CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
To say that I was distracted the rest of the show would be an understatement. Edward didn't look upon me with anything less than a happy little grin and light in his eyes. I never realized up until that moment just how good of an actor he was. Really, it was amazing and suddenly I wished I had spent a tad bit more time in those drama classes offered to me back in my school days.
The only moment of relief I experienced was when they announced another person's name for the win. Sad for Liberty Project; yes I was but relieved for myself. Edward gave me another small smile and hand squeeze.
When the show was over; I was happy to get to my feet. It seemed that the dress was less restricting when I stood rather than sit.
"Are we still going to the Governor's Ball? I'd…like too." I asked Edward cautiously.
"Of course, sweetheart. I want you to have the time of your life and since this is your first Governor's Ball; we shall go."
All the parties that happened after the Academy Awards happened in the buildings close to the Kodak Theatre. Edward led me through the throngs of crowds; a nice firm hand holding the whole way.
"Bella, that performance was to die for." Rosalie was the first friend I ran into that night and I blushed giving a small thank you before my gaze turned slightly to Edward. Rose caught it and pulled me away from Edward's grasp.
"Oh come on Cullen. You always get her. Now it's my turn. We're off to find drinks." Rosalie now had me in her firm grasp. Like a child being fought over by two very strong-minded parents.
We were out of hearing distance when she started again, "How's he taking it. I can tell not well."
"I didn't tell him. I never warned him that I would be kissing Scott. I thought he would be cool but I have a feeling I will be hearing about it once we arrive home." I cringed.
We approached the bar. "Two white wines."
"Rose, I'd like the red." I tried to correct her.
"You're not going anywhere near me with red wine. You have a black dress on so you'll be fine when we get tipsy and inevitably spill some but I am wearing yellow and again I say Swan; nowhere near me."
I took my white wine not completely disagreeing with her game plan for the evening. Right now tipsy sounded just fine to me. I sucked down my glass of wine which I believe was meant to be savored and placed the glass back up on the bar. Rose stared at me in disgust.
"Would you like to do keg stands outback, next?" she asked.
"Hey, it may be my last moments of freedom. I think I will grab life by the balls…or whatever they say." I replied.
Rosalie let me order another drink before pulling me away from the bar to a more discreet corner.
"I thought you and Edward were all Tria Fata'd out? What are you talking about last moments of freedom?" she started.
"Well…seeing how lately things have been a tad strained between Edward and I; he I mean…we agreed to reintroduce certain Tria Fata practices back into our relationship." I took a swig from my glass. Just hearing it come out of my mouth was hard.
Rose gasped. "No!" She tried to wrap her mind around it for a moment. "Even the…I mean you trust him to…"
"Wow, Rose. I don't believe I have ever heard you at a loss for words." I laughed. "No Edward is not spanking me again but he does find nifty little ways to punish me and I have a feeling that is what awaits me when I get home."
I looked out over the crowd and could see Edward and Emmett talking. Jacob joined them and I could see Edward point in our direction.
"I…can't believe it. I don't know what to say." Rose added.
Jacob started to walk toward us.
"Yeah well, I think my little bender from the past couple of weeks left him no choice. Not so bad…well yet I mean we haven't really done much yet or at least I haven't done much yet to earn a demonstration of this new relationship. Hello Jacob." I greeted Jake the moment he arrived.
"Bella, you were great. Really it was something." Jacob pulled me into a hug. "I don't think Edward's too too happy. You didn't warn him, did you?"
I slammed back the rest of my drink in answer to the question.
"Would you be a dear and grab me…something a tad stronger." I handed Jacob the glass.
"Yeah…I don't imagine that drunk Bella will help you out any." He replied setting the empty glass down on a nearby table. "We should probably get some food in you first. Come on. Rose, Emmett wants you back as well."
Putting his arms out for each of us to take; like a gentlemen he returned us to our partners. Edward walked me into the dining area and found our table. The food was rather excellent that evening but I was so focused on Edward and the discussion we were sure to have at the end of our evening that I barely managed to find excitement for the miniature chocolate Oscar that was given to each party goer.
