After I kicked out the peanut gallery, who did inform me they were staying for a few days since they "flew all the way from Forks", I went through my portfolio with all of my kids contact information. It was time to have a chat with Mrs. Crowley.
"I'm going to make a few calls. I'll give you some quiet and use your bedroom." Edward said as I sprawled myself out on the couch, phone in hand.
I dialed the numbers shooing him off and waited intensely for someone to pick up on the other end.
"Hello?" A quiet male voice asked.
"Hello, is this Tyler?"
"Yeah, who's this?"
"Hi it's Ms. Swan. How are you feeling today?"
"I'm fine, my face is a little swollen but nothing I can't handle." He shrugged it off.
"I'm glad. I was worried about you. Tyler, I told you yesterday that I would call and check up on you and speak with your mom. Is she home?"
He sighed heavy and hard. For a moment I thought we had disconnected because of the fucking silence. I hated silence.
"Yeah, lemme get her."
I heard him yell "Mom!" in the background and smiled to myself. Such a kid thing to do. Charlie used to get so fucking pissed when I'd do shit like that.
"Isabella Marie, we did NOT raise you in a barn! So stop shouting!"
"Hello?"
"Hi Ms. Crowley, this is Bella Swan. I'm your son's summer program teacher. I'm guessing you heard about what happened yesterday between your son and another student." I said as more of a statement then a question. How could she not have seen that kid's poor fucking face?
"Yes, Miss Swan I'm fully aware of what happened yesterday. My son also mentioned that you got hurt in the scuffle as well. Are you ok?"
"It was just a small cut on the cheek. 'Tis merely a flesh wound." I laughed at my own Monty Python humor. "Look, Mrs. Crowley, the reason I'm calling is because I'm concerned about Tyler's wellbeing. I'm aware of his family…background…and considering the circumstances with his father and you working the insane hours you do, I want to recommend therapy.
Tyler is a great kid and I have no doubt he'll be an even better man. It's just right now; I think he's stuck in a stage that's not only hard, but very confusing for him. The school offers one on one and group sessions with a counselor. I could meet with you sometime next week to discuss this further."
Again there was a long fucking pause. Like mother like son.
"Ms. Swan, I appreciate your concern for my son. However I don't want him in counseling. I don't wish to discuss it further either. I appreciate you calling me and for watching out for Tyler but please respect my decision as his mother. Have a good day."
And with that she hung up. I held the phone in my hand for a minute before I threw it on the couch. I figured that way I wouldn't break the damn thing.
"Mother fucker!" I yelled in frustration.
Edward came flying out of the room, worry etched on his perfect fucking face.
"Bella, you ok?"
"Yeah I'm fucking fine. Sorry about that, I'm just pissed. That kid we dropped off yesterday needs counseling and his mother told me politely to butt the fuck out. It's my job! Who the fuck does she think she is?" I seethed.
"His mother. You can't do anything about it Bella except be there for him. You can help him the best you can and at the end of the day, it has to be enough."
"Yeah, whatever." I grumbled knowing he was right.
"Hey, chin up. I have to go back to my house. My dog is probably having a heart attack and I've been wearing the same thing two days in a row. Would you like to come? Maybe stay with me until Sunday night? We can drive back and I'll stay with you here while you're at work and school."
"Edward Cullen, are you inviting me to your place? You sly shit, you." I giggled.
"Yeah, I guess I am. So what do you say? Come with me Bella. Come see my house. It faces the Atlantic. You'd love the view."
"Alright Cullen, let me pack some shit and we'll be good to go."
"Ok Mrs. Cullen, while you finish packing your shit as you so eloquently put it, I'm going to finish my phone calls."
"Oh Edward, you make my wittle heart go pitter patter." I batted my eyelashes like the sarcastic bitch I was.
XxXxXxXx
"What's your favorite food?"
"I'm a chick, what do you think?"
"Chocolate?"
