Here is part one of a four part series I'm now writing. The series takes place during Bella and Garrett's time at UCLA.
Part One: California Dreamin'
Bella nestled comfortably next to Garrett on their hammock, basking in the warm glow of the rising sun as it gently peeked over the horizon. The picturesque scene around them promised yet another exquisite day in Southern California, much akin to the countless beautiful days they had experienced before. With a contented smile gracing her lips, Bella couldn't help but reflect on the idyllic life she and Garrett were currently living.
After their time in Italy, they had made a fresh start. They were now Garrett and Marie Smith, a newly married couple attending UCLA. They had been residing in Malibu, which Bella fondly dubbed her 'Malibu Dream House,' for a little over 2 years. Currently in their second year at UCLA, Bella was thoroughly enjoying every moment of it.
Instead of indulging in her previous party-loving ways, Bella had wholeheartedly dedicated herself to her studies. Her newfound passions revolved around delving deep into the realm of the sciences, whether it was chemistry, biology, physics, advanced mathematics, or any other previously unfamiliar subject. She had not picked a specific major, as Bella's intention was to absorb knowledge from all the diverse fields, craving to broaden her understanding as much as she could. By adopting this approach, she believed she was laying the foundation for a lifetime's worth of intellectual pursuits, as it sparked an array of fresh perspectives within her curious mind.
Garrett, who had never experienced college before, was also thoroughly enjoying his time at UCLA and had chosen to major in marine biology, which had greatly surprised Bella. In his own words, he confessed that he had always been captivated by the ocean but possessed limited knowledge about it. Therefore, he found immense satisfaction in his coursework, as well as the numerous boat excursions and field trips organized by his classes, allowing him to delve into the depths of the sea and expand his understanding.
They were on the second floor of their house, which Bella considered more of an estate. She couldn't believe the ungodly amount of money they had paid for the house. However, being quite rich from their successful publishing house, and with Alice's keen market insights that aided the Cullens' investments, the cost wasn't a burden. Possessions held little value to Bella and Garrett; their home was the only thing that truly mattered to her. They had acquired one of the most luxurious homes Bella had ever seen, boasting its own private beach—a vital feature as Bella and Garrett indulged in their love-making on the shore nearly every day. The house was enormous, perhaps too large for just two people, but its comfort made up for it. Additionally, it included a separate guest house, ideal for accommodating friends and family who often visited over the past two years. Many weekends had seen their friends, including most of Bella's family, the Cullens, dropping by for a stay. The house also boasted a pool on the first level and an outdoor hot tub on the second level, conveniently positioned next to the hammock they were currently lounging on.
The sun now bathed them in its full glory, they still had a full hour before they had to depart for school. Bella felt a different kind of hunger stirring within her. She looked up and met Garrett's smiling gaze and decided that a little playful indulgence wouldn't hurt. Without hesitation, she swiftly removed the protective shield that concealed their sparkling beauty. Sporting a mischievous smile, she sat up and slipped off her t-shirt, sans bra. Her nipples were already hardened and eager, anticipation building before Garrett's touch had even graced her skin. As she beamed at him, her desire apparent, he instinctively leaned in, his lips tenderly enveloping and sucking on one nipple, followed by the other. Bella leaned her head back, fully relaxing and enjoying the attention he was lavishing on her.
As Garrett continued sucking, Bella's gaze shifted downwards and noticed the prominent bulge in his shorts. With deft precision, she used one hand to unbutton them and lower his zipper. Garrett aided her by lifting his body slightly, allowing her to pull his pants down and reveal his erect manhood, standing thick and pointed upwards, glistening and sparkling, as if it possessed an otherworldly radiance. While Bella yearned to bend over and start sucking on it slowly, she was relishing the attention she was receiving. So, she opted instead to begin stroking him, her hand moving with a languid rhythm, exploring every inch of his throbbing length. They continued pleasuring each other leisurely for a good five minutes until Garrett could no longer resist the mounting pleasure.
"I need you, Bella," Garrett whispered, lifting his face from her chest. "Want to do it in the hot tub?"
