Disclaimer: I don't own these here Twilight Characters.
Author's Note: A little clarification for those of you who were confused during Gesture: Bella said yes to Jacob, then she sees someone making out with Tanya against the building, and this person will be revealed later. Then, Bella's informed that Tanya moved in with Lauren, and she's getting Lauren's old roommate. They chit chat blah blah, then Alice looks out the window and sees Edward with a rose. She knows he's coming for Bella, and doesn't want to ruin the surprise. Then the whole "three...two...one" enter Edward... I just had to do that :D. Edward gives Bella the rose, Emmett interrupts Bella, Edward has a strange thing happen, then they leave.
At the lake, Bella and Edward recite a few lines from Romeo and Juliet. Yes, you may "aww" and Bella notices how good an actor Edward is. Which leads her to the conclusion that he was acting, and his feelings for her were fake. Her mind loosens like crazy and her thoughts reel. More info on that bit later... and Bella realizes that there's a possibility his feelings are real. She tells Edward she doesn't think she's good enough for him, and wants to know why he likes her.
I don't want to go on too much, so if you're still confused, PM or post a comment!
Without further ado...
Chapter 9: Accidents
The sun was progressing across the sky, and quickly started to sink below the treetops. I lay my head against Edward's chest, inhaling deeply.
"Bella?" He murmured into my hair. My lips barely moved when I responded.
"Yes?"
"Don't try and leap onto Alice's bed. Ever." What was this about? I turned my face to his– very reluctantly for that matter, as I wanted to continue listening to his heart forever– to stare at him in confusion. He read my expression. "For some reason, it feels like she's... shouting at me. Telling me to warn you not to lunge across the room in attempts to land on her bed," He answered my unasked question. I nodded slowly, not pressing him for more information. We sat motionless again.
"Bella, what color is your dress?" Edward asked me suddenly. I blushed, looking down.
"I um... prefer the element of surprise?" My voice raised slightly at the end. Damn nerves. Damn Edward for making me nervous. I would never get used to him– not his voice, not his questions, not his beauty... I took a deep breath, inhaling his intoxicating scent. He chuckled, pressing his lips to my hair. "We should probably go back. I feel sort of bad for ditching her while she was unpacking, considering I should be helping. Not that Tanya helped me much. But I'd so rather staying with you here forever," I mused, sighing deeply. He tucked a finger under my chin, touching his lips to mine briefly. I giggled, something that I had been doing a lot lately. Before he could completely pull away, I crashed my mouth to his, pulling him nearer.
"Oh Bella, how I wish we could stay like this forever," He murmured, his lips pulling up at the corners against mine. His eyes were surveying mine for my reaction.
"You and I think alike," I replied, much to his amusement. He chuckled, rising, taking me along with him.
"I don't think so..." Edward's tone was brooding. His brilliant green eyes flashed to mine, and I noticed the flecks of gold in them. I nearly fainted at his flawless beauty. "Would you mind if we ran?" I nodded. "May I carry you? I'd feel more comfortable if I knew that you weren't tripping over invisible roots..." I frowned, crossing my arms in front of my chest. He chuckled, picking me up bridal style. I groaned as he took off, his feet pounding aggressively against the grass.
"That was a longer leave than I expected," Skye taunted when Edward carried me into the room. I blushed as Edward squeezed my hand tightly.
"You know how we couples do," He retorted easily. My cheeks scorched with the blood rushing to the surface more forcefully than before. Did that make us official? I would find out at dinner tonight, I supposed.
"Edward, just curious, but what time are we going to dinner tonight?" I asked him quickly, wanting to know his response immediately. He shrugged, idly playing with a piece of my hair. I frowned slightly, leaning against him. "Won't you tell me?" I purred, using my newfound power of him. He easily took the bait, and I felt immensely guilty– I wouldn't do it again, I vowed.
"How about six thirty?" I nuzzled my face into his strong chest, nodding. I felt his chest rumble with soft laughter, and I smiled. "We'll leave in an hour." My head shot up to check the time. Five-oh-five glared back at me in red letters.
"I should change. Don't want to go out to dinner in sweats," I noted, and Edward nodded.
"I was planning something semi formal– dark jeans and a blouse will do," He replied with a smirk. I rolled my eyes, moving towards my closet.
That was when Alice danced in.
