I want to apologize from now if my updates are a little slower than usual, graduation is coming up so I'm super busy and therefore don't have as much time to write. But I will finish this story, that much I can promise. =)
This chapter is kinda long, but I couldn't find a good place to cut it. So you have a long chapter to read. Will be back soon.
Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight, or any of its characters. I also claim no ownership over the Celine Dion song, "Fly"
Family Affair
"Don't be nervous," Edward whispered in her ear.
That was the umpteenth time today that Edward had told Bella this, but even the umpteenth time didn't work. Bella's heart was still racing with nervousness and she couldn't stop twiddling her fingers.
Then again, meeting the family was a good enough reason to be nervous.
Bella had spent the last two weeks in a state of extreme bliss. That's how long from today she and Edward had been in their official relationship. Shortly after their time in ecstasy together and they had managed to compose themselves, Bella brought the topic up.
"What happens now?" Bella had asked.
"Besides me changing my sheets," Edward answered playfully, making Bella blush a bright crimson. "The only responsible thing to do now is to ask you to be my girlfriend."
"Be serious Edward."
"I am being serious." He looked her directly in her eyes as he continued, "I want you in my life Bella. Not as just a friend. Not as just a fuck-buddy. You're already such an important person to me, and I certainly don't want to lose you to someone else, that the only natural thing to do now is to make things official." At this point, he smiled. "So I ask, Bella Swan, will you be my girlfriend?"
And of course, unable to say anything besides, Bella said yes.
Since then, she and Edward became inseparable. He walked her to her respective classes, and she walked him to his. They had lunch together, occasionally inviting Alice, Jasper and Emmett along for extra company. Alice gave Bella an 'I-told-you-so-look' when they announced the news about their relationship, and smiled knowingly at them both. Emmett joked, in what Bella realized was his natural way, that Bella wouldn't be able to handle 'Eddie, The Sex Fiend'. Bella only responded to this with an unavoidable blush. She was thankful that Jasper wasn't giving her any kind of heat.
Of course, their one moment of lovemaking turned into many more occurrences of the activity. Bella even spent a couple of nights in Edward's room, much to Jessica's pain, anguish and disbelief. She still was unable to comprehend the official nature of Bella and Edward's relationship, but Bella had decided earlier on that she didn't care what the girl thought. All that mattered was Edward.
And she was so happy with Edward. The weirdness that had been threatening to plague their entire relationship had faded away so cleanly, it was almost as if it didn't exist. Bella felt that her face was always in a permanent state of smile – if not a permanent state of redness as well. But the part that really made her filled with glee was that Edward seemed happy with her as well. He held her hand proudly, kissed her before they had to part, hugged her close to him when they embrace. Even when she slept over, or they were alone, it didn't automatically mean they would sleep together. Some of their best nights were spent lying next to each other, whispering about things and looking into each other's eyes.
Bella felt like the luckiest girl in the world. And even if she hadn't, every girl on campus made a point of reminding her just how lucky she was.
Then Edward brought up family; more specifically family dinner. He told me that every other Sunday, he and Alice went back home to have dinner with their mom and dad. He told me that Alice always brought Jasper, and that it was now time for him to bring Bella.
Now Bella stood in front of the grand doors of the largest and most-affluent appearing home she had ever seen, knees shaking uncontrollably.
"Compose yourself Bella," Edward said kindly as he slipped his house key into the lock. "There's nothing to be nervous about."
"Stop saying that," she hissed at him. "There's everything to be nervous about. These are your parents. One bad move, and they'll spend the rest of their lives trying to make you hate me."
"They could never make me hate you," he said sweetly, placing a light kiss on her cheek.
Bella smiled at the contact, but her nerves were still there. "Well, they could try, if I make the wrong impression."
"You won't," Edward said. "You're fabulous."
"Easy for you to say," Bella muttered. "You already like me."
Edward shook his head at her, but in a playful manner, a smile evident. He took her hand gently in his once he had the door open. "Come on, Mom would be in the kitchen."
The inside of the home was just as grand as the outside. Bella could deduce they were standing in the foyer, which led to the grand living room. The furniture was colored a regal beige, but the pillows placed on said furniture were an array of colors. There was even a genuine fireplace. But Bella's eyes went to the spotless black piano positioned by the large glass windows. She could picture easily a young Edward sitting behind the instrument, fingers working diligently along the ivory keys.
"Edward, sweetheart, is that you?"
