SURE BEEN AWHILE. Hopefully you enjoy the read.
What was there to say, really? Ignoring the Cullens for a moment, which was a titanic feat in of itself. The dining room had been setup as if the most honored of guests had been invited to the house to eat. A ceiling which stretched impossibly high had been paired with a rather gorgeous, and old, looking chandelier. Fitted for modern use of course, the light it gave off was as warm and pleasant as Carlisle's voice. Continuing to echo loudly in Bella's head while she got a good view of the feast splayed out for her visit. Taking a few steps forward as the heavenly aroma pulled her further into the room. Missing the hardy chuckle from Emmett as he watched her in this bewildered state.
Eight spots set of course at the table. Cutlery so polished that it appeared brand new. Hauntingly so even, as if it had been freshly cracked from it's case just for this meal. Even the plates, wine glasses, hell, the thick cloth napkins! Bella admittedly began to feel a bit out of place as she scanned the stunning setup. A table cloth which stretched from one end to the other with carefully pinched to form pointed ends that hung delicately over the tables edges. The table and chairs themselves made to be a matching set, likely a decision from Esme when the house was built. A dark rich mahogany that practically glistened under the light of the chandelier overhead. So too did the furniture have that same "fresh from the box" look to it. Bella wondering if the Cullens even bothered using it.
"W-wow... you guys did all of this, just for one night? Don't get me wrong, this looks and smells amazing, but you did NOT have to go to this much trouble." Bella stammered a bit as she finally managed to look her hosts in the eye. Their faces speaking of joy and a bit of amusement as she continued side-eyeing the steaming dishes set out to eat. Carlisle's voice once again being the one to respond.
"It's not often we get the chance to entertain on such a small scale. With Alice always planning her parties, we're not exactly familiar with anyone else at the school. So, with how much she insisted on having you here tonight, we thought it'd be nice to dust off the kitchen and really put it to the test. Please, sit anywhere you like, we'll work ourselves in around you." Gesturing behind her, the chairs had indeed been arranged in a way that there was no obligatory head of the table. Erasing an awkward seating position for one Cullen, and allowing Bella the chance not be directly in the line of sight as it were.
Simply nodding in response, Bella was finally given an opportunity to get a good look at the Cullens. If there had been a way to redefine "casual dress", they would have found it. Nothing about them was overly done, and yet they all appeared so stunning. For the male members of the family finely tailored dress shirts had been chosen, with equally paired dress pants of either black or dark blue. Emmett of course being a tough fit due to his sheer size, his sleeves had been rolled up past the elbow to give him a little relief. No ties, but a few finer details caught her eye. Be it the belts, hilariously expensive looking watches, or even Jasper who sported a set of diamond studs in either ear. Carlisle had allowed a little leeway on footwear considering they were in their own home, as fairly casual dress shoes were spread around.
For the women of the house, it was a little more varied. While Esme and Alice wore rather form fitting if not elegant gowns. Dark red and navy blue respectively, Rosalie had pushed for more of a look like her partner. Save for the flawless diamond bracelets which had replaced her need for a watch, she too joined her "brothers" in a flattering collared shirt and dress pants. This hardly surprised Bella, as Alice told her several days ago that Rosalie's wardrobe had literally anything and everything depending on her whim for the day.
Turning her attention to the table, Bella chose the far left seat near the end. Suddenly stricken with fear at the idea of pulling the chair out against the hardwood floor under her feet and damaging it. But this notion was quickly swept away as Edward had come to help. Nudging the chair effortlessly away from the table's edge so she could sit, allowing her to get comfortable and adjust it as needed. Seating directly across from her as the others filed in to find a spot. Esme reached over as she sat next to Bella and gave the wine glass beside her plate a gentle tap.
"On the rare occasion we get to use our dining room, we don't mind everyone having a little wine with dinner. Is that alright with you, Bella?" Esme offered with a tone so gentle, Bella could hardly recognize the woman she'd spent several hours talking to.
"O-oh! Sure, it can't hurt, right? Just a little though, Charlie already told me way too many times about drinking. It's great having a cop for a Dad." A small wave of chuckling echoed from around the table as the bottle was offered to everyone. Esme happily taking care of Bella's portion before handing it back to Rosalie who returned it to somewhere in the kitchen. Looking at the glass for a moment, she pursed her lips before taking the first sip. Flavorful, bold, and very lasting. Bella's face grimacing for just a second at the first taste of something of this caliber, and it hadn't gone unnoticed. Eyes flickering quickly up, she caught Edward watching her before downing a bit of his own glass. That infectious Cullen smile pulling at his lips, amused at her range of emotion from her first wine tasting.