I could see my boys over at another table and it looked like Scott was trying to avoid looking at Edward. I don't know what his problem seemed to be. He wasn't the one about to endure a partner building exercise. Did he really believe that Edward would take out our little moment on stage on him? Ridiculous.
"Would you care to dance?" Edward held out a hand to me and I stared at it like any moment it was going to explode? I looked up to him searching for any hidden agenda and he sighed. "I would like to dance with my fiancé. Certainly you could spare me one dance." He replied.
Taking his hand and slowly raising to my feet I glanced around at the other people at our table. Rose was motioning for me to go. She looked like she wanted to tell me that this was a good sign. Jacob let out a breath like he was trying to take bets in his own mind as to what was going to happen next and Emmett just sat there with a sappy grin upon his face.
We walked out to the dance floor. The room was darkly lite with splashes of colored lights thrown on the walls for a sultry night club effect. There seemed to be a thousand people all around chatting, laughing, business deals being made, praise being sung; every single of them having the time of their life.
Edward brought me into dance position form; a nice firm hand placed on my lower back to guide me.
"Bella, calm down. I want you to enjoy yourself. I'm not going to punish you right here. I apologize; I should have never let you know of my dissatisfaction until we arrived home. Please try to relax." Edward whispered in my ear.
"That's like saying, the world will be ending momentarily please sit back and enjoy your peanuts and inflight movie." I replied.
Edward laughed a little. "You picture yourself on a plane when the world ends?"
"Well, I hope to not be alive personally. I'd rather be six feet deep letting the worms crawl in and the worms crawl out."
"Baby, that's disgusting." Edward shook his head at my preposterousness. "Stop worrying about later. It won't be as bad as you think and I have a feeling that you will come to learn a lot about yourself and our relationship. Let's just enjoy ourselves now."
I told you; partner building exercises.
I tried to let loose a little but the Governor's ball was never a place one could really let loose. Now the Vanity Fair party was a different story. The moment that Edward and I returned from the dance floor; Rose was up and ready to move on.
We decided to all share the limo as we made our way to the next party; like a pub crawl this was one more stop on the let's get tipsy and let loose tour. I say tipsy because Edward was sure to watch my alcohol intake and managed to keep me from any drunken behavior but that didn't stop Rose from trying.
"So how's Alice doing?" I asked while waiting for our next drinks.
"She's been good. I swear that baby has just changed her life. She seems completely different…although she doesn't have to contend with punishments any longer so maybe that has something to do with it." Rose offered.
"What do you mean? Jasper's not…" I started.
"Woman, you have the Tria Fata holy grail book in your procession; you'd think you would have read it more." Rose huffed. "It states in the book that after you bear children one is no longer subjected to chastisement because I guess they feel that you are no longer a threat to yourself…you have more to live for and usually a child causes rapid maturity or whatever." She waved off.
"You read the book?" I asked surprised.
"Well Emmett gave me his copy and told me that I could but there were so many phrases and words…I don't know it's all Greek to me. Alice explained it all to me."
"I should go over and see her this week. I want to take some time off soon and reconnect with people. Maybe Alice would be a good person to start with."
"I think that would be nice. You just have to see that adorable little boy. I swear for like a Nano second I thought it would be a good idea to get me one of those but then just thinking about Emmett it reminded me that I already have one child and I just don't know if I could handle another baby." She exaggerated.
I laughed picturing her changing a baby while giving Emmett a bottle.
"Besides Charlotte's due soon so pretty soon we will be surrounded by babies." She continued.
"Jacqueline?" Suddenly I saw someone looking like my close personal friend getting freaky on the dance floor.
"Oh shit. Look at that. She's practically humping that poor boy." Rose replied.
"That's not a boy that's Matthew Picot." My jaw dropped at the sight.
"Who's Matthew Picot?" she asked.
"Rose, did you like not pay any attention to the performance I was just in. He's the keyboardist for Liberty Project." I couldn't believe my eyes as I sat there staring at them.
"Damn, girls going for it." Rose laughed.
Jacqueline was grinding all over him when suddenly I saw some major tongue being flapped around between them. "Oh my god." I half screamed and before I knew what I was doing I was charging over to the two. Rose managed to stop me just feet away from the happy couple.