"Good evening love birds!" Edward and I rolled our eyes in unison. Skye chuckled, slipping out of the room. "How about some food in those empty stomachs of yours? I know for a fact Bella hasn't eaten all day," She chirped brightly. I stuck my head out from the closet, preparing to announce to Alice the news.
"Bella and I are going out for dinner in an hour." Edward beat me to the punch, throwing his lopsided grin my way. I giggled quietly, returning to my closet. Alice squealed, yanking me out by the arm. In my hand, I managed to hold onto a blue sweater that I really liked.
"Let me get you ready! Edward. Out. Now." She ushered him towards the door, the lock clicking as it swung shut.
"See you in an hour, Bella," He called from the other side of the door. I glared at Alice.
"Excuse me, you just kicked... Edward... out of my room," I remarked angrily, crossing my arms. She rolled her eyes.
"You should be used to this by now. Edward isn't allowed to see you until you're completely ready. Now, that shirt will look nice, lets find a nice pair of dark jeans and some er... some shoes," She retorted, losing her focus some on the last bit. I watched her curiously as she thought for a moment, then sprung to my closet. After a few moments of digging, she withdrew a pair of jeans I didn't know I owned. As a matter of fact, there were a lot of things I didn't recognize in my drawers lately...
"These will work." She tossed them lightly to me– I reached for them, but they passed through my outstretched arms onto the floor. Alice scoffed. "Bella, you really are hopeless when it comes to any sort of athletics," She noted, shaking her head lightly. I sighed, slipping out of my day clothes and into what Alice had supplied me with.
"Shoes?" I asked, peering at her. I thought I saw a smirk flash across her face, but before I could confirm anything, it was gone.
"Makeup and hair first," Alice proposed, sitting me down at my desk. "On second thought, just hair. No offense, but makeup would ruin your face. Actually, take that as a compliment– you look perfect as is." I smiled a bit, letting her fingers claw through my hair.
The whole ordeal was very quick. Alice simply fluffed my hair a bit, saying that I was stunning. I mildly wondered why she was complimenting me so much, but brushed it off. After a moment, I excused myself to the bathroom– I had a few womanly issues to deal with.
When I returned to my room, Alice was whispering hurriedly into my phone. "She's back," She hissed, snapping shut my phone. I held out my hand, but she quickly opened the call history, and deleted the most recent call. She then placed the phone into my waiting palm.
"Who was that?" I asked casually.
"No one important," She responded in equal indifference. I wrinkled my nose and stuck my tongue out at her– she smirked. I checked the clock– there was still thirty minutes until Edward and I were to leave. I sighed, perching on my desk next to my computer. I pulled it onto my lap, and flicked it on.
"Oh Bella, can I show you something?" Alice asked me after a few minutes, her eyes sparkling.
"That depends..." I replied, my eyes searching hers for answers. They revealed nothing. She motioned towards my computer, and I placed it back on the desktop, sliding off the desk to kneel on the floor next to her. Her fingers stroked the keys lightning quick, and before I knew what was happening, she was showing me a picture of a dress. It was, as she said, blue, but brighter than I had expected. The hem was asymmetric, shorter in the front, the back just above the floor. The top half was satin and blue flowers were embroidered along the edges, also placed cleverly throughout the entire bodice. It was breathtaking.
"Alice..." I moaned. I wanted this dress so much. What was happening to me? Ever since I had met Alice, I was starting to like clothing more. And this dress was no exception. I pined for it more than almost anything. Almost anything. "Alice, I can't dance." My voice was choked, mixed with my need for the dress and the fear I held for dancing.
"So? You're only dancing one dance." She shot back. I hesitated– I didn't know if I was dancing with Jacob or not, and if I had the choice, I would not be. But I couldn't deny Jacob at least one dance if he asked. "Bella, what are you hiding from me." It was not a question– it was a demand. I was about to speak when she held up her palm, her eyes glazing over.
"You're going with someone else?" She whispered after a moment, her gaze focusing on me. My cheeks flushed bright red, unveiling the truth. Alice sighed deeply. "Well, Edward is going with another girl. I suppose you have every right. Now, tell me. Who's the lucky boy?" The twinkle was back in her eye.