"So, when Alice told us we were cooking for you tonight, we really had no idea what exactly you'd like. And rather than doing the obvious and just asking, our brilliant opportunist took charge." Carlisle again had taken attention of the room as he stood from his chair. Beginning to uncover the handful of large dishes that had been settling in nicely between them. "Thankfully the good folk that own the diner were more than happy to let us know what you and Charlie usually eat when we told them it was a special dinner."
Eyes widening a bit as she was finally graced with their meal for the night, Bella was shocked. Something so simple had been turned into a mouth-watering spread. The first large platter had eight baked potatoes spread out around it. Each one sliced several dozen times to resemble what had essentially become oven-baked chips. Gently coated with cheese, chives, a small amount of butter, and garlic. Salads which had been generously portioned with various green, carrots, tomatoes, onions, and a thin veil of Cirtus Basil dressing, per information gathered from the diner. And of course, the expertly prepared steaks. Oddly enough the simplest looking piece of the trio, yet the aroma and eventual taste would prove otherwise. Topped with garlic butter and roasted asparagus, they had spent a bit of time as well simmering in the natural juice which surrounded it while being prepared.
Offering nothing more than a pre-drooling stare, her trance was suddenly interrupted as Alice's voice broke through. "We tried VERY hard to come up with some kind of spin on the cobbler they make. Buuuuut... we kind of had to give up. And NO, we were not going to just buy something!" Shooting daggers at her brothers who chose to avoid her hateful gaze. Likely a suggestion thrown around after the third of forth failed attempt at baking.
"Believe me, Alice, that was the last thing on my mind when I came in here tonight, don't worry about it!" Bella offering her condolences while carefully sipping from the wine glass. Letting the taste settle in and admittedly resisting the urge to down the entire glass.
This is amazing! What the heck was Charlie worried about all these years? I'm not about to become a booze-hound, but damn, i'll take what I can get tonight!
With the audacious introductions out of the way per their meal, it was finally time to eat! Healthy portions were divided easily among everyone at the table. The Cullens refusing to take one bite before Bella had done so. Taking a bit longer than expected, she truly felt guilty at the idea of tearing apart such expertly crafted dishes. But, the potatoes were the first to be sacrificed. Then came the salad, and of course, her steak.
Sorry Dad, but it's gonna be pretty hard for me to forget this. I'll have to stomach my way through lunch for awhile, for your sake. Maybe I can even sneak some home, see what you think for yourself.
More than half of her portion had been consumed before Bella even realized how slow her hosts were eating. Quick glances from plate to plate, even Emmett hadn't taken down as much as she had. Weird. But a question had been brewing deeply since she arrived, and in between bites, the courage to ask it finally bubbled upwards. Knife and fork resting for the time being as she caught Edward's and Alice's attention first.
"So... even though it'll make me sound really ungrateful, and kind of like an ass. Why exactly did you guys do all of this for me?" Suddenly feeling the urge to hide under the table, Bella's breath caught deeply in her throat. Able to ask, but perhaps unable to accept the answer. Too late now though.
However, Esme jumped ahead of her children in order to put Bella at ease. "No no, it's perfectly alright for you to ask, Bella. It absolutely seems odd on the surface, doesn't it? As we said, it's not often the kitchen and dining room get put to use. And it's even rarer that one of our kids manages to make a friend that enjoys their company for more than the opportunity to enjoy a party here on the weekends. That is to say, with all due respect to your classmates, they can be a little too transparent. So, Alice thought it would be a nice idea to have dinner and really let one of her friends get to know the family a little better. And it's a wonderful excuse to have all my children looking nice for once."
Taking shots at no one in particular, but Emmett looked a little more guilty than the others. The most likely of anyone in the house to be found covered in any mixture of dirt and blood whether they were out hunting or not. Rosalie and Alice of course needed no excuse to look so extravagant.
But amid various excuses and reasoning behind why most of them preferred a more casual way of dressing from day to day, their meal was nearly at it's end. With the table slowly being cleared of their main course and glasses, the Cullens moved in an almost disturbing fashion that was just too perfect. Almost in unison they had taken away everything except leaving behind one fork at each seat for the cobbler. Hardly to Bella's surprise, the impossible aroma which emanated from the prepared desert was like nothing she ever could have hoped for. The crust alone looked perfect, edges browned in such a way that it appeared picture perfect. One way even feel guilty for daring to slice into it!