"Bella, let them be." Rose shouted at me over the music.
"But….its…uh…." I stuttered.
The lips pulled apart long enough for them to catch Rose and I.
"Bella." Jacqueline released Matt and jumped on me with a great big hug. "Oh my god. I was hoping I would see you here."
"Wow had enough to drink?" I asked.
"Come on." She rolled her eyes. "You know Matt." Jacqueline waved Matt over who looked at me with a tad bit of blush creeping up on his cheeks.
"Yes. I do." I replied. "Matt."
"Hey…wanna get something to drink?" he asked awkwardly.
"Yes. I think I do need something rather strong." I acknowledged.
Jacqueline started to pull me toward the bar, "Drinks on me." She screamed.
"Jacks, the drinks are free." I laughed.
"All the better. Then we'll get two. B.T.W., loved the performance." She replied.
"Somehow I think you loved a certain keyboardist more." I retorted.
"Awe Bella, let me have my fun. It's been so long since I had any man between my legs. If I don't do something soon my vagina will turn grey and fall out."
"What sex ed class did you take in school?" Rose asked.
"I'm being serious. I'm not joking. I hear that if you don't use it…you lose it. Gotta keep it pink." She shook a wild fist at us.
"No. Seriously…what sex ed class did you take?" Rose asked again.
"Let's do white Russians. Three white Russians." Jacqueline screamed to the bartender.
"I can't do white Russians. I am all corseted up. What do you think the milk will do to me?" I huffed.
"Fine, I will do three white Russians. Haha get it. I want to do three white Russians." She laughed herself silly.
"So I take it that this was what I was missing by not having a bachelorette party." I looked between Rose and Jacqueline.
"We are still doing a bachelorette party, Swan. The moment you set the date we are back on planning." Rose replied.
"Yeah and there's not going to be some bullshit I can only get tipsy crap. I want you drunk with men surrounding you; grinding their junk in your face." Jacqueline ordered.
"Yeah…I think I just found one more reason to not set that date." I cringed.
"Stop being such a prude. Damn girl relax." Rose yelled. "Now be a good girl and take your shot like a man."
Rose handed me the shots that were lined up for us.
"I happen to like being a lady." I retorted and then held my shot up like a brit drinking tea. "Pinky's out. Ladies."
We slammed back the shot and Jacqueline ordered up more.
"Okay, party animals. Stop trying to get my girl drunk." Edward circumvented the fun by showing up before I could take the next shot.
"What a load of crap." Jacqueline huffed.
"Jacqueline. I'm going to be the one to hold her hair back tonight and deal with all the aftermath. You can wait to have your fun with Bella when you take her out for her bachelorette party but until then I want Bella to be somewhat sober." Edward told her.
"I'm going back to find my catch of the day. Bella, you don't mind if I sleep with your friend, right?" she asked me.
"You are both two consenting adults, however…" I started.
"BYE!" She cut me off and ran back to the dance floor.
"Which friend?" Edward's eyes followed her as she met back up with Matt. "Ohhh."
"What time did you want to leave?" I asked Edward.
"Take your time, baby. But I would like to get home sometime soon." He replied.
"Okay, well I probably should make the rounds and see a few people before we leave. Did you already make the rounds?" I asked.
"Some but I was distracted. Let's go." Edward started to pull me away from the land o drinks and I mouthed a good-bye to Rose.
Coming to these parties were always much more fun in the beginning but over the years they started to become less about fun and more about business. That year's party was the first year where it slowly started to change. I had fun but I did see the reasoning behind going around and greeting people. I stopped by where Stefan Vladic was sitting and tried to keep it brief but he asked that I come in sometime this week as they still wanted to see if I could work with one of their new artists they brought over to the WMG label. I told him I would be in on Thursday and Stefan seemed okay with that.
Before we left I realized that I hadn't seen Marcus at the Vanity Fair party. I scanned the room and even asked Edward if he had seen him but nothing. Odd. I would have to give him a call tomorrow and make sure he was all right.
