Sorry for the wait :( My work contract's being reduced, so updates should be a little more frequent now =]

Hope you enjoy…

Chapter 14:

"My god, look at this place," I gushed in astonishment. Were my eyes deceiving me? They were on stalks as we entered his neighbourhood. Finally I could put a picture to the description of his life in my head. "I never even knew this side of Forks existed," I thought aloud.

"Yeah, its looks pretty perfect doesn't it … but don't be fooled by the well-kept gardens and white picket fence. Nothings perfect. Believe me" he said as he looked at me pointedly, his eyebrows rising. Well I certainly found that hard to believe.

I took another look out of my passenger side window, seeing versions of houses I'd only ever witnessed on Teen American TV Programs. My dad's house could fit into the living room of one of those no doubt.

"It only sits there to mask the truth" he went on, whilst my eyes took in the view before me.

"And, what is the truth?" I asked, rather distractively.

"The truth is that it doesn't matter how much money you have, or how happy everything seems to be to the outside world, we've all still got our problems ...You know I can't even remember the last time I sat down with my family and we all had dinner together. It just, never happens anymore. Even birthdays aren't a quiet family affair, more like a gigantic party, which, I'd prefer to avoid… I guess what I'm trying to say is, even when you have everything set out before you, it's not always everything … you're always wanting things you don't have. But, in the end you just have to learn to accept it… I guess out of everyone, Alice is the only really lucky one by the sounds of it - probably why she's always so happy and optimistic, because she can be".

I nodded slowly, processing what he'd said as I stared at my hands thoughtfully; that explanation of his surely brought on by my little speech about my absentee mother. And I could honestly see what he was saying. And I appreciated it… love what you have, because even something that seems perfect, is imperfect in reality. The truth was, I had no need for a mother despite my longing for one, as I had all the love and protection I needed from my father.

So swept up in my train of thought, I hadn't even noticed we'd pulled up. He was opening my side door and helping me out before I even had the chance to process it…

The rain continued to pour as we hurriedly made our way across the cobbled path, his hand latched onto my arm, steadying me from tripping, as my recently dried out hair and clothes, transformed back from damp to totally drenched.

As we made our way inside, he closed the door behind me. He placed his coat on the stand beside the doorway before helping me out of mine.

I shuddered, teeth chattering as I stood in nothing but my tiny dress. I may as well have been naked, that's how cold I felt.

"You're shaking" he observed as he turned to face me; his hands running up and down my arms in a brisk fashion to try and warm me up. His hair was all wet and floppy, as trickles of rain drops swam down the sides of his face; I would have done anything to sweep them up with just my tongue.

"I'm cold" I managed to whisper through my quivering lips; enjoying the feeling of his hands rubbing up and down my skin, my eyelids fluttering uncontrollably as I felt his warm breath glide across my face.

He nodded in return. "Come on, lets get you warmed up" he said as he went for my hand. I kicked off my shoes before allowing him to lead me up the grand staircase and across the widespread landing.

I didn't fail to take note of the various family portraits displayed on the wall to the staircase. My smile reappearing as my eyes lingered on a snapshot of Edward in a dark suit, his arms wrapped around his sister as she laughed at the camera adoringly. They looked so close.

"Here" he said as we entered a spacious room located at the furthest corner of the landing. He flicked on the light and a flash of white struck my eyes. "Why don't you get under the covers to get warm. And I'll grab you some of rose's clothes to change into" he suggested, my small delicate hand still resting in the larger palm of his; it fit so well.

"A..Are you sure?" I asked hesitantly, as I stared at the white king sized bed near the window, a stuffed cuddly pig sitting at the centre of his pillow. It looked like one of those show home beds, it was so huge and well-preserved. I shivered at the prospect of jumping inside.

"Of course" he said as he walked me over towards the bed, "Can't have you getting hyperthermia on me" he smirked, opening the covers like a flap, before waiting for me to sit inside. I awkwardly perched myself on the edge, smiling across at the toy beside me, "Nice piggie," I cocked an eyebrow as I looked at him, he simply grinned back, grabbing it off the pillow and placing it in my lap. "Hey don't make fun. That pigs got me through some hard times" he nodded at me, still smiling. And it was nice to know there was a soft and goofy side to his personality.

The next thing I knew, he was quickly pulling the covers over my shoulders, and wrapping me up tight like a present.

His duvet smelt so fresh, like summertime, whilst I cuddled onto the stuffed piggy in my lap. "There" his face lit up as he looked at me, and I couldn't help but blush, never imagining that I'd ever find myself here; in the comfort of Edwards bed.

"Let me change and then I'll grab you something, ok" he said as he made his way over to his wardrobe; swinging the door open. I buried my nose into his quilt as he turned away, enjoying the scent as well as its silkiness against my cheek.

I watched then as he stood at his dresser, facing his many piles of clothes, my eyes trailing his figure as he stood with his back to me. And then the most glorious thing happened. And he whipped his shirt over his head in one spectacular action. I nearly choked right then and there, as he stood with his bare back turned towards me; watching as the muscles in his back rippled and tensed under his skin, taunting me as he leant over to grab another top.