"Well, um... we're just going as friends," I started cautiously. I was remembering how much Alice hated Jacob. She looked pointedly at me, waiting for me to continue. "I'm going with Jacob..." Her reaction was similar to what I expected. She snarled, clenching her fists. "Just as friends! He asked me and I felt bad, I didn't want to hurt his feelings! Just friends, nothing more," I promised. Alice continued to glare at me, and I looked away, my blush deepening. I stared at the clock, which now read five fifty.
"Alice, where am I meeting Edward?" I asked, returning my gaze reluctantly to her. She sighed deeply.
"Just out front. I'll get you your shoes..." A devilish smirk passed across her face as she flitted back to her room, probably to search through Rosalie's closet. This was not a good sign. She returned, holding the shoes by the heels.
"Nuh uh, no way Alice. Absolutely not." They were death traps, to say the least. They were black leather, the tops fastened with a silver ring. The heels were like spikes– of doom– raising about 3 inches high. "I'm going to break my neck!" I whined, sounding like a child.
"Silly Bella, that's where Edward comes in!" She giggled. I moaned, giving in. At least Edward wouldn't let me die. I regretfully took the heels, and slipped them on my feet. As I stood, I wobbled dangerously. Alice caught me by the elbow. "I'll walk you downstairs. Got everything you need?" I grabbed my purse, then nodded, starting towards the door, walking carefully as to avoid breaking an ankle. She accompanied me down the stairs, and left me at the door, kissing me quickly on the cheek in farewell. I pushed open the doors, and stepped cautiously out into the mid-winter evening.
Edward had his back to me, unmoving and glorious. His tousled bronze hair danced in the slight breeze. His gaze was directed upwards, his hands clasped behind his back. I slowly made my way over to him, taking one of his hands gently.
"Hi," I greeted quietly. Edward looked over at me, and I had the satisfaction of watching his eyes nearly pop out of their sockets when he took in my appearance. He composed his features, smiling crookedly.
"Hello." His voice was like a breath of fresh air. I was capable of anything with him right there beside me. I grinned back like a lunatic. "Shall we?" He asked, tightening his grip on my hand. I nodded, clenching my jaw, not allowing myself to speak. If my teeth moved even the slightest bit apart, a flow of words would tumble out of my mouth like a rolling river. He led me to a sleek, silver car that looked rather expensive. Everything of Edward's was rather expensive, I thought to myself, eyeing the grill which read Volvo. I exhaled sharply through my nose. He heard it.
"Not luxury enough for you?" He teased, leading me to the passenger's side and opening the door for me. I sighed.
"Quite the contrary, actually. You know, in Forks, most people have old Chevy pickups and Fords and stuff," I pointed out. He chuckled, walking quickly to the drivers side, and buckled his seatbelt. I followed suit, then turned my body to look at him. "I think it's strange that I've met Dr. Cullen, and he hasn't said a word about you. And I'm a regular patient there, with all my accidents." I shook my head morosely, causing Edward to laugh again as we raced away from the campus. I glanced at the speedometer, and shrieked. Edward jumped, looking immediately concerned. "Holy crap, Edward! Ninety? Already?!" He rolled his eyes, returning his focus to the road.
"I always drive like this. And Carlisle doesn't usually bring his personal life into the hospital, no matter how close he is to the patient." He shot a cheeky grin in my direction. I scoffed.
"I think I'm more than just a patient," I mumbled, looking out my side window. Edward was silent for the rest of the drive. When the car stopped, I looked around. We were parked outside a small Italian restaurant called Gianni's. Before I could move, Edward was out of the car, and on the passenger's side, opening the door for me. He held out his hand– which I gratefully took– and helped me out of the car. I managed to stumble even with his firm grip. He slid his hand out of mine, and around my waist, leading me into the restaurant. The Italian host smiled brightly at us as we entered.
"Ciao, and welcome to Gianni's Ristorante Italiano! Please follow me to your seats." With that, he led us into the restaurant. Edward quietly requested a private area, slipping the man a tip. He obliged, leading us to a nearly vacant terrace. I shivered, but didn't mind. Edward slipped out of his jacket, and held it out to me. I examined what he was wearing– a white button down shirt with the sleeves rolled to the elbows.
"Are you sure?" I asked him, flicking my gaze from his beautiful body to the jacket, and back again.
"Bella, didn't I tell you that you are my life? Nothing matters to me more than you– your happiness, your health, everything. So please take my jacket so you don't catch a cold," He replied, his emerald eyes twinkling. I took the jacket, and slipped into it, inhaling deeply. "Thank you," He said, grinning crookedly. I raised a brow.
