Hi friends! I am giving you another chapter one day after the last because I am having surgery on Friday, and I am unsure when I am able to post the next chapter. Thanks in advance for your understanding.
I wanted to clear up some confusions.
When writing out the plot to this story, I decided it would be better to create a fictional seaside town as a location rather than using a real town. I did this so I could easily plan out the town myself and find out the dynamics. I decided on the name Clear Lake after jumbling different words together, and this sounded best to me. I was not aware there is a suburb of Orlando called Clear Lake. My Clear Lake is completely fictional, and I placed it on the coast for plot reasons. I imagine Clear Lake is an hour (I used Google Maps to figure this out) northeast away from Orlando and south along the coast of Daytona Beach. Clear Lake is named after the lake, on the outskirts of town. I know it contradicting, and I did that on purpose.
I appreciate all of your feedback regarding Clear Lake's location and proximity to the beach and surrounding cities.
Thank you for letting me know, and I again apologize.
This is my first fanfiction story, and I am editing it myself, so sometimes there may be mistakes. :)
ONE LAST COMMENT: I cannot reply to guest/anon reviews, so if you have any questions or comments, I cannot respond to you. I can't make any guarantees I will reply through the author's notes. :)
Thank you for reading this dreadfully long author's note! You deserve a cookie! As always, I appreciate your support and reviews. Enjoy this long chapter from Edward.
Edward
I was packing the last of my belongings into a suitcase when my cell phone rang.
"Hello?"
"Edward!" My mother's voice cried out. "When will you be leaving Washington?"
"Mom, when people usually call they start out with 'hello' or 'hi'. I smirked.
"Honey, I am too excited, so I decided to skip the pleasantries."
I laughed. "My flight into Orlando leaves tomorrow at 10. Dad was going to pick me up at the airport, right?" My car and other belongings had been shipped to Florida three days ago. I had just the bare necessities in my apartment right now.
"Oh yes, dear. I will be coming as well. I miss you! I know I saw you a couple of weeks ago for your graduation, but since we've moved, I miss my family a little extra." Mom said.
"I miss you too, Mom, I'll see you tomorrow. I have some stuff to finish up here and I'm heading to the hotel."
"Okay, love. I'll see you tomorrow. Love, you Edward."
"Love you too, Mom." I smiled and Mom hung up.
I examined my room. I had forgotten how empty the room looked. I had a good four years here. Seth startled me by knocking on the door frame.
"Fuck, Seth." I cursed at him.
"Lighten up Cullen." He smirked. "Ready to leave?"
I met Seth Clearwater my first semester in undergrad six years ago in freshman biology. He and I quickly became friends, and then we became roommates when I was accepted into med school at Washington State University. He was in his second year in med school at WSU. We both worked our asses off, so we got along great. I had finished my undergrad in three years. Two weeks ago, I graduated from med school. I was 25 and ready to start my residency.
"Yeah, Seth. I'll meet you in the living room." He nodded and walked away. I crammed the last couple of things into my last suitcase and mentally said goodbye to my life of schooling. With a deep sigh, I pulled my two suitcases towards the front door.
"Need some help?" Seth questioned.
"Sure, this one is lighter, but let me know if it is too heavy for you," I smirked at him.
"Fucking Cullen, ruining bittersweet moments with his lame ass jokes." He shoved me playfully.
We loaded everything into the car and headed for the hotel. The hotel was close to the airport and I didn't want to sleep on the couch again. The drive was filled with a bittersweet silence. We arrived at the hotel, and Seth slipped into a parking spot. He helped me unload the trunk.
"I'll see ya, Cullen. It was a great six years, bro." He clapped me on the back.
"It's not like I'm dying, Seth." I chuckled. "We will be in touch. And you have to visit this summer. You passed all of your finals, you need to celebrate."
"You're right." He laughed. "Florida would be a great getaway."
I gave him a bro hug and said "Bye Seth."
"Bye, Cullen." I waved one more time and pulled my suitcases towards the entrance of the hotel. The hotel doors opened and I made my way to the front desk.
"Hi, how may I help you?" A young woman with dark hair asked, without looking away from her computer.
"Reservation for E. Cullen." She looked up at me and gasped. She flipped her hair over her shoulder.
"Let me look you up on the computer." She said, attempting to flirt.
"Great," I replied coolly. My eyes traveled elsewhere to avoid her intense gaze.