"Of course I want to do it in the hot tub!" Bella replied, laughing. She reluctantly released her grip on Garrett's manhood, giving it a playful squeeze before gracefully getting up to swiftly slip out of her shorts. Garrett mirrored her actions, and soon they stood before each other, their naked bodies glistening like dazzling disco balls. Garrett effortlessly scooped Bella into his arms, their lips meeting in a passionate embrace as he carried her toward the inviting hot tub.
As Garrett stepped into the hot tub and began to lower themselves into the inviting water, Bella couldn't help but relish its scorching heat. The temperature was far beyond what humans could tolerate, but it was just right for them. Adjusting her position, she pressed her chest against Garrett's, delighting in the sensation of her breasts pressing against him. Their lips locked in a passionate kiss, and as their bodies intertwined, Bella felt her center brush against his throbbing shaft. She instinctively wiggled her body, savoring the delicious pressure against her stomach. Continuing to rock and rub against him, the intoxicating sensation built within her until she could no longer resist. With a slow, deliberate motion, she lifted herself and gradually lowered herself onto him, taking him inch by inch. Their eyes locked, filled with an intense connection as they savored the moment. Once fully impaled, she wrapped her legs tightly around his waist, maintaining their intimate embrace. They continued their passionate make-out session, with Bella sensually moving her core against his, lost in the pleasure of their shared experience.
Bella realized that as much as they could indulge in this blissful encounter forever, they had a full day of school ahead, and being late was not something either of them desired. Determined to bring their intimate encounter to a satisfying conclusion, Bella skillfully employed the wall of the hot tub, leveraging her legs to lift herself nearly off Garrett and then driving herself back onto him. The rhythmic motion repeated, building an electric frenzy between them. Water splashed everywhere, her breasts bouncing with each passionate movement, and she could feel Garrett's member pulsing within her. In a euphoric release, Bella let out a scream of pleasure as she climaxed, feeling Garrett's own release inside her. Relentlessly, she continued to rise and fall, milking every last drop of his essence out of him as their lips met in fervent kisses. Completely satisfied, she nestled into him, embracing him tightly while he remained within her. Garrett stood up with Bella wrapped around him, getting out of the hot tub, and guided them both to the screen door leading to their bedroom, just steps away. Reluctantly, Bella pulled herself off of Garrett's still hard member, and they made their way to the walk-in closet to prepare for the day ahead.
"I think we'll continue this later tonight," Bella said with a smile as she and Garrett dried themselves off. Once she was nice and dry, Bella slipped into a pair of white panties, savoring the way Garrett's gaze lingered on her firm bottom. Adorned in a stylish red dress that exuded a hint of sexiness while remaining appropriate for a 21-year-old college student, she felt confident and alluring. Putting on a comfortable bra, Bella couldn't help but appreciate the remarkable improvements in bra materials since her human days. She completed her ensemble with a light blue blouse and a trendy vest, keeping up with the current fashion trends. Retrieving her visor from its charging station, Bella placed it on her head, initializing the system with her eye movements. Almost everyone now wore visors for all their communication and computing needs. With the finishing touches of her other accessories in place, she cast a glance at Garrett, who was all set and looked quite dashing. Together, they were now prepared to embark on their day.
They walked downstairs and went through the first floor of their house to reach the garage. They owned two cars: a 2076 Ford Galaxy convertible and a 2075 Jeep Wrangler, which Garrett typically drove. Additionally, they had their two motorcycles, which had been shipped from their home in Italy.
"I'll take the wheel," Bella said with a smile as she settled into the driver's seat. She glanced at Garrett and reapplied her shield over both of them, ensuring their safety in direct sunlight. Her visor interface controlled all the functions in the house and car, allowing her to effortlessly open the garage door. As she started the car and drove it off the charging station, they exited the garage and drove down the winding driveway, onto the Pacific Coast Highway.
While the car was capable of driving itself on this stretch of the highway, Bella preferred to drive herself when her attention wasn't required elsewhere. She set the radio volume low, and as they embarked on their drive to school, the timeless tune of California Dreamin' began playing. Bella cherished the sensation of the wind in her hair as they cruised with the top down, taking in the sights of beach houses and people enjoying the public beaches along the highway. It was a wonderful area to live in.