"Thank me? Thank you," I insisted as he pulled out the chair for me to sit down. He sat down across from me.
"I'm partial to that color with your skin," Edward commented, staring at my shirt.
"Thank you," I muttered, the blush tainting my cheeks bright red. We chatted about little things, while the waiter filled our glasses with water.
"What would you like to drink?" He asked in a thick Italian accent.
"A coke, please," I replied politely.
"Two cokes," Edward corrected, not looking away from me. My blush, impossibly, deepened.
"And to eat?" I glanced quickly at the menu.
"I'll have the ippoglosso." That was the first thing on the list.
"The pollo marsala for myself," Edward replied, after his eyes quickly scanned the list. I couldn't help but smile at my good fortune– I was sitting across from Edward Cullen, who had invited me to dinner. There was no other person I would rather be with. The server nodded, walking away. Edward looked back at me.
"So..." I started, folding my hands on the table. Edward reached out, and placed his hands on mine.
"So what?" He asked me, smirking. I bit my lip.
"So, are you going to tell me about your... theory?" I asked, my eyes watching his carefully. He sighed, looking away.
"Well..." He started, staring off towards the doorway. "Let me try and think of how to put it." His brows furrowed, still gazing at the doorway. My eyes were glued to his perfectly chiseled profile. Someone came by and placed a basket of bread on the table. "Promise your opinion of me won't change for the worse?" He pleaded, his eyes flicking back to mine. I nodded vigorously.
"Miss?" It was the waiter. I turned towards him, frowning.
"Yes?" I asked, my voice sharper than intended.
"I think you sat in spaghetti sauce..." He replied hesitantly, his eyes straying to my seat. I nodded, grabbing my purse.
"Thank you, be right back, Edward." With that, I trotted off towards the bathroom to clean up as much of the spaghetti sauce as I could. When I stared at my butt in the mirror, the color drained out of my face, chagrin rushing throughout my body.
That wasn't spaghetti sauce.
I fumbled through my bag for my phone, tears springing into my eyes. I leaned against the wall as the phone rang, as they leaked out.
"Hello?"
"Alice," I moaned, my voice cracking.
"What is it, Bella?" Alice asked sharply, concern laced through her voice.
"My period... my pants..." My voice was hoarse. I heard Alice take a sharp inhale of breath.
"I'll come and bring you a new pair. Then you can continue your night. Where are you?" She asked quickly.
"Gianni's in Everett, I think," I responded immediately.
"See you in ten minutes." Then she hung up. A sob escaped my lips as I rushed to a bathroom stall, locking it behind me. I sunk onto the toilet seat, hugging my knees to my chest. I rested my forehead on my knees.
"Bella? Bella, are you okay?" His distressed voice was muffled by the door.
"Go away," I wailed. I heard him sigh in exasperation.
"Bella, do I need to come in there and see you for yourself? Are you okay?"
"Leave me alone." It wasn't working. He was just too worried. I heard the door swing open, and watched his shoes as they walked towards my stall– the only one that was locked. He knocked softly.
"Bella, I'm not going to hurt you," He cooed. I sniffled, and shook my head violently.
"I won't let you see me like this," I whimpered, tears sliding down my face.
"Bella, please tell me what's going on. I'm worried about you," He explained, and I heard his palms make contact with the stall door. "Bella, please," He pleaded, his voice breaking. I felt my arms unwinding from my knees, my feet hitting the floor, my hand reaching out for the lock.
And then I was in Edward's arms.
"Bella, what happened? Please tell me," He urged, kissing the top of my hand, his arms squeezing me lightly.
"Edward, my period leaked through my pants," I groaned, nuzzling my face into his chest, seeking comfort. "What if everyone at school finds out? I'll be the laughing stock of the century." He tightened his grip on me.
"Bella, I won't let anyone hurt you, ever," He vowed. "I'll always be here to protect you." I looked up at him, my eyes puffy, my cheeks splotchy. He pressed his lips to my forehead. "I should have known it was a woman thing," He murmured into my hair. I giggled weakly.
"Thank you," I whispered, reaching towards his neck, and placing my fingers lightly on it. "For this. For being here. Thank you for everything. Edward, I... I..." I took a deep breath, bracing myself. I had admitted to myself that I was in love with Edward, and I always would be. It was unconditional, and irrevocable. I'd loved him since I saw him that first day, glued by the lips to Tanya. "I–" The door burst open. Edward jerked his head instinctively towards the door. The woman shrieked.
