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EPOV
After Bella went in to the bathroom I quickly took another pair of boxers and went to Alice's to take a shower and get dressed. I came back and checked the temperature in the room. It seemed ok. I had read up on how human bodies react to temperature to make sure that I could make Bella as comfortable as possible. I had bought an extra electric blanket for her to take to Charlie's. I had tested out myself and loved it. I was excited at the thought of finally being able to cuddle with Bella all night without making her uncomfortable.
Finally Bella opened the door of the bathroom and stepped out. I automatically got up from the bed reaching for her. We both froze when we made eye contact. Bella's eyes were gleaming with new secret knowledge. I knew my eyes would be communicating the same. We had been so intimate with each other tonight, shared so much. I felt Bella loved me. Her eyes told me. But her lips were silent and I didn't want to push her. We both moved at the same time hugging each other. Her heart was beating wildly and our breathing was accelerated. But there was also clam, a sort of peacefulness settling over us. We held each other standing in the middle of the room for a long time. Not saying anything just comforted by the touch and feel of the other. Finally I moved and carried Bella to the bed. I realised that although I could have stood like that for days Bella's legs would give way if she stood for too long. I placed her under the blanket covering her with the comforter getting in right beside her.
I turned to her at the same time she turned to me.
"I love you Bella I love you so much…" I whispered stroking her cheek with a feather light touch.
A tiny tear rolled down her cheek. I kissed it away.
"Bella are you ok?"
"Yes Edward I'm fine. It's just that I'm so happy."
"I'm happy too Bella. I've never been happier."
I realised the truth of my words as soon as I uttered them. I hadn't been this happy even in my human life.
"Come here love. I can finally hold you all through the night without fear of making you too cold."
She smiled at this snuggling closer to me.
"Good night love.. sweet dreams."
She placed her hand on top of my bare chest where my silent heart rests, put her cheek on my chest and closed her beautiful eyes. Within minutes I could hear her even breathing signalling that she had fallen asleep. I got lost in my thoughts re-living every single wonderful moment with my beautiful angel in my mind.
At around 6am in the morning I received a sms from Alice telling me that they would be back by 3pm. I wanted to wake up Bella so that we can enjoy more of our alone time together but decided against that selfish act. Bella had only slept at 2 am because of our activities last night. All of a sudden I felt embarrassed. Had Alice seen what happened in the night? She must have but I knew she would not mention it and she would have blocked it from her mind. Will the rest of the family know? Then I remembered the incident with Rosalie. Oh! What we had done in the night was simply elementary compared to what my family thought we had done in the couch in the living room. Shit!. Should I correct them? I decided I should inform Carlisle and Esme in strict confidence. I did not want them to think of me as a rascal who would sleep with a girl out of wedlock. I knew many things Bella and I did would be considered scandalous in my era but I knew both my parents would not think anything bad of us for being so close considering the bond we shared. However, they had brought me up to be a gentleman and I wanted them to know that I had not crossed the line and deflowered my Bella.
It was nearly 11am when Bella stirred. When she opened her eyes and realised that she was sleeping on my bare chest Bella kissed my nipple. Edward junior who had finally gone to sleep sometime in the early morning woke up immediately. Bella had placed her leg on top of him and he had been awake all night. I could have moved her but I hadn't wanted to. The feeling of her warmth against me had been so nice.
"Bella!" I said in a stern voice. I heard a giggle from her. She knew exactly what her kiss had done to me. And the little minx was making it worse by rubbing her leg over my erection. If she didn't stop I was going to come. I decided it was time I did something to stop her giggling. I pulled her against me and kissed her passionately while my hands touched her core. I didn't hesitate a moment to put my hand inside the boxers to touch her so intimately. It felt so right doing it. Bella reciprocated. It didn't take long for both of us to reach our peaks together. As soon as we finished Bella's stomach rumbled. We both laughed.
"Right on time love, I should have fed you sooner. Go get ready. I'll make something for you. I'll get your bag and put it outside the door for you love."
I carried her to the bathroom.
Bella kissed my lips one more time and smiled at me and went inside.
I rushed to Alice's room for another shower and change of clothes. This time I put on some jeans and a t-shirt. I left Bella's bag for her and went down stairs to make her some pancakes. I had been watching food network and I now knew how to make a variety of human food. I wanted to surprise Bella.
