So, here we are. No copyright infringement is intended, and Twilight doesn't belong to me.
Thanks to LaPumuckl for her help talking out the story and catching issues. Thank you to the wonderful and talented Dowlingnana for again wielding her red pen, to shape me into a better writer. Any and all mistakes are mine, I still dabble. Thanks for the story love, see you at bottom.
Today is my birthday, so here is a chapter for you ... Sorry FFN is still not updating and notifying everyone.
Chapter 12
Everyone was at the house by seven, and we had a big dinner together. Thankfully Rose had the bright idea to stop and grab four big family-sized garden salads from the store. Edward was right about the fruit, his mom made a huge fruit salad to go with dinner, and there wasn't much left of anything.
Esme is wonderful, and it was fun to watch her mother Edward all night. I especially thought it was funny when he had to tell her he could wipe his own mouth. Emmett burst out laughing and Rose smacked him.
Carlisle was amazed by Alice, and her eating habits, and spent quite a while asking her tons of questions. We all enjoyed his amazement at her and laughed at all his questions.
After dinner, Carlisle and Esme told us they were going to have to head home on Monday morning, but they would be back to see us as they had originally planned at the end of next week.
Everyone left or went to bed about two hours ago, and everything is quiet in the house. Edward is sleeping on the sofa in the living room because navigating the steps and feeling off-kilter due to the inner ear infection is not a good mix.
Esme and Carlisle said they loved the room I set them up in, and they went to bed about three hours ago.
The kitchen is clean, and I still cannot sleep. I have been going over the whole love you thing from Edward. He never had a chance to clarify his words, and I never asked. They are just kinda sitting there making me analyze them and of course over think the meaning of them. I cannot deny the attraction I have for Edward. I mean he is one hell of a great-looking guy. Beyond that, he is kind and level-headed. He cares about others and is honest to a fault. I just was not expecting the whole, "love you, like the rest of us do."
I give up trying to sleep and get up. I put on my bikini, and robe, before making my way to the four-season room. I turn on the hot tub, and low lighting to not disturb others. I take off my robe and slip into the warm bubbling water. I let out a sigh, as my muscles seem to release in the relaxing water.
I sit there and again think about the words Edward said earlier.
I am not sure how much time has passed, but I hear someone else moving around. I turn to the doorway and there is Edward, with a crutch under each arm.
"What are you doing up?" He asks before I can ask the same thing.
"I haven't been able to sleep, been doing some thinking."
"Yeah, I can see the wheels turning from here. Wanna talk about it?"
"Sure, but you can't get in the tub, so maybe I should get out."
"No, you stay there, and relax, clearly you need it. I am going to sit right here," he says, having made his way to the built-in bench along the edge of the hot tub.
"That's not very comfortable," I say, knowing it is hard.
I will just put down a few of these thick towels and be just fine. I assure you I have sat in seats, and other places much worse than this."
"Yeah, I am sure you have," I say with a smile.
"So what has your mind keeping you awake?"
"Earlier, you said that your parents would love me, like you all do. I guess I never thought about anyone but my brother and Rose really loving me. I mean Alice is one of my best friends, and so is Jasper, but we don't go around telling each other we love each other. The only person who really tells me they love me on a daily basis is Emmett, and I think that is more because he's my brother. No guy has ever really made an attempt to make me feel like I was loved besides my dad and Emmett … and I'll shut up now," I say and close my eyes, shaking my head.
"Hey," I feel his fingers stroke my cheek.
"Yeah?" I say without looking up.
"Can you please not hide from me, it's already dim enough lit in here, but with your chin down, your whole face is covered in a shadow."
I lift my face and look at him, even in the dimness, I can see his facial features, and I look at his nose instead of into his eyes.
"Okay, now can you look at me, and not just the small crook in my nose," he chuckles.
I look up and even in the dark can see his bright green eyes.
He doesn't say anything for a bit but never looks away. Finally, he clears his throat and gives me a smile. "I'm not one to use the word love freely. Besides family, I have told one person that I loved them. That person crushed my love, and for a long time, I never felt the need or desire to use that word again. However, you changed that for me, Bella. I am not sure what you think, but I know I will not hide or lie about what I think. I think you are by far one of the most amazing women I know. I think you have a heart of gold and the loving nature of an angel. I know that we are friends, and I feel like we are closer than friends at times. I know that nothing that has happened in my life in the past two months would have been nearly half as good if it wasn't for you. I need you in my life, and I do love you. I am not saying that we need to be a couple … yet, but it is my hope that someday you will see me in your life in that way. I will wait for you but do not doubt that my feelings for you are very real. You are an amazing woman, and I really do love you."
The tears dripping down my cheeks have nothing to do with hurt or sadness. I reach my hand up from the water and place it over his hand which has been cupping my jaw since he started talking.
