Disclaimer: I don't own all things Twilighty. I just write about them and then dream about them. Yeah. Also, sorry about the late update. NOW YOU HAVE...
Chapter 11: Lessons
Edward stared at me for a good two minutes, the car still at a standstill (luckily). Was my request so strange to him? I didn't think so—did I have something stuck in my teeth? I quickly ran my tongue over them, without feeling any obstructions. Once or twice, my tongue peeked through my lips, and I noticed Edward's gaze on it.
Then he finally responded. It wasn't what I was expecting, though. He burst out laughing. I frowned at him, and he immediately shut his mouth. His full lips were pressed in a tight line, apparently holding in his amusement at my expense. He quickly took one of my hands in both of his, his thumb rubbing soft, soothing circles into it.
"Bella…" He brought my hand to his lips. I shivered involuntarily as his mouth gently pressed to my knuckles. "Bella…" He said again. I quirked a brow, waiting for his response. I tried to hide the fact that I was about to explode with the way he brushed his lips against my hand oh so softly. "Bella," He repeated for a third time. It was starting to irritate me slightly, until I remembered from who's lips my name was issuing. Yes, I knew that Bella was my name, and I probably would have decked the person who was repeating it so lovingly… had it not been Edward. I seriously was head over heels with this guy.
"What makes you think I can dance?" Oh, wow. What did make me think he could dance? Or did I honestly not care whether or not he could dance, I just wanted a plausible excuse to spend more time with him. I decided on the latter, although his unconscious grace did reveal that he probably had some dancing experience.
"You're graceful even when you stand still," I pointed out. "And… and…" I trailed off, wondering if I should tell him the real reason. He was gazing at me expectantly. "And, well… er… I get to spend more time with you," I said very quickly, before my cheeks burned with chagrin. It took me a moment to compose myself—Edward hadn't moved. He was staring at me with his perfect mouth in a small 'o,' still inches away from my hand. I blushed even deeper, my confident remark that I had been building in my mind slipping. "I take it you don't want to spend time with me?" The teasing manner I had been attempting to achieve… failed. Miserably. My voice was high pitched and squeaky, my nerves clear as crystal. Edward was rejecting me. Everything took a turn for the worse. I had just admitted to myself that I loved him, and now, he was rejecting me? I was so thick. Carlisle was probably just joking around when he started to say "The love of his life." Deep down, I knew that I would never stop loving him, even if he didn't feel the same way. Edward didn't want to lead me on, and giving me dance lessons fell into that category. Such the gentleman. Only now, I realized that I wanted to be with him every waking moment of my life, even if he didn't really want it. It was selfish, but I couldn't push away the want…
The need…
Finally, Edward's face cracked into a brilliant grin, and he tugged on my hand, pulling me across the armrest into his embrace. I took a sharp inhale as he squeezed me. His lips brushed against my ear.
"Well, when you put it that way…" He tilted my chin up, and his lips crashed eagerly to mine. Was this a joke? Rejection was not to be taken lightly!
"Edward, just answer me," I groaned against his perfect lips. He chuckled, his brilliant green eyes flecked with topaz. "Yes, you will give me dance lessons, or are you crazy girl?"
"Well, I'd have to say you are crazy…" I smacked him on the arm, rather harder than I should have. "Of course I'll give you dance lessons, love." Love? Love. He called me love. It took all of my efforts not to swoon on the spot.
"Let's get moving, shall we?" I chirped, giving his hand a tight squeeze. Edward chuckled again, finally pulling out of the parking lot. "Makes me wonder how long we were there, idling. I'm pretty sure it was five minutes, at least." It was pleasant to be so chipper. I knew that I wouldn't make a complete fool out of myself at the ball, and that would be excellent. No more reason for Tanya and her crew to make fun of me. Recently, they had lain off, but I knew they were planning something completely embarrassing. I sighed, my bright mood slipping slightly. Edward brushed his lips against my fingers, calming me instantly. We rode in silence for ten minutes. He was shooting glances at me, looking torn up about something. I was watching him carefully—sometimes, he would open his mouth to speak, then shut it again, thinking better of it. I reached out, tracing my fingers along the lines of his perfect lips. They parted, and I felt his cool breath on my tingling fingers.