The call was soft and motherly. Edward held Bella's hand tightly as he led her further into living room. "Yeah, it's me," he said as he headed to where the voice came from. "That's Esme," Edward whispered to Bella. "Mom."
So did Bella call her Esme or Mom? Edward didn't give her much time to figure it out, because his hand went to the small of her back and he eased her through the doorway before them. Now they were standing in a pristinely white kitchen. A small woman with kind brown eyes stood by the stove, stirring a spoon in a large pot.
"Eddie," the woman cooed, leaving her spot to approach Edward.
"Mom," Edward said softly, just as she reached up to kiss his cheek. Edward was much taller than her, so he leaned down some to make her stretch less work.
"And who's this?" The woman now turned her attention to Bella.
Bella blushed, thankful that Edward made the introductions. "Mom, this is Bella. Bella, my mother Esme Cullen."
"Call me Esme dear," Esme said. To Bella's surprise, she received a small peck on the cheek as well. "I'm so happy to finally meet you. Edward has said so many good things about you."
Bella glanced up at Edward, and smiled inside as she saw that rare shy side of Edward coming through. "Mother, really," he murmured. "I'm way too old for this kind of embarrassment."
"Oh Edward no matter how old you get, you're always going to be my little Eddie." Esme smiled at her adoptive sun. "Don't you forget who wears the pants around here?"
"Is that not me?"
Another voice, this one deep and distinctly male. Bella looked up and almost gasped in surprise. Dr. Carlisle Cullen was now in the room with them. Even though she had known already that Dr. Cullen was Edward's father, she was still in a some shock over actually seeing him in person – a man she had only seen on the cover of magazines.
Carlisle took advantage of her shock with pleasant assertiveness, "Carlisle Cullen, but Carlisle for you," he said stretching out his hand. Bella gave him her best handshake. "You must be Bella. I've heard so many good things from Edward."
Edward groaned. The sound made Bella laugh. "So I've heard," she said, feeling braver.
"Alice and Jasper are already here," Esme told Edward. "Down in the game room. You two want to head on down and we'll call you when dinner is ready?"
"I can help you, if you want," Bella said politely. She knew she wasn't the best cook, but she was definitely handy in the kitchen regardless.
Esme smiled. "I like this one Eddie," she said with a wink. Edward hid his face in his palm. "No sweetheart it's fine," Esme said to Bella. "I have all the help I need right here."
At this point, she reached an arm around her husband's waist. Carlisle pretended to groan in despair, which made Esme hit him on the shoulder. Their playful exchange made Bella smile: these were clearly two people very much in love.
"Go on, we'll buzz you when we're ready," Esme insisted.
Edward took Bella's hand and steered her out. "Buzz?" Bella queried.
"We have an intercom system running through the house," Edward said. "It gets kinda hard to yell for one another in a house this big."
Bella could imagine. She could have probably fitted her entire home in their first floor alone. And there was at least another floor above, she garnished that from the stairs that they passed. She also realized there was a floor below, as they took a different staircase down.
The basement must have once been just a big empty space, but was now converted into a massive game room. A large flat screen television was mounted on the wall, with several game system and respective games sprawled out on the floor beneath them. There was also a lineup of classic arcade machines against a wall, a ping pong table and an air hockey table. Two two-seater couches and a bean bag served as the only furniture.
Alice and Jasper were playing Rock Band, Alice sitting behind the drumset while Jasper held a guitar. They were still in song selection mode when Alice turned around at Bella and Edward's arrival.
"Bells," she exclaimed. "You're here. How unexpected."
"Edward invited me," she explained quietly.
"Well I guessed as much." Alice walked over to her big brother and punched him playfully. "This one's pretty important to ya, huh Eddie."
"Ugh," Edward said. "My whole family is picking on me today."
"You love it." Alice said with a bright smile. Then she said, "Come join our band. I call drums!"
"You can't play drums for shit Ali," Edward said as he went for the game drum kit. "Play guitar or something."
"Or something is right," Jasper said. He added firmly, "I'm play guitar."
"But that only leaves bass! I don't want to play bass!" Alice complained.
"I'll play bass," Bella suggested.
"You're going to sing," Edward and Alice said at the same time. Then Alice added, "I thought that was blatantly obvious."
And as if to confirm this, Alice got up from her drumset and firmly placed the mike in Bella's hand. Bella shrugged in inevitable defeat. She was pretty much used to being the vocals when it came to Rock Band. And it wasn't so nerve racking when the whole point of Rock Band was to suck and have fun sucking. No one paid attention to who was talented or not.
