her just as much as he did so I didn't hesitate to make that promise. He could never deny her anything and soon we were on our way to the party. At first the party was fun, we only drank sodas or juice but most kids drank stronger alcoholic drinks. Tanya danced most of the night while I watched to make sure nobody got too frisky with her. I only had to intervene once or twice but soon enough everyone got that she was already with somebody. At about midnight she finally convinced me to dance with her, the song that was playing was upbeat and I was exhausted by the end. We walked to our table and I was so thirsty I drank my soda as well as hers.
"We decided to head home because the party was slowly but surely getting out of hand. We just reached the front door when I felt sick. I asked her to wait for me and searched for the nearest bathroom. The first bathroom I found was no good since it was clear from the noises coming from inside that the occupants was going to be busy for awhile. I had better luck with the next one. I washed my face but still felt nauseated. Not wanting to waist time I pushed my finger down my throat to get rid of my stomach contents and felt almost instantly better. When I arrived back at the door Tanya was gone.
"I searched the whole house but couldn't find her so I decided to check outside. I was halfway down the drive when I thought of calling her. That's when I heard her phone ring. I knew it was hers because she had her ring tone set to that irritating Barbie girl song. The song was coming from behind big bushes in the darkest part of the garden. Her feet were the first thing I saw followed shortly by the rest of her body. She was cut up real bad, there was blood everywhere and by the way she lay on the ground I knew she was raped. I bent down to feel for her pulse when I noticed her throat was cut. I threw my jacket over her naked body and called the police.
"I explained to the cops what happened and they asked if they could take some of my blood for tests. I agreed not completely understanding why they needed it. I called my parents and they informed my brother what happened. When I finally arrived home Alexander was waiting for me. He attacked me out of nowhere but I didn't defend myself. I did promise him I would look after her, didn't I? I deserved this I thought to myself as his onslaught slowed until it stopped completely. He helped me up and then started to cry in my arms. I just held him half wishing he would rather hit me than cry. The bruises could fade but seeing him cry like that would stay with me forever.
"The police came by the next day. They said that my blood had traces of date rape drugs in it but Tanya's blood was clean. They said that someone must have put it in her soda while we danced but I drank it and that's what made me sick. They followed us but probably didn't know that I was the one who drank the soda, so when I went to the bathroom they made their move on her. Because she didn't take the drugs she fought back and that's why they used the knife. They slid her throat before they raped her but the police had no suspects yet. Alexander killed himself on the day of her funeral and as to this day nobody has been arrested for Tanya's murder."
They haven't interrupted me once during my story. They probably knew that I wouldn't be able to start again if they did. As I finished off the story I handed Alexander's letter to them. I didn't notice that I was crying again. Esme read the letter and handed it to Carlisle. She came and held me and started to rock me gently.
"It wasn't your fault Edward. Your brother was right. There was nothing you could have done. Just remember we love you no matter what happened in your past and were sure Bella loves you too and will help you find that peace you've been looking for." Carlisle said placing his hands on my shoulders.
The sound of Bella's name calmed me down enough to stop crying. "Thank you and I love both of you more than you know. Do you really think she loves me?" I asked looking at Carlisle.
"Yes, Esme and I watched you change since day one and all of it was for the better. When we saw you together yesterday we knew that she was the one bringing out the changes in you." I smiled and nodded and then it dawned on me YESTERDAY! I looked out the window and noticed how light it was outside.
I glanced at their clock. Its bright red letters informed me it was nine am. I ran to my room and searched for my phone and then I ran back to Carlisle.
"Do you have the Swans phone number?" I asked. He nodded and gave me the number. I dialed and waited. Charlie answered and after formalities I asked if I could speak to Bella. He said that she was still sleeping and I should try again in about an hour. So I called every hour speaking to all the Swans accept the one I really wanted to speak to.
Carlisle and Esme chuckled every time I phoned. I was starting to worry, why was she sleeping so long? Did we miss a fatal injury yesterday? When I asked Carlisle he said that she probably took some pain medicine and they just zonked her out. At three Alice informed me that Bella just woke up and was taking a shower.
I wanted to call again half an hour later but my nerves wouldn't let so I just sent her a text message instead. I had to call Emmet for her phone number, we exchanged numbers yesterday after we found out we supported the same football team. We were going to make plans to watch the game together next Friday. So twenty minutes later I was still pondering about what to text her. I finally settled for the lamest text ever.
Thinking of you. Edward.