"Hmm. I'll give you partial credit. Carbs Edward, carbs. Most chicks like to commit something called carbicide. We do it a lot when it's time for my uber bitch alter ego to kick in."
"Carbs aren't a food, they're a macronutrient. And I can't wait til you're on your period." He rolled his eyes at me.
We were almost halfway to Edward's house in Boston and to pass the time (and get to know each other more) we decided to finish our round of twenty questions. Or rather, twenty questions multiplied by pi. We passed twenty a long fucking time ago.
"What the fuck ever, smart ass. Carbs are still food. If you want me to clarify I like bread, pizza, pasta, chocolate, cake, chocolate cake, ice cream, cookies, a good bowl of Wheaties before bed…yeah, carbs."
"You mean you eat something with fiber that's good for you? Bella, I'm shocked."
"Psh, you haven't tried anything as orgasmic as my chocolate chip walnut brownies. Alright you've been hogging the questions, my turn. What's your dog's name?"
"Tanya."
"Really? You named your dog Tanya? What the fuck is wrong with you? That's not a dog name. A dog name is like Bruiser or Phinneas."
"What's wrong with Tanya?"
"Uhh it's a people name, hello. If I had a dog, I'd have to get two and I'd name them Cosmo and Martini. I want a St. Bernhard and Weiner dog."
"Cosmo and Martini, huh? Alcoholic much?" He laughed under his breath.
"Better than Tanya. Where'd you get her from? And if you say a breeder or pet shop I'll castrate you. I'm a firm believer in using the shelters first."
"She was Kate's dog. But Kate developed an allergy to her so I offered to take her. I grew an attachment and I couldn't let her go to a shelter. You'll like the little fur ball."
As soon as he said the K word my insides went topsey turvey. I had a bitter taste in my mouth and I swear my heart was going to explode through my chest.
"Edward can I ask you something serious? Something…personal?" I mumbled.
I never got fucking nervous. And now here I was fiddling with the hem of my dress and looking at my lap.
"Anything Bella. You don't have to be afraid to ask, I promise I won't get mad."
"Have you and Kate…." I trailed off suggestively.
"Had sex?"
"Yeah…I mean she is your future wife and all so it'd only make sense."
Within that two second sentence I felt like I wanted to cry.
"We have. Once. It was about a month and half ago. It was completely awkward and to be honest I don't think I wanna do it again anytime soon."
"Why was it so awkward? I mean you're friends and all, right? Friends have sex all the time. It's called 'friends with benefits'."
"It was awkward because I called out your name. It was your face I saw, not hers." He whispered.
And things got incredibly damn awkward as all Hell now. I couldn't even work up a response for that. So instead I laid my head against the window and closed my eyes.
XxXxXxXx
"Bella, we're here."
I opened my eyes slowly and looked directly into a set of green. His lips turned upwards into a smile and stroked my cheek.
It was a tender moment until I opened my fucking snarky mouth and said, "It's about damn time, I'm starving and I've got a kink in my neck."
"Someone's cranky when they first wake up." He chuckled as we walked up the front steps to his abso-fucking-lutely gorgeous house.
"Holy shit Cullen, you're place is beautiful. And we haven't made it inside yet."
"Thanks. I love this house; I don't think I'd ever want to sell it."
Chez Edward had large glass windows and was about the size of five of my apartments. His living room overlooked the Atlantic and his bedroom faced a harbor. The walls were a warm gray color and the furniture barely looked used. A modern yet cozy vibe echoed.
"Where's your people named dog?" I asked out of curiosity.
He simply smiled and grabbed my hand pulling towards the large glass patio door, sliding it open and walking down the wooden steps of the deck. Lying at the bottom, curled up in a bowl was a little blonde ball of fuzz.
"Tanya, come here girl." He called.
Her little head perked up and she yipped all the way over. She didn't even acknowledge Edward as she started sniffing me instead.
"I think she likes me?" I said unsure whether or not I should attempt to pet her.