"MAN IN THE BATHROOM! SECURITY! SOMEONE!" I ducked my head into Edward's chest, giggling ferociously. A worker rushed to the woman's side.
"Sir, I'm going to have to ask why you're in the bathroom," The man said sternly. I felt Edward shrug lightly.
"I was just comforting my girlfriend." Shivers rippled down my side– his voice mad the word so beautiful, and it was wonderful to know he was talking about me. "You see, she's dealing with a hard time right now, and I need to be there for her," He continued cooly.
"Alright, but please excuse yourself, there are obviously women who feel uncomfortable with you here." I peeked at the woman– she didn't look uncomfortable, just surprised and a little put down. I wondered why that was. Edward pulled me along with him, and the woman watched us leave.
"Alice," I said, remembering that she would be here in ten minutes. That ten minutes surely was coming to a close.
"I'm Edward," He reminded me with a chuckle. I rolled my eyes.
"No, I mean Alice is coming and bringing me a new pair of pants," I corrected with a blush. He nodded, comprehension dawning. "We should meet her out front." I led him out the door, after assuring the host we would be back shortly. The cool breeze whipped at my face, cooling my burning cheeks. Edward wrapped his arms tighter around me, resting his chin on my head. I sighed, and waited for Alice.
About a minute later, a canary yellow Porsche zoomed into the parking lot. A petite girl with spiky jet black hair exited gracefully from the car, a pair of jean shorts in her hands. I groaned– I was going to freeze in those. She flitted over to my side, giggling.
"Nice to see you're keeping her warm, Edward. I knew shorts was an excellent decision!" She exclaimed, resting the shorts on my shoulder. "Go change. Edward and I will wait... at the table?" She looked questioningly at Edward, who nodded as her stomach growled loudly.
"Have you eaten yet, Alice?" I inquired of her. She simply shrugged, unhooking me from Edward, and shoving her off towards the bathroom.
"Let me talk to my dear brother." She grinned mischievously, as I turned and strode away.
In the bathroom, I tossed cool water on my cheeks to help the burning blush go away. I returned to the stall that I had been in before, and cleaned myself up.
Edward and Alice were sitting at our table, Alice perched in the place where my seat had been. But I was positive it wasn't the exact seat I was sitting on.
"There are two possible places for you to sit," She said slowly, the grin returning to her face. I rolled my eyes, pulling up a chair. If a certain inadvertence happened again, I wouldn't want to be sitting on his lap.
Dinner passed quickly, Alice keeping the conversation going animatedly as she munched on bread sticks, occasionally stealing bites from Edward and myself. She waved goodbye, clambering into her Porsche and speeding away. I sighed, leaning against Edward while we walked towards his car.
"She loves that car," Edward mused, his eyes glued to the road. I watched the trees blur as he picked up speed before looking over at him. "I gave it to her for Christmas last year. She almost made me buy it for her earlier. Porsche 911 turbo..." He exhaled, running a hand through his hair. I reached out and touched the top of his hand. He grinned, dropping his hand onto the elbow rest. The rest of the ride passed quickly and silently, as I traced his bluish veins on his hand. When the car came to a stop, Edward let go of my hand, and started to open his door. I quickly placed my hand on his shoulder.
"Wait," I whispered. He obliged, turning back towards me. "I wanted to do something... where people can't watch us." With that, I closed the distance, crashing my lips to his. His arms wrapped around me, and I was home. His tongue lightly traced my bottom lip, and I coerced. My fingers traced the collar of his shirt, his running down my spine. When he reached my shorts, I pulled away. "Okay, I think that's enough for now," I teased, blushing lightly. He gazed hungrily back at me. I turned, opening the car door, and stepping out. I stumbled– damn death traps. I kicked them off, and held them by the heels. Edward was by my side in an instant, offering me his arm.
"What was the hold up?" Alice demanded from my bed as soon as we walked into my room.
"Excuse me Alice, but this is my room," I retorted. She rolled her eyes shooting up.
"Fine Bella. Be that way. I'll see you tomorrow in class," She growled, but as she stalked out of the room, she winked knowingly at me, a smile crawling across her small features.