I had just finished when I heard her walk in to the kitchen. I served her the pan cakes for her breakfast and watched her eat. We then decided it was time to study for the exams which were going to be held this week. I knew Bella would easily get through since she'd done so well in class. So we hadn't actually studied much. I couldn't believe how fast time flies.
I heard Alice's thoughts right on time at 3pm. Bella was just finishing the burger I made her for lunch. I leaned across the dinning table to kiss Bella one last time before the rest of the family arrived.
It was the pixie who came in first through the kitchen window and closed Bella's eyes.
"Hey Alice, I know it's you. You are the only one with such tiny cold hands." Bella guessed at once.
"Emmett didn't come back with us. He wanted to spend some time alone Edward. Rosalie's upset." Alice thought at me. I was worried about him. I had hoped to talk to him about the incident yesterday and reassure him of Rosalie's love. I knew she loved him.
Rosalie went to her room direct and once again I blocked her thoughts.
Carlisle, Esme and Jasper along with Alice sat at the dining table with me. They all looked serious.
"Edward, I think the situation in Seattle is getting worse we might need to do something about it." Carlisle spoke of what had been bothering them.
BPOV
I had just finished the burger Edward had made me for lunch and was eating my fries when the Cullen's got home. Edward was turning out to be a good cook. First he made me pan cakes for breakfast and now a burger for lunch. Emmett hadn't come back with them. I was glad that Rosalie had decided not to join in the discussion. I didn't want to have to face her right now. I was still angry at her for what she did yesterday and I didn't want to have to make pleasant everyday conversation with her. I was so thankful that Edward and I had been able to salvage our evening together and make the most of our time alone. Oh! God I'd touched Edward. I could never forget the feeling of elation at that first touch. He had been unbelievably hard at the same time soft. His skin there had felt silky soft and it moved over his shaft when I moved my hand up and down. He was also slightly warmer. To my surprise he had been wet, especially on the top. And he was huge. I can't for the life of me imagine how he was ever going to fit inside me. But I decided I would worry about it only when the time comes. We were mates. We had to fit.
I would never forget the look on Edward's face when he first touched me. So much love, so much adoration and most of all amazement and triumph. As if he couldn't believe what was happening. We had both been touching each other intimately at that moment and I felt that there was a new level of bonding between us after last night than before. Edward had not hesitated to touch me this morning as if he was used to doing it everyday. I remembered the way Edward had lost it when he had tasted me; the way he licked his fingers and kept going for more. God…
"Bella… Bella earth calling Bella. Hey where are you.. I was wondering when you would be free to go shopping for the graduation party dresses. And stop licking your fingers Bella. I thought you had finished eating. Are you still hungry?"
Holy shit! I looked at my hands in surprise. I had been licking them unconsciously. I'd finished all my fries and there was nothing left in the plate. When I raised my eyes from my plate Edward's deep black orbs were staring at me with desire and he gave me a knowing smile. Oh god! Oh god he knew. He knew what I had been day dreaming about. And he was turned on by it. Alice looked between the two of us and started giggling.
"Alice!" Edward jumped over the table trying to grab hold of the little pixie who jumped out of the window.
"You! Take that back… it's not nice to make fun of your brother."
Edward was out of the window in a flash running after a fast disappearing Alice.
"What was all that about?"
Esme was now laughing along with everyone else in the table. Everyone had noted the playful tone of voice Edward had used to reprimand the pixie and knew it was just the two of them making fun of each other and not a serious argument. Only I knew exactly what Alice was teasing Edward about. They were all looking at me for an answer. I knew I was now blushing bright red. I couldn't help it.
"Never mind dear you don't have to tell us." Esme saw my discomfort and reassured me. I nodded my head.
"Bella I hope you are ok with all this. Alice won't be able to control her visions and …"
I decided it was time to interrupt Esme before she said anything more.
"I know Esme. Edward told me there are no secrets in the family with a psychic, a mind reader and an empath and of course your very sensitive hearing and other abilities. I trust Alice and I know she would never use her knowledge to hurt Edward or me. She's just teasing Edward."
"Yes dear. They are very close and always have been since the time Alice and Jasper joined our family." Esme told me.
"Bella you should know that we are all happy for you and Edward and we sincerely hope that one day you would join our family as Edward's wife. Even if you choose otherwise you are still welcome to join us. If you wish to stay human we will do all we can to protect you from the Volturi."
It was Carlisle who spoke.
