Author's Chapter Notes:
And I took my time on it because I wanted it to be a bit longer. My other chapters have been like 800 words long, or something inexcusable like that. But this chapter was seven 1/2 pages on Microsoft Word. Enjoy
Chapter Four of The Adventures of Bella and Human Boy
"Hello, Mr. Masen. For what do I have the pleasure of seeing thee today?" I giggled in an over-done English accent.
"Forgive me for not telling before I called, but I had to see thy beautiful eyes." Edward replying in the same English accent, though his sounded much more authentic. He bowed in a most gentlemanly fashion, and chuckled. I held out my hand for him to take, so we could head off to the bland wonders of first hour. But he instead grabbed my wrist and brought me in to a tight embrace. His lips pressed into mine for a quick second. One second, yet it still made my heart flutter about five times faster. He leaned down and let his head rest on my chest tenderly. He laughed when he heard my heart accelerate.
"Hmm. . . . not fast enough. I should fix that." he chuckled. The beautiful face that I seemed to depend upon now leaned into mine for a long kiss. My hands rooted themselves firmly in his soft hair, while his stayed at his side. I wished he would touch my face or even just hold my hand. This non-responsive mode was ticking me off. His hands eventually crept up to the back of my neck, and gave me quite the shock. In those hands, he held the newly fallen snow, which he then decided would be a good thing to put down the back of my shirt. I screeched and pushed away his laughing body.
"That . . . was . . . . hilarious!" he said between fits of laughter.
"No it was not, you idiot! Gah! Thanks for making my back wet!" I roared, but I could still hear a faint amount of amusement in my voice. He would pay for this, I would make sure of that.
"Am I forgiven?" he said to my face that was now turned childishly away. "Bella? Pwease? Pwetty pwease?" he cooed. It was impossible to resist him when he got soft and cuddly like this.
"Edward!" I moaned. "Don't get like that. You're so annoying. Must you act like an immature child?" I snapped.
But Edward certainly wouldn't have that. His strong arms that had caught me my first day of school now wrapped around my waist. "Please, Bella? I'm sorry. I was childish, and completely inexcusable. Will you forgive me?" he said, his voice back to its usual serious tone.
"Okay, okay. . . . I forgive you, you big baby." I sighed. The effect he had on me always got my forgiveness; not that he really had much for me to forgive him for.
"Thank you." he whispered into my ear. "No offense, but it was hard not to laugh at your face. The expression was priceless!" he grinned, but quickly got serious when he saw my grimace. His laughter and cheery mood was deflated now.
"Edward," I said. "You know I still like you, right? Come on, don't look sad. Pwease?" I whimpered, repeating his earlier pleas. Making him sad made me sad.
He heaved a great, overdramatic sigh. "Well, okay, I guess. But you'll have to make it up to Me." he smiled mischievously.
"Make it up to you? What do you mean, exactly?" I asked warily.
"About six months ago, I found this little meadow. And it's beautiful. You should see the way it's shaped, and the wildflowers that are spread around the grass make it seem like it's from some wonderful movie. You have to see it, Bella." his eyes had glazed over with a dream-like quality that made me think of an angel painted in a forgotten chapel. He came back from his imagination, and looked back at me. The excitement he was radiating was practically tangible, and definitely visible on his angelic features. I suddenly realized my mouth had fallen open in wonder. I quickly shut it, not wanting to look like an imbecile.
"I'd be willing to go if would make you happy." I agreed.
"Thank you, Bella. And I assure you, it will." he beamed. And with that he led me off towards first hour. I was glad we had arrived at school thirty minutes early, or otherwise our fits of anger would have caused us to be late. I hopped into my chair, ready for the day to come now that I had made my Edward happy.
"Jessica is fuming at the sight of us holding hands. She thinks I should be with her right now instead of you." Edward whispered into my ear.
"How do you know?" I asked, very confused at his confidence at what Jessica is thinking.
"I don't know. It's just a feeling inside me that's telling me that that's what she's thinking. Kind of like how you know how to breathe or something of the sort." he whispered back.
"What about me? What am I thinking?" I questioned, testing his "feeling".
"I don't know. You're kind of hard to read. But by your face I can tell that you are thoroughly amused. Why?" he asked, frustrated with my expression.
"I highly doubt that you can read minds, Edward Cullen. The fact that you can't read mine is proof. So there." I explained.