But of course, she was presented with the biggest slice thanks to the reigning matriarch of the household. Serving her children next as one by one they were once more seated and prepared to enjoy a bite. And with caution thrown to the wind by this point, Bella made no qualms about being the first to try it. Not that her hosts would complain, she was their guest afterall. A moment of absolute bliss dominating her senses with that first bite. Doing all she could to resist releasing an almost cartoonish groan of delight as the first piece slid down her throat. Another bite to follow, and another, the Cullens joining as they took care of their own slices.
"This is amazing! How did you guys nail this so well if you never use the kitchen?" Far beyond the scope of stumbling over questions, Carlisle and Esme had been through the ringer of social settings over the years. Able to think quick on their feet whenever anything regarding their peculiar lifestyle came into focus. "Truth be told, it took a test pie or two before we really got things settled. Dinner can be relatively easy, but it seems baked goods have a mind of their own." Esme offered as she finished off the last piece of her own slice, a sip of wine letting it roll down rather quickly. Hardly a lie, but perhaps the detail that they'd been "practicing" since before sunrise that morning could be a detail best left to the family.
Barely a whisper between the two, Edward and Emmett offered an exchange in that familiar hushed tone only their kind could hope to hear. Even being this close to Bella who was fawning over the wonderful cobbler. "You ever have this before you got turned?" Emmett asked as he examined the piece currently stuck to his fork before inhaling it. "Only once or twice, it wasn't really around much during the time for us. Shame we can't enjoy food that much anymore." The sad truth, one of many which surrounded their immortal lives. Food truly meant nothing to them, the taste was there, but it served no purpose. Sitting alone in what remained of their stomachs until it simply dissolved, or, more tragically, their body rejects it and they're forced to let it back out.
But once dinner had officially finished, plates cleared including the cobbler, they could rest easy knowing not another bite would be forced. And with dinner wrapped up, the family ushering Bella into the living room, they could begin their bombardment of questions. Albeit a polite bombardment as Esme kept tabs on everyone in the room. Making sure Bella didn't appear uncomfortable as they pressed on. Needing to know as much as they could about her life in Arizona, Forks, her family, her old schools, friends, and hobbies. Really nothing out of the ordinary, and even finding ways to "organically" relate to her experiences as best they could to ease her mind during the entire conversation. Like anyone, she was a little reserved at first, but before long the warm comforting nature that surrounded the coven of immortals eased Bella. Time ticking away well past sundown as they continued.
"That's pretty much all there is to me, and what little of a life I had in Arizona. Honestly, moving back here to such a small town was really something i'd wanted for awhile. I love my mom of course, and Phil treated us both great, but it just kind of sucked that I almost felt expected to be apart of things just because I lived around so many people. My Dad says everyone keeps to themselves here, and he wasn't kidding. But no one's been super rude either, like not being chased off someone's property with a shotgun, you know?"
A fair amount of chuckles and laughter shared around the room, Forks was certainly no Metropolis. Most of his family noticing as Edward's face grimaced for a moment, the idea that the moment she'd stepped foot in a more populated area, she'd been attacked. But he quickly pushed it aside, after all, there could be no place on earth where safety was more guaranteed than inside the Cullen home. Guarded and watched over by seven "monsters" each capable of otherworldly feats. The irony alone was killing the more reclusive of the Cullen "children" as they continued to gently prod Bella about her life pre-Forks.
Carlisle's smooth tones finally picking up over the conversation as she'd brought up Charlie. "I actually owe your father a great deal of gratitude and praise. When we arrived, people began to talk of course. Our family sticks out among the people of Forks like a bleeding severed thumb. But Charlie refused to buy into the whispers and rumors, and made it a point to speak my name with a favorable mention as often as he could. Telling the townsfolk how lucky they were to have someone so highly regarded in my profession in such a tiny town to help. I'd never pat myself on the back that much, but I can't argue, hearing it from the Chief of Police? It's still one of the highlights of us moving here."
Bella was hardly surprised about the revelation regarding her father. Charlie was a simple man, he spoke directly and made sure you knew how he felt about you. And to know how highly he regarded Dr. Cullen and his family? It was hardly a surprise that he offered no push back on Bella coming to their home. Unable to hide that proud smirk as she nodded along with Carlisle's approving words.
I always knew Dad was an honest guy, but that's some major brownie points to earn, good move, Dad!
With their line of questioning nearly exhausted, everyone had seemed to relax in their own way around the living room. Bella most notably practically sinking into the plush, almost hauntingly white, sofa underneath her. The Cullen clan seeming to relax along with her, the most she relaxed, the less tense they appeared. Passing by as nothing more than a coincidence in Bella's mind, Edward most of all appreciating the calm atmosphere. His siblings easily noticing that he hadn't been too far from tearing into the armchair he sat in just next to the couch. Being so close to Bella for so long without any form of reprieve had been... challenging, to say the least. Esme's pleasant voice piercing the veil once more.