"Here you are, room 319. Let me know if there is anything I can do to make you have a better stay." She said sultrily. I fought hard to roll my eyes.
"Thanks." I smiled a hard smile, and she handed over the key. I spun around to the elevator to find my room.
I awoke the next morning three hours earlier than my flight. I ordered room service for breakfast and showered. I pulled out my computer and began to research Clear Lake. There wasn't too much information online, but I did manage to find some of the local businesses. There were a couple of coffee shops, a couple of gift shops, bars, a single grocery store, and an art gallery. Clear Lake was named after the lake five miles north of the main street, 6 miles from the beach. According to the Clear Lake tourism website, the lake is quite large for being so close to the ocean. From pictures displayed on the website, it looked nice.
I closed my laptop and slipped it into my backpack. It was time to head to the airport.
I had called an Uber to take me to the airport. I maneuvered through the crowded airport easily and checked in.
After a relatively easy security check, I found myself sipping a black coffee, waiting for my flight and soon boarding my flight.
"Sir, it looks like your flight has been upgraded to first class." The flight attendant smiled as scanned my boarding pass.
I inwardly rolled my eyes. Must have been Mom.
"Thank you." I was directed to first class as I boarded the plane. I shot a quick text to my parents, thanking my mom for the upgrade, and letting them know I was leaving Washington. The plane took off and I was headed to start a new chapter in my life.
I was riding the escalator down, lugging my suitcases with me, when I spotted Mom and Dad. I stepped off the escalator and Mom ran towards me, engulfing me in a hug.
"Hi, Mom." I laughed. She kissed me on the cheek.
"Edward, I'm so glad you're here!" She said into my chest. Dad came up to us clapped me on the shoulder.
"Good to see you, Edward." He smiled. We gave a brief hug. "Let me take one of your suitcases."
"You too, Dad. I'm excited to start my residency at the hospital." I grinned back at him.
"Let's go, Edward, I'm sure you are starving!" Mom said as she linked her arm around mine.
I considered myself lucky, and well, blessed. My parents were amazing, although I didn't think as much when I was a teenager. I had a close relationship with both of them. Mom was nurturing, kind, and fiercely protective. I can't recall one instance where she raised her voice at my brother, sister, and me when we were in trouble. Mom worked very hard too. She built an interior design company from scratch and became quite successful, all while raising three kids.
My Dad was more of the discipliner, but he never yelled either. He would explain to us what we did and why it was wrong. He is compassionate and caring, and also quite successful in the medical field. He is a family physician, owning and operating his own practice. Now he was opening up another practice in the Clear Lake Hospital. I would like to open my own practice someday as a family physician, following his footsteps.
I stepped outside of the airport automatic doors and the humidity hit me like a wall. It was muggy and hot outside, even under the shade of the overhang. While I had vacationed in Florida before, I forgot just how humid it could be.
My dad laughed at the disdain on my face. "Welcome to Florida." He said, amused.
After filling up at a local restaurant, we finally were sitting in the car, driving to our new home. The drive was only an hour or so from Orlando, where I flew into. Mom, Dad, I caught up on each other's lives. Mom told me about the renovations they were doing to their new house. Although I was sitting in the back seat and her in the front passenger seat, I could see her giant smile as she described the new house. She was excited she was so close to the beach.
My new place was a couple of miles away from the beach, just an 8-minute drive, according to Google maps. I had only seen pictures of my condo online, I was hoping the pictures did the place justice.
We finally drove by a sign welcoming us to Clear Lake, population 3,889. My mom had grown up here for the first fourteen years of her life. She didn't tell us too much of her time living here, other than her fond memories spending the days at the beach.
Dad pulled into the parking lot of my new condo and parked.
"Welcome home," He smiled.
I grinned and grabbed the keys from his outstretched hand. We went inside the building, admiring the decor of the lobby, and took the elevator to the fourth floor and quickly found my new front door. I positioned the key into the lock, turned the handle, and the door smoothly opened. Flipping on the lights, we stepped into my new home.
I had picked a one bedroom, one bath condo, with an open kitchen and living room. Light gray washed hardwood floors added sophistication to the overall feel of the place. While the condo was empty, the place looked inviting. My furniture and belongings were arriving the next day, and my car was already waiting at my parents' house. Tonight, I was staying with Mom and Dad at their place.