"And I'm going to play drums," Edward said firmly, now sitting down behind the drums
Alice sighed. "Fine, I'll play bass, so long as Jasper switches off with me."
"Not on your life," Jasper said.
"Say that again and you suffer some…sufferable consequences." Alice's tone meant serious business.
"Fine," Jasper muttered.
Once they had Bella and Edward signed in, they started a new band and began the Rock-A-Thon. Normally Bella played on Medium, so that she could downplay her vocal skills, but everyone else picked Expert…so she felt kinda lame. Expert, however, was no problem for her, so she chose it as well. The four of them only managed to play five songs before the buzz for dinner came over.
"Lucky for you Alice," Jasper said teasingly. "Because you know you can't play that guitar solo on Expert."
"I don't think she can even play it on Easy," Edward added with a laugh.
"Why are they so mean to me Bella," Alice said, rolling her eyes. "Just because those two are RB nerds and I take the time to have a life."
"Yeah well, you're dating an RB nerd, aren't you?" Jasper said, coming up behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist.
"Yeah I guess." She tried to say it casually, but her bright smile gave it all away.
The four of them headed upstairs and went to the living room where Carlisle and Esme were already seated that the respective heads of the table. Bella and Edward took the left side of Carlisle while Alice and Jasper took the right. Bella found herself next to Esme, while Edward was by his father. She found she rather liked it this way – Esme did not intimidate her as much as Dr. Cullen did.
The array looked delicious: grilled chicken, wild rice, and stir-fry vegetables. There was a pasta dish with creamy white sauce, and a pot of soup with rolls. Bella hardly knew where to start.
Jasper must have noticed the look on her face, because he said, "Yeah, you're going to start loving the benefits of dating a Cullen. I always start with the appetizer first, which I'm going to guess is the soup for tonight."
Alice hit Jasper's shoulder hard. "Sometimes you think you're being funny, and it doesn't work out that way."
Bella mentally thanked Jasper anyway, and asked for a bowl of soup. Edward filled her bowl and gave her two rolls. Now that it was sitting right under her nose, she could smell the meat and vegetables that simmered in the broth.
"It's beef vegetable," Esme explained. "I hope you don't have any food allergies. Edward didn't tell me he was bringing a guest, so I cooked the way I normally do."
"It was a surprise," Edward told his mother.
"I have no food allergies, Ms. Esme," Bella said softly.
"Just Esme dear, please. The last thing I need is to feel older than I already am."
"You hardly look a day over thirty, Mom," Alice said as she took a bowl of soup for herself.
"You're sweet Al," Esme said.
"Watch your pockets dear," Carlisle warned in a playful tone. "Compliments mean they want something."
The table erupted into easy laughter, and Bella found herself joining in. The nerves she was being attacked with from before seemed to have dissolved completely. By the time both parents had turned their attentions on her – during the main course – Bella was completely at ease when answering their questions. She even managed to make them laugh some as well. And the occasional, reassuring squeeze on her knee from Edward was an added plus.
"Dessert anyone?" Esme asked once everyone had cleared their plates.
"You know I don't turn down desert," Carlisle said with a grin.
"Mom makes excellent brownies," Edward told Bella. "You're going to want some."
Bella couldn't imagine herself wanting anything else right now, since she was so full from the delicious dinner, but then Edward explained that his mother never cooked dessert until she heard that people wanted it ("so nothing goes to waste"). They had about an hour and a half to kill before it would be ready.
"Where's your room?" Bella asked him as others got up from the table.
Edward rose his eyebrow suggestively. "You don't beat around the bush, do you Bella Swan?"
Immediately Bella understood the double entendre on her words. The red covering her face was imminent. "That's not what I meant," she said quickly. "I–"
"I know what you meant," Edward said with a smile. He stood up, "Come on, I'll show you."
The two of them, with Edward leading, went back through the living room and took the grand staircase upstairs. Even though upstairs at a glance looked just like a long corridor, Bella could only imagine what the bedrooms were like behind the white double doors.
Edward stopped in front of a particular set and grabbed the handles, pulling them down and pushing the door open. Bella couldn't hide her initial shock at the size of the room. It even had glass doors that led to a balcony. There was a flat screen television mounted on one of his walls as well, with game systems lying beneath it as well. There was even a full couch in the room.
"I think I'd begin to feel lonely if I had to sleep in here all by myself," Bella said honestly.
Edward closed the door quietly, then turned to face her. "Well good thing I have you in here with me now," he said suggestively.