"Well ,we've probed plenty into your life, Bella, and you've been more than generous, is there anything you'd like to ask us?" She asked while gesturing to the Cullen family at large. The simple gesture seeming to gather everyone's attention as they turned to gaze at the singular human in their midst. A sudden sense of shock and anxiety hitting Bella before she managed to bring it back around.
This is it! This is your chance! Ask them about Edward, ask them why he saved you! Do it! ASK! ASK!
What felt like a terribly long silence fell over the room as the seconds ticked on. Bella forgetting to blink entirely as she dared herself to ask what her mind demanded. But instead, as she expected, she went the safer route while still looking for some semblance of an answer.
"W-hy did the town react so weirdly to you guys moving here? My Dad couldn't have been the only person who didn't think you were a little different than what they're used to."
You're so chicken shit.
Once more Carlisle took the proverbial stand, the family looking to him as he was considered the expert on their recent move. Mocking a slow but deep inhale to make it appear as if he were pondering the answer to stall for time.
"Well, this isn't the first time we've lived here, or rather I should say, the Cullens. Our family name has passed in and out of Forks for a long time, and each time it did, it wasn't exactly leaving the best taste in people's mouths unfortunately. It actually goes back several generations before the area was truly turned into what it is now. The Cullens had a run-in with the local Native American tribe, the Quileute, I believe you and Charlie are good friends with the Black family from the reservation?"
A quick nod from Bella, eager for Carlisle to continue his story. "I thought so. The details have been a bit lost, but in short, the town and the tribe seem to side with one another on whatever caused the rift. So now, when the Cullen name comes across Forks once more, we're never exactly welcome. More so, they tolerate our family. Truth be told, many families in town would prefer their children didn't come here for parties and events."
A little jaded perhaps in his answer? But Bella was enamored either way, knowing so much about the Cullens in this way fascinated her. Shocked that their family could be so hated in secret despite what good Carlisle alone had done for everyone who needed his medical expertise. Masking the discussion in such a way that their secret wouldn't be let out, Bella lead to believe it was simply their ancestors who caused such a commotion way back when.
Jake's never said anything like that about the Cullens... maybe Billy never told him? Or maybe they're not allowed to...
Lost in her own thoughts for a moment, she decided to push the issue a little further. Wanting very much to see just how much more she could draw out. "I mean, if Charlie speaks so highly of you, it can't all be bad right? And if people in Forks get a little weird when a Cullen family comes back to town, why come back at all?" Bug-eyed and furious at herself, Bella attempted to back pedal as quickly as possible. "Er-sorry no I didn't mean-" But Carlisle simply offered a pleasant smile and a wave of the hand as Esme took the mantle this time.
"No it's alright, that's the nicest way anyone has ever asked or said that to us. But frankly, we love Forks, our family always has. It's peaceful, quiet, remote, nothing ever really happens here save for the parties and festivals. We tried city life, when the kids were younger." Another lie in the mix, always remembering to keep up the facade as she continued. "Forks is where the Cullens belong, it really feels like home." A somber note to put a pin in that particular conversation, Esme always employing her elegant nature to ease away harsher discussions.
Thankfully it worked as intended, Bella asking lighter questions going forward as she slowly rounded the room. Taking this opportunity to learn more about her classmates now that she has her own private audience. Going down the row from Emmett to Alice as she offered a few questions each. Nothing digging too deep, really just curious as to how they handled being the newest Cullens in Forks when coming face to face with the other students. But before long, she was finally given the chance to focus on the final member seated not too far away, Edward Cullen. Carlisle and Esme excusing themselves to give a little more breathing room as the pair shared a little staredown for a moment or two. Were it possible, the entire family would have cleared out save for Edward and Bella, but that would have looked horribly suspicious. The others instead busying themselves with their phones or smaller conversation. Edward hardly able to stifle the chuckle in his throat as Bella took a quiet but long breath to steady her nerves.
Are you a superhero? Why did you decide to save me the other night and run away? Are you hiding a costume under your clothes right now? What alien world are you from that exploded?
"So, the whole music thing, you seem super into it, like, a lot more than anyone i've met here or back in got you so deep into it?" A safe question to start, and a genuine one as well. Edward seemed fascinated with music from what Bella had heard and could see for herself. Edward crossing one leg overtop his knee as he appeared to relax into the chair.