After a quick tour, I received a text from Emmett inviting me to grab a drink to celebrate my arrival. I accepted and we headed to my parents' house.
I found the bar easily and shot a text to Emmett. He replied and said he was already inside. I entered the bar, avoiding drunk bodies and began to look around for Emmett. It took some time finally spotting his massive form, and I again maneuvered my way through tipsy and wasted people to meet up with him.
"Bro!" He shouted over the noise.
"Hey, Emmett," I clapped his shoulder and he handed me a drink. We sat at a table and tried to watch a rerun of a basketball game.
"How was the trip?" He grinned.
"It was fine," I replied. "How is Rose?" His grin appeared to grow even wider.
"She's great, man." We fell into an easy banter, and I realized how much I had missed him. We were pretty close, but during school, I barely had enough time to sleep and we tried to keep in contact as much as possible.
He downed a few more beers, while I only had one more.
"Hey, I'll be right back." I nudged Emmett.
I tried to find the bathroom in the crowded place. Finally finding a small hallway, I saw a scene play out in front of me I wish I could unsee.
A blonde, scraggly haired man had a petite woman pinned against the wall, kissing her neck.
I averted my eyes and tried to pass the couple and give them privacy until I hear the woman shout in protest.
I peeled the offender off of her and held him by the collar of his shirt.
"No means no, you fucker," I growled. Furious, I drew back my fist and punched him. He spewed some shit I couldn't even hear because I was focused on the beautiful woman who fainted just out of my arm's reach.
"Shit," I muttured. I kneeled by her, feeling around her neck for anything broken or out of place. Finding nothing out of sorts with a sigh of relief, I picked her up, resting her in my arms. Reaching for my phone, I called Emmett.
"Hey, I need you to come over to the bathrooms, right now," I spoke urgently into the phone. He replied quickly and hung up, and I looked up to find the perpetrator gone.
"That motherfucker," I growled, my anger returning, almost blinding me.
Emmett found us and stood over us.
"What the fuck happened?" He bellowed.
"Some fucking asshole was assaulting her. She fainted, and now I need to get her to the hospital because she hit her head. Go get the car." He narrowed his eye, nodded, and spun around to wade through the crowd.
I stood up, carrying the beautiful brunette, and made sure her dress still remained modest. I pushed my way through the crowd, shouting for people to clear the way for me.
Emmett had the car a close as he could get to the entrance. Emmett opened his back door I laid her down in the back seat. If the circumstance were different, she looked so peaceful, almost as if she were sleeping.
Emmett sped to the hospital while I called Dad, who had to go into work this evening. I gave him necessary details and he met us outside with a gurney ready. He wheeled her away and I stood there at the doors, feeling helpless.
My dad had contacted the police, and I waited just inside the waiting room to give my statement.
A few hours later, I found myself staring at the ceiling while laying in the guestroom of my parent's house. I couldn't fall asleep because every time I closed my eyes, all I could see was what could have happened if I got there any later.
I had adjusted in the couple of weeks I had called Clear Lake my home. I began a routine that worked for me. I had started working at the hospital a couple of days ago, and I was stopping by my new favorite coffee house to get my daily cup of coffee.
The bell rang daintily as I walked inside and stepped up to the counter. Maybe I should try something new today, other than my regular black coffee.
I suddenly felt not-so-adventurous and ordered my usual.
"One medium coffee, black," I told the barista.
"Sure thing," she giggled back to me. What was so funny?
I took out my wallet to hand over a few bills.
"Keep the change," I smiled.
"Thanks," She grinned. I moved to the end of the counter to wait for my coffee, eyes roaming the store.
My eyes widened when I spotted the petite brunette from the other night at the bar. I nodded to her in acknowledgment and looked away in case she wanted her experience to stay private. When I looked back in her direction, she was walking over to me.
"Hi," she said, in a small voice.
"Hi," I responded.
"I, uh, I wanted to thank you. You know? For last night? Um, I just really appreciate how you-" She said nervously, the words seemed to tumble out of her mouth.
"Oh, not a problem," I said, interrupting her, so she did not have to continue.
"I'm Bella by the way, Bella Swan." She added. Her cheeks flushed.