"She's harmless. Go ahead and pet her, she won't bite."
I slowly kneeled down and rested my hand atop her little head and scratched behind her ears. Her little leg started thumping into the grass and she leaned into my reach.
"I think I heart her. What is she?"
"A dog."
"Thank you Captain Obvious. I meant what breed."
"A Welsh Corgi."
I was about to open my mouth to say something but was otherwise interrupted when I heard a soft, feminine voice calling from inside the house.
"Edward, are you here?" Mystery female called again.
"Out here!" He shouted back, never taking his eyes off me.
A petite woman walked out onto the patio wearing a sports bra and short running shorts showing off super tan legs and washboard abs. Her blonde hair was pulled up into a loose ponytail and even with her flushed face and sweaty forehead she was beautiful.
"Oh Eddie, you didn't tell me you had company. I'm Kate."
She offered her hand out to me for a handshake. I happened to glance down to her other hand and noticed a large diamond rock dangling off her ring finger. That made me glance down to my hand and realize it was empty except for the moonstone ring my mom had given me when I moved to Dartmouth. I cautiously took her hand in mine and gave her a firm shake and said, "I'm Bella."
"So nice to finally meet you. Eddie has told me so much about you."
She smiled her blinding white smile and batted her stupid lashes. And then the bitch had a death wish. She leaned up and gave Edward a kiss. And not just any kiss; an I'm-gonna-choke-you-with-my-tongue kiss. He abruptly pulled away and looked apologetically towards me.
"Thanks for staying at the house Kate. I appreciate it. Bella and I will be here until Sunday night so if you could come back Tuesday morning and take care of Tanya that'd be awesome. I'll be going to Bella's house after rounds Monday night."
Even I got the hint that he wanted her to leave. We all just stared awkwardly at each other. Kate shot daggers at me as Edward wrapped his arm possessively around my waist. I almost wanted to laugh and say "Ha-ha bitch, ha fucking ha." But I didn't. I am an adult after all.
"Alright well I better get going. Long day of work tomorrow. Eddie I'll see you there bright and early?" She asked hopeful.
"Actually I got Ben to cover my shift tomorrow through Saturday and Jasper will cover it Sunday. I won't see you again til Monday."
She stuck her lip out at an attempt to pout. I wanted to punch her and give her the real effect of a fat lip. But again, that wouldn't be very adult like. She opened her arms and gave Edward a long, exaggerated hug while glaring at me over his shoulder.
"Eddie, do you think Brenna and I could have a moment? You know, just girl stuff."
"I'm sure you and Bella have a lot to talk about so I'll give you a few minutes. Don't keep her too long, I wanted to feed her and take her to the Boston Harbor and then hit up the New England Aquarium."
She smiled sweetly until he walked back in the house, Tanya at his heels. I put my hands on my hips ready for whatever this plastic Barbie bitch was going to throw at me.
"I just wanted to let you know that if you don't sign those divorce papers and I mean soon, I will end you. Some little mouse shit like you isn't going to come between Eddie and me." She seethed getting in my face.
Did she really think she was going to get to me? Really? My arms fell limply at my sides and I stared at the ground.
"Ok."
"Good. Now he will not go home with you. That is my fiancé you home wrecker. We were fine until you walked in."
"Bitch you gotta be kidding me. Did you really think I'd give up so easy?" I laughed.
She took two steps forward, pointing her finger in my chest and said, "I'm sure daddy would like to know about a certain home video of you and a Mr. Eric Yorkie. Back the fuck off or I swear the whole world will know what your ass looks like when it's getting fucked."
Now she was playing dirty. So I did the only thing a girl in my situation could do; grabbed both her nipples in a tittie twister and backed her against the tree.
