Hello all,
First I wanted to apologize for being MIA, life has been pretty busy for me this past month.
Second, Riptide was nominated for Fic of the Year over at A Different Forrest, which absolutely blew my mind. I didn't win or make the top ten, but I wanted to congratulate pattyrose for her winning fic "A Servant Wife"! I personally read her fic a couple months ago, and I loved it! Congratulations to everyone in the top ten as well! I wasn't expecting to win, I was just floored I was even nominated.
So, now to the chapter! I hope ya'll like it! Please let me know what you think.
Edward
The beauty in my arms sat sniffling, so much had changed in her life in such a short amount of time. She came to an absolute understanding of aspects of her life. She didn't speak of her family often and now I understand why.
When Bella called me, I had been filing paperwork, and I was utterly concerned. She didn't usually call me while I was at work, she respected that boundary. I sped to the intersection she had told me on the phone to find a broken girl. She sat in the dirt by the piers, clutching her knees to her chest. At that moment, she looked so tiny and broken, I felt my heart physically ache. What surprised me was learning her mother had been physical with her.
I wasn't sure if her mother had abused Bella in the past, but I was so angry I saw red when she had told me Renee's doing. Bella was a true light in this world. Always kind, compassionate and altogether talented beyond belief. How dare her mother extinguish Bella's light? Renee's selfishness demolished Rosalie's vain ways into oblivion. She had prioritized her own life in front of her child.
Thinking about her actions, as much as it sickened me, I couldn't help but remember one of my professor's words.
"Grief can completely change a person. Combined with past emotional wounds, the loss of a loved one may devastate a person's morale. Many people heal within eighteen months of the loss, but the scientific measurement of emotions does not stand completely accurate. Other forces may drive a person to change within the grieving process. The differences may be microscopic to massive."
Bella often spoke of the happier times in her early life. Was Renee's selfishness a result of the loss of Riley? The death of a child, marital problems, past emotional scarring could all have contributed to Renee's behavior and actions.
Despite her circumstances, her actions are not justifiable, especially if previous abuse took part. I would never defend Renee's actions, but some occurrences and behaviors clicked in my mind. I am no psychologist either, and I could not and would not attempt to diagnose Renee.
A soft sigh interrupted my thoughts. Bella's tears had stopped falling, but her grip on me did not loosen. I took my free hand which rested on our laps to wipe away one lone tear, silently trailing down her soft cheek.
"What do I do now?" Bella said, turning her head to look at me, uncertainty clear in her dark eyes.
"I think you should examine Renee's involvement in your life as of now, and decide if you want to continue a relationship with her."
"I...I...don't know what I want. Right now, I think it's best if she leaves. I need some time to think about it."
"I'll be there with you along the way," I kissed her hair softly.
"You don't understand how much I appreciate that."
"I am here with you the entire time, Bella. You can do this." I looked over at her in the passenger seat of my car. She had one leg drawn to her chest and a hand in her mouth, biting her fingernails.
"I'm just nervous, I can't help it." She squirmed in her seat, pushing her hair out of her face. I reached over and grabbed her hand, squeezing gently.
"I understand. This is a difficult situation, and I personally think you are handling this quite well."
It was doubtlessly true. Isabella Swan is one of the strongest people I have ever had the chance of meeting. Her adversity did not change her utterly sweet disposition. She was incredibly mature, and quite the opposite of her mother's example. She surprised me with her actions and thoughts towards difficult situations in her life. My heart swelled with pride.
She rolled her eyes at me, but my words seemed to reassure her slightly. The short drive to her house had ended, and I pulled alongside the curb, behind the black rental car belonging to her mother.
Bella took a few deep breaths while I went around the car to open the door for her. I held my hand out in assistance, emotionally and physically. Together, we made our way on the stoney path to her front door. I squeezed her hand in assurance as she opened the door.
Renee sat on the couch, head in her hands. Once she heard the door, her head snapped up at the sound. She quickly stood, rushing over to Bella.
"My Isabella," She began, her voice raspy. "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to hit you, I'm so sorry!" She attempted to pull Bella into her arms, but my girl stood firm, clutching my hand a little tighter.
"I think it's best if you leave," Bella said, her voice slightly detached of emotion. Renee's eyes fluttered in surprise.
"Isabella, I said I was sorry. You need to accept my apology." Renee's face contorted into a sickly sweet expression.
"I do not have to do anything you tell me to do. I am an adult. I need space right now to think about things. I deserve at least that much."
"Bella, love, that's not fair," False refinement oozed through every word.
"Mom, you need to leave."