Now it was time to face the music. I tried to feign sleep in the limo hoping that Edward wouldn't want to get into the discussion tonight since it was already two am when we arrived back at the house but no dice.
I stood in my gown by the bed and he quietly shut the door behind him.
"Look, I know that you want to talk but can we please just go to bed and do this in the morning?" I asked hopeful.
"This won't take long. Have a seat." He gestured toward the bed. I started to sit but then that idea didn't look pleasant.
"The least you could do is help me out of this dress first. The damn thing has been cutting into me all evening." I turned around and Edward helped me out of the corseted back.
"Ahhhh." I groaned the moment I was free.
"You know what baby; how bout we both change first." Edward offered.
"Thank you."
Edward followed me to the closet and we both took the time to put on something more comfortable. I could see Edward pull on a plain white t-shirt which had always been a signal that he wasn't planning on any sexual action. It was usually customary for a good ole roll in the hay after I performed. Sad face but I guess I could understand why so I put on a black tank top and some bed shorts.
After a brief potty session and makeup eradication I was back by the bed ready to start opening statements.
"I would like to start off by stating that I do recognize the necessity of an apology. I can understand why you may be upset with the conclusion of my professional performance that occurred earlier this evening. So, I apologize. However I do hope that you are not upset with the fact that I did kiss Scott seeing how I was just doing it for the performance and of course there are no feelings between him and I. I hope you would know that, right?" I winced.
"Bella, I am well aware that you have no romantic interest in Scott. I am mostly disappointed with you because this is something that was obviously planned and you felt the need to not share with me. I get that it is a performance, like when I have to do an intimate scene with another woman however I have always been upfront with you on all my professional intentions. I have told you in the past that you are welcomed to accompany me on days when I could be in compromising positions even though many actors find it distracting; I never want you to feel concerned about my loyalty to you."
"I know." I whispered.
"Do you? Then why would you need to not tell me of your professional intentions? Why would you try to keep it from me?" he asked.
"I was…worried that you would try to veto it. I have had this vision of what I wanted and at the time I knew that a kiss would be the perfect addition. It wasn't like I threw the kiss in because I wanted to see how it felt to kiss another man." I explained.
"I understand that, Bella. I wouldn't have tried to veto anything if you would have just explained it to me. I understand that you will have to do things some times because a situation calls for it. Just like I hope you understand when I have to partake in those situations because of my work. I hate that you don't want to communicate with me. I hate that I always have to find ways to pull it out of you. Our relationship will continue to be rocky until you understand the importance that communication plays in relationships." He exhaled obviously frustrated with me.
"So…what's my…" I couldn't finish.
"I want you to learn to communicate with me and I think that I have an idea." Edward walked over to his top drawer and pulled it open. Inside he pulled out a black velvet drawstring bag. He walked the bag over to me.
"I want to know, Bella. Do you accept whatever punishment I deem necessary for your actions?" he asked looking directly into my eyes.
"Yes." I exhaled unable to take my focus off whatever was in that bag.
Edward opened the drawstring black velvet bag and felt around for whatever it was he was hoping to find. Finally he pulled out something shiny and silver. I could hear the clanging of the silver pieces.
Handcuffs.
Now I was really confused and I'm sure my face showed it.
"Give me your wrist." He held out his hand and tentatively I held out my right hand and he placed the silver cuff around my wrist closing it and tightening it just enough so I couldn't slide my hand out. Then he did something that suddenly freaked me out. He placed the other silver cuff around his left wrist and closed it.
"For the next twenty-four hours you will need to communicate with me on nearly everything you do. I think you will find that it's not easy to do even the most simplest tasks being attached to me and you will need my help."
I can't believe he did this. Twenty-four hours. I'm sure that I could do more than he thinks… I frowned.
"Gee, what else is in that handy bag of yours?" I couldn't help but mock.
"Wouldn't you like to know?" He closed up the bag. "I want to put it back in my drawer."
Together we walked over the drawer and he placed it inside.
"Bella, off limits. I will know if you touch that bag." Edward warned me.
I rolled my eyes and huffed.
"Now let's get to bed." Edward suggested.
Immediately I started to walk to my side of the bed but being anchored to Edward I was pulled back by his refusal to walk with me.