To the north, the Santa Monica Mountains provided Bella with an easily accessible hunting ground for deer, as the area was not heavily populated. Sometimes she ventured into the sea for a change in cuisine, but she personally favored land animals. For Garrett, Los Angeles was a true smorgasbord, with certain sections of the city still plagued by crime. Bella always accompanied Garrett when he went out to satisfy his thirst, and she occasionally joined in when the mood struck or when the asshole Garrett was going after did something to really piss Bella off. Fortunately, her eyes remained golden even with the occasional human in her diet. Over the decades, she had discovered that it took a great deal to turn her eyes completely red. Garrett wore contact lenses, but Bella was grateful not to require them.
"I think I might want to grab a bite to eat later tonight," Bella commented. Thinking about their diet had made her hungry. "How are you feeling hunger-wise?" Bella inquired.
Garrett smiled at Bella, loving the short dress she was wearing. "I think I'll be good for a few more days. We can go get you something to eat right after I make love to you on the beach. You look amazing in that red dress. It's hard for me to resist making a move on you right now."
Bella chuckled. "Try to keep it in your pants, mister. We'll be at the campus in 20 minutes, and we don't have time or a change of clothes to fool around properly. But what you said about the beach later today sounds perfect."
Just then, Bella's visor alerted her to an incoming call. She swiftly deactivated the radio using her visor's interface and pressed a button in the car to switch to self-driving mode. She answered the call, recognizing it as her good friend Robin. Bella met Robin during her first week of classes, and they hit it off right off the bat. They were both into the sciences and had several classes together. Currently, they were working on a science project in chemistry together.
When Bella answered the call, a miniature 3D image of Robin, resembling a holo phone image, appeared inside Bella's visor. As Bella didn't have a camera on her, Robin could only hear her voice.
"Hey Robin," Bella greeted.
"Hey Marie," Robin responded. "How was your weekend?"
"Can't complain," Bella replied with a smile. "Hanging out with Garrett is always fun." Bella squeezed Garrett's hand affectionately.
"I can only imagine," Robin replied, shaking her head. "You'll have to regale me with all the horror stories you have about married life later. Especially with that sexpot of a hubby. You lucky bitch." Robin burst into laughter, her words laced with playful sarcasm.
"I might have a tale or two that could keep you amused." Bella teased, giving Garrett a playful wink.
"Listen, Marie. I'm calling to let you know that I won't be able to make our lab time later today. I'm sorry, but my grandma called and she needs help moving into her new apartment. I'm meeting her at 2:00, and it'll take up too much time for us to get any real work done. I apologize," Robin explained, looking genuinely sorry.
"It's no problem, don't worry about it," Bella reassured. "Since it's such a beautiful day, how about we hang out in the park next to campus and soak up some sun? We can just relax until your grandma arrives."
"That sounds fantastic," Robin agreed. "I believe Nia and Grace have a free period then too. I'll invite them along. Thanks for being understanding, Marie."
"That sounds perfect. See you at 1:00," Bella confirmed with a smile.
She used her visor to end the call and resumed control of the vehicle.
"So, what kind of stories have you been feeding those girls?" Garrett asked, a playful smile on his face.
"Oh, you know," Bella replied, maintaining a straight face. "All the dreadful tales of married life, where my demanding husband insists on making love to me for hours on end. It's such a burden for a young lady like myself."
"Lady, my ass," Garrett smirked. "You have such a dirty mouth and mind that even a sailor would blush."
"How dare you impugn my reputation," Bella retorted. "I'll have you know that my thoughts are as pure as the driven snow."
They shared a good laugh, reveling in their playful banter, as they continued on their way to school.
Finally, they arrived at school and found an open spot to park. Bella swiftly raised the car's top and leaned up on her tiptoes to plant a kiss on Garrett's lips.
"I'll be at your last class at 5:30 to walk back to the car with you. Have a great day," Garrett said, his smile radiating warmth and affection.
"You too," Bella replied with a smile, parting ways with Garrett as they headed to their respective classes. Walking through the campus, Bella exchanged greetings with familiar faces, but she no longer carried the same level of recognition she once did during her first college experience. It was a welcome change for her, as she found solace in not always having to be in the spotlight among everyone she encountered.
