Hello lovely readers! I cannot thank you enough for all of your support. It truly means a lot to me. I never thought I would receive the feedback I am receiving. 100+ reviews is an amazing feeling! Thank you so much!

I am going out of town for the next week and will be away from my computer :(

Meaning I am unable to update and post chapter 10. I will make it up to y'all when I get the chance!

As always, thank you, thank you, thank you for your support. I truly didn't think I would even reach 100 reviews and I am overwhelmed by all your kindness and feedback. Let me know what you think about the events in this chapter!

Chapter 9

"Yes, Mom?" I struggled to hide my frustration.

"Bella! You haven't called me in two weeks. I've been worried."

Seems like lately, I haven't been too social, except with Edward.

"Mom, it's almost 11:30." I sighed.

"Oh...I always mix up the time difference, Bella. You know I can't keep up with it."

"Okay, Mom. I'm sorry I haven't called, I have a show opening this Thursday and I've been scrambling to prepare." She skipped over the mentioning of my art studio.

"Bella, Phil and I have been talking, and I think it's time that I see you in person."

"Mom I can't get away from Clear Lake right now." I didn't want to get away from Clear Lake. Clear Lake has Edward.

"I didn't mean you should fly to Phoenix, Phil suggested that I fly there," she tested.

"You want to visit Clear Lake?" My brow furrowed. I sat on the couch, folding my legs underneath me.

"I think it's time I can visit. Phil said he thinks it would be good for me. He has been traveling a lot for his work and I am usually at the house waiting for him to come home. I miss my daughter. Do you have room for me to stay?" She asked, already knowing the house like the back of her hand.

"Wow, Mom," I said, "I think it's great of Phil to suggest coming to visit. I know you haven't been here in a while and I know you've missed it." Even if you won't admit it. "The heat is so much different in Phoenix, I think you will enjoy the nice break. Was Phil thinking of coming?"

"No," she said, "He suggested I come to visit a weekend he is away"

"Well, if you want to come, when were you thinking?" My Mom had really surprised me by expressing interest in visiting Clear Lake after seventeen years. When we moved to Phoenix, I had begged her to send me to stay with Aunt Irina for the summers or even to visit for a couple of days. Her protests and resistance never wavered. It was the only thing she could ever uphold.

"I thought I could come mid-June. I want to see Riley as well." She added somberly.

When Riley passed away, we had his funeral in St. Petersburg. He is buried there with my great-grandmother Marie and eventually Aunt Irina. It was hard to move away from St. Petersburg when I had such a strong connection with the city because I could visit Riley. Since moving to Clear Lake, I usually make a trip to St. Petersburg to visit Riley and now Aunt Irina.

"Okay Mom," I said carefully, stifling a yawn. "Mom, I think it's time for me to go to bed. I have a long day tomorrow...I will make sure to call you this week, so you don't need to worry."

"Okay, Bella," she said, "I'm sorry for calling so late, you know it's only almost nine here. I am holding you to that call next week. You know I worry about you always. I love you, sweetheart."

"I love you too, Mom, good night." I sighed.

After hanging up the phone I went to the bedroom and began my nightly routine. I had to scrub out my face a little to completely clean my skin from the makeup. I threw my hair up in a bun, changed into my favorite threadbare pajamas, and went to sleep after setting my alarm for the next morning.

I found myself at the beach with the sand between my toes. The sea wind whipped through my hair. I had this gut-wrenching feeling something was wrong.

Out on the ocean, I saw a sailboat. The wind grew stronger, the clouds darkened, and the waves became more violent. I waved my arms to try to get the attention of the sailboat. If I squinted, I could make out the passenger on the boat. I recognized the familiar disheveled bronze hair.

"Edward!" I called out, "It's not safe, you need to come in! The waves are too high!" He just smiled and waved, acting like nothing was wrong. To my right, speeding towards us, a huge cyclone, stretched to the sky. Panic washed over my body. The wind strengthened.

