||Edward's P.O.V.||
Alice had seriously outdone herself. The entire house was decorated with white roses (Lynna's favorite), along with a few pink ones sprinkled here and there for a pop of color. String lights were strung from the ceiling. There was a giant balloon arch with balloons of every color hanging over the door. White, gold, and pink balloons were scattered throughout the house, along with confetti poppers and those obnoxiously loud party blowers.
I had just gotten back from giving Lynna her gift and I felt like I was walking on cloud nine. She had been much more receptive to gift-receiving than I had anticipated. She-who-shall-not-be-named flat out refused to allow me to purchase her a gift, so I was pleasantly surprised when Lynna graciously accepted the gift with starry eyes.
When Alice looked up at me from arranging a bouquet of flowers, she frowned.
"Why are you all wet?" She asked, tilting her head to the side.
After visiting Lynna, I could hardly walk into my home smelling like her. Giving the fact that I was all over her, her scent had clung to my clothes like a second skin. So, in a desperate bid to keep my family from growing suspicious, I had run to the waterfall and scrubbed my clothes until no traces of her scent remained.
"I went for a swim," I told her with a shrug of my shoulders.
She rolled her eyes. Of all times, Edward. Seriously? "Well, will you hurry up and get a shower and make yourself decent? I have to pick up Lynna in a few minutes and it would mean a lot if you were actually present for the party and wearing dry clothes."
Before I could open my mouth to respond, Emmett rounded the corner. My jaw went slack as I took in his attire. He was dressed in a polka-dotted green and yellow clown suit with a bright red nose and a horrendous orange wig. Alice's eyes grew to the size of saucers. I threw my head back and laughed when I took note of her furious thoughts.
"Seriously?! What is with you two?!" She was annoyed.
Emmett wasn't fazed. "What kind of birthday party doesn't have clowns?" He asked, grinning broadly.
He had painted his face and everything. He certainly looked the part. Granted, his large frame was straining against the costume, but it somehow added to the goofy factor. Alice narrowed her eyes at him in annoyance.
"She's turning eighteen. Not five!" She sneered, running a hand through her hair in frustration. "Please change into some normal clothes. I really want this to be perfect."
"I think she'd rather enjoy the clown," I commented, truly believing that to be true.
"You know nothing about her," Alice retorted, waving her hand dismissively.
"I think he's right," Emmett agreed with me, flashing me a jovial smile. Thanks, man.
Alice rolled her eyes before sighing. "Fine. But if you're going to be a clown, then you better juggle."
"Yes, ma'am!" Emmett beamed at her, pleased that he could remain in costume.
Esme walked into the living room carrying a huge three-tiered birthday cake. Carlisle was following behind her, holding several party-sized bags of chips, three large pizzas, and several two-liters of soda.
"Isn't just Lynna going to be here?" I asked, slightly confused by all the food.
"Of course not," my sister responded, flittering towards Esme to inspect the cake. "Dustin is coming. I would like to get to know my nephew a bit. And of course, I invited Noah and Paige as well."
This was news to me. I was under the impression that the party was going to be a private affair. I was surprised that my family was comfortable having so many humans in our home—Humans that weren't aware of what we were.
"Oh," was all I could say.
I didn't mind that they were coming, but it did throw me off a bit.
"Tyler is coming too," she added, as though it was an afterthought.
My eyes grew to the size of saucers. "WHAT?!"
Esme and Carlisle both looked at me in confusion. To say I was livid was an understatement. Emmett chuckled lowly, finding immense enjoyment at my irate expression.
Alice frowned in disapproval. "Oh, calm down, would you? He's a friend of Lynna's. Of course, I invited him."
I shook my head. "She doesn't even like him." At least, I convinced myself of that.
Emmett was quick to pipe up. "She doesn't like you either, but you were invited."
I shot my brother a well-deserved glare. "She likes me just fine," I told him, trying not to let him get under my skin.
He snickered at my expense, his thoughts alerting me to how much he disagreed with my statement. I tried not to be bothered by it.
Esme offered me a gentle smile, placing a hand on my damp shoulder. "Edward, dear. You should really get changed. Our guests will start arriving soon."