As Bella strolled through the campus, she couldn't help but admire the modern architectural style that had emerged over the past few decades. The buildings boasted sleek curves and abundant glass, a departure from the boxy designs that had dominated three decades ago. She appreciated this shift and felt a sense of aesthetic satisfaction.
Reflecting on the people she encountered, Bella realized that while their expressions and phrases might have changed over time, the fundamental nature of humanity remained unchanged. People still held diverse cultural and political ideologies, leading to a divided country. Being in California, specifically at UCLA, Bella found herself in an area known for its liberal ideals. This alignment suited her perfectly, as she strongly believed in the freedom for individuals to express themselves and live according to their own choices. She held a deep disdain for anyone who sought to impose their beliefs onto others, recognizing the importance of personal autonomy and respecting diverse perspectives.
Bella arrived just in time for her molecular biology class, taking a seat beside her friend Nia. She unfolded her keyboard which she kept tucked in her vest pocket and prepared her visor for note-taking. The visors were equipped with specific settings designed for classroom use, restricting certain operations to prevent any possibility of cheating during exams.
As the class commencement approached, the holographic teacher, who resided in Germany, appeared in full size to initiate the lecture. Remarkable advancements in technology allowed him to teach the class as a hologram, without impeding the students' learning experience. In fact, he even held regular office hours, providing students with the opportunity for one-on-one interaction, as if he were physically present on campus.
By 12:50, Bella was eager to meet up with Robin and any others who had agreed to join them in taking a break in the park. As she strolled toward the park, her friend Grace called out to her, signaling Bella to stop. Bella turned and patiently waited for Grace to catch up. Grace, who was of Chinese heritage, was a close friend and shared several classes with Bella this year. Grace had just grabbed some lunch, and she extended a friendly offer of some of her french fries, which she had been munching on. Bella accepted a few fries with a grateful smile and thanked Grace, beginning to nibble on the disgusting sticks. They chatted about their Condensed Matter Physics class that had taken place earlier in the day as they made their way to the park, where they saw Robin and Nia were already seated on picnic blankets. Bella and Grace settled down next to them, ready to enjoy their break together and soak in the sun and the serene surroundings.
"It's such a beautiful day," Nia said, her smile shining. "I talked with my mom this morning, and it's snowing in New Hampshire. I'm so glad I chose to go to college here. I don't think I could handle the cold and the wet anymore."
"I know exactly what you mean," Bella agreed. "I used to experience the same sentiments."
As they settled in, enjoying their break, some of them indulged in their lunches while they engaged in pleasant conversations. Grace, eager to share, started recounting a date she had recently been on.
"So I went on a blind date with this guy named Simon. He took me to a nice restaurant, and you'd think it was going well. But the whole time, I could tell he was distracted. I'm almost positive he was watching the LA Bears game on his visor. Whenever I was talking, he kept saying 'okay' or 'sure.'"
"What an asshole," Robin chimed in. "What did you do? Did you call him out on it?"
Grace smiled mischievously. "No, but I decided to test out my theory. I told him that I would blow him if the next words out of his mouth weren't 'okay' or 'sure.' And wouldn't you know it, he smiled at me nodding and said, 'sure.'"
Everyone burst into laughter at Simon's sheer stupidity.
"Okay, I know the three of us aren't getting any at the moment. Marie, help us out. Give us some raunchy tale to hold us over until the next time we get lucky," Nia said.
Everyone looked at Bella, knowing she always told the best stories and usually had no filter, making them really hot.
"Okay," Bella said, smiling. "So last week, Garrett and I were making love on the beach. Oh, who am I kidding! I was on my hands and knees, and he was pounding into me from behind like there was no tomorrow. It was a very tender and intimate moment," Bella added, eliciting laughter from everyone.
"So my head was down, just loving the feeling, when all of a sudden I hear two toots from the sea. I lift my head up and see a small fishing boat not too far off the coast. I use my visor to zoom in, and what do I see but three fishermen watching us intently, wearing visors of their own," Bella added with a playful grin.