"You can tell me anything," I whispered, my eyes glued to his mouth. He sighed, his eyes peeking at me.
"I'm not sure if I can tell you this…" He replied, his tone quiet as well.
"I won't run away screaming. You know, your mind reading isn't that frightening. And once I got to know you, you weren't as creepy as you first came off as… I mean honestly? Touching my back with your girlfriend in the room. Come on," I scoffed, trying to lighten the mood. Part of me pined for what he was trying to tell me, but another part told me I didn't want to hear it. "I know you want me," I teased, bringing myself out of my thoughts.
"More than you'll ever know," Edward agreed quietly. I snapped my mouth closed, blushing furiously. Obviously, my mother was less far off than I had thought earlier. I wanted Edward, and I wanted him badly. I wanted to wake up to him in the morning, have his sweet scent wash over me as he told me he loved me. I wanted him to comfort me when I needed a shoulder to lean on. But it was so much more. I needed him.
"Tell me… please… tell me what you were going to say. I can handle it," I urged, running my fingers lightly across his sharp cheekbone. He sighed, pulling into a space. I hadn't realized that we were already back at the school. He leapt quickly out of the car, rushing around to my side to open the door for me. I thanked him, and held tightly to his hand as I started back towards our building. He tugged on my hand, shaking his head no. He had a different destination in mind.
My hand caressed the petals of the roses as we passed, finally stopping underneath our apple tree. He turned to face me, his eyes curious.
"Bella, I hope you already know what I'm about to tell you," he started, looking me firmly in the eye. "Carlisle already told you, and I know you picked up on it. You're not dumb." He gave me that glorious half smile of his. "Bella…" He took a deep breath, and then his lips crashed to mine again, trying to portray all his emotions through the kiss. My fingers wound through his bronze hair, as his trailed down my back, tightening around my waist. I pressed myself closer to him, and every inch of my body screamed in pleasure. I was already lightheaded. He pulled away slowly, keeping his eyes closed, a complacent smile on his lips.
"A girl like you is impossible to find," He whispered. My eyes felt slightly moist. "I love you, with all of my heart, Bella."
The three simple words didn't penetrate my mind at first. I didn't know that he was actually speaking his mind.
"I thought you said you couldn't read my mind," I furrowed my brows, confused. His eyes opened, and he laughed, kissing me on the forehead. I tightened my grip around him, standing on my tip toes, resting my forehead against his as I stared into his endless green eyes. How had I ever thought of him as a disgusting pig? He was beautiful, in every way possible.
"I love you, too," I answered, my voice scratchy as I pressed my lips to his once again.
.:.
I stared out the dark window, wondering how on Earth I had gotten so lucky. I was lying in bed, with the arms of the most beautiful boy in the world around me. He never pushed me to things I didn't want to do, and the only thing he wanted was my happiness, which obviously involved him. My gaze flicked to him, and I sighed happily. His tousled hair was even more so, and his viridescent eyes were hidden by pale eyelids.
I traced my fingers lightly over his chest, waging an inner war. To take off shirt, or to not take off shirt? I was running my fingers lightly across the hem of his shirt, when his smile broadened, and I noticed the reflection of the moon off of his eyes. I blushed furiously, clasping my hands behind my back.
"Hi," I whispered, looking back out the window. We were both lying on our backs, our heads turned towards the window. But Edward's eyes were on me.
"Nice wake up call," He whispered, chuckling. The red hue so familiar to my cheeks darkened further. I flicked my gaze to Skye's empty bed-- she still hadn't come back. I felt Edward's fingers drag softly up the side of my arm, sending shivers through my body. He hooked a wintry finger under my chin, turning my head to face him. There was a smug smile on his lips, and I was pretty sure I knew what that meant.
"Edward…"I started hesitantly. I was timid because I was unsure—I wanted the same thing, but it wasn't the right time.