"You need to talk to me. Where do you want to go?" Edward asked.
"Um…I don't know; a strip joint? You just said let's get to bed. I think my intentions were clear." I answered in a not so patient tone.
"Respect." Edward pointed a strong finger at me and I looked down like the scolded child he was treating me like.
"Edward, may we please head on over to the bed. I am dreadfully exhausted and do not foresee me standing upon my pretty little feet much longer." I replied dramatically.
"Why yes Bella, we may. I would never want to see those pretty little feet impaired." Edward put out his right un-cuffed hand to tell me to lead the way and I pulled my brand new ball and chain with me to the bed.
I sat on Edward's side of the bed and scooted myself over to my side. Edward climbed into bed as well and together we laid down upon it. I hated sleeping on my back. It occurred to me that we hadn't turned off the light and suddenly I wished I had that contraption where all I had to do was clap and the light would turn off.
Hated sleeping on my back and I hated sleeping with lights on. But I was determined to not say one word. I started to try to sleep on my side pulling myself away from Edward to do just so but he fought me on allowing my hand to go, so awkwardly I laid on my side with my one arm being pulled back behind me. Not the most comfortable position but I knew that Mr. Cullen was probably smirking at me and that made my blood boil.
"Sweetheart. I want to go and turn off the light. Can you please come with me?" Edward said after a couple more minutes. He was trying to show me the art of communication by setting an example.
"I'm awfully tired, Edward. The light doesn't bother me. Maybe you can get your key out and release yourself from my side and turn off the light yourself." I replied.
"First of all; I know you're lying which I don't appreciate and if it happens again I will just extend the time for our little trial here. Second, get up." He demanded.
I huffed and dramatically got out of bed pulling him with me the cuff cutting into my wrist.
"Stop it, Bella. There is no need for you to pull so hard. I don't want you hurting your wrist."
"Are you going to turn off the light or not?" I snapped.
"You don't need to act like a brat." Edward replied hitting the switch.
"Well, I'm tired and it's three in the morning and somehow you keep finding ways to keep me awake which makes me wonder if this is also part of your punishment; sleep deprivation."
"I would never punish you like that. And it's your stubbornness that is keeping you from sleep." Edward snapped back.
"Edward, can we please get back to bed. Not like I am going to sleep well at all since I have to figure out how to sleep on my back." I started to march the couple of feet back to our bed and thankfully Edward followed after.
"Switch sides with me tonight. I know you sleep better on your stomach, so you sleep on my side of the bed and I will sleep on yours, okay?" he allowed.
"Thank you." I was sincere.
We climbed back in bed and I moved to Edward's side and laid down on my stomach. So much better!
It didn't take long for me to find sleep and it was probably due to major exhaustion as well as the alcohol I consumed earlier. I managed to sleep well considering my wrist was tied to an anchor.
My face was smashed into the pillow the next morning when I managed to creep an eye open. Absent-mindedly I pulled my hand up to wipe the drool from off my face and was quickly reminded of the events from early this morning.
"Good afternoon, baby. Have good sleep?" Edward called out to me. I pushed myself up and saw him laying with his back on a couple of propped up pillows; his cuffed wrist up behind his head. It occurred to me that this little partner building exercise was probably difficult for him too. I can't imagine why he would inadvertently punish himself for the sake of teaching me a lesson.
"Yeah…it was…different." My raspy voice replied.
"Would you like to shower?" He asked and I nodded in response.
Edward twisted himself back and we both scooted off the bed together. I needed to go the bathroom…in fact alcohol always made me want to go number two the morning after. Disgusting I know but I will embarrass myself for the sake of some understanding on your part. You see like any rational person I didn't fancy pooping in front of my partner. It terrified me when I thought of Edward standing there while I had this uber private moment. Oh god what was I going to do?
"What's the matter?" Edward asked seeing my face full of worry.
"Uh…are you going to go to the bathroom? Um…can't we just take the cuffs off for a couple of minutes?" I asked hopeful.
"Baby, you can go in front of me. I won't judge." He had a satisfied little smile on his face.
"Come on, Edward." I whined.