I called out to him again, trying to get his attention. Each passing moment the waves intensified, angrier and taller. The cyclone is coming right towards Edward.

Looking around for help, I didn't see a soul, only destruction. Eyes searching for Edward and his boat, a giant wave formed behind it. as the cyclone raced closer and closer. The wave was going to capsize the boat!

I screamed and screamed until I had emptied the air from my lungs. The wind and roaring of the disturbed sea silenced my pitiful cries. Edward, grabbing onto the railing of the boat saw the foreboding wave and looked at me one last time.

The wave covered the boat, toppling it as if was weightless. Lightning flashed and thunder crashed. When the wave passed, only debris bobbed to the surface, rising in another wave.

My tears blended in with the rain pelting my face as I screamed in horror. I collapsed onto the sand. I fisted the sand and sobbed. My heart had been ripped out of my chest, the gaping hole swallowing me. The surge began washing over me.

A warm hand touched my shoulder and I looked up completely surprised. Riley, appearing all grown up, put out his hand. I accepted it and he helped me to my feet.

"Riley," I sobbed. My hands cradled his face. He had to be at least a foot taller than me. His arms wrapped around me. His body was so warm.

The storm and cyclone dissipated, the water grew eerily calm. The sun had come out, highlighting the blonde streaks in his hair. His eyes, the familiar hazel color comforted me. "You're so old," I whispered.

"I'm not 16 anymore, Bella-Bean." He smiled sadly.

"You left me," I cried, my hands pounded his chest softly.

"I'm sorry," Tears welled in his eyes and he kissed my forehead. "You have made me proud, Isabella Marie. I'm so fucking proud of you," his voice broke and he hugged me fiercely.

A bolt of lightning sounded and Riley slowly released me.

"It's time for me to go," He mumbled, wiping the moisture from his face. He put on one of his signature Riley smiles. "I love you so much, Bella." He kissed my forehead and began to walk away from me. No! I needed more time. I needed more time with my big brother. Seeing him made me realize how much I missed him. The cavern inside my chest seemed to grow larger and more painful.

I started toward him, "Riley!" I whimpered. I ran, almost tripping, and wrapped my arms around his waist. "I love you," I sniffled against his chest. He started walking again, and my arms fell to my side.

"And, don't worry Bella, I'll show Edward around," he gave a parting smile and began to fade away.

I sobbed and cried out for him and for Edward.

I suddenly woke up covered in my own sweat and out of breath. It was just a dream, I thought as a sob erupted from my chest. My alarm clock read 4 a.m. I sat up trying to calm myself down hand clutching my heaving, pained chest. I got up from the bed and went to the kitchen for a glass of water. While doing so, I looked out the window only to see the still night. Only a light breeze wafted through, ruffling the leaves of the tall palm trees. Finishing my glass of water, I went back to the bedroom to try to fall asleep again. I tossed and turned, sleep never finding me.

My alarm sounded, waking me up from my light unconsciousness. It felt as if I had just gone back to sleep, only to be awakened again. I sat up groggily, rubbing my eyes and pushing my hair out of my face. I decided to take a shower to hopefully remove the remnants of last night's nightmare. When I emerged from the shower, my phone buzzed, alerting I had a text.

Good morning, beautiful. Been thinking of you.

Edwards words removed any anxiety I had, at least for that moment. I immediately called him.

"Bella?" He asked in greeting.

"Hi, sorry to call unexpectedly. I just needed to hear your voice." I said quietly into the phone, tears silently streamed down the curve of my cheeks. I let out a deep breath, and a little more of the burden disappeared.

"Are you okay? Is everything alright?" He asked urgently.

"Yes, I'm alright. I didn't mean to scare you."

He deeply exhaled. "Good," he responded.

"I'll let you go now. Sorry if I interrupted something important." I said, guilty.

"No, no, Bella. I was just sitting down for a fifteen-minute break. I've been here for three hours already."