"Actually it's partially because of my family. As we got older, we all started to develop so many different hobbies and interests that it kind of sparked the idea for my music. I'd learned piano at a young age, and fiddled around with several other instruments. But once everyone started getting more active? I felt a desire of sorts to compose different strands of music to fit their style."
A brief pause before Bella finally traded back that little smirk. "You wrote theme songs for your brothers and sisters?" Emmett couldn't help but snort into his palm loud enough that the entire household could have heard it as Edward shared in the sudden laughter.
"Not exactly, but pretty close. I used them for inspiration when I started composing my own music. It took a lot of work and time spent tearing up sheet after sheet. But eventually I managed to pull together some fairly competent tunes that represented everyone pretty well. Alice's is the most recent one that I finally put to paper, it's more of a bubbly tune I can play on a piano or keyboard." Like a shark smelling blood in the water, Alice beamed at her brother and was on her fete before anyone could even hope to begin connecting the dots. One of Edward's arms in hand as she made for the wonderfully well kept grand piano which rested comfortably across the room near the large floor to ceiling panes of glass. Offering a stunning view into the surrounding forest, a backdrop befitting their quiet lifestyle. Edward knowing full well he'd shot himself in the foot before finishing his little tale.
"A perfect excuse for you to show it off then! Bella has never heard you play, obviously, which means you can debut it right here and right now." Mind absolutely flooded with that joy and happiness that only Alice could conjure. Edward was practically choking on her jovial nature as he cycled between her thoughts and his own. Amber gaze flickering to Bella whom appeared just as interested. Almost a challenging look in her own eyes as the Cullen siblings awaited the grand unveiling. Digging into the small cabinet underneath the piano, Edward produced a fairly time worn manila folder and started pawing through it. Finding Alice' particular composition before tossing it onto the small ornate stand which hovered just above the keys. Eyeing it quickly to familiarize himself with the piece once more before placing his fingertips overtop the shimmering ivory keys.
A haunting silence falling over the room before the first few key strokes echoed about the space. At their first call, Esme and Carlisle had seemingly reappeared from thin air. Waiting in the threshold between the hallway and living room, neither wanting to miss a chance to hear their son play. Even Emmett, perhaps the one Cullen clan member whom may see little value in music like this seemed drawn to the performance. A silent comradely with his brother when he chose to offer them his musings.
Eyes closed, fingers gliding in an effortless almost ethereal manner, Edward delivered the tune as promised. Beginning with a slow somber buildup before quickly becoming a combination of keystrokes which wove themselves into a rather uplifting tune. Making sure to stray to the right side of the bench more often and only adding in lower notes to help punctuate a sudden need to emphasize a higher step. Almost painting Alice in the light of moving with the same swiftness and elegance that she herself had mastered over decades of practice. A smile as wide as could be plastered across her face as she rocked on the heels of her feet to the music. Jasper close by as he too basked in the peaceful melody which in turn helped to soothe his frustrating hunger. Properly fed or not, he knew well he could become a risk if not properly kept in check around a singular human in an isolated space.
But the threat was hardly on anyone's mind, least of all Bella's. Whom had completely thrown herself into the mercy of Edward's masterful strokes and taps upon the keys. Marveling at not only his skill, btu the way he seemed to simply surrender himself entirely to the process that was playing the crafted piece. She'd heard Charlie talk about it, the way professional athletes just somehow fit a perfect mold when it came to their game of choice. How a generational talent made it look effortless to a degree that
would make you swear they were built only for that game. And now she was seeing it for herself through Edward's playing.
The Cullen family subtly sharing glances and nods, a smile or two as they noticed her enamored state. It was always interesting to see it time and again when Edward would offer his musical talents to a new face in their home. Whether they had been an acquaintance of Carlisle or otherwise. Always that stunned mesmerized expression before melting into the music. The Swan girl hardly remembering to blink as she tried and failed to keep up with Edward's fingers while they worked across the keys.
Ending just as soon as it had begun with a quick climb up the scales to a high finish as he tapped overtop the final few notes. A slow exhale as a sign of finality before pulling close the casing which kept the keys free of dust or chips before letting his gaze settle on Bella as his eyes opened. Fighting an impossible fight to comment on the starstruck look she offered while everyone else offered a soft set of applause. Esme most of all congratulating her son on his performance as Alice threw her little arms around his shoulders for one massive squeeze.
"Amazing! That was perfect for me, thank you so much." Alice herself resisted the urge to bounce up and down in place so much so that she may very well carry them both into the ceiling above. "And SHAME on you for making me wait to hear it!"