She felt herself easily being swept into his embrace, followed instantly by a soft kiss. Bella didn't resist him, almost melting totally in his arms. His hands held her waist firmly, pressing her even closer into his body.
"Where do you want it," he whispered to her in a husky tone.
Bella's face flushed immediately. "Edward, your whole family is downstairs."
"That's what makes it fun," he told her with a seductive smile.
"Edward–"
"The walls are soundproof, in case you think I'll make you scream." His voice dropped an octave as he added, "Which I will."
More flushed expression. "Edward–"
"The bed is always a promising place to start," Edward said smoothly, pulling her over to where his king-size was placed.
Bella was at a loss for words. But there was nothing bad about it. She couldn't lie, there was a rush of adrenaline going through her mind at the idea of his parents being only a floor beneath them. It felt naughty.
They undressed each other easily and then Edward was between her legs, deep inside. Bella's eyes fluttered closed and she moaned as he moved in and out of her body, pressing her into the softness of his mattress. Her hands caressed his back, and her legs locked themselves around his waist. Bella felt her body trembling with delight over the sensations that coursed through her. The deep throaty groans that Edward released only heightened her excitement, reminding her that he too was enjoying the ride.
It wasn't long before Bella felt that delicious explosion beginning to build within her. Her clawed her fingers deep into Edward's back, and he growled in response. Her back arched, and she bit down hard on her bottom lip, erotic sounds escaping anyway. And when her climax finally consumed her, she shook with ecstasy.
Edward shivered, pressed his lips to her forehead. "You're amazing," he whispered.
"You're one to talk," Bella said in a tone just as breathless.
The two of them cuddled under Edward's thick comforter, lying side by side, bodies touching. Bella looked up at Edward's face. His eyes were closed and his breathing and gotten deeper. His hand rested gently on her waist, his thumb absently stroking her skin. Bella sighed in content – she never wanted to leave this moment ever.
But soon enough, Esme's call for dessert came through the intercom. It took everything in both Bella and Edward's power to finally get out off the bed to redress and compose themselves. By the time they made it downstairs, everyone was already gathered in the living room, with brownies and ice cream set up on the coffee table, centered amongst the sofas.
Alice took one look at the two of them, and made a dramatic expression of disgust, while Jasper waggled his eyebrows suggestively in their direction. Bella blushed: was it that obvious to realize what they had been up to? The last thing she needed was for Edward's parents to think she was some form of sexual deviant.
But Edward's reassuring hand on her back as he guided her to a particular sofa, soothed her nerves. They sat down opposite of Esme and Carlisle, and Edward put together a plate of brownies and ice cream for Bella.
"So Bella," Esme said warmly. "Edward tells me you have a beautiful voice."
By this time Bella was holding her plate of dessert, but at the sound of Esme's words, she was almost dropped it. "Uh, yeah," she said uncertainly.
"My husband and I are serious music lovers. Edward must have told you about all the music we tried to get him into at a young age," Esme continued, a smile on her face. "We tried to do the same for Alice, but she seemed more interested in other arts."
"We can't all be musicians, Mom," Alice said rolling her eyes.
"Oh honey, you know I don't hold that against you. You're a great artist and a fantastic actress."
"Don't we know it," Jasper joked.
Bella had been extremely grateful for the sudden shift in conversation, but then Esme's attention shifted right back on her. "Anyway, it would be lovely to hear you sing something, if you want to of course," she said.
Bella swallowed hard, feeling turmoil inside her. Of course she didn't want to sing; she only enjoyed singing for Edward. Now this was the whole Cullen family, plus Jasper. And Esme had said they were music lovers; if she messed up, she'd never be able to live it down.
But at the same time, it seemed rude to turn down the offer. She had come into their home, eaten their food, and taken advantage of their hospitality by sleeping with their son only a few minutes ago. All they wanted from her was to sing. It seemed like something completely minor in comparison.
But singing? She didn't even know what to sing! Even now, her voice seemed to have shriveled up and died, because as Esme waited patiently for her response, Bella found no words to give.
Edward spoke up for her, but Bella thought he could have chosen some better words, "Bella doesn't like to sing in front of strangers."
Thanks Edward, Bella thought maliciously. Esme seemed hurt. "Oh, well then, that's fine Bella. It was just a question."
"It's not like I don't like to sing in front of strangers." The words flew out of Bella's mouth so quickly that she didn't process the lie she had just told. Now that she had said, she realized she needed some follow-up words. "I just get really nervous before I sing," she added. That was the complete truth anyway.
