Disclaimer- Stephenie still owns the usual suspects.
I own my original characters and original story.
**Here's another combination of two chapters from EPOV. Hope you like it!
******************************LRM**************************
Chapters 15 & 16 - Humiliation For A Worthy Cause
.
December come to me,
I hope I can see
You not just in dreams
I will let you be
Why can't you believe,
how much you really mean?
December won't you come,
back with snow, even sun?
Don't say that it's done
I will carry you home
Take you from the loneliest place you have known
I will carry you home
Take me from the loneliest place I have known
.
I wish I could go back to December. December when I first met Bella. If I knew then that my twisted sense of chivalry would have caused Bella pain, I would have confided everything that first day we had lunch in my hotel suite.
After Emmett and Rose went back to their apartment, I was able to take a good look at the love of my life.
She looked like she hadn't slept much in the last two days. I hoped she'd been eating.
She looks like I feel.
Bella seemed to need a little distance from me, so we sat at opposite ends of her sofa as I explained my so-called 'relationship' with Tanya. As soon as Bella started asking questions, I knew she believed me, and I hoped we were going to be okay.
"Edward, why would you agree to this? What if you met someone and fell in love?" She asked.
"Bella, I never thought it would happen. I'd been so utterly destroyed by Meghan, that I never put another thought into the fact that there may have been someone out there for me. Looking back, I realize just how foolish that was." I watched in order to gauge her reaction.
I explained Tanya's reasons for wanting our 'arrangement', and saw the surprise in her eyes when I revealed that Tanya and Felix were married.
Evidently, that shocked her enough into needing to drink alcohol. I found myself laughing because if the stuff about Tanya freaked her out, I can only imagine how the rest of the story would affect her.
I continued. "Anyway, Felix and Tanya are married. I asked Sidney to move to L.A. as my full-time bodyguard. He's coming out next month. Felix is going to be with his wife, where he belongs. I also told them that they need to make some decisions because I wasn't going to keep my relationship with you a secret."
"Tanya's got the most to lose. She has lied to the media, kept her marriage a secret, and also, keep in mind that the studio could release that video and ruin her career. That's why I'm letting her and Felix decide how they want to handle this. I will continue to be silent about Tanya in order to allow them a little time."
"Well I guess it now makes sense that Tanya was never bothered by the other women." Bella said quietly.
Now comes the moment of fucking truth. I've told Rosalie, so there's no way I'm keeping this information from Bella.
"I promised I would tell you everything, and I will Bella." I took a deep breath. "There were no 'other women' Bella. Those dates started about three years ago, and were the studio's attempt to promote my 'bad boy' image. I never chose to go out with those women. Once again I was just 'playing a part'."
"For some reason, every time I was seen with someone other than Tanya, my popularity, along with hers, would explode. Hers was because everyone felt sorry for her. But mine was because people evidently like me better when I'm naughty." I hoped she could see the humor in that.
"Edward, forgive me for doubting you but, that's impossible. Some of those women would have blabbed that information to every gossip site and magazine out there."
"They wouldn't if they wanted to have a career in the business. The studio's choices for these 'dates' were always very carefully thought out. They chose aspiring actresses or models, and always had them sign a non-disclosure agreement."
I don't blame her for doubting me, even I think I sound like I'm full of shit.
"So you see, every bit of the public image of Edward Masen has been manufactured. None of it is real. Edward Masen is not real. On the other hand, Edward Cullen, sitting here with you now, loves you more than anything, and hopes you will give him another chance." I decided to move closer to her, hoping she wouldn't reject me.
"Hold on, what kind of women would want to play the part of the 'other woman' in public?" She asked.
"Ambitious ones Bella. Look, those girls came away thinking I was a wonderful guy that would never cheat on his 'girlfriend', and they got a shot at their 'dream career'." I smirked. "It was a win-win situation."
I thought about Tanya telling me she suspected me to be gay, and laughed out loud.
"What are you laughing about Edward?"
"I was just thinking. I'm pretty sure that, up until I told her about you, Tanya was certain I was gay."
If everyone only knew how my body reacted every time I was close to Isabella, they'd never question my heterosexuality again. I chuckled as I shook my head.