He shook his head and smiled at my explanation. I closed my mind to everything except the tick of the clock. The ticks ache with each little tock, a reminder of everything I haven't done. A quote comes to mind . . . . . Times goes you say? Ah, no! Alas, time stays. We go. If you think about it, time is terrifying, making life what it wants, and taking everything we need with its devilish tricks. It makes fools of us, making sure we can't get where we want to be the most. Time is certainly the greatest distance between things. It is an amazing teacher, but it kills all of its pupils. Time is what's keeping me from loving Edward forever. Time keeps me from being able to run with him for the rest of my life.
The bell suddenly rings, reminding me of the time I've lost. I pick up my books and pencil, completely unaware of Edward's arm sliding around my shoulders.
"Tell me what you're thinking." he murmured.
"Clocks." I admitted.
"Clocks." he scoffed. "They mean nothing, and only slay what does mean something."
I blinked. Edward wasn't usually this serious. But then again, after hearing Maddie's story, I had learned to expect different sides of Edward.
"Come on, Bella. It gets very frustrating when you get thoughtful like this." Edward said, reminding me of where I was,
"Sorry." I muttered. I stepped into the dreary classroom and set my books down. Chalk and dust made the air thick and herd to breath. Even after being in Forks for four months, I hadn't gotten used to the humid and clogged air. Class started just the same as every day. I put down answers to questions that didn't matter, and looked at a teacher who thought they had wasted their life on kids that didn't care. But at the end, her lips twisted into a forced smile and called attention to the classroom.
"I feel like we should maybe play up this class. How about some personal questions. Once out of college, what occupation do you plan to get?" she forced out of that forced smile. Many students raised their hands in the air, including myself.
"Mrs. Mallory, how about you?" she asked.
"A model. I plan to meet all the best. And then beat them." Lauren chirped in competitive voice.
"And you, Mr. Masen?" she questioned.
"A neurologist, ma'am." Edward replied in a polite tone.
"How very interesting." she grunted. The bell then rang as a relieved look spread across the instructor's face.
The day went on much like this. I suffered in calculus and gym; I was without Edward in those classes. The droning of the every teacher's voice almost lulled me to sleep. And I really did fall asleep in calculus. The clocks taunted me with each tick and tock they muttered. But the long wait for his presence was well worth it when I was greeted with a broad smile. I felt my own lips break out in a grin too.
"How was your day?" Edward asked.
"Bearable. I would have had a lot more fun if you were there with me." I replied.
"The same for me." he commented. "It feels good to be free. And to be free with such a wonderful person is even better."
"Where should we go? I want to be with you every minute I can." I answered.
"How about the usual spot?" he suggested. So it was behind building five where went yet again. I sat down in the damp grass. My backpack sagged as did I; tired from the monotonous classes I had suffered. A light mist fell on my cheeks and clung to my thin lashes, making my hair glisten with crystals. Edward sat down beside me and grabbed my hand. Even the little touches he gave me seemed to make my hands tremble. I looked up and saw a smile playing around on Edward's lips. It felt like it had been long since I had felt their warmth on mine, though it was only this morning I had last touched them. My fingers touched his cheek lightly; relishing the softness of his creamy skin. His face was truly a work of higher power. Only God would be able to make something so pure and beautiful. The green eyes that dazzled me now focused on mine, making me lose my train of thought.
He pulled me up in his strong embrace, making sure I was close. The silence settled in and gave the empty back lot a feeling of peace.
"I can't think of anything more beautiful on the face of the earth." Edward observed.
"I never knew you found the backside of building five so attractive." I grinned.
"Not the building, you silly girl. I meant you." he objected.
"Me? I don't think so." I disagreed.
"No matter how many times you object, it'll still be true." he countered.
I sighed in defeat. No matter how many times I objected, Edward would still carry on the foolish belief that it was true. He liked me more than I deserved. I felt him sigh against my back and kiss my hair. Though he couldn't see, I smiled. If only I had known about Edward when I lived back in Phoenix, then I could have moved here years ago, and been with Edward. I could've been in his arms and kissing his soft lips years ago instead of wasting seventeen years in a city that wasn't even home. I wouldn't have wasted years with an unhappy mother and been with a . . . a what? Edward wasn't a friend. No, he was far more than that. But he was so much more than a boyfriend. Note to self: think of word to describe Edward. And his beautiful face.
"I should go. I need to make Charlie dinner." I said.
"Alright. My parents are probably wondering where I am, too." he agreed. He got up and started walking towards his Volvo, when I grabbed his wrist.
