Where the Streets Have No Name
Chapter 108
Dinner proved to be a quiet affair and somewhat less awkward for Bella than the breakfast had been. Having plenty of time to prepare, and now holding the foreknowledge of the likely effect Edward Cullen might have on her, Bella succeeded to maintain a semblance of normalcy in his presence.
Ella wasn't present at the dinner table to provide added distraction, having been put to bed for the night, but Edward thankfully kept to himself, asserting a cool distance. He barely raised his head from his food, which left Bella feel relieved and disappointed in equal parts.
She couldn't bring herself to look at him directly, yet she had to wage a battle within to keep herself from stealing a glance every so often. She couldn't wrap her head around the dual urges wreaking havoc in her mind.
Bella tried to focus on Renee's words instead and realized that her mother was asking her a question.
"What, Mom?" she said, cursing herself for letting the facade slide and praying that Renee would not notice how preoccupied she was.
"I was just asking about your return flight, sweetheart. You're flying out on Monday morning, right?" Renee asked.
"Yah." Bella nodded. "Really early on Monday."
"What time's your flight?"
"Seven twenty. I suppose I need to get there by six," Bella answered.
"Hmn, we'll have to plan this carefully," Renee said, looking thoughtful. "Edward, what time will you be leaving for work on Monday?"
"Huh?" Edward, suddenly pulled into the conversation, hastily looked up when he heard his name being called.
"I was just asking when you'll leave for work on Monday morning. I'll have to be back before then after I drop Bella off at the airport," Renee explained.
"Mom, you don't have to drive me." Bella shook her head in objection. "I'll find a bus, or get there the night before and wait it out."
"Nonsense! There are no buses nearby, and you are not spending the night at the airport. We might have to go a little early, but I'll drive you there. So, don't even think about arguing, young lady," Renee laid down the rules decisively.
"But Mom, you won't get any sleep if-"
"No, Bella. I am not letting you spend the night at the airport. We'll just have to clock it so I can be back before Edward leaves. That's it."
"I can take her," Edward suddenly said.
Renee looked at him questioningly as Bella held her breath.
"I have to be at the hospital by six-thirty. I can leave a little early and drop Bella off. That way you don't have to lose sleep or drive around half the night. I'll have to wake up early anyway," Edward reasoned.
Renee looked a little uncertain. Edward's argument made sense. But she didn't want to put him out of his way, nor did she want Bella to feel uncomfortable. While she trusted Edward implicitly, she didn't want to thrust her daughter to be in the company of a stranger that Bella seemed to be a little wary of.
"I don't know, Edward..." Renee said hesitantly. Then she turned to Bella to judge her reaction. "What do you think, honey?"
Bella was petrified.
Edward Cullen had just offered to drive her to the airport. It was undoubtedly a generous gesture.
The problem was, she could hardly be in the same room with him while there was company present. What would happen if she found herself alone with this man for nearly an hour?
Something quite unthinkable.
She should refuse.
But how could she?
"I don't want to trouble you..." Bella began in a small voice, cautiously raising her eyes to meet Edward's and felt the familiar tug in her heart.
I should say no.
"It's no trouble. At least it's less trouble than what Renee is proposing," he said. Then quickly added, "Of course, it's up to you. There's no pressure."
Bella looked away, making up her mind.
"Okay, if you're sure you don't mind. Thanks."
The baby monitor came to life right then and Edward stood up, beating Renee to the call.
"It's okay, I got it. I'm almost finished anyway," he said as he left the room.
"Honey, you sure you're okay riding with him to the airport?" Renee asked as soon as Edward was out of earshot.
Bella nodded. "Yah. I mean, as long as he doesn't mind."
"Nah, he wouldn't offer if he didn't mean it. See, I told you Edward's a nice kid," Renee remarked.
Bella nodded silently.
Her mother had no idea just how nice she found him. Bella could only hope that she'd be able to keep it that way.
Thank you Lulabelle98, HeidiJoVT, and Dinx.