Chapter 5: Realizations
Bella and I were getting along great.
She sat by me now in English and was beginning to talk more, although it was mostly only to me and Jasper. I talked her into not wearing the hoodies as much, and she started coming to school in form-fitting, long sleeve shirts. Today, however, she brought the brown zip-up hoodie I gave her. Her shirt was a light pink, matching the constant blush she had in her cheeks. She wore tight blue jeans and pink ballet flats. She was coming out of her shell, and my Bella looked more perfect than ever. Woah. My Bella? I'm thinking too much. She was smiling more lately, and I was causing most of them. Jasper was causing the other.
I walked into lunch late with Bella by my side. Many rumors were being spread that we were going out now, but the truth is, I was Bella's only friend besides her brother. We picked out a larger, round table so that we could have more space and be comfortable. Bella sat in between Jasper and me, with Alice on the other side of Jasper. Rosalie sat next to me, and Edward was in between the two girls. A perfect table. I began to eat, and I felt a small hand graze mine underneath the table. I looked at Bella, and she blushed when I intertwined our fingers. We both knew that we were just friends, but we both also knew we wanted so much more. So, we had little affectionate gestures that helped us through this.
On another note, I began to see Edward eyeing Rose more and more. Rose was the same way. I soon found out the night before that they were dating, but keeping it a secret for awhile. I could tell that my that particular friend was in love with my sister, and vice versa.
They had the same look in their eyes as Bella did when she looked at me. The more time I spent with Bella, the more I began to fall for her more and more. Time had flown by so fast with her here, for the school year was ending this week. Tomorrow was our last day. We got our yearbooks, and we were passing them around. I signed Jasper's first.
Hey, man. Thanks for having my back and saving me from failing this year! Summer's gonna be awesome, dude. As always…your brother, Emmett.
Edward was next.
I give you permission to date my sister, but know that I'll kick your ass if you hurt her at all. Other than that, we're good, man. This summer's gonna be sweet! -Emmett
Then, Alice.
Alice…my hyper, pixie friend, Alice. I'm glad you're spending the summer with us! I don't know what I'd do without your high-pitched voice squealing at every thing in sight :) Love you…Emmett
Second to last…my sister.
I love you, sis. I'm glad you're my twin, and we get to spend our school years together. I seriously have no idea what I'd do if I didn't have you in my life. Love you so, so much…Emmett - your favorite brother.
Finally, Bella handed hers to me. I took a deep breath and began to write, hiding the page from her.
Bella, I had an amazing time with you these past five months, and I think it would be safe to say that I love you. I have since you first walked through that door on January 7th, your first day at Forks High. Your presence has brought me so much joy to my life, and I can't possibly see how I could live without it anymore. I don't want to be pushing you away when I say this, Bells, because it's true. I. Love. You. I always will. I'm glad you're staying with Jasper, and even though all of the events that led to your coming here were tragic, I'm glad you're with us…with me. Loving you every minute of every day…Emmett Hale.
I closed the book and whispered, "Read it when you get home."
She nodded, and we all parted, except for Alice and me. We began our walk to gym class.
"You love her, don't you?" Alice asked out of the blue.
"Who?" I was caught off guard, but I knew who she meant.
"Bella."
"Yes. I really love her. It's only been five months, but I feel like I've known her my whole life, like I was meant to protect her," I sighed wistfully.
"I can tell by the look in your eyes whenever you glance at her. So can Jasper. He thinks that you'd be perfect for her."
"That means a lot to me. I would always ask Jasper if he was okay with it before I started anything with Bella."
She smiled and went into the girls' locker room, while I went into the guys'.
-----------------------
When I got home from picking up a burger after school, Bella's truck was parked in my driveway. I walked inside and heard her crying. I ran into the living room and held my arms out to her. She embraced me, still sobbing, and I almost didn't notice Rosalie get up and leave. I mouthed a "thank you" and began rubbing soothing circles on her back. When she finally calmed down, we laid down on the couch like we had so many times before.
"Emmett?"
"Yes, Bellaboo?"
She grinned when I said her nickname. "I love you, too. I think…I think I might be ready for a real relationship. It's been almost a year."
"Are you sure?" I asked, not wanting her to rush into this.
"I've never been more sure about anything in my life. I want this." Her voice was so sincere; I couldn't doubt her.
"I love you. Thank you." I leaned into kiss her, but stopped, remembering all the times she flinched away from my touch at the beginning.
"Em?" I looked into her eyes. "Just kiss me already."
And I did. Her lips were so soft, like warm satin, and I loved the way our mouths worked in perfect harmony. I licked her lower lip, asking for entrance, which she happily granted. Our tongues fought for dominance in the gentlest way. When we finally pulled apart, she was smiling from ear to ear, as was I.
She leaned her head against my chest and whispered, "It feels so right being here. I'm glad I finally realized what I wanted."
"It feels right just to have you in my arms, Bella. And I'm glad I finally realized I could give you this. I can't say it enough. I love you, my Bella." I sighed contently and began to fall asleep.
I could tell Bella was, too, when she replied, "I love you, too, and I hope you tell me every minute, like I will to you."
"Of course. Let's take a nap," I yawned.
"Okay. Let's."
"Oh, and Bella?"
"Hmm?"
I put my mouth next to her ear and breathed the words, "I love you."