"I understand Carlisle. I made the decision to join your family in Volterra. I won't be changing that. But I would like to finish my higher studies first and see that Charlie is properly settled. I also asked Edward for time to consider his proposal. I am not willing to take any rash decisions that might hurt us later. So I will take my time to consider everything."
"I'm so happy Bella. I'll be getting another daughter."
Esme gave me a hug.
I was surprised to see Rosalie walked in through the kitchen door.
"Bella can I talk to you for a second."
She had a serious look on her face. I looked at the others specially Jasper. Was she going to bite me? I hoped not. Jasper nodded his head that there was no danger. So I got up excusing myself from the table and went with Rosalie to the living room.
"Bella I want to apologise again for what happened yesterday. I'm really sorry. Please try to forgive me."
"I will try Rosalie." I didn't know what else to say to her.
"I also would like to warn you as one girl to another. Men can never be trusted."
Now I was confused. What was she talking about?
"I trusted Royce and look where it got me."
"I don't understand"
What she told me next was something I never expected to hear. She had been raped and left to die by Royce her fiancée and his friends and Carlisle had saved her. There was a lot of pain in her voice when she told me the story. For the first time since I met her I understood how much pain Rosalie still seemed to be in. Specially after she told me about her friend's son and how much she had wished to have a child of her own. This was something I had never considered. I felt very sorry for Rosalie and her lost human life. In her eyes she had been leading the perfect life.
"Bella do you trust Edward?"
"Yes I think so."
"But men can never be trusted."
"I disagree. I know so many men who are truly trustworthy. My friend Jacob for instance he told me that he would always be my friend no matter what and he still is despite the fact that I'm dating his enemy."
"You are a fool to trust him Bella. He only wants one thing. You. We can all see the fool is in love with you and would do or say anything to have you by his side. You might even be better off with him than Edward. At least the mutt loves you and only you. But take Edward and Alice. They have always been more than brother and sister. He loves her more than any of us, even more than he loves you."
"I'm sure it's only as a sister and a friend." I was getting angry at Rosalie now.
"He always buys her stuff, cars, dresses anything she wants. He even opened a bank account for her recently. He didn't do that for any of us. Did you know that Edward is as rich as Carlisle? Did he ever give you any expensive presents? You, his girl friend? Why does he only give the most expensive presents to Alice?"
I hadn't realised the extent of Edward's wealth not that I knew how rich Carlisle was to make a comparison but I did know Carlisle was well off. I had never asked Edward and he had never told me. I didn't really care much about how wealthy Edward was but I felt a bit hurt that he never chose to mention it.
"It's because they are so close Rosalie and she loves fancy stuff. And I don't see anything wrong with it. And neither should you. And for your information I'm the one who told Edward not to buy me things."
"What girl doesn't want expensive gifts? Don't pretend to be a saint."
I was getting more angry by the second.
"I'm not. I simply don't want Edward to buy stuff for me because I have nothing to give in return." I blurted out the truth.
"You are blind and Jasper is blind. He would just leave you again when he gets tired of you. He only wants Alice. Look what Emmett did after all these years."
"Emmett left?" I was surprised. I hadn't thought much about him not being with the Cullen's when they came in.
Rosalie started sobbing.
"Men can not be trusted. First Royce. Then Edward now Emmett. No one wants me.. we are just play things to them.."
I realised then that it must be her pain at losing Emmett that made her speak like this to me. She might even be trying to help me warning me of the possibility of Edward leaving me again. Will he leave? Was she right? I was feeling scared again. There was the threat of Victoria, what if he thought he was bringing more danger to me again and decide to leave? I remembered Alice's promise that she would never leave me and that she thought Edward wouldn't either. But Emmett had left Rosalie after all these years… did all the Cullen men act this way when things got difficult? I decided it was time to try to think things over about me and Edward. I couldn't just keep Edward hanging around for my answer. I had to make a decision. But I was adamant that I would make it with my head this time and not my heart. I felt the familiar defence mechanisms in me get activated. I felt numb devoid of all feeling. I was not going to let myself get hurt ever again. I owed it to myself as well as to Charlie and Renee. Whatever I did I would do it with a logical mind.
I saw Jasper standing with a look of shock, anger and pain on his face at the kitchen door way with Carlisle and Esme close by with looks of dismay on their faces.
"Please know that there is nothing other than a relationship of a brother and a sister and best friends between Alice and Edward, Bella. I would know for sure with my ability. Do not misunderstand his special treatment of her and hers of him."