"Bella." His voice was so seductive, and I felt my mouth watering. "You know I want you… I don't know how much self control I have…" He trailed off, running his hand down my opposite shoulder. He was on his side now, propping his head on his hand. I turned to face him, sighing.
"Yes Edward, I do know. But please, behave… for me?" My eyes widened slightly, begging for him to listen. He growled softly, tracing his fingers along my stomach. I jerked upright, squealing. "Ahh, Edward, don't touch me there!" I exclaimed, crossing my arms over my stomach. I should have told him that I was ticklish…
"You mean… here?" He quickly pried my arms off of my stomach, poking me. I nodded, scrambling out of the bed and to the door. I rounded the corner, and peeked out. The door to my room was still ajar, and Edward was nowhere in sight. I breathed a sigh of relief, leaning against the wall, and closing my eyes. My knees bent, and I started to slide down to the floor.
"You think you can get away from the track captain so easy, huh?" A velvety voice taunted in my ear. I screeched loudly, before a hand clamped over my mouth. "For the love of all that is Holy, Bella! Do you want me to get kicked out?" I shook my head violently, and rose onto tiptoe, prying his hand off of me. "What's this?" He leaned closer to me. "You want something else to cover your mouth?" I nodded slowly, grinning mischievously. He bent his head forward, before brushing his lips to my ear. "Nice try. Get to bed; I'll see you in the morning, love." I wanted to scream. He was leaving?! Not on my watch.
"Dohgo!" I cried into his palm. He chuckled, removing his hand.
"What was that?"
"Don't go," I pleaded, my eyes widening again. He stared at me for a second, before shaking his head in defeat.
"It's that look again," He murmured, but his face brightened as he closed the door to my room behind us. He pulled me closer, every part of my body touching every part of his. He trailed the backs of his fingers along my cheekbone, the other hand softly taking one of mine, and placing it over his heart. It beat a rapid tune, thrumming like a young hummingbird. I smiled, staring at my hand on his chest. He rested his forehead against mine, and my gaze flickered to his. His eyes were dark with… lust?
"It only does that around you," he told me, before his lips collided with mine. I whipped my arms around his neck, pulling him closer. I felt his hand travel around the curve of my bum, before he hoisted my legs onto him. I locked my ankles together, kissing him more fiercely. He rested me on my bed, and broke the passionate kiss, unhooking my arms and legs from around him.
"I should have known you only wanted your wicked ways with me…" I murmured, looking out the window again. Edward chuckled as I heaved a great sigh. I curled up on my side to face him, snuggling closer to his perfect body. He wrapped his strong arms around me, and I was home.
"I love you," I reminded him, my eyes closing slowly.
"I love you more than anything," He replied softly. Then the darkness closed over me.
.:.
"Bella, it is time to wake up." The velvety music of his voice washed over me, and I smiled contently. I was having the best dream… Edward and I had woken up in the middle of the night, and oh! It was so glorious. I felt his smooth lips press to my cheek, before his nose grazed my ear. "Love, wake up," He cooed into my ear, kissing it softly. I sighed, the smile growing larger, but my eyes still didn't open. I felt his fingers trail down my chest, tracing down my sternum and onto my stomach. That was strange… I remember telling him in my dream not to—
"SHIT!" I screeched, my eyes flying open as I tumbled off the bed. I collapsed onto the floor, breathing heavily. Edward was still on my bed, his face frozen in amazement. He took one look at my disheveled appearance, and burst out laughing. "Out!" I demanded, pointing towards the door, fuming. He didn't move. "Edward, out! Now!" I commanded, standing up. I snatched his arm, and dragged him towards the door, flinging it open. I glared at Alice and Rosalie, who were both poised to burst through my door. Alice beamed at me.
"Good morning, love birds! I knew it was you two who were getting feisty last night!" That did not just come out of her mouth. Girls who had been peeking out of their doors to find out the cause of the commotion giggled as their eyes flicked from Edward, laughing and looking gorgeous, to me, disheveled and furious.
"You are unbelievable!" I cried dramatically, storming down the stairs. I honestly didn't care how I looked for breakfast. I jabbed the button for the elevator as a pale arm slipped around my shoulders. I shrugged it off.