"Edward Cullen." She seemed nervous, but also there was something about her I couldn't quite place. She was truly beautiful. She had long, chocolate brown hair, that had a slight hint of red. She also had brown eyes, with small flecks of green. She was probably just less than a foot shorter than me. She was wearing a striped top and shorts.
"Esme and Carlisle are my neighbors." She exclaimed.
"Oh yes," I said, nodding. "My mother has told me about you. She is smitten with you already." I smiled and leaned onto the counter, watching blush creep back into her cheeks. Mom had gushed about her neighbor, apparently a talented artist. Her blush seemed to show what she was feeling, and I thought it was amusing.
"She's great." her brow furrowed a bit. "So, how are you liking Clear Lake so far?" She asked.
"It's pretty nice. I love how close I am to the ocean." I replied, truthfully. I had the chance to spend a few days at the beach already.
"You're a doctor? I remember Esme was telling me," She trailed off.
"Yes, I work at Clear Lake Hospital. It's small, but I am allowed to have greater patient relationships. It's a great place to establish myself. I also love living close to my family." I responded as she nodded.
"I thought it was interesting your entire family moved here."
"Our family had been apart for a few years and it was hard because we are all so close. It seemed to be perfect timing in everyone's life to move somewhere together. My mom is originally from here. She wanted to go back to her roots."
"Medium coffee, black." The barista leaned over the counter, sliding the cup towards me.
"Thanks." The barista fluttered her eyes at me and I promptly ignored her. Turning away from her, I caught Bella rolling her eyes. "What was that?" I questioned, smirking.
"Oh, uh...nothing." She muttured. I picked up my coffee and smirked again.
"Well, I've got to head to work, I've got a shift starting soon." I smiled
"Oh, okay. It was nice meeting you." She put her hand out, somewhat haphazardly. Smirking, our hands connected, and I felt this zap of energy run through our hands. I had never felt this before. I looked from our hands to her eyes and found blush gracing her face once more.
"Yes, Bella, it was nice meeting you." I pulled my hand back because of the unfamiliar sensation.
At that moment, I realized I was deeply, utterly attracted to her. I didn't know where this realization left me. I darted for the door, examining her face once more before leaving.
The next week, I found my thoughts drifting to Bella, and her beautiful, flushed cheeks.
My mom had called a family dinner for tonight, and she said she was also inviting her neighbor. My eyes almost flew out of my head when she called me to let me know the details.
I arrived at my parents' house early, so I could clear my head at the beach. Walking through the dunes, I spotted Bella sitting on the sand, bent over something in her lap. She suddenly stood up as I drew closer to her. A gust of wind threatened to steal her large sun hat and blew up her thin cotton dress covering her swimsuit. Her hand flew to her head, winning the battle between the wind. Her dress blew further up her thigh, exposing her lightly tanned leg.
I chuckled at the sight of her and she turned around and looked at me, surprised. I followed her eyes as they looked at me. The seemed to stray over my abs and chest. Her eyes met mine again, and I smirked in amusement.
"Good afternoon, Bella." As if on cue, her cheeks turned a brilliant shade of pink.
"Hi, Edward," She smiled and tugged her dress back into place.
"May I join you?" I asked, hoping she would say yes.
"Oh, uh...sure!" I laid out my towel next to hers and sat down.
"What are you doing?" I asked, nodding to the notebook in her lap.
"Oh, just sketching. It clears my mind." She replied.
"I see," I said frowning. I wish more than anything I could make her forget that night. She shouldn't have had to experience that, no woman should.
"What are you doing here?" She questioned.
"I decided to arrive early for dinner to enjoy some time at the beach." I turned my head to the sky, as I noticed it was gradually growing darker. "Looks like it might storm though." I brought my knees to my chest and crossed my arms on top of them
"Sure does. One thing I've learned about Florida is the weather is unpredictable. It might look like it's going to rain, and then it holds off. Or it could be sunny and suddenly rain for an hour or so, then the rain disappears." She pondered.
"I am beginning to learn the weather patterns, myself," I replied. Wanting to change the subject, I asked, "Can I see your sketches? Esme told me your an incredible artist. She has a few of your pieces hung in the house."
"Uh, sure. I was just messing around, they aren't too perfected." She shrugged casually and handed over her notebook. Flipping it open, I was truly amazed. She had been drawing shells of shapes and kinds. The littered the pages, some more complete than others.
"Wow," I breathed, "these are...amazing...incredible." I turned my focus to her, looking deep into her eyes.