Carlisle nodded in agreement. "Best to make yourself presentable, son."
After a quick shower and changing into a light blue polo (Lynna's favorite color), I hesitantly made my way downstairs. I was leery about being around Jasper in Lynna's presence. It was going to be a great struggle to keep my emotions in check, especially given the fact that Tyler was going to be there. Lynna's brother, Dustin, was already here. He had his girlfriend, Jade, dangling from his arm. They were both slightly uneasy in the presence of my family. It was the natural automatic response for humans when around my kind. It was as though their minds subconsciously knew that we were something to fear. Most humans buried the thought in the crevices of their minds, believing themselves to be paranoid, and now was no exception.
Alice was chatting it up with both Dustin and Jade. She was ecstatic to have her nephew here, even though the poor boy hadn't the slightest idea that they were related in any way. I lingered on the outskirts of the living room, not wanting to mingle. Jasper and Rosalie were keeping their distance as well. The party's clown, Emmett, had yet to make an appearance, but I knew he would be showing his goofy face in due time. I was genuinely looking forward to seeing Lynna's face when she saw him dressed as an off-brand Ronald McDonald.
Noah and Paige were the next to arrive. They showed up just as Alice was leaving to pick up Lynna. It felt strange having so many humans in our home. Esme was doing everything she could to ensure everyone's comfort, but I could tell that our guests felt out of place. As if he was somehow aware of the awkward tension in the air, Emmett sauntered into the living, wearing the horrendous clown outfit and a contagious smile. Immediately, everyone seemed to visibly relax.
It wasn't too long before Tyler showed up. I was hoping and praying that he wouldn't make an appearance, but deep down, I knew better. If it involved Lynna, Tyler was all for it. I shot daggers towards the clueless boy as he struck up a conversation with Emmett. To my delight, Noah was annoyed by his presence as well. It was no secret that he wasn't a fan of the jock.
I glanced at the clock and saw that it was nearing six. Alice would be here with Lynna at any minute. I couldn't help but feel giddy as the seconds ticked by. Jasper paid no mind to my unexpected excitement. He was too on edge himself to question my giddiness.
"Places, everyone!" Esme was beaming. "Here they come!"
The sound of Lynna's familiar heartbeat filled my ears long before she stepped through the doorway.
"SURPRISE!" Everyone shouted in unison, blowing on those obnoxious party blowers.
Emmett shot a confetti popper, the colorful paper raining down and landing in Lynna's hair. Her blue eyes were wide, her mouth agape.
"Oh my gosh," she finally spoke, a delicate blush flooding her cheeks.
Alice was grinning from ear to ear. "Happy Birthday!" She threw her arms around Lynna's neck in a loving embrace.
When she pulled away, I noticed the tears swimming in her big, blue eyes. I could feel myself starting to panic at the sight, fighting against the urge to rush to her side. She looked around the decorated room, her lower lip trembling.
"You guys did all of this for me?" She asked, her voice going up an octave.
"Of course," Alice was quick to say, linking arms with her and leading her towards the center of the room where everyone was crowded.
I, of course, was lingering on the outskirts of the room, trying to block out all of the chaotic thoughts.
"Thank you, guys. All of you." Lynna was clearly choked up as she offered everyone a watery smile.
My heart was in my throat as I watched how she interacted with everyone, offering each member of my family a gracious hug. I was genuinely surprised when Rosalie accepted the embrace. When she went to hug Jasper, I visibly stiffened, bracing myself to intervene. Luckily, it wasn't necessary. Jasper was in perfect control as he gave her a side hug and a small smile. When it was Emmett's turn, he picked her up, causing her feet to dangle as he spun her around in a playful manner, eliciting a giggle from the darling girl.
When she had embraced everyone in the room (including Tyler, much to my chagrin), her eyes locked with mine before she slowly padded her way towards me. It was my turn. Her lips twitched up at the corners as her deep blue eyes poured into mine. Then, she threw her arms around my neck and crushed her body against mine. As always, the warmth of her body enveloped me. I found myself closing my eyes, feeling entirely at peace for a brief second before she pulled away and flashed me an awkward smile. It was then that I realized I didn't hug her back. Under the watchful eye of my family, it was probably for the best that I didn't. Besides, I could always make it up to her later.