"You don't have to be nervous around us Bella," Carlisle said. "Any friend of our children's is a friend of the family."
Bella squirmed in her seat again. "Don't pressure her," Edward said firmly. "She doesn't want to."
Bella wanted to tell Edward to shut up. "I don't mind singing," she said quickly, to cover for Edward's rudeness. "I just don't have anything to sing."
"Well you guys are always working on music together," Alice reminded them. "Just pick one of those songs and sing that."
Bella felt her face paling. One of her own songs? Just as the thought came to her mind, Edward seemed to pick it up as well. But his delivery of her thoughts were still putting her in a rough situation: "Bella, especially, doesn't sing her own work for other people. I'd had to promise to keep our music sessions in obscure places so that no one else would hear."
Edward laughed at his own little joke, but no one else did. Bella used her leg to hit his as hard as she could manage. He looked down at her just in time to catch her glare. Hopefully he'd get the point from that. But he only shrugged at her.
"It's your call Bella," he told her.
Bella felt trapped, but sighed in defeat. "Okay, I'll sing."
"Wonderful," Carlisle cheered. "If your voice is as wonderful as Edward makes it sound, then I'm excited to hear it."
Bella could already feel the awkwardness if it turned out that her voice was not as wonderful as Edward made it sound. But she tried not to let it consume her as she placed her untouched plate on the coffee table and walked quietly behind Edward over to the piano. She realized soon enough that she would have to stand – even more awkward – but she didn't get a chance to ask Edward to get her a chair because he was already seated comfortable behind the piano. His fingers danced idly over the keys, re-accustoming himself with the instrument, before turning his eyes to Bella.
Bella took a deep breath, then gave a small nod. She wasn't sure what he was going to play, but she could only hope it wasn't anything she had written. That much she would have to trust him with.
The opening chords of a song Edward had written filled the room. Bella sighed thankfully to herself. She knew the song well enough, and sang the words by heart:
Fly, fly little wing
Fly beyond imaging
The softest cloud, the whitest dove
Upon the wind of heaven's love
Past the planets and the stars
Leave this lonely world of ours
Escape the sorrow and the pain
And fly again
Fly, fly precious one
Your endless journey has begun
Take your gentle happiness
Far too beautiful for this
Cross over to the other shore
There is peace forevermore
But hold this mem'ry bittersweet
Until we meet
Fly, fly do not fear
Don't waste a breath, don't shed a tear
Your heart is pure, your soul is free
Be on your way, don't wait for me
Above the universe you'll climb
On beyond the hands of time
The moon will rise, the sun will set
But I won't forget
The short break from the verse left for Edward's piano playing. But Bella, loved this song, and found herself vocalizing harmoniously with him. Her own bravery surprised her, but with her eyes closed, she imagined that it was only her and Edward playing together. And with Edward, Bella felt courage that she didn't feel with anyone else. Once her last verse was coming up, she sang the words softly – barely above a whisper:
Fly, fly little wing
Fly where only angels sing
Fly away, the time is right
Go now, find the light
The silence following Bella's final notes was deafening. Bella opened her eyes slowly, to find the Cullens watching her somber expressions. Just when Bella thought this whole thing was a mistake, Esme smiled brightly and gave a soft clap.
"Bella honey, that was beautiful," she whispered.
"I didn't know you had pipes like that Bells," Alice gushed. "No wonder Edward is always talking about it."
"I knew my son had a good ear," Carlisle said with a wink.
Bella smiled at the compliments, her nerves at peace. Suddenly she felt arms around her waist, and Edward's cheek pressed against hers.
"I knew you'd be great," he whispered. "You're always great."
"You shouldn't have done that," Bella whispered back. "You basically tricked me into singing."
"Forgive me for wanting my family to hear my girlfriend's beautiful voice," He said placing a soft kiss on her cheek.
Bella blushed again just as Edward stepped in front of her. His smile was infectious. "Forgive me?" he asked in a soft voice.
Bella rolled her eyes, but she was smiling. "Just this once."
Celine Dion, "Fly" -http://www. youtube. com/watch?v=iIeBqsujCqg (remove spacing.) The song is kinda sad, but it sounds really pretty, and I love the vocalizing in the middle (it gives Bella a chance to show off her pipes)
I hope you guys enjoyed this. Reviews are always appreciated.
Will update as soon as I can (bear with me if its not tomorrow though)
--Brin--