"Okay, good," I expressed. "It was great to hear your voice."

"Are you going to tell me why you called then?" He questioned and I could imagine his perfect lips together in a smirk.

"Uh…" I hesitated. "I...um...it sounds kind of silly…"

"I won't laugh, promise." He replied, seriously.

"I had...a nightmare last night...and I just needed to make sure...make sure you were okay."

"I'm fine, Bella. Tired, but fine. I would be better if I were next to you." I heard some clatter in the background.

"Cullen, get your shit together man!" somebody laughed in the background.

"Yeah Cullen, your daddy up there is looking for ya."

"Shut up Mike! I'm on my fifteen." I heard Edward spoke loudly to Mike and shushing the rest of the noisemakers.

"I've got to go, I'll text you later," Edward said.

"Okay, I'm glad we could talk." A chorus of whiny "ooo's" erupted in the background.

"Finally picked up that Ta-" Somebody laughed, but Edward's voice was louder as he said "bye" and hung up.

Feeling a little better, I dressed and in a T-shirt and jeans and grabbed my bike from the backyard. Not too many people were moving around town as I rode to the gallery.

Unlocking the door I walked into the space looking around at all of the work I had to do. I pulled my plans from my back pocket, taped it to the wall and begin moving the pieces into the general location they would be hung on the floor.

I played some music through the speaker to help boost my energy and my mood.

Drawing out the sight line with a measuring tape on the wall with a pencil, I used a drill to screw into the wall. I used my calculations to measure out where the screw needed to be according to the hanging device on the piece. Some pieces had wire hanging devices, while others just had the commercial made hanging devices you would find on a frame from the craft store. Straightening out the first piece I had put on the wall I step back to make sure it was in the right location. I repeated the process for the rest of the wall double-checking my work and making sure all of the pieces looked nice where they were. I took a much-needed coffee break and gathered more materials from my studio.

It was already noon, and I had finished one wall out of 3 and a half. For this show, I pulled out a divider my dad had built for me to give variety to the space. The only downside to using a divider was lighting the pieces could be a little more difficult. While on my coffee break, I checked my phone to realize I had an unopened text from Edward.

There's nothing much happening here, I'd rather spend this Sunday with you.

His text sent a thrill through me elevating my mood.

I'm at the gallery, hanging pieces for the show. Not too exciting either.

I took another sip of my coffee and my phone alerted me to another text.

Everything is exciting when I'm around you.

I laughed and rolled my eyes. I'll text you later, you charmer.

I finished my coffee and went back to the task at hand. I think I could be done hanging pieces by 5ish if I worked diligently.

I was hanging the last piece into place and I took a step back, admiring all of the work I had done. It was now 5:30 and I had been at the studio for 9 hours. My arms were aching from moving the heavy pieces around. The last thing I wanted to get done for the day was to print and post the place cards of the piece's name and artist.

I had finally posted the last place card when my phone started ringing.

"Hello?" I asked.

"Ms. Swan," Alice sang, "I'm calling you back about the appointment you set for tomorrow at the bridal studio.

"Yes, one of my best friend's is getting married in August."

"So exciting!" she squealed, "I can't wait to see you tomorrow. I just wanted to confirm the appointment."

"Thanks for calling, Alice." I smiled. "I am excited to see you as well."

"We haven't seen each other in so long!" She pouted.

"I saw you a few days ago, at your parents' house." I laughed and rolled my eyes.

"Well, we both know you were a little occupied then." She giggled.

"Um, what?" I questioned, trying to maintain a calm demeanor.

"Don't play the fool! You only had eyes for my darling younger brother." I smacked the palm of my hand to my forehead.

"Was it that obvious?" I groaned.

"To me, it was. I know Edward so well. I was watching him as well. He displayed some unusual behavior that evening. Care to inform me why?" She questioned, flippantly.

"Alice, you know him better than I. You should tell me." I countered.