"Oh my god, Marie," Robin said with a wide grin on her face. "What did you do?"
"The only thing I really could do, of course," Bella added with a sly smile. "I asked Garrett to pick me up, and as he stood, he continued to thrust into me while holding me in the air by my legs, spreading them wide apart, giving our audience a better, unobstructed view. I don't think I've ever come so hard, watching others watching me in such an intimate and exposed moment. I had not realized I was that much of an exhibitionist."
Bella glanced at her friends and noticed the wide eyes and dreamy expressions on their faces. It was evident that they were all envisioning themselves in the same position.
It was then that Bella heard, "Robin, there you are. It's so good to see you." She knew it must be Robin's grandmother speaking.
Bella turned and looked towards the voice, and if she could have, she would have turned even paler. Despite the years etched on her face, it was unmistakable, Robin's grandmother was none other than Jessica Stanley.
"Hi, grandma," Robin said, getting up from the picnic blanket and giving her a gentle hug. "I'd like to introduce you to my friends. This is Nia, Marie, and Grace."
Bella and her friends all greeted Jessica with little waves and smiles. As Bella looked at her, she couldn't help but think that Jessica looked remarkably well for her age. She suspected that Jessica had undergone some cosmetic procedures, as Bella noticed the absence of wrinkles on her face, and her hair was expertly dyed, the same shade of blonde as it had been in high school. The last time Bella had seen Jessica was right after graduation; then, Jessica had moved to California for college. They had never crossed paths again. Bella had heard from her father that Jessica had pursued a career as an attorney, and she was pleased to see that Jessica seemed to have led a fulfilling life. Furthermore, Robin, who bore no resemblance to Jessica's high school self, was a wonderful person. Bella would have never guessed that they were related.
Bella didn't know how to play this. She prayed that Jessica did not recognize her. She wished she had sunglasses, but her visor was see-through.
"It's nice to meet you, girls," Jessica said. "What were you gals just talking about? The looks on your faces tell me it must have been something juicy."
"Oh, it was," Robin said, smiling. "Marie was just telling us how she was having sex on the beach and saw people watching her, but she kept on going."
"Really?" Jessica smiled. It seemed to Bella that she still had a love for gossip.
Jessica turned to address Bella, but as she looked at her, she paused, lost in thought for a few seconds. Bella prayed that she wouldn't come to any wild conclusions like, "Hang on a second. That's Bella, my long-lost friend from 50 years ago. Why hasn't she aged a day?"
Finally, Jessica said, with a hint of confusion, "Are you related to the Cullen family by any chance? You really look like some kids I went to high school with."
Bella's mind raced as she had to think on her feet. She knew she had to say yes, considering Robin's encounter with Rosalie and Emmett last year, who were using the Cullen name. Thankfully, they were currently using different first names. Bella quickly fabricated a story on the spot.
"Yes, my mom's maiden name was Cullen before she got married. Her father is Edward Cullen," Bella replied, figuring she might as well be related to Edward.
Jessica looked shocked. "Wow, Edward Cullen is your grandfather. How is he? I haven't seen or heard of the Cullens since they moved away from Forks over 50 years ago."
"He's doing well. He's retired now and living in Europe," Bella quickly fabricated.
"Edward Cullen," Jessica reminisced, a hint of nostalgia in her voice. "You know, we used to have a little something going on."
"Holy shit!" she thought to herself. Bella did not think this would happen. She decided to play along.
"Really, you and Grandpappy Eddie?" Bella replied with a hint of amusement. "It's hard to picture that, as he always acts so prim and proper around me. I have a hard time imagining him as a kid, let alone fooling around. Or were you two more serious?"
"We had some good times behind the gym, if you know what I mean," Jessica said, smiling mischievously. She made a little jerking motion with her hand, causing Bella and all the girls to burst into giggles. Bella was glad to see that Jessica still retained her vitality and sense of humor at her age, even if she was full of shit. "But it never turned into anything serious. It's best not to bring it up to him. I wouldn't want to embarrass him. He was always so proper, as you mentioned. We never became an official item, if that's what you're asking. Actually, he dated a friend of mine, and I thought they would stay together forever. You even resemble my friend Bella a little. If anything, I would have thought you were her and Edward's grandchild. But the last I heard of Bella, they had ended their relationship and she had married someone else and moved to Europe."