At least it was the truth. It was clear to me now that I had fallen head over heals in love with Bella. The rest of the day dragged on and I went to bed straight after dinner, I had a long day considering my emotional breakdown from this morning.
I had a dreamless sleep and when I woke up I rushed to get everything done to just get to school early hoping to spend some stolen minutes with Bella before school. Carlisle chuckled at my racing figure but said nothing. I waved and drove to school.
Once I entered the lot I scanned through all the cars but there was no yellow Porsche. When I parked I noticed Jasper was waiting at Spiky's normal parking spot so I walked over to him.
"Morning, are you waiting for Alice?" I asked and went to stand next to him.
"Morning, yes I didn't get to see her yesterday and I missed her like crazy." I nodded I could clearly see that he and Alice loved one another dearly.
"I know the feeling." He looked at me and frowned.
"You like Bella don't you? Just don't hurt her ok or you would have to deal with me." He actually was like her big brother.
"I would never hurt her. By the way do you know what her first class is?"
"English", he said just as the yellow Porsche drove towards us.
It started to snow and both Jasper and I moved at the same time to get the door for our love interests. As I opened the door her strawberry smell washed over me "Morning Bella, hmm you smell nice." I said and took her hand helping her out of the car.
"Morning, I'm not wearing anything special" She said blushing a little. She looked so cute I almost kissed her there in front of everyone.
"No but your hair smells like strawberries, I like it." She blushed even deeper, I took her schoolbag and still holding her hand led her to her first class.
"I hope you don't mind but I asked Jasper what your first class is. I wanted to make a good impression." I said looking at her and smiled my crooked smile again.
"Well you've certainly made an impression but you don't have to do all of this." She indicated to her schoolbag with her free hand.
"I do this because I want to, not because I have to." I said just as we reached the door of her first class. I was happy at the fact that she was still holding my hand and not pulling away.
"But there's one more thing I want to do." I placed her schoolbag on the ground and pulled her against me. I brushed my lips lightly against hers. They still tingled when I pulled away again. "Enjoy your class, my Bella." I trailed my fingers lightly over her jaw line as I made my way to my first class.
I wished time would pass during class witch only made it go slower. When lunch finally arrived I forced my books into my bag and walked out of class scanning the crowd for Bella when I felt a light tug on my arm.
Alice stood next to me, "What is it Spiky?" I asked still scanning the crowd.
"You better ask Bella to the Christmas ball or you will face endless decades of evil if you don't." She glared at me.
"Who says she even wants to go with me?" I asked trying hard not to laugh.
"My secret biology project on how hormones effects decisions between teenagers says so. Maybe you should do the same project and you will find out for yourself." With that she took of again. I rolled my eyes and continued my search for Bella. Finally I spotted her talking to Mike Newton. I walked towards them. This kid just wasn't listening to me. Maybe if I got my point across better he would understand Bella was of limits.
I was only a few strides away from them when I heard what he asked her, "Do you want to go to the Christmas ball with me?" Bella stiffened and it was so easy to slide my arms around her waist.
"Sorry but she is already going with me." I said kissing her neck. She relaxed into my embrace, "Come on Bells, there's something I would like to show you." I took her hand and pulled her into an empty classroom not even bothering to look back at Newton. "I hope I wasn't out of line and I have actually planned on asking you first." I said as I closed the classroom door.
"No... I... what?"
I smiled, "My, my. Are we speechless Mrs. Swan?" She blushed again,
"No it's just that you dazzle me. Anyway who said I wanted to go with you in the first place?"
Biology project? Let's find out if Alice was telling the truth about hormones affecting our decisions. "I can always make you." I said starting to walk towards her. She backed up against the wall but I was already standing in front of her.
"I'm not afraid of you." She stated bravely as I placed my hands on either side of her trapping her in.
"You should not have said that." I said before my lips crashed into hers and I began kissing her with an urgency I never felt before. She grabbed the front of my shirt and started to kiss me back with as much passion as I was kissing her.
I started to move my tongue against hers urgently. I slid my hand behind her neck and into her hair. I tangled my hand into her hair forcing her face closer to mine. She whimpered into my mouth and moved her hands up my shirt and tangled it into my hair. I pressed her tightly against the wall behind her, showing her just what an effect she had on me. She moaned breathlessly into my mouth at the feel of me against her. She arched her hips away from the wall, pressing back into me. She moved against me with a whimper causing all hell to break loose with myself control. I wanted to feel more of her against me. I groaned breathlessly into her mouth again and moved my hands to grab her hips tightly, pulling her impossibly closer to mine as I moved my tongue against hers passionately.