"Why would she think that Edward? Is her ego so inflated that just because you didn't want her, you must be gay?"
"Bella, haven't you been listening? When I said there have been no 'other women', I meant it. There have been no other women."
Yes Bella, you heard me correctly.
"Edward, what are you saying?"
She's still not understanding me, maybe she shouldn't be drinking.
"Do I need to spell it out Bella. Until you, I haven't had a relationship with anyone since Meghan. Apart from that, I haven't had a physical relationship with anyone."
"Edward, are you telling me that you've never had sex?"
Finally.
I nodded slowly as I studied her reaction. As embarrassing as this was, I didn't care as long as it brought us back together.
I love that blush.
The next words out of Isabella's mouth almost stopped my heart, while making me laugh at their irony. "Fuck Me" she breathed.
What a taunting little phrase.
I raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Really Bella?"
She looked bewildered as she fixed herself another drink. It had been one hell of a couple of days, so I decided to join her.
We sat quietly for a long time. I knew Bella needed to process all the information I'd just given her.
I felt my heart leap in my chest when she suddenly moved closer to me on the sofa. "So?" She said.
"So?" I couldn't help but smile at her.
"You realize I'm having a hard time processing this right?"
"I understand. Believe me, I would have gladly gone to my grave with that information but, you'd already been through so much in the last two days. I've put you through so much pain because of my stupidity Bella. I just decided that you should know everything."
I've been a fool. But from now on, Bella will be my first priority.
She sat quietly for a while at she studied my face. "You know what? I think it's pretty great."
I was shocked. "You do?"
"Yeah. I always thought you were one of a kind Edward, this just proves it more." Then she crawled into my lap, wrapping my arms around his neck.
This is heaven. Right here like this. I never want to let go of her.
I took a deep breath, filling my lungs with the scent of my Isabella, and then breathed into her neck. "I was so afraid I'd lost you."
"I was afraid too Edward, I couldn't see my future without you in it. It was terrifying." She sounded so sad.
"Bella, do you remember when we were in my old bedroom?" I asked.
"Yes."
"I thought you would have figured it out that day when I told you that I wanted you that way. And about you being the 'only one ever'."
It's funny how I've been giving her hints all along, and she never picked up on them.
"Edward, I know it won't be today, or even next week but, someday I'd like you to be my first and my last." She whispered.
God I want that too.
Hearing her say the words made my heart soar. I didn't know what I'd ever done to deserve Isabella's love, but I thanked God for it now.
"Me too Bella, me too." I whispered back.
I pulled her to me and kissed her passionately, making it clear without words that she was and would always be the only woman I would ever love.
I held her in my arms for a few minutes. I knew that I desperately needed to shower.
I can't smell very nice at the moment, but Bella either hasn't noticed or doesn't care.
Bella sat up a little to look at my face. "Edward, how much of this did you have to tell Rosalie?"
Just the thought of that conversation with Rosalie was mortifying. "Pretty much all of it."
"Pretty much?" She asked warily.
"Okay, I told her everything. I had to Bella, she wasn't going to let me speak with you otherwise. I was desperate." The expression on her face was making me want to panic.
"Edward, you don't understand. If you told Rosalie, she will tell Emmett!"
No way. Rose promised to keep it quiet.
"Bella, she said she'd keep the sex part to herself." I answered.
"Oh Edward, I'm sure she'll try, but you don't know my brother. He will figure out that there's more to the story, especially since Rose looked so freaked out. God help us if he finds out you're a vir-"
Just then the door flew open, startling the shit out of me. Before I realized what I was doing, I jumped to my feet, effectively dumping Bella on the floor.
I helped Bella off the floor as I glanced up to see her brother stalking towards us like a mad man.
"I want to hear it from you, because there's no fucking way I believe that you're a virgin!" Emmett boomed.
What. The. Fuck. ?
Rose came in right behind him apologizing. "I'm so sorry Edward, I didn't tell him, he figured it out."
"I want to hear it Eddie? Is it true?" Emmett was a little freaked.
"Yes." I sighed.
Why not take out a full page ad in the Seattle Times announcing that Edward Masen is a fucking virgin? Make that a non-fucking virgin, because Edward Masen's obviously not been doing any fucking.