"Listen to me you little cunt and listen well. I'm going to talk in slow, little words so that that tiny dick sized brain of yours can comprehend. You will stay the fuck away from Edward and me. I don't know what little act you put up in front of his parents but Edward and I will stay married until we're good and ready to call it quits. You're the home wrecker you venereal disease twat, considering that's my husband in there and not yours. You may be the future misses but I'm the current Mrs. Cullen. So take your skinny little ass and take a long drive off a short pier. You threaten me again and I'm sure the media and your daddy would love to know about you fucking the brains out of one Dr. Jacob Black. Are we understood?"
"What's going on out here?" Edward asked as he raced outside. Apparently Kate the Grate (on my nerves) didn't appreciate the pinch that happened on her boobs and squealed like a pig.
As Edward's voice distracted me, making me loosen my grip on the twister and turn away from the enemy, two things happened.
One- That whore slapped me across the cheek.
Two- I punched her back and (hopefully) broke her nose.
It was self-defense, I swear.
"Did you see that Edward? Did you see what that white trash tramp did to me? I think she broke my nose!" Kate whined.
"You started it! Don't come in the kitchen if you can't take the heat, sweetheart!" I spat back.
Edward stepped in the middle of us and extended his arms out to further prevent us from killing one another.
"Kate, I think she gave you a bloody nose but it doesn't look broken. I think you should go home now. I'll check up on you later."
"What? You're taking that bimbo's side over me? I'm your fiancée Edward or have you forgotten?"
"And I'm his wife bitch so move along!"
"Enough, both of you! Kate, go home and ice your nose. Bella shut that damn mouth of yours before I shut it for you." Edward growled.
"This isn't over, home wrecker." She spat as she walked up the steps of the deck.
"Oh you can count on it, cun-"
"Bella!" Edward yelled at me.
I simply shrugged him off and stared daggers as she sauntered out of my vision.
"Way to defend me Cullen. I totally felt like you had my back the whole fucking time."
"Don't you give me your shit, Isabella. I don't know what the fuck happened but you are never to touch her again. Are we clear?"
"Really? Jesus H. Christ, you manwhore! Why the fuck would you bring me up here if it's clearly her that you want? If that witch of a woman comes near me again, she better hope I'm not anywhere sharp, pointy objects."
"Bella, I'm going to say this once and only once. Do. Not. Go. Near. Her. Again. Are we clear?" He growled out. Oh yeah, he was most definitely pissed.
"Crystal."
I pushed away from him and stormed into his house. I slung my weekend bag over my shoulder and had almost made it to the front door when a strong grip pulled me back, nearly knocking me off my already un-fucking-coordinated feet.
"Get your hands off me before I turn your balls into steak tar-tar." I growled.
"Where are you going?"
"Home. It's pretty fucking obvious this was a mistake, Cullen. I'll sign the papers Monday morning and overnight them to you. You'll have them Tuesday."
"Don't go Bella. Please."
I couldn't help but feel the tug on my heartstrings when I stared at his fucking puppy dog face. Not even Tanya could compete with this shit.
"I have no reason to stay. It was stupid of me to come here. You have your life here…your fiancée. As soon as those papers have my John Hancock you won't have to worry about me interfering anymore."
His eyes grew dark and his lips set into a hard line. It took all of two seconds for my bag to be thrown on the floor and my back pushed against the nearest wall in the foyer. He pinned me again like he did earlier in the rain. He really did make my heart go pitter patter.
"Don't you get it? I don't give a fuck about the damn divorce papers. The only person that interfered today was Kate. Please Bella; please believe me when I say I don't want to marry her. I don't want her."
Edward's lips were dangerously close to mine and my breathing was coming in short gasps. Just a centimeter and I would be able to feel him. If I arched my back I'd be able to feel all of him.
"Who do you want?" I asked in a breathless whisper.
I was almost afraid of the answer.
"You."
Our lips connected in a passionate embrace, our hands gripping onto each other's bodies like vices. I couldn't get enough of him. I wanted more…needed more. Flashbacks of six months ago started to play in my mind like a slide show. Vague images of us tangled in each other's embrace, naked and caressing made a knot in the pit of my stomach. I burned for him to touch me.
