Chapter 7: A Sliver of Truth

Bella

For the second time today, I stood before my closet, deliberating over the perfect blend of sophistication and comfort for the evening's attire. The digital clock indicated it was only half-past three—plenty of time before Edward's arrival at five.

Two potential outfits lay across my bed, each vying for tonight's occasion. The first, an olive sweater dress paired with snug black leggings, offered a promise of comfort. The second, a bold pleated black top featuring a front zipper, coupled with dark wash jeans, hinted at a more audacious choice. Knee-high boots would be the finishing touch to either option, a marked contrast to the simplicity of this morning's wear.

As I bit my lip, pondering my choices, my thoughts drifted—not to the clothes, but to Edward.

A shiver rippled down my spine, an imagined caress, as I pictured Edward pulling me into his embrace. The world around us faded into obscurity, leaving us alone in our private cosmos. He leaned in, his eyes intense and full of unspoken promises. Then, as if a dream had crystallized into tender reality, his lips met mine.

The kiss was a soft proclamation, a silent communion that spoke louder than words. His hands swept along my back, drawing a vow of protection without uttering a single syllable. I surrendered to the sensation, my fingers threading through his hair, finding a haven amidst the chaos of my existence.

In that ephemeral moment, we were the only two souls in existence, our hearts beating in sync with an ancient rhythm. The initial shiver gave way to a growing warmth as Edward deepened the kiss, and I knew with certainty—I belonged to him.

The intrusive ring of my cell phone shattered the illusion. An unknown number blinked on the display, yet I answered.

"Hello?" My voice was a breathless whisper, still resonant with the echoes of the fantasy.

Angela's voice brought me back to the present. "Is everything okay?" she asked, her concern evident.

A misplaced laugh bubbled up from within me. "I was just... lost in a daydream," I admitted, my eyes wandering to the window, half in hope of seeing Edward there.

"Who was the subject of this daydream?" Angela's knowing laughter came through the phone.

I exhaled, a lock of hair fluttering across my face. "It's not funny, Ang. Edward kissed me, and I panicked, thinking I saw Jacob afterward. And why did you tell him to take me to his parents' house?"

"It was the safest place I could think of," she replied, her voice now serious. "But there's more to it. I saw how Edward reacted to the kiss. He was really hard on himself."

I nodded, even though she couldn't see me. "I noticed."

She hesitated before continuing, "He's different with you, Bella. And it's his story to tell, but I needed to see how he would react to my suggestion. He didn't hesitate to take care of you."

I mulled over Angela's words, a whirlwind of emotions churning inside me. "Is this about how the town perceives him?"

Her affirmation stoked a flame of indignation within me. "That's just unfair. He's entitled to his happiness."

"You're quite perceptive," Angela remarked, a note of admiration in her voice. "Do you think he'll share his story with you?"

My eyes drifted to the outfits arrayed on my bed, and I made my choice—the olive sweater dress. "Yes, he said he would. And I'm ready to trust him with my own story as well. I should start getting ready—I'm joining him and his parents for dinner."

Angela's astonishment was palpable. "Really? How did that come about?"

"I'm not entirely sure myself. Carlisle extended the invitation, and it didn't feel right to decline. Though he said it was Edward's idea. I doubt that, but wasn't going to call him out. Any advice?"

She laughed softly. "Just be yourself, Bella. They're wonderful people. I'll let you get ready. Goodbye."

"Talk to you later."

~~ Black Cat ~~

A smile danced on my lips as I opened the front door. Edward stood there, a bouquet of white roses nestled in his arms. It was sweet of him to bring me flowers, and I didn't mind them being roses. At least they weren't red roses.

"Please, come in," I invited, stepping aside.

My eyes wandered to the unpacked boxes, the daunting task of finding my vase among them prompting a thoughtful tap of my lips.

Edward's gentle cough reclaimed my attention.

Turning back, I noticed what I had initially missed—the roses were already elegantly arranged in a beautiful silver vase.

"I figured with the move, you might not have had a chance to find a vase," he said, his voice laced with a thoughtful timbre.

I felt a blush tint my cheeks, my lips caught between a smile and a bite. This level of consideration was unfamiliar, a refreshing change from what I'd known. It was a tenderness I realized I might have to get used to.

"Shall we head out?" he inquired, his tone soft yet eager.

I placed the vase on the kitchen counter, its blooms a delicate testament to the nascent bond forming between us. With an affirming nod, I gathered my bag and jacket, stepping into the evening with Edward, open to the promise it held.

~~ Black Cat ~~

Edward held the car door open for me, and internally, I groaned. It was yet another gesture I'd have to get used to if outings with him became a regular occurrence. Not that I minded—there were times in the past when I longed for such chivalry from someone other than my father. No one came close… while, until now.

As I slid into the seat, I offered Edward a grateful smile, which he returned as he gently closed the door.

"I want to thank you for picking me up," I said once he was settled in the driver's seat.

"My pleasure, Bella," he replied, his voice warm as he started the car.

"How are you feeling?" he asked, a note of concern threading through his words.

I had anticipated this question. Taking a deep breath, I allowed myself a moment before responding. "At the moment, I'm fine. I honestly don't know why I fainted."

"Fainted? Bella, my father was worried. And from what I witnessed, I was too."

The concept of worry felt foreign, a word that had taken on new meaning since I'd met Edward. His concern was both disconcerting and endearing.

Reaching over, I touched his knee. "I'm touched by your concern. I didn't mean to worry anyone."

His right hand left the steering wheel to cover mine, a gesture that felt just as perfect as it did when we held hands at the diner. Somehow, Edward was dismantling the barriers I had erected, and the craziest part was that I wanted him to. After years of sporadic dating, here I was on a second date with Edward, about to meet his parents. Though I did met his dad, but not in an sort of 'official' way.

He squeezed my hand gently. "You're not used to someone showing concern for you, are you?"

I bit my lip, shaking my head. Voicing my thoughts felt too vulnerable, too raw. "It's usually family," I managed to say. "And they don't know about my latest episode."

"And why is that?" he probed gently.

That was a complicated question. "My father and stepmother are on a deep space mission, and their ship is radio silent."

"Ah, I see. And today's security issue? I thought Star Command operated only in space."

He navigated onto the main road, releasing my hand as he did so.

"The primary role of the military is to minimize civilian harm. I can't divulge the full details of why Star Command was called in, but we were there to help in a bad situation."

"Understandable, and your explanation is enough," he said, the smile evident in his voice.

Glancing at him, I saw the smile on his lips. "Would you tell your parents if you collapsed?"

He turned the car again, his hand finding mine once more. "I would, eventually. I don't keep much from them."

"You seem close with them."

He chuckled softly, cutting the ignition. "That's life in a small town. Everyone knows each other's business." He ran a hand through his hair. "My parents knew about the breakup with my former girlfriend before I even got home. Not that everyone knew."

I hadn't meant to ask, but the question slipped out. "The one the town blames you for what happened to?"

He sighed, a shadow crossing his features. "Yes, but that was before what happened to her. I didn't care that they found out." He paused. "I'm not ready to talk with you about that yet." He paused again, then asked, "Ready to meet my parents?"

I looked out at the house, respecting his honesty and the way answered my question before gently put an end to further questions. Stealing myself, I took a breath before nodding. "No time like the present."