"Bella! I did not raise you to be so rude! Apologize right now! I cannot believe you would act this way in front of your boyfriend! It is so unattractive."
Bella's face grew red, and not from her frequent blush.
"You need to leave this moment, you are no longer welcome here." Bella's voice was eerily calm and steady.
Renee raised her hand as if to slap Bella again, but I quickly caught her arm, rage filling every pore of my body. Bella flinched and moved behind me.
"With all due respect, Bella asked you to leave. We can either do this the easy way, or I can call the police." Renee gasped at my sudden interruption and narrowed her eyes. I released her arm and pulled Bella a step back.
"When he breaks your heart, do not come crawling back to me, Isabella. He is not right for you." Renee said crossly. She turned on her heels and disappeared into the guest bedroom, muttering under her breath and slamming the door.
With Renee long gone, Bella and I sat in her backyard on a bench. She leaned against me while her knees were to her chest and chin on her knees. She looked out towards the horizon, long hair behind her as the breeze captured each lock. We sat there a while, unspeaking. I could tell she was lost in thought, mulling over her relationship with her mother.
I felt for her. She didn't deserve this turmoil in her life. I felt thankful and blessed for my parents. I had both of my parents still involved in my life, throughout my life. They gave me and my siblings independence, a strong sense of compassion, and most importantly, love. Their love cultivated us into the people we were today. I could not imagine growing up without one of them.
"Walk with me?" I asked, nudging her gently. She uncurled from her position which I had seen her a lot in recently and accepted my outreached hand. I pulled her lightly to her feet and started to lead her from the backyard towards the beach. I wrapped my arm around her shoulders, where she fit against my side.
We walked down the beach, barefoot on the sand as the overhead sun was beginning its descent. I glanced at my watch, and I realized it was around dinner time. I didn't want to go too far down the beach in case she got hungry.
I knew she just wanted time to think in silence, so I didn't talk while we walked. I was worried about all the thoughts that passed through her head. I didn't want her to push me away. I wanted to be there for her, let her lean on me.
She suddenly stopped walking, me almost tripping over her. She faced the horizon, and took a few steps forward, leaving my embrace.
"Bella?"
Her feet now brushed the water's edge. The tide lapped at her toes. She took a few more steps, her feet now fully covered by the salty ocean. This is usually how far she would trek into the water. I learned her boundaries with water quickly, as not to upset her again. I stepped behind her, in order to stand with her, but she began walking further into the water. She stopped again once her bottom of her calves were submerged.
My eyes were wide with surprise. "Bella, what are you doing?" I followed her, water sloshing around with my quick movement.
Bella turned around then and faced me. Her mouth moved into a small smile.
"Let's go for a swim," she said, her words thoroughly shocking me.
"Bella, are you alright?" I asked, my hand reached for her arm, to pull her away from the water.
"Yes, Edward! I feel great! I want to swim!" Her smile grew as my mouth dropped in shock. "I'm tired of being afraid. Of the ocean, of my mother!" She turned around, reaching down and splashed water into the air and laughed.
I grinned. "Fuck it, let's do it." I pulled my shirt off and my phone from my pocket, throwing them onto the safety of the sand and followed her deeper into the ocean. "You know you have your clothes on?" I asked, eying her denim shorts and her short sleeved top.
"You're ruining the spontaneity of the moment, Edward!" She called over her shoulder. She ran into deeper waters, laughing. I shook my head and ran after her.
Before I caught up to her, she suddenly fell into the water, disappearing under.
"Fuck! Bella!" I ran faster to the spot she had fallen, and she popped her head up, gasping. The water to my waist, I picked her up. "Are you okay?"
She pushed her damp hair away from her face and threw her head back in laughter.
"You scared me!" I exclaimed. She moved to wrap her legs around my waist and arms around my neck.
"I tripped on a rock," she managed to let out between her laughs.
I shook my head, "You're crazy," I chuckled.
I took us deeper into the water, stopping when the water hit my lower chest.
"This is fun," She looked at me, smiling. She brought her face to mine, kissing me sweetly. The gentle waves bobbed us around. She deepened the kiss, and I had to break apart to breathe. Her hands toyed with the hair at the nape of my neck.
"What brought this on?" I asked.
"I told you, I'm tired of being afraid. I just want to live!" She looked around us, taking in just how far we were from the shore. "I think this is far enough, though." She eyed the shore.
"That's fine," I nodded. I kissed her again, her lips tasting salty.