Fuck it.
Emmett was actually quiet during my internal rant. "You mean to tell me that you're twenty-four and never had in-ter-course?" Emmett pronounced each syllable.
Will this embarrassment never end?
I shook my head in answer.
"Bumped uglies? Split the wishbone? Knocked boots? Mashed brakes? Bulled a chick? Laid Train?"
I continued shaking my head, all the while wondering what the fuck Emmett was talking about.
I wonder if I'm being punk'd?
"Emmett! Who are you Austin Powers? Shut Up!" Bella yelled at him.
"Edward, are you gay?" Emmett asked.
And there it was, the winning question of the day.
I couldn't even verbalize an answer, so I continued to shake my head.
"Are you sure?" Emmett pressed.
I'm sure that I want to take Bella and get the fuck out of here if this doesn't stop pretty damn soon.
"Emmett!" Bella yelled at her brother.
"Alright, alright!" Emmett got very quiet as he contemplated his new-found knowledge. After what seemed like forever, he finally spoke.
"Okay Eddie, tell you what I'll do." Emmett placed his arm around my shoulder as he walked him across the room.
He must not notice how bad I smell either.
"I won't tell anyone about your 'issue', but you've got to do something for me."
I wasn't sure how to handle this. Luckily Bella jumped in to advise me. "Agree to it Edward!" She shouted. That was enough for me, I nodded.
Emmett smiled. "Before setting up the meeting between Charlie and Clint, you need to let me know so that we can plan things together."
I felt a knot forming in my stomach.
This is not going to be good. I think I may be getting an ulcer.
"I'm going to teach you how to fuck…..um let me re-phrase, because I'm definitely not teaching you that. And you'd better not practice on my sister, oh God, I mean you'd better not practice on anyone else either and hurt my sister. Oh shit…my advice is just stay a virgin til you die dude."
It's amusing how he and Bella both have a tendency to verbally spew when they're nervous.
"Anyway, as I was saying, I'm going to teach you how to fuck with Chief Charlie Swan." Emmett had a scary smile on his face.
Why did I feel like I'd just sold my soul to the devil?
-LRM-
Bella persuaded me to stay at her place after Rose and Emmett left. Honestly, it didn't take much persuading. Being without her for three days had been long enough.
I helped Bella make up the sleeper sofa, and then went off to get a much-needed shower.
Afterwards, wrapped in only a towel, I studied the pile of clothing now strewn across the bathroom floor.
I left my house with absolutely nothing.
Deciding that there was no way the boxer briefs I'd been wearing for two days were going back on my body, I slipped my jeans on.
There was nothing else for it, I'd have to go commando.
My shirt was tolerable, so I put it back on, and headed off to bed. Before lying down, I noticed that Alice had sent a text.
Having a change of clothes and some toiletries delivered from Neiman Marcus in the morning. I'll pack your suitcase and have that couriered to you.
-Ali
What would I do without her?
-LRM-
I was awakened by the smell of coffee brewing and a warm soft hand on my cheek. I looked up to see my angel standing beside me.
"Morning." She said with a smile.
"Morning beautiful."
"I'm just heading out to class and then to work for a little while. I'll be back by 4:30 at the latest. I've started a pot of coffee."
"Thanks. I'm supposed to have some clothes and toiletries delivered shortly, I left L.A. without anything. Alice knew I'd need them of course." I smiled. "After that, I was going to see about checking into a hotel."
I really don't want to, but I don't want to crowd Bella either.
I watched as her smile disappeared. "Edward, you don't have to. I mean, were you comfortable last night?."
"Yes, very comfortable, especially knowing that you were so close. I just didn't want to impose…"
Oh how I'd love to stay here with my beautiful girl.
"Edward, I want you here. I don't know, it just feels better with you here."
I smiled. "Then I'll stay, if you're sure it's not any trouble?"
"Edward, I love you, I'll always want you here." She smiled back.
She kissed me goodbye before she left.
I slept for a little while longer, but the coffee was beckoning to me, so I padded into Bella's kitchen to fix a cup.