"I have to tell you good-bye!" I proclaimed. I grabbed his broad shoulders and dragged his face towards mine. The short minute in which I got kiss Edward was wonderful. I could spend eternity doing it, but unfortunately we both have to breathe.
"We should say good-bye more often." he panted.
I giggled and waved good-bye to the person I loved.
~*~*~*~*~
I woke up the next day to find a note on the counter from Charlie.
Dear Bella,
I have to work at the station today. I'll be home late. I should be back at 3:30 a.m.
Love, Charlie
So I'd have the entire day to myself. This could be fun . . . .
Just then, the phone rang shrilly, interrupting my devilish ideas. I shuffled over, thinking that it would be my father calling to reminding me to get groceries, or something of the sort. When I picked up the phone I was not expecting a velvety voice to be at the other end.
"Hey, Bella. How are you this fine morning?" Edward said cheerfully.
"Tired." I snipped, anger that I had not anticipated crept out of my voice.
"Well get rested, because I'll be over in an hour to pick you up." he answered, oblivious to my lack of sleep.
"Edward, I just got-" I started, but then stopped when I heard the other line disconnecting. "Rude!" I snapped at the phone.
But I wasn't going to deny I day with Edward. My feet failed me many times as I made my way hurriedly up the stairs. Where were those strong arms when you needed them? I took extra time on making sure my clothes were smooth and wrinkle-free. My hair refused to be tamed, to I let it be in a frizzy pony-tail. Blue tennis shoes I had acquired one year ago were all I had beside me comfortable flats, so that's what I slipped on. I was never a girl for caking on makeup, so I left my face bare. My breakfast was an extravagant meal of Cheerios and apple juice. This extravagant meal threatened many times to come back and haunt me though during my excitement.
My heart almost made an escape from the confines of my chest as I saw a certain silver Volvo arrive in my driveway. The rain made a soft tip tappit noise on the shaggy and over-grown grass. Everything around me was green. It seemed like my eyes hadn't seen the green in the trees and shrubbery around me, and my eyes had only been focusing on two green things: Edward's eyes. Though we were only human, it seemed that Edward was more beautiful than possible for a human. The way his eyelashes framed wide eyed that would melt Antarctica. The way the soft curve of his lips turned when he flashed a smile. The way his nose twitched slightly when he was frustrated. Every single part of Edward was beautiful. How could he ever look at me without disgust?
"Hello, angel." he mused. His muscular chest was clothed in a dark blue shirt, also wearing jeans and blue tennis shoes. We matched.
"Hi." I murmured into his shirt has he pulled me into a hug.
"Where will we be going today?" I asked once he let me go.
"Remember the meadow I told you about? The one by the trail-head outside of town?" he said, trying to jog my memory.
"You mean it's in the forest? With twigs and branches and things to fall on?" I squawked, thinking of the stitches I would have on my forehead by 4:00.
"Silly girl," Edward breathed into my ear. "I won't let you fall. But so that you don't fall, I may have to keep my arms around you for a while. Is that alright?"
"Whatever you want, Edward, whatever you want." I purred in response.
And with that, we hopped into the car, Edward ignoring the speed limit once again. Idiot.
His long fingers pressed the black button on his dashboard until he found a song that suited him. I recognized the song immediately. The ensnaring melody began, as did Edward's voice to the thought-provoking lyrics.
I'm so tired of being here
Suppressed by all my childish fears
And if you have to leave
I wish that you would just leave
'Cause your presence still lingers here
And it won't leave me alone
These wounds won't seem to heal
This pain is just too real
There's just too much that time cannot erase
When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
I held your hand through all of these years
But you still have all of me
You used to captivate me
By your resonating light
Now I'm bound by the life you left behind
Your face it haunts
My once pleasant dreams
Your voice it chased away
All the sanity in me
These wounds won't seem to heal
This pain is just too real
There's just too much that time cannot erase-
When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
I held your hand through all of these years
But you still have all of me
You used to captivate me
By your resonating light
Now I'm bound by the life you left behind
Your face it haunts
My once pleasant dreams
Your voice it chased away
All the sanity in me
These wounds won't seem to heal
This pain is just too real
There's just too much that time cannot erase-
I've tried so hard to tell myself that you're gone
But though you're still with me
I've been alone all along
When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
I held your hand through all of these years
But you still have all of me
Holy crap. Edward Masen is an amazing singer! It was like . . . Sushi. There really is no other way to describe it. His voice was raw, yet alluring. Alluring in a way that made you want to sing along with him. So I did. My voice was nothing to talk of. I could sing in tune, but I certainly wasn't any Amy Lee. I was surprised when Edward spoke up.