"Bella, it was no big deal. I tickled you, and you flip out at me. Almost as bad as the time that I kissed Lauren so I could buy you an enormous bouquet of flowers, huh?" He snarled, and my mouth popped open.
"Oh…" I said quietly.
"Yeah," He snapped, crossing his arms tightly across his chest. Well, this was absolutely horrible. I made a fool of myself in front of the love of my life, and now he hated me. I knew this day would come. I wasn't good enough for him. Why, why, why? I wanted to hit my head repeatedly on the wall. I stepped towards said wall, and braced my forehead for impact. The elevator dinged. Well, the contusions would have to wait until I got off the silver contraption.
I stared blankly at my reflection in the mirrored doors. Edward was watching me, his brows furrowed slightly. He didn't look quite as angry as before. I kept going over his words in my head, and finally found my voice.
"You were going to spend that four hundred dollars… on me?" I choked out. Edward was by my side immediately, taking me in his arms.
"Of course—there's no one better to spend it on," he breathed. I tilted my head up, searching. He knew what I was looking for. His soft lips met mine in a sweet kiss. The elevator doors parted at the same time as us.
"I love you," I reminded him again, firmly taking his hand and leading him towards the food court. I swore that he murmured 'I know,' and a giggle escaped from my lips. He grinned at me, squeezing my hand. "So, lover boy, what's on the menu for breakfast today?" I asked him, batting my eyelashes.
"Pizza, sandwiches, burgers, the whole nine yards," he answered, his bright green eyes twinkling. My jaw dropped, and my eyes opened wide in surprise.
"What time is it?" I demanded, staring up at the sky. The sun wasn't at mid-point.
"One oh five post meridian," was his cheeky response. I groaned. "And I figured we could start your dance lessons later today…" He continued, with that grin still gracing his features.
"Sure, sure," I mumbled, searching the food court. "Let me just be human and eat." My stomach growled to prove my point. He chuckled, leading me to the sandwich area.
"You need something balanced and healthy. How about turkey, provolone cheese, lettuce and tomato on a wrap?" He suggested, as I eyed him curiously.
"It's nice to meet you too, Mister Nutritionist," I mumbled, before ordering what he had suggested. He laughed quietly at that, before taking my tray, and headed towards the cashier. On the way, he picked up two water bottles, a slice of pizza and two apples. "I didn't know grease was categorized as healthy," I noted, fluttering my eyelashes innocently. He scoffed, before tugging out his wallet to pay for the meal. "Damn. Edward, come back to my room when we finished. I have something for you." I furrowed my brows in concentration, trying to calculate how much my meal had cost. I didn't realize how wrong that sentence sounded until the cashier started giggling uncontrollably and Edward stared at me with incredulity. I rolled my eyes, snatching the tray and stalking off to find an empty table.
"Don't take it the wrong way, love, but I think you should give me a little sample of that." He raised a brow at me, smirking.
"Oh Edward, back to his old arrogant pig ways." I shook my head disdainfully. "And I meant I have to pay you back for this." I gestured towards my sandwich. "It's about seven fifty, right?" Edward was shaking his head, his lips pressed in a tight line of amusement. "Eight?" Still shaking his head. "Eight fifty? Nine? Jesus, if it's higher than nine fifty--" Edward cut me off with an explosion of laughter. I jumped slightly.
"It was free." His brows raised, challenging me.
"Uh, no. I'm paying you back, lover boy. No doubt about that." I shook my head violently, before taking another bite of my lunch.
"I love it when you call me that," he mused. I smiled brightly at him.
"Looks like someone needs a new screen name," I noted, picking a stray piece of lettuce off of my apple.
"Indeed," he agreed, taking a huge chomp of his pizza.
"Easy there. Don't want anyone dying of a grease overload." Edward glared at me until he swallowed.
"I hate you."