It was Jasper who spoke up. I felt sad that he actually thought it was necessary to clarify things for me.
"Don't worry Jasper, I know. I know how much they love each other and I understand their closeness. I have never for a second doubted them. Please know that. Alice is like my own sister and she's my best girl friend. I know Edward feels the same way about her."
Just then Alice and Edward came in through the living room window with Alice clinging to his back. They were still laughing. She did a summersault off his back. Both of them froze with equal looks of surprise and shock on their faces when they saw all of us. I realised then that Alice had not had a vision of any of this because I had got Jacob involved in it and she couldn't see werewolves.
Edward looked at everyone and then met my eyes. A look of pain and fear crossed his face. I couldn't bear to see that look of desolation in his eyes. I realised he was worried that I would believe Rosalie. I decided I was not going to let Rosalie ruin everyone's day again by her false accusations. It would be best to act normal as if I didn't even give a second thought to her accusations.
I went to Edward and kissed his cheek and cuddled next to him. "Bella" He held me tightly to him while staring at Rosalie with a look of anger and disbelief.
I saw Alice sobbing into Jaspers chest. He was trying to console her whispering in her ear. I realised that he must have updated her on what had happened in her absence.
I had not been too keen in the graduation party idea and had decided to just wear one of my old dresses for the party. But now I thought better of it. It was time I showed Rosalie and all the girls at school that I was not a plain girl. Edward said I was beautiful and I wanted him to be proud of me in front of everyone. I wanted to look my best. I decided it was time to show Alice that I still trusted and cared for her as before.
"So Alice how about Tuesday to go shopping for the dresses? We finish early on that day."
A huge smile spread across Alice's face it was as if the past ten minutes or so simply didn't happen.
"Of course Bella." She came hopping over to me and hugged me.
"I love you Bella. And I also love Edward. I hope you don't mind." She had a mischievous smile on her face. I knew she had already seen my decision not to believe Rosalie.
"Of course. As long as you don't mind me loving Jasper the same way."
I winked at her. Everyone in the room smiled at this. I was glad this new volatile situation that Rosalie had created didn't pull the family apart.
"In my office now." Carlisle walked upstairs with Rosalie following right behind.
"I'd better go with them. See you later dear." Esme joined them.
Jasper walked to me.
"Bella, I think Rosalie is angry and is very jealous of you and Edward. She has always been jealous of Alice and she hated it that Edward always preferred Alice's company to hers. She's also devastated because Emmett wanted to spend some time away from her. He said he wanted to sort things out in his head for a while and stayed behind after the hunt."
"I know I understand."
"Bella she blames you and Edward for Emmett leaving her. I think she meant to apologise to you when she first wanted to talk to you. I could not detect any malicious intent in her. But she must have been deeply hurt by Emmett's leaving and thought to warn you. I think she genuinely believed what she said."
It was Edward who spoke next.
"She really believed she was saving Bella possible hurt and pain by telling her about me and Alice. She misunderstood our closeness for a very long time. The recent situation with Emmett didn't help with her trust issues. She had trusted Emmett to be by her side always but when he decided to take some time away from her she felt betrayed. She's remembering what Royce did to her all over again. I think she's just scared and confused."
"I understand Edward. It's ok. She must be devastated without Emmett. I hope he comes back for her soon."
"Me too." Edward looked really upset over Emmett's leaving.
"Edward I think I should go home now. I need to study a bit more and then get some rest before the exams."
"Sure Bella."
"I'll drop you Bella." Alice chirped. Alice had convinced Charlie to let me stay with her only because she assured him that Edward and the boys would be out.
I knew the situation with Rosalie and Emmett will take some time to resolve but at least today's problems were sorted out without much trouble. I understood that Emmett would be upset after what Rosalie did but how could he leave her when she was so emotionally conflicted? I was feeling very sorry for Rosalie. Were all the Cullen men like that? Taking flight at the first sign of trouble? If I decided to marry Edward and stay with him would he leave me again even after I became a vampire? There were so many things bothering me. But now was not the time to worry about these things. I decided it was time to give hundred percent to my studies. I needed to do well at the exams to get a full scholarship. I had let myself get distracted from my goal by Edward too much during the past couple of weeks. It was time I got back on track. And after the exams I would make my decision about our future together. I knew I couldn't put it off any longer. We were moving very fast in our physical relationship and I couldn't help the increasing emotional closeness I felt towards Edward because of our recent intimacy.
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