"Edward, come here." My Nana called, voice firm. I stepped down the stairs cautiously, slowly. I knew I was in trouble. Each step brought me closer to doom. I found her in the kitchen, rolling out pie crust on the kitchen island.
"Yes, ma'am?" I asked gently. My hands twisted at the hem of my favorite Star Wars t-shirt.
"Now, Edward, do you think I am a stupid woman?" Her eyes left the dough, but she continued rolling.
"Of course not, Nana!" I exclaimed, eyes wide.
"I am good friends with Father Dennis." I nodded, looking down at my red converse, avoiding eye contact with Nana. "He told me you missed your weekly confession." I gulped. "Now you know what you need to do, don't you?"
"Yes, ma'am,"
"Tell me what you're going to do."
"I need to apologize to Father Dennis and go to confession," My eyes wandered around the kitchen, trying to see how mad Nana was but avoiding her eye contact.
"Edward Anthony, you are about to receive your first Holy Communion. You need to follow your faith better. You cannot fall away from the church. Do you know who pulls people away from the church?"
"The devil," I responded, Nana always said bad things were caused by the devil.
"Correct. You need to be inside of God's good graces. Now go upstairs and pray for forgiveness. I'll call you down for supper."
"Yes, ma'am,". I turned on my heels guiltily and scurried up the stairs as fast as my little legs could carry me.
"What did you do now, Edward?" Emmett chuckled from his room with the door open. He was laying on the ground flipping through a car magazine. I stuck my tongue out at him and made my way to my room.
I flopped down on my bed. I guess my punishment could have been worse. I was sad Momma and Dad were out. Momma would have been at my side when Nana talked to me. Sometimes Nana was really scary.
Last year, when I was six, she spanked me after touched her special lamp that had crystals hanging on it. I just wanted to hear them clink and make a sound. But she caught me and spanked me real hard.
I started the sign of the cross. "Dear God, I am sorry I skipped confession to play baseball with Emmett. Please forgive me, Amen."
I heard a knock on the door, and I scrambled from my bed to my knees, folding my hands in prayer. The door swung open and Alice entered, chewing pink bubble gum.
"Chill, it's just me." She laughed. "Did Nana spank you?"
"Not this time," I said, laying down on the floor on my belly, resting my head on my hands.
She sat next to me on the floor. "Edward don't be stupid and get in trouble. We have just four more days here, then we won't see Nana till Christmas."
"Four more days is a long time," I whined. "I want to leave now."
"Suck it up, Edward. Both Emmett and I want to leave too. Nana doesn't let us watch any TV that's not religious. And I haven't seen Rugrats in a long long time." She blew a bubble and popped it, making a loud sound.
"Four more days," I sighed.
"Can you get me a plate, Bella?" I called out. Bella and I had both showered and changed from our impromptu swim. Thankfully, I had some clothes over at my parents' place. The burgers I had cooking on the grill were almost finished. Bella had invited my siblings over for an impromptu dinner, but Emmett and Rose were on their way back from visiting Rose's family in New York. Jasper and Alice would be here soon.
As I flipped the burgers, my phone rang in my pocket. I answered it quickly, not checking the screen.
"Hello?"
"Edward, baby! You haven't called me back! And you finally picked up your phone. It's a damn miracle."
"Tanya, I can't talk now. I said I would call you back, and I will. I have been busy the past couple of days."
"Too busy to talk to me? Come on, Eddie." I winced at Tanya's beloved nickname.
"Right now is not a good time, Tanya," I said firmly, I glanced through the window on the back door to see if Bella was returning.
"Eddie," she pouted, "I need you."
"I'll call you later, bye," I ended the call and shoved my phone back in my pocket in frustration. I ran my hand through my messy hair, probably making it more disheveled.
"Hey, everything okay?" Bella asked, handing me the plate I requested.
"Definitely!" I pulled her to my side, kissing her hair. I let go to remove the burgers from the grill and onto the plate.
"Alice called, they are on their way." She said. Bella poured herself a glass of lemonade that was already placed on the picnic table outside. "I'll go get the cooler." She spun around to go inside, and her dress fluttered around her legs. She looked beautiful in her floral print dress.
Then again, she looked beautiful in anything.
I wrapped foil over the plate of burgers, placed it on the foldable table she had set up, and followed her inside to retrieve the rest of the food.
Inside, Bella struggled to lift the ice chest. "It's heavier than it looks," she grunted. Laughing, I grabbed it from her.
"I'll get it, can you grab the pasta salad and fruit salad?"
"Sure," Just as I turned around with the heavy ice chest, the doorbell rang. I continued on my way to place the cooler outside. Placing it by the food table, I reached inside grabbing a Bud Light for myself and for Jasper and popped off the tops with the bottle opener.