"I only finished it the night after the party, we didn't exactly have a lot of time between then and now for me to play." Edward offered while trying to run defense for himself. But Alice was having none of it as she tutted against his words. "Excuses excuses! The next one you write, it better come to me first so I can hear it." With a chuckle a nod, he escaped Alice's grasp before putting his attention once more on Bella. She'd finally come out of the stupor his music had placed her into.
Okay so superhero, gorgeous, musician, what in the actual HELL is going on with him? If I find a ritual circle somewhere in this house, at least that would make sense! I'd die horribly in their basement and be buried in the woods, but I would know!
"T-that was... wow, you really do practice a lot, don't you?" Was all Bella really had to offer as Edward moved to join her on the sofa. Turning in her seat to keep his gaze as they locked themselves into their own little conversation. "A little more than i'm proud to admit, I don't exactly spend a lot of time doing much else whether it's at home or school. I think last year I spent almost every weekend at home either practicing or just working around the house. Not really the exciting life someone our age should be having."
"I mean, other than a few parties and some games at school, I didn't exactly live the high life of being social either in Arizona, I get it. Honestly if I had the attention span for it i'd have probably got really into gaming or something, but reading killed a lot of time for me. Or dance, but that was more my Mom pushing me into that when I was a kid so, dropped it hard before long. I could only fall on ym face so many times before, you know, I quit having to go." A trend Bella had learned to work with basically her entire life. A perpetual klutz, or a strategic one? Who's to say?
In the midst of their talk, Bella's phone suddenly began buzzing as she pulled it out. Groaning in frustration as the brightly lit screen displayed the time. Quickly glancing back to Edward as he'd already guessed the issue. "Sorry, I gotta get home soon, can't be out too much longer before my Dad starts calling me." Eyeing the time himself, Edward stood up, ready to escort Bella out as everyone came back around to say their goodbyes. Plenty of promises to come back during the week, and weekend, especially if it meant getting to hangout in the house without half of her school packed inside.
"Be safe getting home, Bella." A simple but somber message, offered with that cool tone which worked to draw the ear. Thankful for the darkness that had begun to envelop the driveway outside as a soft blush rose in Bella's cheeks. Between his musical performance, warm charisma, and that sense of "proper" that seemed to follow him around? Bella was starting to understand where the infatuation was coming from when other's talked bout him. "Y-yeah, I will, I have all your numbers now so i'll let you guys know when I get there."
Waiting until the creaking truck door slammed shut, Edward turned on his heel to wait on the step just outside the door. Inhaling for the first time in hours as the cold night air flooded him. Bella's intoxicating scent far enough away now inside the rust heap that he could relax from his own personal fears.
That was... damn. Next time, Bella, next time ask if he's Superman and if the rest of his family are secret superheroes from around the world. I gotta get home and...aaannd? Oh come on you stupid piece of sh-!
Ever the sore spot, the truck groaned, and shook, and teased it's driver as the motor failed to turn over. Chugging and aching as if it were choking on itself as she turned the key over and over. Growing more frustrated by the second, the first swath of shame hitting her since she had started driving it. Seemingly, Jacob had missed a thing or two while re-building the poor creature before Bella moved back into town.
Damnit! Come on! I swear i'll launch you off the fucking cliffs and into the ocean!
By this point, Half of the Cullens had wandered close to the door, easily hearing the truck struggling to survive, let alone start. Emmett and Rosalie especially unable to listen to it suffer much longer as they both headed outside with Edward in toe. Bella flooded with that same blush from embarrassment as he offered that same calm tone as she wrenched the window down. "...It won't start."
"Pop the hood for me, Rose and I can take a peak and see what's wrong with the poor girl." Happy to comply, Rosalie was tying her hair up into a loose ponytail as Bella manged to yank the handle which let the hood go. Emmett tossing it open with his thumb before propping it open and the stunning pair dove right in. Bella refusing to make eye contact with Edward as he offered a concerned look to his siblings as they tinkered and toyed with a few different things under the hood. Only a few minutes passing by before they were ready to offer their diagnosis. Emmett holding something Bella couldn't really identify in his massive hand. But whatever it was, it was rusted, cracked, and looked like it may snap in half. Shaking his head while Rosalie peaked overtop the hood into the cab.
"Sorry, Bella, but it's basically dead. Emmett and I can probably fix it? But we can't do anything about parts until anyone opens up tomorrow morning. Are you okay with leaving it here?" Rosalie had that same soft, caring tone Edward possessed, not wanting to stress Bella out more than she already was. But thankfully, Jasper being within ear shot was able to put his gift to work, easing the tension and allowing a cooler head to prevail from the poor girl sitting behind the wheel in that moment.