"It's only been you for the last six months." He panted, finally breaking away.
"I think I kinda remember that night. I see images of us…but I don't know if they're real."
"They're real Bella. They're as real as you and me. Do you have any idea how long I've waited for you? Before that Christmas party, I was alone. I worked, came home, ate and slept. That was it, that was all I had going for me. But that night Bella…that night was the first time I ever fell in love."
His head was resting against mine and our breathing had evened out. My heart beat out of my chest at a rapid pace. Edward "Fuck the Pants Off Me" Cullen just confessed to loving me. Well fuck me backwards six ways to Texas.
"I won't say it back Edward. I can't. I mean, this is the first time I've seen you in six months. We're in a very fucked up situation and I won't say it with the risk of getting my heart broken. Once this is over with and our lives go back to normal…maybe then I'll be able to. But please don't ask me now. I couldn't handle another heartache, another rejection. Shit, my debit card couldn't handle another $150 in ice cream and Kleenex runs." I croaked out.
His eyes closed briefly and he sighed deeply, never breaking his grip from my waist. Its not very often I feel like a total fucking douche waffle but I suppose there's a first time for everything. Today I felt like a total fucking douche waffle.
"I'm not going to force you Bella. I want you to say it because you want to say it back. This situation with Kate will hopefully be over with soon enough. And Bella, just so we're clear…whoever broke your heart last, is a total fucking loser and doesn't know what he's missing. That will be the last time you ever get your heart broken."
And just like that I started bawling uncontrollably. I pulled my hands away from his shirt and buried my face in them as the tears and fucking snot poured out; brought back fond fucking memories of last night and my emotional diarrhea.
"Don't cry my beautiful Swan." He whispered as he wrapped his arms around me.
"I'm okay, I swear. It's just…no one's ever said anything so sweet before and meant it. It's all so new to me and I'm scared. I don't want to lose you. Especially to that conniving, manipulative bitch. Even if you don't stay with me Edward, promise me that you'll find someone better, someone who deserves you."
At that moment, my stomach decided to make a grand entrance by gurgling as loud as it possible could. I felt a heat wave take over my cheeks.
"Come on you emotional bird. Let's get you fed." He said as he wiped away the remainder of my tears.
I smiled and smoothed my hair out, trying to look a somewhat presentable in public.
"You're beautiful Bella. Now let's go."
"Ok. But Edward I just want to let you know…I was dead serious about what I said earlier. I will fuckingstab that bitch if she comes near me again."
"Do you kiss your mother with that mouth?"
"Yep, yours too."
XxXxXxXx
Edward pulled his shiny Volvo into a spot. He told me not to move as I reached to grab the handle for my door.
"Well ain't we just a gentleman tonight." I smiled sweetly.
"That's how my mother, both of them, raised me."
"Is this place any good?" I asked looking at the old building.
"It is. I haven't been here in a while but it was good the last time."
The restaurant was called Emmet's Irish Pub. It wasn't too far from the harbor and the city hall was right down the street. If I weren't so in love with my job, I'd actually consider moving here.
Edward and I walked down the sidewalk toward the pub in a comfortable silence. His hand brushed against mine and at first I thought it might've been an accident. That was until the sneaky bastard did it again. This time I took the bull by the testicles and laced my fingers in his. His head swiftly turned to look at me, and I simply shrugged as if it weren't a big fucking deal.
"Hello. Just the two of you?" A very gorgeous, very pregnant blonde woman said as we walked in.
"Yes. Can we get somewhere…a little private?" Edward asked.
She nodded and waddled in front of us as she led us through the crowded restaurant. If it weren't for the bowling ball growing in her stomach, I would've envied her looks and body.
"I'm Rosalie; I'll be your waitress this evening. Can I start you off with something from the bar? We have a wide variety of beers."
"Uh I'll just stick with an iced tea." I said.
"I'll try the Clausthaler."