It was so strange being in her apartment alone, but in a way, it also felt right for me to me there.
Even though I missed her, being apart for the day would give Bella a chance to think over everything that was said last night.
While I sat nursing my coffee, the items from Neiman Marcus were delivered. I felt a lot better after changing into clean clothes, so I decided to grab some breakfast. Before I had my jacket on however, my mother called.
I had spoken with her the other night as I'd kept vigil over my phone, but I refused to stay on the phone very long in case Isabella called me.
"Hi Mom." I said as I answered.
"Hello dear. Alice told me everything is better now, but I want to hear it from you." My mother asked.
"It's good Mom. I had a long talk with Bella."
"How is she Edward? Alice said that you were both a mess."
"Yeah, we were. I think we'll be okay now, especially after Tanya makes her statement." I breathed deeply, surprised at how relaxed I was after the last two days of hell. "Mom, I want to apologize for cutting the call short the other night I .."
"Edward, don't apologize. I understand. I've been keeping tabs on you through Alice, and I'm so glad everything worked out. I was considering making a visit to Bella myself if she wouldn't listen to you."
I chuckled. "Thanks Mom, but I'm really glad that wasn't necessary."
Why do I fell like I'm in kindergarten again with my mother wanting to fight my battles?
She chuckled too. "Yes, I suppose not. Anyway, I'll let you go. If you have a chance before returning to L.A., we'd love to see you and Bella."
"I'll see what I can do Mom. Talk to you later. Bye."
"Goodbye dear, we love you."
"Love you too Mom."
I slipped on my jacket and grabbed the extra key Bella left on the counter when my phone rang again.
Alice
"Alice, I can't thank you enough for everything, including the conversation you had with Rosalie last night. You saved my ass."
Alice chuckled. "How many times do I have to tell you Edward? I want things to work out with you and Bella. I want you to be happy, but I also have selfish reasons. Bella and I are meant to be sisters."
I coughed out a laugh. "Let's not scare her away with that kind of talk, shall we Alice?"
Even though I may be ready, I'm not sure Bella is.
Alice giggled. "Edward, you know I am the height of discretion. So I take it that Bella knows everything now?"
"Yes Alice"
"And how are you?" She asked.
"I'm good. Sort of drained, but good." I answered.
"Maybe now everything will calm down." She said.
"Hopefully. Well, it will after Tanya makes her statement anyway."
"Let's hope that's soon." She said quietly. "Anyway, now for the reason of my call Mister Messy. I'm at your house right now packing, or should I say repacking your suitcase. Half the clothes from your Christmas vacation are still in there, and some others are on the floor. Mrs. Hernandez is laundering your clothes while I pack. I'll have this and a garment bag delivered to you by tonight."
"Thanks Alice."
"Mrs. Hernandez also said to tell you thanks for the broken glass on the floor." She announced sarcastically as she laughed. "I explained that you've been a little distracted."
I could hear Alice bustling around as she talked. Suddenly I heard her take in a quick breath. "Edward?"
"Yes. Alice is something wrong?" She sounded strange.
"Um. This is none of my business but, is there any particular reason you have a pair of Little Mermaid underpants in your suitcase?"
Shit. How the hell do I talk myself out of this one?
"Maybe they fell in there?" I said weakly.
Lame, Edward
Alice was quiet for a long moment, then she started to laugh. "You stole these from Bella didn't you?"
Oh for the love of…
"I can't…." I began.
Alice was still laughing.
I just sighed and waited for her to finish. "Alice please don't give me a hard time. If you forget about this, I promise to make an appointment with Dr. Gould next week."
"Why would you need to do that Edward?" She stopped laughing to ask.
"Because I'm obviously a pervert." I blurted out. "We already knew I was a stalker, now I've turned into some pervy guy who steals his girlfriend's cartoon underwear."
This brought on a new round of laughter from my sister.
"Cut it out Alice." I said exasperatedly.
"Oh Edward, you truly have lived an isolated existence." She was still laughing a little. "You're not the first guy to steal a pair of his girlfriend's panties. I would assume it's quite common. I remember when we moved into this house and I found a pair of my old panties in a box of Jasper's books from college…"
"Alice! Okay, I get it, you don't need to explain any further." I interrupted.