"Bella!" she fussed. "You are preventing my meddling! I need answers."

"Alice, I will talk to you later," I tried to hide my laughter.

"You can't hide from me, I'm better than the Mystery Gang would ever hope to be."

My laughter broke through my barrier and I said bye, picturing Alice with large black frames and Velma's iconic orange turtleneck sweater.

I cleaned up the gallery from the day's work and decided to call it a day. The few things left to do could wait until tomorrow. I was excited to showcase the artists in the show. I stuffed my empty lunch box, ironically shaped as the Mystery Machine, and water bottle into my backpack and locked up. I hopped on my bike and rode home.

The next day, after an hour or so of folding programs, I headed to the bridal shop down the strip. Angela and the other girls would be meeting me there. A little bell rang once I opened the door and Alice seemed to appear out of nowhere.

Standing about the same height as me, taking a couple of inches, she hugged me tightly.

"Hi, Bella!"

"Hey, Alice," I laughed.

Emancipating me from her tight hug, she squealed. "I pulled five dresses already. They are absolutely stunning. I can't wait for the bride to arrive!"

"She should be here any minute. So should the rest of the bridal party."

She spun around to go deeper into the store, "Oh, don't forget about our conversation last night," she said tapping her head. "I know things."

I tried to hide my smirk, waiting for Angela to arrive.

The shop door flew open, Angela and the girls flooded into the shop, "oooing" and "awwing" over the dresses in the window.

I moved to Angela, "Future Mrs. Cheney has arrived!" I said, throwing my arm around her shoulder.

"I'm so excited, Bella!" She gushed. The other girls joined us and we exchanged greetings. Alice flitted to our group.

"The bride-to-be! We have a lot to do, follow me!" Alice took Angela from under my arm and led us to a few white plus victorian couches, grouped strategically around a small round platform and vanity mirrors. On the coffee table, champagne flutes bubbled and a small pastry arrangement sat, looking almost too beautiful to eat.

"This shop is just too cute!" Lauren exclaimed. The rest of us murmured in agreement.

"Thanks," Alice smiled. "The owner and I worked closely to redesign the shop. Help yourselves to the refreshments on the table."

"I'm watching my figure for the wedding," Jessica whined. I shoved her and she glared at me. Alice rolled her eyes as she turned around.

"So, Angela do you know what style of dress you are looking for? I have a few laid out for you I just had to pull!"

Indecisive Angela tried on countless dresses, or I stopped counting after eight. She was stuck between two dresses which contrasted in all design aspects except the color. Alice had given her some heels and a veil to give Ange the complete picture, but she still could not make a decision.

I stood up and joined her on the small platform in front of the mirrors. This dress combined lace and tulle to define the waist and flare out at the hips, yet the skirt wasn't overly full. The v-neck neckline and cap tulle and lace sleeves had extraordinary detail. The second dress she stuck between was a silk mermaid style dress, embroidered and beaded. It featured chiffon flutter sleeves and a deep V back. I was in love with the first dress.

"Angela, picture this. Which one will be easier to pee in?" The girls all laughed, and Angela teared up, laughing.

She released a sigh. "This is all actually happening!" I hugged her and I felt tears on my shoulder.

"Ange, this is an exciting time, we are all so happy for you."

"I think this dress is the one. The one I want to wear and easily pee in." She smiled a watery smile.

Alice clapped her hands, and we embraced in a group hug.

The opening reception was in only two and a half hours. I was getting ready, putting on some makeup and trying to curl my hair. I had laid out my dress, a black off the shoulder chiffon tea length dress. The dress fit me very well at the waist, before billowing out to my calves.

Finishing up, Angela texted me she was out front. She was going to give me a ride to the gallery, as it would be difficult to ride my bike wearing this dress. Grabbing a few last minute items, I darted out the door to meet her.

Opening the car door, I said "Hey Angela! Thanks again for the ride."