"Bella?" Edward's soft voice came from farther away than I had through. I turned to see him picking up a small piece of folded paper on my desk. He handed it to me, watching me open it.
Bella,
I went home to my parents for a few days. I needed a break.
Call me if you need me.
Skye
Below her name was a post-script with her number. I sighed, shoving the note in my pocket. My eyes flashed to his.
"Stay with me tonight?" I pleaded, looking longingly at him. He nodded at once, chuckling quietly.
"But first, give me some time to get ready for bed. I'll meet you back here in forty five minutes?" His laughter was louder now. "What?"
"I'm just surprised. Most girls ask for at least an hour. But forty five minutes is perfect... though I wish it was five... the sooner to see you again," He murmured, causing my viral blush to burn across my face. "See you in forty five minutes." He gave me a chaste kiss on the lips, before loping gracefully out of the room. I gawked after him for a full minute.
When I burst into Alice and Rosalie's room thirty minutes later, Alice's face lit up.
"Hey, Bella! Don't do anything I wouldn't do with Jasper tonight. Just because you're sleeping with him doesn't mean you need to get all feisty," She greeted me. The blush flashed across my face, burning with chagrin.
"You heard?" I squeaked. She shook her head.
"I saw," She began, looking at Rosalie. "Bella, sometimes I see the future. Just quick flashes of it, but still." She giggled, and it was a slightly nervous sound. I nodded slowly, remembering that Edward had a secret to tell me. I would have to press him for it later tonight. "Now go on, Edward will be back soon!" She shooed me away.
"Sleep tight, Bella!" Rosalie called after me, sending herself and Alice into a fit of giggles. Was I just imagining the double meaning of her words? The door clicked shut behind me, and I padded back to my room. I perched on the edge of my bed, fiddling with my fingers nervously.
It was in this position that Edward found me in. I looked up as I heard the door close, and smiled weakly at him. His returning smile was dazzling.
"You need a lot of sleep tonight. From what I hear, you haven't been sleeping all too well lately," He noted, and my smile turned sheepish. He lay back on my bed, opening his arms. I cuddled into his strong chest, closing my eyes, waiting.
But sleep didn't come.
"Edward?"
"Yes... Bella?" His voice was strained, and I noticed the hesitation in his voice when he said Bella. What was that about?
"Two things. First, you owe me a theory. Second, how am I supposed to sleep with you here?" I whined the last thing. Edward's chest rumbled with suppressed laughter. I felt his vocal chords vibrate as he started to hum a sedative tune. It sounded like a lullaby. Before I could force him to answer my questions, I was pulled into unconsciousness.
"You always want what you can't have
But I've got to try
I'm gonna muster every ounce of confidence I have
For you I will"
A hand was softly stroking my hair as I stirred. My alarm clock was going off, but it was the velvety voice singing the lyrics that made me smile.
"Good morning, beautiful," He whispered into my ear, causing me to shiver in pleasure. "It's time to get up." I shook my head vigorously, clutching him closer. "Bella, we have to go to class," He reasoned, the amusement obvious in his voice. I groaned, looking up at him.
"Do we have to?" I whispered, stretching my neck as far up as it would go– his chin– and placed my lips on it. He lowered his forehead to mine.
"You always make decisions difficult, Bella. We could skip school, but what would your teachers think of you?" He sighed deeply, and I could almost hear the longing to skip.
"I guess you're right," I replied, furrowing my brows. "I don't want to get kicked out," I continued, grudgingly rolling out of bed. I trudged over to my closet, picking out a pair of tight fitting sweat pants– surely one of the unknown purchases– a brown tank top and a white sweatshirt. "When you're ready for class, come back here. I'll be waiting." I gave him what I hoped was a seductive wink, before I snatching my bag of toiletries, and flounced out of the room towards the bathroom. I changed, then brushed my teeth, trying to be quick and thorough. I tugged my brush through my hair, not even bothering to make it look pretty. It was tied back into a loose ponytail, and I was rushing back towards my room.
Edward had beaten me– he was lying, smiling hugely, across my bed. I tossed my bag of toiletries on my desk, and grabbed my backpack. He didn't move. I pretended to be impatient, resting my hands on my hips and tapping my foot. In one quick, lithe movement, he stood up, and pulled me into his arms. I melted into the embrace, inhaling deeply, as I usually did. When he let go, I slid my hand into his, leading him out.