"Time to open presents." Alice was beaming as she guided Lynna to the gift table.
Alice had gifted her several outfits. One being a dress the color of turquoise.
"Oooh, this one matches your necklace perfectly!" My sister cheered before lightly touching the necklace dangling from Lynna's neck. "Where did you get that?"
Lynna blinked rapidly, her eyes flickering to mine for a split second before she said, "Oh, uh. It was a gift from a friend."
"What sort of 'friend'?" Tyler asked, narrowing his eyes.
His petty, jealous thoughts annoyed me to no end.
||Lynna's P.O.V.||
My heart felt like it was overflowing as I hugged everyone one last time and thanked them for the best birthday ever. Alice drove me home, talking excitedly the whole way.
"I'm so glad you enjoyed it. The last time we threw a party for someone, it didn't go so well, but I just knew everything would go perfectly. I didn't need a vision to believe that. You never told me who gave you that necklace. Judging by Tyler's reaction, it wasn't him. Plus, he got you that mermaid figurine. Ooh, I can't wait for that Tayler Swift concert. When I saw that Esme and Carlisle were looking into purchasing the tickets, I freaked." She squealed giddily before casting a side-eye glance my way. "So, where did you get the necklace if you don't mind me asking? It's really pretty."
A blush immediately flooded my cheeks. I pulled my lower lip between my teeth and looked out the window, trying to appear nonchalant as I admired the passing scenery. "It's like I said—A friend gave it to me."
"Friend? As in a special friend?" She quirked a brow, flashing me a knowing smile.
My blushing intensified. "No. Just a.. friend."
She hummed in response, pursing her lips. "Was it a 'guy' friend?"
I breathed out a nervous laugh. "I mean, he is a guy but—"
"Who?!" Her eyes grew wide with excitement. "Who is he? Oh, you have to tell me! Do I know him? Does he go to our school?"
My anxiety was soaring at this point. Luckily, she was pulling in to my driveway just as she had begun her interrogation.
"Alice, he is just a friend. Trust me," I chuckled. "And you may or may not know him.."
A gasp flew through her lips, her eyes growing wide. "You sneaky thing," she teased, grinning from ear to ear. "Well, whoever this secret casanova is, he does have good taste in jewelry."
"That he does." I smiled her way. "Thanks for everything, by the way. I love you."
She returned my smile before giving me one last hug. "I love you! Happy Birthday. I look forward to throwing you many more parties in the future."
We both laughed joyously before I hopped out of the car and waved goodbye.
I was towel drying my hair in the bathroom when I heard a light tap on the window. My heart skipped a beat thinking it was Edward. I wasn't expecting him for another thirty minutes, but I wasn't complaining. He had promised me a movie marathon of my choosing tonight. I walked into my bedroom fully expecting to see him lounging on my bed as was custom and was surprised to see that he wasn't there. Maybe I accidentally left my window locked?
I hurried over to the window and pulled back the curtain, waiting to be met with his honey-gold eyes. Disappointment flooded through me when I wasn't.. I lifted my window and peered out at the pitch black of night.
"Edward," I spoke his name softly, knowing that he would hear it if he was close by.
When I looked down, I saw a bouquet of white roses sitting on my windowsill. A gasp flew my lips as I picked them up and inhaled the floral scent. Edward was really outdoing himself. After all, white roses were my favorite. My heart swelled in my chest as I closed the window and went to search for a vase.
"What pretty flowers," Mamaw commented as I descended the stairs.
"Yeah." I smiled at her. "Do we have a vase?"
"There should be one in the cupboard."
I was so in tune as I pruned the roses that I didn't notice when Edward snuck in through my window until his arms were wrapped around his waist.
He nuzzled his face against the side of my neck, causing me to shiver as he whispered, "You smell so good, Birthday Girl."
My heart stuttered and stammered as he left a trail of gentle kisses down my neck towards my collarbone. I closed my eyes and relished the feel of his cold lips against my skin, all but forgetting about the flowers that needed pruning. All too soon, he pulled away and flashed me a crooked smile before plopping on my bed.