She moved against my hips with hers, gasping into my mouth. Knowing I was causing her so much joy I groaned into her mouth again while I slid my hands down her waist grabbing her wonderful small ass lifting her up into me. My hands slid down over her ass and I wrapped my fingers around her thigh pulling it over my hip while gripping it firmly I pushed back into her feeling for the first time just how wet she was. The contact the new stance provided made her whimper and move against me. The movements she made against me were doing nothing to help me gain control over my body. It took all my will power to pull away from her luscious lips. I pressed my forehead against hers as we both gasped for air, and I gently released her thigh from my grip.
"Yes I would love to go to the Christmas ball with you Mr. Cullen. I don't think I'll survive another onslaught like that anyway." I laughed. I don't think I would be able to stop the second time round I thought to myself.
"Thank you Mrs. Swan. I think we better join the others in the cafeteria before they send out a hunting party." Once we both recovered enough I kissed her lightly on her soft lips and took her hand leading her to the cafeteria. We didn't bay any food since we weren't hungry so we walked straight to our table. I pulled her chair out for her and took a seat next to her, taking her hand again.
"Where were you two? Lunch is almost over." Alice asked frowning at me. Bella didn't answer her so I did instead.
"Biology project, it was a big success. You should know all about that Spiky." I winked at her.
She turned to talk to Jasper and Bella looked quizzically at me. "Little inside joke between me and Alice don't worry about it." I said kissing her forehead. Jacob's chair screeched over the linoleum as he stood up and stormed away without looking back. Bella stiffened and I frowned as I watched Jacob's back disappear trough the door. Did I miss something between him and Bella?
"Come on Edward, let's get to class." Bella said angrily. I followed her without saying a word. I never thought that he might have feelings for Bella. Well sorry for him I am with her now and I wasn't going to let go that easily. Bella slumped into her seat. She was mad I didn't like it one bit, she is suppose to smile. I will make her smile again I promised to myself. She inhaled deeply, "Sorry Edward, he just makes me so mad sometimes."
I took her hand and gave it a light squeeze. "It's ok Bella, you care about him. I understand." That still doesn't give him the right to act like this. She smiled at me and squeezed my hand. Mr. Laing walked in dragging a TV with him. I loved this part of biology it means he has to put out the lights.
When the bell rang signaling class to start he turned of the lights casting the entire class in darkness. It was just dark enough for me to do what I needed to do. I placed my chair behind hers and slid my arms over her waist. I did this so quietly no one even heard me move,
"Bella I want to ask you something." I whispered in her ear making her shiver with pleasure. I wanted to make sure no one, not even Jacob Black could make a move on her.
"What do you want to ask?" She whispered back turning her head slightly.
"At the Christmas ball, would you go as my girlfriend?" She didn't respond right away. Did I move to fast? Great now I screwed everything up!
"Yes, Edward but then you must go as my boyfriend." Relieve washed over me and I smirked against her neck
"Naturally, my Bella, I would have it no other way." I kissed her neck pulling her closer into my embrace. She was totally relaxed by the end of biology and I hope she had forgotten all about what happened during the last part of lunch. I was seated in my usual place by the time the lights came on. I took her hand and lead her to Gym.
"Ek sien jou weer." I said to her in Afrikaans because I couldn't find the right words to tell her I didn't want to say goodbye in English.
"What does that mean?" She asked.
"It means I'll see you again in Afrikaans, because I didn't want to say goodbye." With that I walked of to my Spanish class.
"Ek sien jou weer" I barely heard her whisper and I smiled all the way to Spanish class.
A/n So I have coffee yes, yes, yes. I suffered a little from writers block so I reread all the reviews I received and started my play list. Thanks to bands such as Muse, Roxette, Linken Park, Tatu, Abba, Nickleback and local singer Snotkop you have received this loooong chapter. I decided to tell you what happened to Tanya and I hope I didn't disappoint. There are still a few twists and turns in this story so that means at least a few more chapters. Maybe a few surprises too who knows. I'll wait and see what my brain can cook up.
Thanks for all the great reviews :p, Thanks for those loyal reviewers who review almost every chapter I appreciate it allot. I haven't had time to thank each and every one of you since I have been swamped with work lately but I really do appreciate your insights. Thanks for adding the story to your favorites and alerts lists.
Thanks for reading.