"Thank you. They really aren't finished though." She responded nonchalantly.
I laughed, "Take the compliment, Bella." Blush crept up her cheeks. "I love seeing your blush." I couldn't help but touch her cheek, wanting to feel her warmth. As soon as I made contact with her cheek, I felt that same weird energy from the other week at the coffee shop. My eyes trailed from her stunning eyes down to her lips, which were slightly parted, begging to be kissed.
Needing to find a distraction from her tempting lips and from almost having a problem in my pants, I had an idea.
"Let's get in the water, I'm sure we can find some more shells for you to sketch." I grinned. I wanted to hold her in my arms in the water, while waves crashed around us. I picked her up, tossing her small frame over my shoulder.
"Oh, Edward, I don't-" I laughed loudly, happier and lighter than I have felt in a while.
I could picture her and I splashing each other in the waves. I would pick up shells for her to sketch and she would lay on my chest, her pencil flying across the paper. When the sun went down, I would build a fire and we would sit next to each other, whispering, kissing. I wanted it, I craved it.
"Edward! Stop!" She shrieked. She was playfully protesting and I laughed again. Chest deep in the ocean, I put her down, but she didn't let go of me. Her body pressed against mine as she clung to me. "Edward, I don't swim." she squeaked.
"Bella, it's easy, and I'm here. I'm highly qualified." I said jokingly.
"No, Edward, I can't...take me back to the shore. Please!" she shouted, nails digging into my shoulder.
Fuck, what have I done?
Dread crept through me, as if ice cold water filled my veins. I suddenly realized my mistake. My awful mistake. I scooped her into my arms, running as fast as I could through the water back to the shore.
"Bella, what's wrong? I'm so sorry...shit...I didn't mean…" I stuttered. I placed her back, safely on her towel. "Fuck, I'm so sorry." I muttered. I placed my hands on either side of her face, willing her to look me in the eye. I pushed a wet lock of her hair away from her face.
"I don't do water." she sputtered. She was taking deep, uneven gasps of air and her body was shaking. I moved beside her.
Fucking shit. I messed everything up. She's having a panic attack because my ass thought it would be funny to toss her into the ocean. I'm such a fucking dumbass.
"Breath, Bella. You're having a panic attack. Breath with me." I counted to five, but her breathing didn't steady. I grabbed her face, forcing her to look at me. "Breath with me. You need to calm down." She followed my breaths and she began to calm down after a few moments.
"Shit, Bella. I'm so sorry, I had no idea…" I trailed off. I felt so fucking bad, I wanted to punch something. She looked up at me with scared, wide eyes. Her gaze broke my heart. What had happened to her to cause such a fear of water? I raked my hand through my wet hair in frustration.
How could I be so fucking careless?
"I'm alright," Bella whispered, bringing her knees to her chest.
"Do you need anything?" I asked, almost begging.
"I'm fine. I think I am going to shower for dinner."
What?
"Are you sure you're up to it?" I would let my Mom know she wasn't feeling up to it without hesitation.
"Yes." She replied.
"Let me walk you to your door."
I was fucking trash. I'm sure she didn't want anything to do with me now.
"Okay," she squeaked.
I picked up her belongings and tossed them in her beach tote. Offering my hand, she surprisingly accepted it and I pulled her to her feet. Wrapping my arm around her small shoulders, I guided her through the dunes to her back gate. I handed over her bag and dropped my arm.
She doesn't want to be around you, dumbass. You fucking messed everything up.
I ran my hand through my hair, trying to brush that thought away. She looked up at me.
Fuck, she was so beautiful. I wonder if she could see the remorse in my eyes.
"Edward," She gently touched my arm, "You didn't know. I'm fine now. You helped me. Nobody has been able to do that before."
I looked at my feet, "I shouldn't have done that, without asking."
I had done the same fucking thing that prick did to her at the bar. I forced her to do something. I was no better than that fucking shithead. No fucking means no. Fuck, fuck, fuck!
"It happened too quickly. I'm fine, really." I looked at her, but didn't truly see her.
"I'll see you at dinner," I responded coolly, turned around and left, not turning back.
I immediately went to the home gym in my parents' house and spent at least twenty minutes beating the shit out of the punching bag. Out of breath, I sunk to the floor with my head in my gloved hands.
She will never forgive me.