"Hello to you too," I teased, returning his smile as I resumed tending to the roses.
"Nice flowers," he commented, staring at me with a blank expression.
I hummed in response, my smile growing. "Indeed, they are. I love them. Thank you."
He quirked a brow. "Who got them for you?"
I rolled my eyes playfully and flashed him a smirk. "Gee, I wonder. Maybe my 'friend with benefits' who just so happens to be a vampire that can easily scale the side of my house?"
His eyes widened in surprise. "Do you have another secret 'vampire lover' that I don't know about?"
Lover? My heart raced at the insinuation. Does he consider himself my lover? I pulled my lower lip between my teeth to keep from grinning like a full-on idiot. It took me a few seconds to fully process his comment. When I did, I was thoroughly confused. I tilted my head to the side to study his stoic face.
"You mean.. You didn't get them for me?"
He was on his feet in an instant, inspecting the white roses with scrutinizing eyes. "No," was all he said.
I furrowed my brows in confusion, my arms going limp at my sides.
"Did someone leave them on your doorstep?" He asked, turning his intense gaze towards me.
I shook my head. "I-I… I heard a knock on the window like thirty minutes ago. I thought it was you."
His jaw clenched. "Lynna, I have been with my family up until now."
I tucked a stray curl behind my ear in an anxious manner before folding my arms across my chest and sitting on the edge of the bed. "The roses… They were in my windowsill. There wasn't a note or anything, so I just assumed.."
He crouched down in front of me, taking my hand in his and looking up at me with a gentle smile. "Well, it looks like you have a secret admirer."
I was feeling total déjà vu. Several weeks back, I had woken up to a single white rose in my windowsill, along with a note in Grayson's handwriting that read 'I'm sorry'. It was right after I found out about him cheating on me. In my previous frazzled state, I thought for sure that Grayson was the one that left them. I knew that was wishful thinking; he was… dead. He was gone.
"Grayson always got me white roses.." I whispered, blinking slowly to keep the tears at bay that threatened to spill from my eyes.
Understanding flooded his ochre eyes. In the blink of an eye, he had his arms wrapped me as he laid us back. His back was resting against the headboard, and I was laying on his chest. I inhaled a shaky breath, struggling against the sudden surge of emotions that swept through me. His arms felt like they were the only thing holding me together in that moment.
"I didn't.. I didn't visit him today," I choked out as a sob broke forth from my chest.
He tightened his hold on me before asking, "Would you like to?"
I found myself nodding. "Can we?"
"Of course," he whispered, kissing the top of my head before untangling himself from me.
My heart felt heavy in my chest, while somehow managing to feel as light as air. He stood up and walked to the window before kneeling and saying, "Climb on."
And so I did. My heart hammered away in my chest as I wrapped my legs around his waist and placed my arms around his neck. I leaned forward, pressing myself against his solid back. Somehow, this position still felt intimate to me. I could feel the coolness of his body seeping through his clothes and struggled to keep myself in check.
"Hang on," he told me in a low, rough voice as he wrapped his hands around the back of my knees and jumped out the window.
I bit back a delighted squeal as we sailed through the air before he landed gracefully fifty feet into the forest where he took off at a sprint. Running with him could never get old. I couldn't make out much in the darkness, but the feel of the wind blowing through my hair was exhilarating. All too soon, he came to a halt and assisted me to my feet.
"That is.. so much fun," I giggled, running a hand through my windswept hair.
He flashed me an enthusiastic smile. "I'm glad you enjoy it."
When I walked over and sat down next to Grayson's tombstone, I was slightly taken aback when Edward sank to the ground beside me. I appreciated his support more than he realized; more than I even realized myself. We sat in companiable silence for several minutes. I rested my head against the tombstone and traced the letters of Grayson's name. …
Then, the sky opened up and started pouring down rain. It was no slight drizzle. It felt like buckets of water were getting dumped from the sky. Luckily, it was a warm night. Still, Edward wasted no time in springing to his feet and draping his jacket across my shoulders. His jacket was just as soaked as mine, but it was the thought that counts.