Was this my heaven?

His skin looked so soft and smooth, and I would've done anything to run my hands over every inch of him.

My eyes dipped towards the band of his boxers, which peeked over the tip of his trousers, and I felt as the saliva in my mouth grew dry, a consequence of it hanging open so wide. My breath grew loud and heavy with every second I sat staring at him, and I forcefully had to control myself, whilst my hands and feet curled up in sheer delight.

And then it was over. And his pale supple skin quickly disappeared beneath the material of his blue cottoned top. I frowned in disapproval, unable to prevent the tiny moan in the back of my throat, whilst silently cursing the inventor of clothes. Clothes! What a silly idea!

I swallowed hard as he turned back to face me. Trying to compose myself. "Right I'll only be a sec" he said casually as he made his way back out of the room, thankfully oblivious to how flustered I'd become as my heart raced at cheetah-pace in my chest. I then heard him call for his sister, "Rosie, you there!?" but only to be met by silence…

I let my eyes close shut as I tried to think back to the image in my mind. But plain blackness was all I could manage, and I pouted at my lack of imagination… that wasn't usually a problem for me.

With several longing glances at the door, he still failed to reappear. And my loneliness led me to roam his room. Curiosity getting the better of me, I ditched the quilt cover, placing the piggie back carefully onto his pillow, and made my way towards his music shelf.

For a moment I felt like I'd stepped into a record store. It was crammed full of every type of music imagined. A lot of classics stashed away which I hadn't expected to find, and I was surprised at his eclectic taste.

Piano Sheet Music lay spread open on his work desk, tiny notes scrawled along the border in pencil. I took a chance and turned the page, finding his own music notes roughly scribbled down on an average piece of A4 lined paper; entitled, The Lullaby.

Now that had me intrigued.

"Here" The sheer proximity of his unexpected voice caused me to jump, and I dropped the page back onto the desk in fright. "Try this" he hushed softly into my ear; saying nothing of my nosiness. I tensed, before hesitantly turning around to face him.

I saw his top at first, focusing on the intricacy of the blue cotton stitched material. It was in touching distance, a mere foot away from me, before my eyes stalked upwards towards his face, and two big blue ocean-like eyes stared straight back at me.

It was like a vortex as I looked into them, my own eyes becoming glassy through the intensity of his opulent sapphires.

"Thanks" my voice whispered back without thinking, almost lodging in my throat, as I tentatively took a hold of the clothes he'd offered me.

He stared into my eyes then, searching my face for something that was unbeknownst to me. I couldn't help myself as I flicked my glance down to his luscious pink lips, so badly wanting to kiss them, as I wondered how well they'd move over mine. I'd never really pondered the idea of sex before. It just, never crossed my mind, but now, it was quickly becoming the star attraction.

But his voice pulled me out of any chance of that happening. "Ill er, give you some privacy then," his usual velvet-like speech sounded gravelly, almost alien to me, as he paused for a moment before turning and walking away.

My mouth instinctively dropped open, and suddenly I heard my voice in my ear calling him back. "Actually" I said without thinking; possibly due to my state of desperation. "Would you ... mind?' I angled my back towards him, pointing towards the zip. "I struggled with it earlier. I don't suppose you could er…?"

His head tipped at my request, and he retook his steps back towards me. I rotated so I was facing his wardrobe, my back turned towards him.

The room filled with silence then, only adding to my anxiety, before I felt as his hand slid down my back, the zip slowly going with it, causing my entire body to tingle. An ache between my legs was suddenly brought to my attention; throbbing hard, and my forehead crumpled as I tried to contain myself.

I felt the draft of cool air run across my skin as the material fell away. And his hand lingered at the base of my back.

I had the sudden need to grip something firm, a sturdy wardrobe came to mind, just to ensure I'd remain standing. My knees felt as if they'd buckle beneath me, but they didn't, and I managed to keep a hold of myself. That was until I felt something soft glide down my back; like the back of his finger, as he trailed it down my spine. I lost my breath then, my eyelids fluttering as I tried to keep them open.

How could he not know this would make me crazy?

He only had to smile at me and my legs would turn to jelly, and now here we were, with him practically undressing me, and I was quickly crumbling to mush. But then his finger retracted, and I felt nothing but an unpleasant cold chill.

I slowly turned around on my heel at the lack of contact, coming face to face with him yet again. But he looked so sad and distant.

The words lingered on the tip of my tongue, asking him what was wrong, but they failed to present themselves, and I was unable to manage a single word.

It was Edward that finally broke the silence, but with words that unfortunately weren't a comfort to me. "Ill er, be down stairs if you need me" he said, a little regretfully, before slowly turning away from me and walking out. Closing the door behind him.