"Honey, I am going to go to the bathroom in front of you. There's no shame. Everybody poops." He responded.
"Oh great. Be sure not to flush after and maybe you and I can build a mountain together." I retorted.
"That's…disgusting, Bella."
"What? I heard it on the radio. Something people do at party's to screw with the home owner."
"So disturbing. Come on." Edward took my hand and pulled me to the restroom.
"Do you want to go first?" he asked.
"No. I'm good." I couldn't keep the disgust from off my face.
"Bella, you're going to have to go sometime." He argued.
"I think I can hold it for twenty-four hours." I looked over to the clock, "Sixteen hours." I smiled triumphantly.
"That's ridiculous. I'll go first to show you it's not so bad."
I stayed outside the door my hand straining to place as much distance between Edward and I but my ears still heard things. Things that I will never be able to erase from my memory. A part of me thought he was putting real effort into his morning b.m. to show me it was no big deal but I was seriously disturbed. If US Weekly could see Edward Cullen now.
Stars They Poop Just Like US!
Finally he was done and I tried to not go near him until he washed his hands.
"You're turn." He turned to me and started to pull me back to the potty.
"Edward, if you make me shit in front of you. I just might not marry you." I threatened.
"Bella, you can't hold it all day."
"Try me. I don't care if I have to prairie dog the rest of the day. I will not go in front of you." I said through my teeth, determined.
"Prairie dog? Build a mountain? What is with the disgusting terms?" he replied exasperated.
"You mess with my private bathroom private time and I become a seasoned truck driver. I warn you it will get worse. Let me out of these cuffs." I demanded.
"No. Go sit on that toilet." He ordered.
I stalked off to the toilet and he made sure to stay on the outside of the bathroom attempting to give me my space. I managed a couple sprays of pee but I refused to give in. Sorry, bowels you can blame the bored house husband for that.
I jumped up from the toilet. What just happened? Edward walked back in.
"Bella, just try." He said frustrated by the lack of poo in the bowl.
"I….I…" I stood there staring. He realized something must have happened.
"What is it, baby?"
"In my mind just now…I…I…I think I referred to you as my husband. That's never happened before." I stood there in shock. Edward's face turned from concern to delight.
"That's…a good thing." He smiled.
"Weird. I don't know what I was thinking. I mean yes it was a sarcastic remark but still." I worked out.
"What was it?" he asked. I cringed. "I won't get mad. I promise." He added.
"Well, I was sitting there done with going…number one and when I finished I was stubbornly not going to go number two and in my mind I apologized to my bowels blaming my bored house husband for this."
Edward smiled and laughed a little, "You had a conversation with your bowels?"
"Wouldn't be the first time. Haven't you ever been in a hurry and tried to cheer them on? Come on; you can do it." I looked up at the furrow in his brow. "No. Just me? Great."
"Thank you." He replied.
"For…teaching you to talk to your bowels?" I questioned.
"For telling me. Communicating with me." He said.
"So…do I get time off for good behavior?" I held up my cuffed wrist in hope.
Edward thought for a moment. "Okay. I will allow you your privacy with your bowels. As reward."
"Yes. Thank you!" I started to do a little happy dance as I was filled with relief.
"But the moment you come back out; back in the cuff. Understand?"
"Yes. Yes. Whatever." I anxiously replied shaking my wrist in front of his face.
We walked back over to the chest of drawers and he pulled the key out of the drawstring black velvet bag. Going back to the bathroom he released me from my confines and I took off for the toilet.
It was the best poop of my life. No lie.
Edward was waiting outside the bathroom door the moment I came back out and I complied with holding my wrist out before I washed my hands. Back in the cuff I went. Now it was onto a nice hot shower.
Edward. Handcuffs. Shower.
Yes. I think I could make do with this nicely. I smiled evilly at the thought. It had been so so long and I was suddenly very horny. And like Jacqueline said; gotta keep it pink!
Ah Mr. Cullen…your stuck with me now….literally.
AN: Thank you for reading! Remember that I have these stories posted on Fiction Pad and TWCS just in case the hostile takeover with the deletion of stories comes my way. Thank you for supporting this story...see you next chapter.