Rosalie nodded and said she'd back with our drinks. In the meantime I stared incredulously at Edward.
"What?"
"Non-alcoholic beer, Cullen? Really?"
"What's wrong with it?"
"Uh nothing except drinking non-alcoholic beer is a lot like going down on your cousin, it tastes the same but you know it's wrong."
"Holy shit Bella, you and that mouth! And there's nothing wrong with non-alcoholic drinks. Don't you remember the last time we drank? It ended up with us hitched."
Before I could even retort, I heard a loud crash come from the side of us where the bar was at. Our waitress looked like she was going to shit bricks. Or babies.
"Emmett McCarty if you don't get out of my kitchen I swear to God, I'll smack you so hard you'll be the pregnant one!" She yelled.
"Aww come on Rosie, I was trying to help you out!"
While the little lovers quarrel raged on a few yards to the left of us, I leaned over the table and whispered, "Hey, isn't that the cop from this morning?"
"I don't know. Why would he be here in Boston instead of Hanover?"
"Seriously Edward? Our waitress is his wife so maybe he came to visit her. Told you he wasn't ogling me."
"Whatever."
Rosalie walked over with our drinks, the tall burley man at her heel.
"If you don't go find something else to do, so help me Emmett…" She growled as she slammed our drinks down on the table.
"Hey I know you!" He smiled ignoring her threats.
"What are you doing up here? Weren't you on my side of town earlier?" I asked smiling at him.
"Yeah my shift was about to end when I saw you. I work in Hanover but live here with Rosie and Emmett Jr."
"Holy hell, you don't know what we're having." Rosalie said annoyed as she pulled a tablet and pen from her apron. "Are you ready to order?"
"I'll have the herb grilled chicken wrap, no dressing and a salad with vinaigrette." Edward said as he placed his menu on the table.
"And for you, hun?" Rosalie looked at me, Emmett standing behind her quietly. He was practically bouncing in place.
"I'll do an Emmet Burger, fries, and extra sauce. Can I get melted Swiss on that?"
Both Edward and Rosalie looked at me like I had snot on my face or my tit was showing.
"She wants a me burger." Emmett joked.
"Come join us, please. Maybe this way your wife won't kill you." I said to him.
"You have no idea…" Rosalie groaned under her breath as she waddled towards the bar again.
"God, I love that woman."
I couldn't help but snort. Edward on the other hand didn't find it so amusing.
"So you know why I'm here. What about you two? How'd you end up from Hanover to here?"
"I live here and Bella lives in Hanover." Edward replied smoothly.
"Hey, if you're engaged to that Gordon chick, what are you doing here with this lovely lady?" Emmett asked directing his question towards Edward.
"That's a rather long, detailed story."
"I'll answer that. Six months ago Edward and I met at Christmas party in Washington. Both our families live there, we were visiting. We danced, we drank, we did other stuff that wasn't so PG-13 and somewhere in the midst of all that we got fucking hitched. Except…we didn't know it. Not til yesterday for me. Edward found out a few weeks ago when he went to go get a marriage license with that fucking douche bag Kate Gordon."
Emmett listened intently as I told our tale of a one night stand, a skank, an unfair arrangement between us and our families and brought him up to speed within the last five minutes.
"Holy shit, guys. That's one hellova story you've got there. That's almost like Maury Povich shit." Emmett said all intense. And for some reason, intense on him was fucking funny.
Rosalie came back with our food, setting down the mouthwatering slab of beef in front of me. I couldn't help but laugh at Edward's pathetic little dinner.
"You laugh now but when I have to do a quadruple cardiac bypass because you have atherosclerosis and end up going into cardiac arrest or developing a DVT, you won't be laughing then." He said pointedly.
I guffawed, a deep guttural laugh escaping my lips and it was only a moment before Emmett laughed with me.
"Jesus Cullen, you make it sound like I eat this shit every day. Once in a while is ok, I promise you. Next time, I should just find a meadow or something and let you graze. It'd be cheaper."