She laughed again. "Sorry Edward." She sing-songed. "Okay, so everything's packed and ready to go. I'll have this delivered to Bella's. Oh, also your backpack containing Bella's flight information for Aspen will be inside your big bag."
"Thanks again Alice." I said.
"Don't mention it. I'll talk to you soon little brother. Love you."
"Love you too Ali, and please don't mention the underwear to Bella. She doesn't know."
I could hear my sister's ringing laughter as I ended the call.
My stomach was rumbling by this point, so breakfast was the next thing on the agenda.
This time I headed for the door, hoping for no further interruptions. Just as I touched the knob someone knocked loudly on the other side.
"Gah!" I shouted as I grabbed my chest.
When I opened the door, Emmett was leaning against the frame, laughing hysterically. "Man, Eddie, you are one jumpy dude. Let's go eat." He bellowed.
"Christ, Emmett, you scared the shit out of me." I said as I laughed.
Breakfast with Emmett was surprisingly enjoyable. We talked about a lot of things, thankfully Emmett waited until we were in the car to discuss the revelations of yesterday.
Rosalie had told him very little of my past, so I filled in the blanks as we rode back to the apartment building. He was quiet as he thought. "You know what Eddie?"
"What?"
"If your old girlfriend hadn't done that to you, you may have ended up married to her. Which means you wouldn't be with Bella now."
It was a painful thought, but he was right.
"So, as sorry as I am to say this, I'm glad that girl treated you like shit. My little sister deserves to be happy. She's happy with you. Despite the clusterfuck of the last couple of days, Bella is becoming her old self again. I've missed that carefree little girl so much." He said solemnly.
"That's exactly what my family has said about Bella's effect on me." I answered quietly.
He also informed me that he had called his Father, trying to smooth things over with him, but Charlie was resistant. "Don't worry about it Eddie, he'll come around. He did make me promise to make your life hell though." He said with a grin. "I told him that I planned to do that anyway."
Great.
Back at the apartment, I was bored. Jasper called to let me know that he'd smoothed things over with the big wigs at the studio, but that I'd have to 'do lunch' with them next week to apologize in person.
Fucking fantastic.
I'd sent Bella a couple text messages throughout the day, but I really couldn't wait until she got home.
Home. When she's with me, it feels like home.
.
B-
Hope your day is going well. I miss you. Can't wait until you come home to me. Love you.
-E
.
Despite Alice's reassurances, I resisted the urge to snoop through Bella's lingerie again.
My sister just convinced me that I wasn't a pervert, and I have no desire to prove her wrong.
Just as my luggage was arriving at the apartment, Bella sent a text announcing that she'd gotten to work. I changed into my most comfortable clothes, taking note that Alice had left Bella's underwear hidden in the bottom of my bag.
As I've said before: Best sister ever.
Missing my girl, I decided to walk over to WIRI and surprise her.
I got a few stares, and questioning looks along the way, but no one tried to speak with me, so I determined that my usual disguise of hoodie, dark glasses and jeans had done its' job.
I rounded the corner, heading for Bella's desk when a familiar, albeit unwelcome sight, met my eyes. That motherfucker Mike Newton had my girl cornered, again.
"Mike, first of all you don't know what you're talking about, and secondly you shouldn't be the one to accuse anyone of that. Or do I need to go ask Jessica's opinion of what kind of a person you are?" Bella said in a raised voice.
Newton sneered. "I don't get you Bella. You play hard to get for months, then you meet Masen and are all too willing to become his whore."
Son of a motherfucking bitch
I don't even know what came over me. My body moved of its own accord as I grabbed Newton by the throat and held him against the wall.
"Who the hell do you think you are? You will never speak to Bella in that manner again. She's the most wonderful person I've ever known, you'd do well to show respect when speaking to her." I spit out.
The ass was having trouble breathing, and I was having trouble not ending his life.
"If I hear that you've been speaking to her or about her in that manner again, I will drop whatever I'm doing, come back here, and rip your fucking head off. Are we clear?"
Newton answered by nodding his head. I released him and glared as he proceeded to have a coughing fit.