Alice was waiting– impatiently– for me in Government. English had flown by– one minute I was sitting down, the next Mike was talking to me about the ball, and then class was over. I supposed it was the euphoric mood I was in.
"Bella," She greeted quickly. "Okay, enough with formalities, tell me what happened last night! Every detail! What happened before I came to dinner? Why did you take so long? And most importantly, how was he?" My face burned with chagrin as the last three words left her mouth.
"Alice," I half hissed, half moaned. "You don't know who's listening." I looked pointedly at the person behind her, who's eyes were glazed over. "Before you came, we just talked and ordered dinner. Then the waiter came and um... informed me... and then you came. It took us the same amount of time to get back, we just had a little hold up in the car. And no, we did not have sex. I don't even know if he likes me that much," I concluded morosely. Alice stared at me in disbelief.
"Bella, open your eyes. Then come back to me with that last comment," She scoffed, turning to face the whiteboard. I mulled over her words for the rest of the day. Open my eyes? So there was definitely something I was blind to, and that something was concerning Edward. Try as I might, I couldn't believe that he was smitten.
"Earth to Bella." A musical chuckle aroused me from my brooding. I started, turning to Edward. "Have you paying attention to anything at all?" A shake of the head. "Silly Bella," He chuckled again. The bell rang, and we stood up. Edward's fingers intertwined with mine as we walked slowly towards Biology.
Today's lab was just as dull as every other one. Edward and I, as usual, were the first to finish. We passed the period talking about a strong feeling– jealousy. Edward claimed that he had never been jealous in his life. I sighed, not wanting to strike up an argument.
He kissed me swiftly on the cheek, before heading to Spanish, which was his last hour class. I grinned at Rosalie as I entered the girl's locker room.
"Hey Rose," I greeted her. She smiled back, and I was thankful that she wasn't pelting me with questions– then again, Alice had probably told her everything during lunch. Someone tapped me lightly on the shoulder. I turned to look at the girl.
"Bella? This fell off your pack." I recognized the girl from Biology– her hair was light brown, brushing just past her shoulders. Her cheeks were faintly pink, and her eyes were dark brown. She held up a small, tear drop-shaped charm hanging from a chain. I opened my palm, and she dropped it in.
"Thanks, Angela." Angela smiled a little at me. "Did you go to that party the other night?" She shook her head as we walked out of the locker rooms– Rosalie had already left.
"No, I had to write an essay for English." A pained expression crossed her face. I laughed.
"It wasn't that great– actually, it was horrible." I shuddered. "I can't dance. I stumble, trip, the whole deal." It was Angela's turn to laugh quietly. Everything about her was shy and reserved. It was then that Coach Creston blew her whistle– we were still on basketball. I stayed on the sidelines, not wanting to hurt myself, let alone anyone else. I watched Angela and Rosalie quietly, waiting for the class to be dismissed. When the final whistle blew, I nearly tripped in my haste to return to the lockers.
My Adonis was leaning casually against the wall outside the gym, waiting for me. My face lit up as I noticed him. Edward grinned crookedly at me.
"Hi," I squeaked. He offered me his hand, which I gratefully took.
"Hello," He said musically. I leaned into him, devouring his intoxicating aroma. My heart picked up when he stopped outside our dorm building. He pushed me gently against the wall, and pressed his lips to my neck softly, then to the corner of my jaw, my cheeks, my nose, each corner of my mouth. They finally reached their destination. We went through the same routine as last night, before continuing on. One of his hands was placed firmly on the small of my back, the other flat on the wall. My hands were locked in his bronze hair, pulling him closer.
After a few glorious moments, I couldn't breathe. He gently pulled away, his eyes dazzling. I smiled hesitantly, trailing my fingers to his hands. Edward started walking slowly towards the door, and I followed him to the elevator. When the silver doors opened, I skipped out, dragging Edward with me. I dropped his hand, pushing Alice's door open. I was feeling so euphoric, I couldn't contain myself. Alice was curled on her bed, reading.
"Alice!" I exclaimed, lunging for her bed. Her eyes flashed in horror, as Edward yelled.
"No Bella, don't!" But it was too late. I felt my forehead collide with something hard, not the soft mattress I was expecting. I let out a gasp of pain, and the scent of rust and salt overwhelmed me.
Everything went black.
Author's Note: Over 6,000 words, my friends. That's alot longer than I expected.
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