"No problem, Bella! I'm excited to see the show!" She grinned back. Her younger brother, one of the twins had a photograph in the show. It was a beautiful shot of three seagulls sitting on the beach.

We quickly arrived at the gallery, and she dropped me off, claiming she needed to finish getting ready. Unlocking the gallery door, I admired all of my hard work. Although shows take a lot of work, it is always worth it when I see a crowd of people admiring the art.

I took the hors-d'oeuvres I had bought and began to create a spread on the table I had set up. I had bought a variety of meats, cheeses, and fruits. To drink, I had made a punch. Satisfied with my arrangement, I sat down at my desk, mentally preparing for the show.

At 6:00, people began arriving and I greeted them warmly. The artists came up to me, thanking me for showing their work. Through the crowd, I found Bree admiring her work on the wall.

"Hey, Bree!" I smiled.

"Bella," she whispered, "This is absolutely surreal! Thank you for choosing my painting!" She exclaimed.

"I know talent when I see it," I laughed.

Bree had painted an impressionistic oil painting of one of the oldest trees in Clear Lake. The Live Oak tree twisted its limbs against the blue sky, settled next to the lake. In the far background, boats floated across the water. Her brushwork and use of color astonished me.

She hugged me tight and flitted over to her mother, excited to show her work.

Still admiring her beautiful painting, I felt arms wrap around my waist. I instantly knew who it was, considering the now familiar electric shock that ignited against my skin.

"Hi, Bella," He whispered in my ear. I turned around in his arms to face him. "You look absolutely stunning."

"Thanks, Edward." I smiled bashfully up at him. "You're not so bad yourself." Edward wore a deep navy button up dress shirt, sleeves rolled to his forearm and black dress pants.

Releasing my waist, he took my hand and held it up to his face. "I missed you," His breath flowed over my hand.

"Ditto," I smiled. He turned his head to kiss the palm of my hand. His lips left my hand tingling.

"Thirsty?" He smiled his usual magnificent crooked smile, bringing our now intertwined hands back to our sides.

"Sure," I said, trying to regain my breath. He led us over to the refreshments and poured me a cup of blood-red punch. He poured himself a cup as I spotted Carlisle and Esme through the crowd that had gathered. "Your parents are here."

"My mother was very excited about the reception." He sipped his punch. "Almost looks like blood, huh?" He smirked.

I rolled my eyes, "Come on Mr. Vampire, let's go greet them."

Esme spotted Edward and pulled Carlisle with her, meeting us halfway.

"Bella! This is all so beautiful. You look absolutely lovely!" She moved to hug me, and I reluctantly dropped Edward's hand. Esme moved to kiss Edward's cheek. "Hello, son," She smiled.

Carlisle clapped Edward lightly on the back and grinned at me. Edward's hand settled at the small of my back.

"Good evening Bella. I am quite impressed."

"Thank you, it really means a lot." I smiled warmly. "Please help yourself to the refreshments!"

Esme must have spotted a friend in the crowd, as she squealed, and towed Carlisle behind her. "We will talk with you two in a bit!" She threw over her shoulder.

"Having my parents love you already makes everything easier," Edward spoke into my ear. My cheeks warmed instantly. I had to quickly recover as I recognized an art critic from Orlando enter the building.

"Oh my gosh, Edward. It's Maggie Walsh from the Orlando Sentinel." I gaped. His brows furrowed. "She's one of the most influential art critics in the greater Orlando area. I can't believe she's here. In Clear Lake!"

"Well, introduce yourself."

"I'll have to show her the piece I have."

"You have artwork up now?"

"Yes, just one piece."

"Bella, why didn't you tell me! I need to go see your talent."

"I didn't think it was a big deal, it's over there on the back wall. It's a more experimental piece. I'll be right back. I'm going to introduce myself to Maggie." I kissed his cheek boldly and waded through the attendees to meet Maggie.

Thank you for reading! Let me know your opinions! Till next time.