I held on to his shirt. "Apologize to Miss Swan."
Newton turned to Bella. "I'm sorry. It won't happen again."
"You bet it won't." I turned to find Rosalie had joined us. She stood there with her arms crossed over her chest. "You know what Newton? I've got a new taser in my office, and I'm just dying to test it out on your ball sac."
Newton looked at her with genuine terror in his eyes, before turning tail and running away.
"Well done Edward." Rose congratulated.
I nodded toward her, still livid. Then I turned to my angel. "Are you ready to leave?" All my anger melted away as I looked at her, and I smiled.
She took my arm. "Absolutely." She said as we walked out.
-LRM-
We ordered Chinese food for dinner, and it brought me back to that first lunch at my hotel. We spent the rest of the evening relaxing and watching television.
"How is it that you don't have to be in L.A. right now?" Bella asked.
I had a sudden twinge of embarrassment at how I'd left Jasper to clean up my mess. "Well, after I lashed out at everyone at that meeting, Jasper cancelled my appointments for the rest of the week. I'm free until I fly back on Sunday."
"Speaking of flying." I pulled out the Aspen information which Alice had stowed in my backpack. "Here's your flight information for Aspen. After I leave Sunday, I won't see you again until then." I hated the thought of leaving her again.
After my shower, I set up the sleeper sofa while Bella got ready for bed. I don't know how she managed it, but Bella even made flannel pajamas sexy. I coaxed her into lying down with me while we watched a movie.
Before long, exhaustion overcame her, and I watched as she drifted off the sleep.
I followed soon after.
The next morning, I was the first one awake, so I started the coffee brewing and crawled back into bed with Bella.
There I waited, leaning on one elbow as I watched her sleep. She was so beautiful.
As soon as her eyes fluttered open, she began to apologize. "Sorry, I must have fallen asleep, I hope I didn't crowd you." She said quietly.
"No, Bella. Truth be told, I loved having you here beside me. I don't know how I'm going to stand it when I have to go back to California." I whispered sadly. She reached up and stroked my cheek.
I felt the familiar electric hum between us.
"Look, you can call me every day. You already know my schedule. We'll make it work. The time will fly by, you'll see." She tried to comfort me.
I nodded.
She left for class, promising to return early since she didn't need to go to work today.
Emmett and I went for a workout and a light breakfast. I phoned Sidney to make sure he was available to work for me tonight and through the weekend. Then I made reservations at Alice's favorite restaurant.
By the looks of what she sent in the garment bag, Alice knew I'd be taking Bella out.
Later that morning, I devised a plan to see her earlier than we'd planned.
At about 11am sent a text.
B-
Where are you getting lunch today?
-E
Her answer chimed back.
E-
I'll probably pick up a sandwich from the Hub. Why?
-B
Perfect.
B-
Just curious as to where my girl is spending her time. Love you.
-E
Hopefully, I'll be able to surprise her.
E-
Love you more.
-B
My response was prompt.
B-
Impossible.
-E
Sidney dropped me off a few minutes before Bella would arrive. My breath caught in my throat as I saw her rounding the corner, walking toward me.
I smiled, hoping she'd be glad to see me. "I missed you. I had Sidney drop me off."
"This is a wonderful surprise Edward." She said as she hugged me. Her eyes shot around then, noticing the many curious eyes gazing our way. "Aren't you afraid of the publicity?"
"No, Bella. I told you that I'm not hiding our relationship. Tanya is the one that has a lot to explain, not me." Making my point with a hug and a quick kiss on her lips.
A crowd was starting to form, so I quickly ushered Bella lunch, I sat in on Bella's last class. I was so busy watching her, that I didn't hear a word the professor said.
-LRM-
This was overdue, but as they say better late than never.
"Miss Swan, I know I've been remiss in not asking this sooner but, would you do me the honor of going out with me tonight?"
We were riding home in Bella's car.
She smiled "Why Mr. Cullen, am I right in assuming that you are asking me out on our first date?"
Why did hearing her use my real name make me so happy?
"Yes Miss Swan, you are correct." I smiled.
"I accept your invitation, and thank you Mr. Cullen."
"You've made me very happy."