"Yeah... I guess I don't have a choice. Charlie will understand when I tell him, he knows how bad this thing was struggling along anyways... but I can't ask you guys to do that for me, not waste your money on it." Rosalie shuffled around the bulkier man beside her and stole a rag from his back pocket to wipe her hands off. "Trust me, it's literally not an issue. And that's not me saying we have the money. Emmett and I made friends with every junkyard and scrapper between Forks and Seattle, we always need parts when we play with our pet projects, we'll get them for nothing, and we can maybe bring this thing back to life. But for tonight, Edward can run you home and we'll get to work in the morning."
Bella was hardly going to argue, with or without Jasper's influence to keep her from freaking out at the situation. Kicking the door open, partly hoping it would just fall off, she grabbed her bag, phone, and keys before making the walk of shame to Edward's car. The door popped open for her as she slid inside and pulled the door shut. Immediately comparing the luxury of a modern SUV to the scrap heap which would be camping out in their driveway for the night. Still frustrated as it effortlessly came to life, almost inaudibly and they were headed off to the Swan house.
"Sorry about the truck... but with all due respect to Jacob, I don't think it deserved to continue on as it was." Edward offered as he pulled away from their extended drive. Making for town and seeing what lights still remained on as he kept one eye on Bella. Watching her fidget with her keys, one foot tapping on the near pristine mat on the floor. "I kind of worried about it honestly, but it was nice to have, a cool gift you know? Dad won't be mad or anything, but it sucks. Jake will be disappointed too, he;s the one who fixed it first."
Sitting and sulking for a few minutes, Edward was thankful she broke the silence once more. Unable to find words himself as they edged closer to her home. "But, i'm really glad you guys invited me over today. I hear shit all the time about your family and it;s really annoying. But you're all really interesting, and it's great to see a family actually connected like that. My mom and dad split up when I was a kid and a lot of kids I grew up with had divorced or single parents. It's kind of weird, in a good way, seeing such a big family not broken up."
"We understand why people talk, our family is very big compared to some, and it's a little strange the way we never really separate. But it's just rumors, and people still want to be around us so, bygones. And I know Alice was chomping at the bit to have you over. It's like my mother said, we really don't have a lot of actual friends come to the house when we're not hosting a party. At least none that came back more than once."
"Yeah, I guess why grumble about it when you guys don't really care, right? But it was awesome to get a look for myself. The house is insane, the food, your parents are super nice. Charlie leaves me home alone a lot since he has to be out doing whatever a cop does around here, so if you guys want me to hangout? I'll happily join in."
"Absolutely, we're not always collected either, especially Emmett and Rosalie. They waste most days in the garage and Alice never stops moving. Other than our parents, i'm really the only one who stands still." The atmosphere in the SUV was quickly easing, both Bella and Edward feeling that same sense of comfort they'd felt during his performance at the house. Bella now wearing a soft smile with the thought of her near-death truck gone for now. Edward clearing his throat more from a long gone instinct than a need. "It would be... nice to see you around more."
That blush back in full force as Edward took the careful but risky move. Bella hardly missing reading between those lines as she looked up to see her house coming into view. She didn't hate the idea of course, spending more time around the Cullens since she seemed to get along with them easily. And Edward... a bonus, really. With the curtain being pulled back on their lives, and Bella seeing the Cullens for who they really were, as far as she knew, the idea definitely settled in nicely with her. It could have been the siren call of his music from earlier for all she really knew, but did she care? Nope.
If anything, she just wanted to know more, about all of them. She'd never met anyone like the Cullens in her life, nor did she think she'd ever get the chance again. And she still had plenty of questions left for Edward...
With the SUV coming to a stop infront of her house, Bella popped the door open and managed to slide out barely in time before Edward had made it around the side. Double checking that she had everything, she offered him a pleasant smile before making for the door. Following close behind as he gazed in through the living room window. The TV clearly visible, Charlie's cruiser parked and idle for hours. Turning the knob, Bella turned and contemplated roughly a hundred different things to say before she finally managed to pick one. "Hey... would you wanna...I mean, i'm gonna come over and hangout with you guys again as soon as I can. But why don't we...
"
Come ooooooonn, just ask! ASK! DO IT!
Edward stood, waiting, silent as still as a stone. He knew it was coming, he knew exactly what she wanted to ask, but he refused to take the moment from her. Proud of her boldness and willing to wait as long as he possibly had to for her to find the proper words.
"Wanna go out with me, on a date?"