"Love you too, lover boy. I also love your comebacks. They're so cute." Where was all this confidence coming from? Was it because I was spending the whole day with Edward, dancing? Yes, it must have been that. Edward rolled his eyes, which got me thinking… strange thoughts. When Edward and I started a family, what would our children look like? I my eyes glazed over as I stared at a spot over his shoulder, daydreaming. There would be a little boy, Anthony. He would have dark brown hair, with a red tint in the sunlight. I could see his green eyes glistening with excitement, his face an exact copy of Edward's. His tiny hand was extended towards a little girl, who was no more than two years younger. Her heart shaped face and wide set chocolate eyes were directed towards me. Her miniature brow furrowed as she glared at her elder brother. She rolled her eyes, looking exactly like her father. Then she shook her head lightly. It was topped with thick curls, the color of a shiny penny. The girl scuttled over to me.
"Alison, he simply wants to play with you," I murmured to the little girl, as she reached for me. Edward was staring at me again.
"Did you just call me Alison?" He questioned with an amused chuckle. I blushed furiously.
"Er n-no, of c-course n-not," I stammered, looking anywhere but at those green eyes. They reminded me too much of the little girl in my day dream. Edward continued to watch me curiously.
"What are you thinking?" He leaned forward, his sweet breath washing over my face. I blushed crimson, causing him to lean closer. He brushed a stray lock of hair behind my ear. "Please tell me?" He was dazzling me again. His eyes were shining through his thick lashes, urging me to tell him my thoughts.
"I was thinking… about children," I hedged, my gaze transfixed. He tilted his head in confusion.
"Children? Is there any significance there?" He inquired, leaning forwards still more. I shrugged slightly, blushing. "Who were the parents of these children?" Why, why why did he have to ask that question. Hopefully, the unsightly virus that plagued my cheeks would give him insight. He didn't want to know, and I didn't want to tell him. But no, his eyes were still urging. I sighed.
"Ours," I admitted quietly, finally looking away from him. "And that's all I'm saying." His jaw was hanging as he stared at me. Chagrin rushed through my body as I shoved the rest of my sandwich down my throat. He didn't touch his pizza. I snatched the apple, and stood up, grabbing the water bottle. I started to walk away, when Edward finally pulled himself together.
"Forgive me, love. That was… quite the surprise," he mused, interlacing his fingers with mine. The table was left a mess. I didn't bother to clean it. I was absolutely mortified. "Won't you tell me what they looked like? Did they have names? How did they behave? How old were we?" He flung the questions at me like there was no tomorrow. I shook my head, staring determinedly ahead. He huffed impatiently. "You know, I am going to find out some day," he said, a smug smirk tugging at his lips.
"The only way you'll find out is if it actually happens. And with all the options you have, I'd be deranged to think that those children will some day be real. Perhaps little Anthony will have blonde hair. Maybe
Alison would have blue eyes," I shot back at him, before realizing that I had given him names. He had frozen in his place, his jaw dropped again.
"You… you would name… our son…" He choked out.
"If we ever had one," I corrected, standing a foot away from him, cursing my temper. He gazed at me, his eyes burning with passion as he leapt towards me, scooping me up in his arms and kissing me eagerly. I closed my eyes, sighing into him. His lips parted, and his tongue lightly traced my bottom lip.
"Excuse me. Public display of affection, much?" The high soprano of Alison's name sake shot at us. There was a guffaw, and a giggle, followed by a very quiet chuckle. The whole gang was here. "Keep it in your room… and keep it down, you kept Rose and myself up all night. What on Earth were you doing in there? Strip pillow fight?" Alice rolled her eyes. Emmett guffawed again, as I blushed, impossibly, deeper.
"We should play strip poker sometime," Emmett decided, and Rosalie smacked him lightly.
"That actually doesn't sound too bad… how about later tonight? Bella and I have a little rendez-vous right now, so if you'll excuse us…" Edward gracefully slipped past our friends, and we continued towards the dorms.
"Strip poker?" I whined, closing my eyes in distress. "I'm so bad at that game. I'm going to lose… on the plus side, I'll use your clothes to cover me." The thought of Edward's bare chest brightened me. Edward rolled his eyes, and I was immediately reminded of the children. I hoped Edward wouldn't bring that topic up again.
"So, Anthony and Alison?" The big man up there really had it in for me.