Bella led an over-excited Alice with Jasper in tow to her backyard.
"Bella," Alice gushed, "Your backyard is beautiful! I love all of the greenery! Is that a garden over there?" She bounced over to the garden and gasped at the vegetables growing.
I rolled my eyes at Alice. "Alice, have you never seen a tomato before?" She simply stuck her tongue out at me and kept admiring Bella's hard work. "Hey Jazz," I clapped his shoulder, offering him the beer.
"Hey, Edward," he replied, raising his beer in appreciation and taking a long drink.
"Long day at work?" I asked, smirking.
"You could say that," He chuckled.
"Everyone ready to eat?" Bella asked, grabbing my hand.
Alice flitted over, gave me a quick peck on the cheek, "Yes, I am starving!"
The four of us gathered around the table which held the food. While I grilled the burgers, Bella had made pasta salad and fruit salad. Everyone loaded their plates and sat around the wooden picnic table.
"So, brother dear, what are you going to do for your birthday?" Alice asked, finishing a bite of pasta.
I glanced at Bella, whose fork paused slightly as she was spearing a piece of strawberry. "Well, Bella and I have plans to visit St. Petersburg to visit her brother," I said gently, keeping an eye on the woman next to me.
"I didn't know you had a brother," Alice accused, pointing her fork across the table towards Bella.
"He actually...passed away," Bella replied softly, glancing up at Alice.
Alice's fork clattered down onto her plate.
"Oh my gosh, I'm sorry Bella, I didn't know!" Alice said, kicking me under the table. My eyes flew to her's in surprise...and pain.
"What the—"
"It's okay, Alice," Bella's voice soft, "It was a while ago." She took a sip of lemonade. "Actually tomorrow is the anniversary of his death, and Edward is sacrificing his birthday to go with me to visit his grave."
Alice took Bella's hand and looked at me gently.
"I'm not sacrificing anything, Bella. I want to spend the day with you." I replied, wrapping an arm around her beside me.
Alice looked at Jasper tenderly, who had remained quiet during the entire exchange. Bella leaned into my side and looked up at me through her long lashes.
"Thank you," she whispered, eyes bright.
After dinner, we all sat around a fire on the beach on towels. Alice was lazily lying in Jasper's lap while Bella sat close to me, knees touching mine. I watched her as she spoke with Alice. The flame of the fire cast a beautiful warm glow over her and made her hair appear redder. Her dark eyes reflected the orange glow, and in the dim light I could make out the sparse spray of freckles dotted on her face.
Bella interacted with Alice as if they had been friends forever. Bella giggled in all of the right places in the conversation, mollifying Alice immensely. The destruction Renee had left behind seemed forgotten—at least for the moment.
"Edward, remember when you first met Jazzy? You absolutely hated him!" Alice laughed, alcohol supplying her extra giggles.
I scoffed, "Nah, I didn't hate him...I was just intimidated by him. I was a freshman in college, and I met him while he was in uniform. How could you not be intimidated by a cop?"
"That's fair," Bella snickered. "How did you two meet?"
"I was a junior in college at The University of Texas in Austin and Jazz was a senior. I, of course, was a fashion design major and he was criminal justice. We met in a drawing class." Alice chirped and adjusted herself in Jasper's lap.
"I was taking it for my art credit," Jasper cut in.
"I don't know how you passed that class, sweetie." Alice reached up and patted Jasper's face sweetly. We all burst into laughter.
"Only because I had a private tutor," He said, shrugging his eyebrows suggestively. His response only caused another round of laughter. "We were friends for a year, and then we started dating, I was finishing up my training at the police academy."
"The family went to Austin to attend Alice's senior fashion show, and Jasper showed up in his uniform," I explained. "I thought he was just there for the event, not there for Alice." I smiled at the memory. "But yeah, I was intimidated. First I was surrounded by the weirdos of the fashion world," I winked at Alice and she flipped me off, "Then I was meeting Alice's policeman of a boyfriend."
"You should have seen Emmett, though. He was totally sizing Jazzy up!" Alice laughed.
"That was pretty funny," Jasper chortled.
The rest of the night passed, filled with laughter and lighthearted conversations. I hope tonight helped Bella recover from the episode with her mother. I knew all of the lightheartedness would disappear when Bella and I traveled to St. Petersburg.
The fire almost out, Bella curled in my lap, she looked up at me with her alluring chocolate eyes as my watch beeped, notifying it was midnight, "Happy birthday Edward."