Composure could not possibly begin to describe what Edward was putting himself through in that moment. For the first time in decades, every part of him wanted to scream and shout in glee. Knowing full well Alice already saw the question, the answer, and would likely be fighting her own urges to run at full speed to the Swan household to squeeze them both. That smirk returning, warm and inviting, nodding slowly as his tone carried as much of a calm energy as it possibly could without breaking.
"Absolutely. Pick the time and place, anywhere you'd like, and let me know."
Nodding quickly herself, Bella fumbled with the knob and nudged the door open, that maddening blush now on full display. Edward unable to take his eyes off the alluring crimson tint to her cheeks as she stepped into the house. "I will, thanks for the ride home." Remaining in place until she had shut the door, Edward turned on his heel and made off in the SUV as Bella stood in the kitchen for a minute or two. Just letting the moment settle as she exhaled loudly and still wore that dopy smile. Charlie's voice breaking her out of it as he leaned back in his chair.
"Saw Edward drop you off, something wrong with the truck?" An easy guess of course, Bella stumbling into the living room and idly watching the TV, trying not to meet his gaze as she fought the blush on her cheeks.
"Uhm.. yeah, yeah it died in their driveway when I tried to come home. They said they can find parts for it super cheap and try to fix it tomorrow."
"Mhm. Knew some of them liked to mess with cars, heard Emmett talk shop about it a few times. They helped us find a few parts and tires for my cruiser last year, they know some good junkers."
Just as they said, Bella feeling reassured with Charlie confirming their promise about the truck. Tossing her bag onto the couch, she kept her phone in hand and made for the stairs, Charlie once more coming over the announcer for the game he was watching. "Bells... you doin' okay? You know, the doctor visits and all.."
The night had kept those thoughts at bay thankfully, but Bella couldn't fault her dad one bit for being concerned. Especially with how skittish she'd been about going out after dark, even with someone else around. Turning on the first step, she made sure to be as calm as she could be while answering. "Yeah, I am dad, they're really helping a lot."
A nod and a soft "Mhm." before she retreated up the stairs. Shutting her door gently and flopping down onto the bed once she managed to pop her shoes and hoodie off. Phone in hand a moment later as she checked a few texts and put her attention on the Cullens, and Edward.
[Cullen Household]
With Bella home safe, the truck resting in it's spot, Edward shut the SUV off. Hardly able to open his door before the sound of Alice's shoes hit the gravel of their driveway right beside him. Eyes alight with glee as he prepared himself for the onslaught of demands, suggestions, and happiness that she would offer. "I knew she would ask first! I knew it! You were wound way too tight tonight, and look how it ended, not a drop of blood! Or anything bad happening."
"A blessing. So, are you going to tell me when, where, what i'm wearing, and if we'll have a good time?" Scoffing at the insinuation, she grasped his arm and practically yanked him across the pathway into the house. "Of course not, I don't know the details yet, not until decisions start getting made. Besides, why on earth would I pass up the chance to just kick back for once and see how this plays out for myself? I can be patient, you know." The doubt in his mind thankfully was a secret all his own, but any kind of reprieve? He was thankful for when it came to Alice's impossibly bubbly personality. The world itself could be set aflame and she'd find a way to turn it around.
"Now let's go parade you around to everyone else BECAUSE EDWARD FINALLY HAS A DATE."
[Swan Household]
Waiting, hardly able to do so without fidgeting, Bella finally saw her phone light up. Hitting the notification and sighing a massive relief as she read over the message.
"No worries, Alice tried to kill me with questions and congrats when I got home."
"I'd say sorry but, we knew it was coming as soon as you said yes."
"I'll survive, and i'm sure she'll give in and text you as soon as she can calm down."
"I'll be ready for it, besides it's worth the constant spamming considering how tonight ended."
"Speaking of, any idea where you'd like to go?"
A little time between this text and the next, Bella hadn't given it a single thought before actually asking him out. Chewing her bottom lip for a moment before sending off a reply.
"I'll have to think about it a little, wasn't exactly worried about the 'Where' so much as the 'ask Edward out on a date you chicken shit' part."
"Well i'm glad you gave into that little voice and asked. But whatever you decide, it'll be nice to spend time with you."
They spent a little time texting back and forth, Alice of course getting her own in with Bella before the call of sleep hit her hard. Saying goodnight to the pair before setting her phone aside and getting comfortable under the comforter. That same smile still stuck on her face the entire time while she drew closer and closer to sleep.
Now you've done it. Now you have to go out with the superhero, ask him all his secrets, and not seem weird... damn that food was so good...
And a moment later, she was out.