"Yes," I muttered reluctantly, crossing my arms across my chest as he pressed the button for the elevator.
"Alison, for Alice, per chance?" I nodded, pressing my lips tightly together. This was starting to get on my nerves. My cheeks still hadn't returned to their—well, they weren't ivory like the rest of my skin. I hopped quickly out of his arms as the elevator door opened.
"What am I supposed to wear?" I asked, walking to my closet. I sighed as I spotted a plain black practice skirt and high heels. Edward had followed me.
"Alice." We stated together, before bursting into laughter. He wrapped his arms around me, nuzzling his nose into my neck.
"Behave, Edward. I need to get dressed, and I'll meet you back here," I directed. Edward sighed, and I felt his brows pull together.
"Can't I help you out?"
"Edward, I've known you… consciously… for what, five days? I'm already in love with you, but you're pushing it," I scolded him with mock sincerity. In all honesty, he wasn't anywhere near my edge, but I didn't want to seem like an easy slut. He pouted, before letting me go change.
In the bathroom, I slipped into the skirt, and buckled up the shoes. I swore that I would break my ankle in the three inch heels. I pulled a comb through my hair, and quickly brushed my teeth. I rushed—at least, I moved as fast as I could without risking breaking an ankle—back towards my room. It had gotten to the point that if I was separated from Edward for too long, it would cause me physical pain. That was rather… bad.
His strong arms embraced me as I flung myself back into the room. My arms encircled his waist, as I breathed his delicious scent of honey and sun.
"Someone is excited," he noted, chuckling.
"How about a lesson? The cause is these heels, and the effect is my breaking a bone. Care to carry me?" I flashed a smile at him. He rolled his eyes, scooping me up in his arms bridal style. He placed a chaste kiss on my lips. I made an attempt to prolong it, but people were staring. I sighed, wrapping my arms around his neck, and nestling my head into his chest. I closed my eyes, smiling contentedly.
"Bella, we're here," Edward whispered into my ear. I shivered as I opened my eyes, gazing around at the ballroom. It had a giant white marble floor, with a raised platform for the band running along the back wall. A white marble staircase curved against the wall adjacent to the platform, leading up to a huge set of golden double doors. The wall across from the stairs was made completely of glass, with a set of intricately made double doors. There was a beautiful terrace through these doors, with clay stones and small, circular wrought iron tables and chairs. There were currently no decorations, but I knew that there would be a different story on February 14.
"Oh. My. God." I gasped, staring blankly out the windows. "It's gorgeous."
"It pales in comparison to you." He was the sweetest, most beautiful, kindest, sexiest… I stopped the list there, because I really did not want to jump Edward right here, right now.
"Thank you," I said quietly. "Now let's get this dance lesson over with so we can hop in bed," I suggested, with a hint of sarcasm. His eyes danced. "Edward. Sarcasm. Five days," I reminded him with a giggle. He shrugged, pressing his lips to mine. "Dance lesson?" I asked him breathlessly. He sighed, pulling away.
"Yes, of course. Let's start with the basic position. You put your hand on my shoulder." I followed his instructions, as he placed his hand on my waist. "And take my hand with your other one." I again listened. "Perfect. Dancing is all in the leading. But we'll start with a relatively simple box step. It was the first one I learned. Now, take a step back and I take one forward…" I followed his instructions until we were moving in a graceful box. I had done the box step once before, and it had been absolutely horrific. With Edward, I felt more confident and much more comfortable. "Excellent. Now you know that revolving move everyone does?" He chuckled at the mortified expression at turning. "It's not as difficult
as it seems." He pulled me tighter to him, and I rested my head on his chest. His chin was propped on the top of my head, as I let him revolve us slowly around in a circle. It was blissful.
And I had finally admitted I loved him.
Author's Note: YAYAYAYAYYYYYYY I love this chapter. Recognize the I Love You scene? And if you're wondering, no, Bella has no premonition. Alice told her about this dream she had of Edward and Bella. I don't remember what chapter, but I do know that it was added about a day later than the chapter. JSYK my friends. So, yeah. Keep reviewing please!