"Whoa, Bella. I didn't know you were a singer. That was good!" he said.
"Yeah right. You were the one who could make Simon Cowell cry. I've never heard anything like it before. Face it, Edward: you're good." I protested.
"Whatever, Bella. We're here anyway." he said pushing aside my earlier speech.
I set off towards the head of the trail, being careful not to trip along the way. The sky was a sheet of gray clouds ahead, the rain fleeing towards another town. Clouds crept behind us though, making sure the day could not be fully enjoyed. But all in all, it was a fair day for Forks. I was quickly pulled out of my reverie when Edward grabbed the back of my shirt.
"Wrong way." he said.
"But you said it was on the trail!" I protested.
"I do believe I said I was by the trail. Not that we were taking the trail. Come on, it's not that far." Edward said. I sighed and stepped into the thick curtain of foliage.
~*~*~*~
Edward's ideas of "not that far" are very different from a normal person's. Why you ask? Because we've gone at least five miles and it's taken us six hours. The main reason was probably because I kept falling down every ten minutes- sometimes even more. But at least Edward caught me every time.
"How much longer?" I asked for what was probably the eighth time this half-hour.
"Now much longer. I think I'm starting to see It." he said, peering off at some light I couldn't see.
We continued our trek in silence. The humidity of Forks used to bother me, but I forgot that as soon as the mosquitoes came. I'll probably look like a demented pepperoni by the end of the day. But though I had small insects craving my blood, the forest was strangely peaceful. The trees were tall and mighty, as if they had seen many hard times. I saw rabbits scurrying behind trees, and chipmunks grabbing things in a great hurry in order to avoid the tall creatures that had come to their home. My mind wandered to the beauty of the things around me, absorbing what I had never before seen in dry Phoenix.
"Can you see it now?" Edward asked excitedly.
"Yes!" I chirped. Before me, about thirty feet, laid a green meadow, adorned with tall wildflowers. Tall trees caressed the side, making it a space closed off completely except for the small door-sized opening I looked through. It was like I piece of heaven had dropped down and landed just for our pleasure.
"It's beautiful!" I gasped. It was more than beautiful. But right now, I don't have a word to describe it.
Edward grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the lovely meadow. Once inside the circle, I kicked off my tennis shoes. The grass was feathery and soft. And the smell . . . the smell was there, but just barely. Fragrances of the flowers wafted up towards my nose, sending a smile onto my face. Faint trickling noises that sounded like a stream reached my ears, along with a soft humming sound. It turned out to be Edward humming a foreign melody.
I suddenly realized that Edward was with me, and turned to look at him. His shoulders were relaxed and showed no sign of anxiety. Shadows flitted down his cheeks when he blinked. A small leaf was tangled in his red hair, so I reached to get it. My hands were shaking for some reason. Was I scared to touch him when he looked so serene right now? I turned away and stepped towards the middle of the circle. The small rays of sun touched my skin lightly when a cloud fluttered off. I sighed contentedly.
"You're breath-taking." Edward breathed into my ear. He was much closer than I had thought he was, and it shook me out of my calm state. But I ended up blushing at the undeserved comment I had gotten from Edward.
"You are the one who's been leaving me breathless lately." I murmured in response. I sat down in the dewy grass and laid back. The clouds had banished the sun once more, leaving the sky an unwrinkled gray blanket. My eyelids flew shut, in hopes I could melt into the very ground and stay here forever. Edward lay down beside me and sighed as well. My thoughts wandered from the grass I laid upon, to Edward. I loved Edward. I know I do, but for some reason, I can't verbalize it. I want him to hear that I love him, and that I would do anything for him. If only he could know.
"Edward," I began nervously. "Can I tell you something?"
"What is it, Bella? Are you alright?' he answered worriedly. The way he cared about my safety made my hearts skip a couple of beats.
"I'm fine, Edward." I giggled. "Actually, I'm wonderful."
"Yes you are." Edward purred as he rolled towards me. Edward has kissed me before. And a lot. But never before was the kiss so passionate or exultant. His arms snaked their way around my waist, pulling me in towards his well muscled chest. My fingers put themselves on his neck, attempting to get him even closer, though there was no space left. My breathing became ragged as his lips crushed mine. I also noticed he was panting too when we came up for air.
"I love you, Edward." I gasped.
"I love you too, Bella." he panted back. "Forever."