"You're a funny woman Bella. I like you. We should hang out sometime." Emmett said as his laughter subsided.
Rosalie cleared her throat and Edward glared at him.
"I mean the four of us of course." Emmett corrected.
"You know, I couldn't help but overhear part of your conversation. I don't want you to think I was eavesdropping or anything but I thought this would be important for your situation. If you want the world to know you're married, even if it's only temporarily, you need to put a ring on her finger." Rosalie said as she pulled a chair up and sat down with us.
It was so sweet to watch Emmett rub soothing circles in between her shoulder blades, her sighs of contentment obvious as she leaned into him closing her eyes.
"That's a good point, Ed man. You need to give Bella Boo a ring if you want it to look legit. He needs a ring too Bella." Emmett agreed as he placed a kiss atop Rose's head.
We finished our dinner moving on from the awkward subject and into Rosalie telling embarrassing stories of her childlike husband and Emmett telling smoking gun cop tales from his two year experience as a policeman. When I reached for me purse to grab for my wallet, Edward gave me a death glare and insisted my money was no good.
"He's right, Bella. You guys seem like you'd be great friends. I'd love to hang out sometime, maybe have some girl time away from this teddy bear." Rosalie said as she ruffled Emmett's curly locks.
"I'd like that a lot actually. I'm here until Sunday evening so maybe we can do something between now and then. You're more than welcome to come chill by my stomping grounds too. Emmett can drop you off on his way to work." I replied.
"Ain't that sweet, Ed man? Our ladies are planning girl time. We should plan some male bonding time."
Edward mumbled something under his breath as he pulled his wallet out of his jacket pocket. He never did change out of the clothes from yesterday.
"You're money isn't any good here either, Edward. Put it away. It's on the house."
"Thank so much you two. We really appreciate the hospitality. I think its sweet you named your restaurant after your husband, Rosalie." I said.
"That's actually a funny story. Emmett spells his name with two T's. I'm sure you noticed there's only one T in the name of the bar. We were drunk celebrating the grand opening and when I wrote down the name of the pub on the notepad to give to the logo designers, Emmett and I forgot how to spell his name."
We all laughed. How fucking ironic.
XxXxXxXx
"It's too late tonight, but I'd like to take you to the aquarium tomorrow." Edward said as we walked hand in hand down the board walk at Boston Harbor. The harbor was almost in Edward's backyard.
"I'd like that. It'd be like a date of sorts." I smiled.
"Something like that. We could've had a date tonight if you wouldn't have invited company."
"Oh come on you big baby. You had a good time with Rose and Emmett. Besides, it'll be nice to have another female to hang with. I tend to steer clear of friends. I think its time I change that habit."
We stopped walking and sat down on the dock, our feet above the water. If I wasn't such a chicken shit, I might've been tempted to stick my toes in.
"Why would you not want to have friends, Bella?"
"It's a long story so I'll give you the soup version."
"Soup version?"
"You know, condensed."
Edward laughed at my little joke.
"When I was doing my undergrad, I met two girls my freshman year. Irina and Zaphrina, both from Russia. Total sorority chicks, ya know? Perfect hair, perfect teeth, perfect preppy fucking clothes. I swear their whole fucking closet was a damn Hollister store. Then in walks me; Cinder-Bella with the raggedy clothes and awkward smile. I lived in band t-shirts, ripped jeans and a worn pair of Chuck Taylor's. Anyways, those two airheads befriended me in a gender and sexuality class. We studied together, grabbed pizza and watched silly movies together; they even came over to my dorm a few times.
We had a presentation coming up on what it was like to be a lesbian or gay in today's society. Irina had these shirts made up that said "Here and Queer". She said that it was for the three of us to wear, even though we were clearly into dudes. I wore mine the next day but when those two came into class, they didn't take their usual seat by me and they certainly weren't wearing their queer shirts. I was humiliated.