"Come on. Let's get you out of here," he pulled to my feet and dragged me to the edge of the woods.
"Hold on just a second," I said to him, causing him to spin around on his heels and meet my gaze.
The water droplets dripped from his hair and slid down his porcelain face. I was left breathless at the mesmerizing sight. It looked like a scene straight out of a movie.
"What is it?" He asked in a low voice, taking a step closer to me.
His brows were knitted together in worry. My heart was thumping wildly in anticipation as I said, "Kiss me."
I had always wanted to be kissed in the pouring rain. Edward wasted no time in making that dream a reality. His lips found mine in an instant, his cool lips molded against mine in a way that stole my breath. He wrapped his arms around me, crushing my body against his. I melted into him, feeling his solid, stone-like body against my soft flesh. In that moment, I knew that I wanted him. In every humanly way possible. Granted, I knew it before, but it was now set in stone. I yearned for him. Not just physically, but mentally.
His tongue darted against my lips, collecting the raindrops that had gathered here. I moaned in response, pressing myself against him desperately as I tangled my fingers in his hair. The loud beating of my heart echoed in my ears, drowning out all sounds aside from our heavy breathing. He allowed himself to kiss me passionately for a few more measly seconds before pulling away and pressing his forehead against mine.
"Let's get you home, Birthday Girl, before you catch your death," he whispered in a husky voice that sent a delicious shiver down my spine.
"I think I've already caught it," I teased, waiting for my heart to return to a normal rhythm.
The second we were back in my room, Edward pressed me against the wall and wrapped my legs around his waist before his lips found mine once again. His hands gripped my hips, causing butterflies to flutter about violently in my stomach. I could feel his erection digging into my thigh and was unable to stifle the moan that escaped my throat. Heat settled in my core, my stomach clenching deliciously as I kissed him back with a hunger that couldn't be satiated by a simple kiss. He groaned in response, his tongue darting to meet mine for a split second before he broke the kiss and stepped away.
I placed my hand on my forehead and shook my head in frustration. "One of these days, I'm going to spontaneously combust and it's going to be all your fault."
He chuckled lowly, throwing his head back as he did so. "Is that right?"
"Yes." I narrowed my eyes at him playfully. "Have fun explaining my cause of death to Alice."
He flashed me a devilish smirk. "That certainly wouldn't go over well."
I watched, still trying to catch my breath, as he inspected the roses. He placed a rose petal between his fingers and pursed his lips. "I'm going to find out who gave you these."
"I'd appreciate that," I was quick to say.
His brows flew up his forehead. "Why is that?"
I shrugged, flashing him a smile. "So, I can thank them properly, of course."
He pursed his lips, his eyes narrowing into slits. "Do I have competition?"
My smile transformed into a smirk. "Well, I guess that depends on who it is, doesn't it?"
His jaw went slack. I couldn't help but laugh at his aghast expression.
"I'm kidding," I assured him after my laughing fit. "Like I've said before, you're the only friend that I kiss on occasion."
"Oh, yeah?" He quirked a brow, grinning crookedly as he took a step towards me.
I tapped my chin, pretending to be deep in thought. "Well, there was that one time with Tyler.."
He rolled his eyes before teleporting by my side and gently throwing me on the bed. He hovered over me, his arms on either side of my head as his eyes poured into mine. My breath hitched in my throat, my heart racing. Edward and I had kissed more times than I could count, but never has he physically been on top of me. Every nerve in my body was on high alert as I waited for him to close the distance between us.
"And that will be the only time with Tyler, right?" His voice was deep, thick with desire.
His eyes were as dark as the pitch-black sky tonight.
"That is yet to be determined," I teased in a whisper, chewing on my lower lip.
A low rumbling sound came from deep within his chest. The erotic sound caused my breathing to pick up.
"We'll see about that," he responded in a chilling voice.
Disappointment flooded through me when he rolled over on his back, putting some distance between us. In a speed invisible to my human eyes, he grabbed the remote to turn on the TV and was searching for my favorite show.
"After all.. I don't see Tyler watching SpongeBob with you every night," he teased, flashing me a crooked smile that would make any girl weak in the knees.