We weren't able to relax for very long before Rose came to the door and kidnapped Bella. Evidently, Alice had clued her in to my plans for the evening, and Rose's job was to get Bella ready for our date.
-LRM-
I stood outside Rose and Emmett's door ready to pick up my date.
When the door swung open, I thought I'd somehow gone to the wrong apartment. There stood Emmett looking eerily like his father.
A knot immediately started to form in my stomach.
Shit. I think I really am getting an ulcer.
When I spotted Bella over Emmett's shoulder, I calmed considerably.
Emmett folded his arms across his chest and looked me up and down. "Yes? May I help you? Edgar was it?"
Holy shit, he sounds just like the chief.
"Edward." Bella and I answered together. "I'm here to pick up Bella."
I guess I'll just have to play along.
"I see. Well Edward, have a seat, let's have a little chat."
I watched Bella flop on the sofa next to Rose, who just looked amused.
I was still confused, but decided this may have been what Emmett meant when he said he was going to 'make my life hell'. I sat down waiting for him to continue.
"I want you to take a good long look at our little girl sitting over there. Her feelings are not to be toyed with. Do you understand?"
I nodded and looked over at Bella. She was stunning. She was so beautiful in fact, that I was having a hard time dragging my eyes away from her face and body when Emmett spoke again.
"Good. I've prepared a list of questions. The way you answer will determine whether you are worthy to escort Bella tonight. Still following Edwin? You won't find the answers written on Bella's legs, eyes over here boy."
Damn it. I am such a perv.
I blinked and looked back at Emmett.
"Question number one. Your car runs out of gas while on your date with Bella, what do you do?"
Somehow, I didn't think a normal answer would be enough, but I didn't know what else to say.
"Um, I call my roadside service to gas up the car?" I answered.
I sound like a pussy.
"Wrong. You gas the vehicle up before the date, therefore there will be no chance of that happening Edmund."
"Let's try again."
"Bella trips, falls and cuts her leg on the way into a restaurant. What do you do?"
"I administer first aid. If I determine she needs stitches, I take her to the emergency room?" I answered knowing it was probably wrong.
"Wrong. You sure are fucking this up Edwina. The correct answer is that you should have been holding her arm, so that she wouldn't have tripped in the first place."
"One more."
"You take a wrong turn and end up in a dangerous neighborhood, then you discover your tire has gone flat. While waiting for roadside assistance, a hooker propositions you. How do you handle that one?"
"I stay in the car with Bella, and lock the doors." I was just about to tell Emmett to kiss my ass, grab my girl, and leave, when Bella intervened.
"Enough Emmett. You are driving me crazy." She said.
"What am I going to tell the Chief Bells? Eddie just can't seem to do anything right. So far he's let the car run out of gas, let you fall so that you need stitches, gotten a flat tire, and paid fifty bucks for a BJ from a hooker. I am damn disappointed in you Ed." Emmett said while shaking his head.
What the fuck is he talking about?
"Emmett! He didn't do any of those things. You're just an idiot." Bella shouted.
"How about I just let my driver take us, as planned. I promise to protect Bella from drug-dealers, crazy fans, and even roving bands of gypsies if we come across any." I smiled.
Emmett thought about it. "Sounds good. I guess I've got to let the bird leave the nest sometime." He sighed, defeated.
"Have a great time guys." Rose said as she hugged Bella. Bella in turn hugged her brother and kissed his cheek.
Once out in the hall, I offered my arm. "Shall we Miss Swan?"
"Definitely Mr. Cullen." She smiled back.
*****************************************A/N***************************************
A/N Song rec: 'December' by Norah Jones (love that song, and somehow it was appropriate).
So I have a little problem. It seems as soon as Edward went commando...the rest of the chapter sounded like blah blah, bladdy blah blah, blah blaaahhh, in my head. Am i the only one with this problem? Maybe we could form a support group.
Semi-seriously though, my ultimate goal is to catch LRM up with V&V and then each subsequent chapter of V&V can maybe switch between E & B's POV, without having two separate stories. At least that's the idea I'm toying with now. I could change my mind…who knows?
Let me know what you think of this one. I'm back to writing V&V next. I really like reviews!