"Granddad has never really opened up to me about his youth. He came from such a large family, as you must remember. I would never bring up any of this with him, especially since his memory isn't the best these days. But thank you for sharing a little glimpse into my granddad's past. The way he talked and acted most of the time I was around him, I always assumed he had been a lifelong virgin. I could never figure out how my mom came into existence!"
"Well, Edward sure was a looker in his day. I'll give him that," Jessica remarked, pausing as she reminisced about Edward before shaking her head, as if trying to regain her composure. "Well, it was certainly nice to meet all of you girls. Are you ready to go, Robin?" she asked.
"I sure am. Later, guys," Robin replied.
All the girls waved goodbye, and as they did, Bella whispered softly, too low for anyone else to hear, "Goodbye, Jess," knowing she most likely would never see her old friend again.
Nia chimed in, breaking the silence. "It's so strange to think about Robin's grandmother knowing your grandfather. Imagine if life turned out differently, and they ended up together. Neither you nor Robin would have ever existed."
Bella smiled at Nia. "I know. It's both amusing and, at the same time, disturbing to think of my grandfather getting handies out behind the gym."
They all laughed and continued to talk and gossip until it was time for their next classes.
After Bella's class was over, she had a half-hour until her next one started and decided to call Edward to regale him with her news.
He must have been at his home, as a hologram of Edward appeared inside her visor. "Hello, Bella," Edward greeted her with a warm smile.
"Hey, Edward," Bella replied, contemplating how to share the news. "You won't believe who I bumped into today. One of your old flames."
"What?" Edward asked, his face showing confusion.
"Yes, believe it or not, I ran into Jessica Stanley today, and it turns out that you and she were quite an item in high school," Bella revealed, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "According to her, it seems you enjoyed receiving handjobs from her behind the gym every day. Now, I can't help but wonder, where was I when all this was going on, Edward?" Bella said, relishing the look on Edward's face.
Edward looked flabbergasted. "No, Bella. I would never do that..." His voice trailed off, seemingly lost for words.
Bella chuckled. "Relax, Edward. I know Jessica was lying—or at least I hope she was aware of it and hadn't just become delusional in her old age. Surprisingly, she happens to be the grandmother of my good friend Robin. Thankfully, Robin is nothing like how Jessica used to be. I had to come up with a quick story, so now I'm your granddaughter."
"Okay," Edward said, slowly catching up to speed.
"I don't think it will amount to anything, but you should be careful not to run into Robin if you decide to visit," Bella stated. "Also, I'm positive Jessica bought my story and did not think anything fishy, but please ask Alice to just look into the future and make sure everything looks good."
"Of course, Bella," Edward reassured her, then asked, "How are you finding college life this second time around? Are you enjoying it?"
"I'm having the best time," Bella said enthusiastically. "I'm learning so much, and it's really broadened my way of thinking about the world. How about you? How are you finding being a music teacher at Kiyoko's school?"
"I'm quite enjoying it, actually," Edward replied. "In fact, Bella, the next time I see you, I think I'm ready for you to block my power for a while. I believe I'm ready to live without my gift."
"I'm glad you've made that decision," Bella said sincerely, truly meaning every word. "I think you will be much happier in the long run."
Bella inquired about the other Cullens, and they talked for a while until it was time for Bella's next class.
As the day came to an end, Bella finished her last class and found Garrett leaning against the wall, patiently waiting for her outside her classroom. A wide smile adorned her face as she approached him, immediately wrapping her arms around him in a warm and affectionate hug.
"How was your day?" Garrett asked.
"You wouldn't believe the day I had," Bella replied with a smile. "Believe it or not, I ran into my old friend Jessica Stanley."
"What?" Garrett exclaimed, looking surprised.
"Don't worry, it turned out fine," Bella reassured him with a smile. "Let me tell you the whole story."
And they walked off hand in hand as Bella regaled him with the tale of Jessica Stanley and Edward Cullen's torrid love affair and their romantic rendezvous behind the Forks gymnasium.