When I finished my presentation and asked if anyone had questions, Zaphrina raised her hand and asked if the police commissioner was aware his daughter was a lesbian. Turns out they were using me as some sort of initiation to get into their stupid fucking Kappa Delta shit. So after that, I said fuck it. I wasn't going to let anyone walk over me. I sucked it up and developed a definite potty mouth that scared everyone away. But for some reason it didn't work on that damn terrier Yorkie."
"Your ex?"
"Yep."
"Wow Bella, that's quite a story. If it's any consolation, your potty mouth doesn't scare me either. In fact I think it's rather funny at times."
"Glad I can amuse you, Dr. Cullen."
"Well Mrs. Cullen, I've decided to make it official."
"Make what official?" I asked turning my head away from the night sky and turning to look at him.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a shiny object. My A.D.D. kicked into overdrive and I was desperate to see what it was.
"Isabella Cullen, you are now officially for all intents and purposes… my wife."
He opened his palm to reveal a diamond and sapphire ring. I gasped as I looked at the reflection of the lights creating little sparkles.
"It's beautiful Edward. Was it your mothers? I mean…not your Esme mom but your Elizabeth mom?"
Edward laughed deep from his stomach as he brought my left hand to his lap and slowly slid the jewel onto it. My finger tingled and it sent goose bumps down my arm.
"Yep. This was the ring my biological mother had promised to give to me when I found my soul mate."
"Not to be a buzz killington but why didn't you give it to Kate? She is the one you're going to marry."
I felt a lump form in my throat and tears well in my eyes as the sad reality came crashing down.
"I've told you before I don't want to marry her. I know what kind of woman she is Bella, I'm not blind. She isn't the type of woman this ring was meant for. I know she threatened you earlier but please trust me when I say you need to back down Bella. For your own good and my sanity, back down." He pleaded.
"I don't know if I can do that Edward. It's people like her that made me the way I am."
"Bella this thing between Kate and me…it's bigger than you think. It's more than just complicated, it's dangerous."
"Edward Cullen you have some serious explaining to do. What the fuck do you mean it's dangerous? What are you hiding?"
"I can't tell you Bella. I'm under strict orders."
"Then I can't stay here with you Edward. I need an open, honest relationship." I said sliding the ring off my hand and placing it back in his. I felt a piece of my heart break off in that moment.
I got up from my sitting position and walked away from the dock, back towards the boardwalk. I heard Edward's footsteps behind me and I quickened my pace. I was going home and he wasn't going to stop me this time.
AN: Thanks for your words of encouragement. I appreciate them. If anyone else is in the same boat as me (i.e. jobless, watching Oprah and reading FF), then please tell me how you make it through the day without wanting to poke your eyes out. I'm too depressed to even do my dishes. Well that's a lie…more like lazy. But I tell my bf it's from depression.
I want to give a super mega ultra shout out to Midgie who sent me some wonderful words of encouragement and a total ego-boost.
To everyone else who asked me questions regarding their confusion with Kate seeming like she's cool to being a total douche waffle and Bella knowing about a certain affair between Kate and a certain doctor…your answers will come soon enough so hang in there.
I appreciate everyone who reads this whether you review or not. But leaving me some love is like offering RPattz some sexual healing…it's the right thing to do. Until next chapter….happy reading! : )
AN: Thanks for the reviews; it keeps the unemployment pain at bay. Betcha weren't expecting Kate to be a ho-nugget. Yeah, I think that's pretty swell. I enjoy a good ass-kicking Bella. I went to a job interview today at a Jewish retirement center. The rabbi offended me! He said I had crazy hair and then told me community nutritionists were only people who were rejected from the dietetics programs. Rude much? So I walked away with a sliver of pride and a speck of dignity. On the flip side I do have an interview tomorrow and next Tuesday. Hopefully someone wants me So click that little green button and leave me some love so I don't commit carbicide. Until next time…happy reading!