I was alone then, and terribly confused. If only I could tell what he was thinking…

…………………………………………

I made my way down the stairs and found him waiting for me in the living room. It seemed I'd caught him in an intense train of thought however, as I walked into the room with added caution, not entirely sure how to act around him, given the intimate moment we'd recently shared. But his face quickly smoothed out when he noticed me, and the happy-go-lucky Edward Cullen strangely made a re-appearance. Split personality much?

"So how about that drink I promised you!?" he grinned, and I nodded sheepishly, stuffing my hands into the sweater pockets before taking a seat.

"I could make you a cocktail if you'd like?" that cheeky crooked grin spread out as he looked at me. "Non-alcholic of course. We don't want to start encouraging bad habits now, do we!?" his face lit up, his eyebrows going with it.

"Course not" I smiled back as I watched him head for the kitchen. He didn't get very far though; the sound of the front door opening and closing distracting his attention.

"Hey grumpy pants!" she called out to him casually, as she set her umbrella down beside the door. I watched him grimace at her name calling. "Gosh what a storm!" she added in disbelief before walking further inside, "Oh… hi Bella," Rosalie's eyes seemed to shine that extra brightly as she noticed me. "Happy Birthday!" she beamed. And I glanced a curious look at Edward before smiling at her. Surprised that she even knew it was my birthday. Edward must have told her. "Did you have a nice night?" she asked as she slipped off her incredibly high stiletto heels and placed them neatly beside my rather pathetic one-inchers.

"Yeah, it was great thank you. I mean besides the rain… I..I hope you don't mind" I signalled to the clothes I was wearing, feeling a little awkward knowing they were hers.

"Oh not at all. Help yourself!" she smiled at me warmly, whilst Edward muttered something to himself about getting the drinks.

"Actually" her expression then changed into something suspicious, "while I've got you here" she checked to see Edward was out of sight before continuing, "I have a proposition for you" she said with wide eyes, and my hands suddenly drowned in my sweat, "…Edward wasn't keen on the idea, but I figured you should at least be given the opportunity to say no for yourself" she went on. "My company's throwing their Christmas party at the Renaissance Hotel this year. It's scheduled for next Saturday, so I hope its not too short notice… Anyway I'm allowed to bring some guests. So, I thought, why not ask you guys!? Alice and your friends are welcome to come too. It's all paid for, open bar, food, and you even get a room for the night".

"Wow," I said, slightly taken aback, and I realised my previous state of panic had been totally uncalled for. "It… sounds amazing. I don't know what to say".

"Well a 'yes' would be very much appreciated" she smiled. "I had to hold a gun to Edwards head to get him to agree to come, he's not exactly thrilled about it to say the least" she said shifting in her seat. "So having his friends there would probably make it a lot easier on him. Plus, it'd be a weekend away … Am I selling this to you at all?" she titled her head a little in curiosity; appearing a lot less intimidating than when I'd first met her, which was an added comfort.

"Er, yeah, absolutely. Alice I'm sure will be over the moon. We'll definitely be there, we'd be honoured".

"Please, the honours mine".

"Honour?" an oblivious Edward re-joined us, handing me my drink. It was coke with ice cubes and a slice of lemon; a yellow straw bobbed out of the top of it. "What honour?"

"Oh I just asked your friend if she'd like to join us at the Renaissance Hotel for the party this year".

He sighed lengthily as he looked at her through lazy unappreciative eyes, "and guess what? She said yes!" she added with a grin. "In fact, all of your friends are coming along! Now you have to come" she practically sang at him as she hopped off the chair, stepped forward and kissed him lightly on the cheek. She bounced away victoriously after that, and I suddenly realised I probably hadn't helped by saying yes.

My brow puckered at his lack of excitement. "Oh. Gosh. I'm sorry, I just…"

"No, it's fine. Rose would've dragged me there anyway" he brushed it off. "I manage to get myself out of every other party throughout the year, but this one, no chance. I'll be there with bells on" he grumbled sarcastically, before smiling at me softly. "It'll be nice having my friends there though".

I smiled back as I took a sip of my drink; hoping I hadn't trod on too many toes…

"Well, cheers anyway! To 18 years!" he raised his glass, toasting me before taking a sip.

I gave him a nod in return, but my mind was trapped elsewhere, on Rosalie's party, and the image of Edward's face as I'd inadvertently screwed him over. A slight thoughtless mishap on my part, but how could I even resist the prospect of spending more time with him!?

Thankfully, I was slowly but surely starting to discover new things about Edward Cullen. Granted, most of them led to even more confusion, but surely that could only bring me to an eventual level of understanding. There would have to be a point when the pieces would fall into place. And with Edwards constant aversion to any family social event, there had to be something there to fill in the gaps. There was definitely more to his hate than meets the eye.

And come that party, my eyes would be wide open!

A/N: OMG! Still no kiss! :O

You guys must really want to hurt me :S

Lets not get sidetracked by the lack of action though, they are getting closer! And were starting to see an angsty side to Edward Cullen's personality we've not yet seen. Don't worry though, the angst wont be around for long ;) … he's far too fun loving =D!

Next time - Camping =D!

Comments? =] xxx