"You mean everything to me, Edward, and I love you too. I do want to take this slow because I think it is best, but there is no one else I would rather have in my life than you."
Edward stands and leans over the side. He places a light kiss on my forehead. "Please, sweet girl, go and try to get some sleep, you will be wide awake in less than four hours as it is."
"Yeah, I will. Hand me a towel, please."
He holds a towel open and I step out of the tub. I dry off and pull my robe back on. I walk out of the room, with Edward right behind me.
I walk to the sofa and make sure Edward is situated before I lean down and lightly kiss his cheek. "Thank you," I say, but don't define what my thanks are for.
I make my way to my room, where I have a lot more to think about, I know that things are much clearer now. I shower quickly to get the chlorine off me from the hot tub, and after my ritual of lotion, I put on my pajamas. I cuddle up on my huge bed and smile as I drift off to sleep.
Friday is busy. Edward and Carlisle go to his appointment with the dermatologist. When they come back, Edward looks happier, so it must be good news. Edward let me know that the doctor says as long as he has no redness again tomorrow, he can return to wearing his prosthetic.
We decided to go out and do a little sightseeing. Esme would not relax until Edward agreed to use the wheelchair that she reserved from a medical supply store. He was not happy but agreed to keep his mom from worrying. I noticed that Carlisle seemed to think it was best too. Edward and I spent most of the day holding hands and sharing smiles. Carlisle enjoyed pushing Edward around, and Esme seemed to gleam in happiness. We went to a lot of places. We went to the Space Needle, Pioneer Square, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, and Ballard Locks.
We picked Diego up at the airport at six, and we all went to Five Points for dinner, meeting up with the rest of our normal group.
Jane was a hit with everyone, and of course, she shocked a few people at our table with her normal snark. Esme gasped when she told a guy who was hitting on her that he was a waste of flesh. Everyone enjoyed Jane's snark, and Jane was having a blast teasing Edward and me who continued to hold hands most of the night.
Rose and Alice enjoyed whispering back and forth, and I knew sometime soon they would be cornering me. Edward explained the 'tips' we leave for Jane, and by the end of the meal, Diego asked to leave the tip. Everyone laughed, when he passed around the napkin with his 'tip' on it, when it got to Edward and me, I read it out loud. "I would insult you, but even I don't think I can outdo what nature has already done." Everyone busts out laughing again.
Carlisle insisted on paying the bill, and Diego added cash to the napkin and handed it to Jane.
"Is this your phone number?" Jane asks.
"Did you really think that would be this easy?" Diego says.
"Feed your own ego, I'm busy," Jane retorts.
"I like you, Jane, you do give as good as you get. I am sure I'll see you again before I go. You are great," Diego says.
"Ha, Bells you did it again, you brought in another keeper. However, you might not want to hold his hand too, Edward was here first."
"No worries, Jane, Bella is all mine," Edward says.
Rose and Alice giggle like school girls, and Emmett fist-bumps Jasper.
"Okay, children, let's get going," I say.
We all take off and I find myself laughing while listening to Edward and Diego banter with each other.
The stories are never-ending, and when we get home, we decide to have a bonfire. Esme and Carlisle decide to go to bed because we are all going to Pikes Peak Market early, and then they are taking a boat tour tomorrow. Rose, Emmett, Alice, and Jasper come over and join us. We sit around and listen to Edward and Diego talk about all the things they did as kids growing up.
It isn't too late when we all call it a night, since Alice, Jasper, and Emmett, have to be at the shop in the morning.
Diego is a decent guy and seems to be very happy for Edward.
By the time we go inside it is late, and both guys are tired. I know I am too. Edward comes over to me on the crutches and wraps me in a hug.
"Bella, I think Diego and I are going to head downstairs for a while and play some video games. I may just crash down there on the big sofa. If you need me, that's where I'll be."
"Okay," I say with a smile. "Don't forget tomorrow we are hitting Pike Place Market early, so get some rest or you will be cranky," I giggle, having repeated what his mom just told all of us.
"Yes, mom," he chuckles and I give him a raised brow. "Yeah, don't say it, I know, you're right, I love my mom, but don't want to kiss her the way I want to kiss you."
"You want to kiss me?" I ask.
"Yes, all the time," he tells me.
I can feel my cheeks warm, and he brushes his thumb over it. "God I love that warmth, and I love you," he says leaning down.
Our lips meet, and I swear there are a thousand butterflies swarming in my belly. The kiss is innocent and romantic, by far it is the best kiss I've ever had.
I hug him closer and press my face against his chest. I can hear his heart thumping faster than normal, much like my own.
~E.S.~
We spend Saturday sightseeing and all day Sunday at my home where Esme and I cook a huge meal for everyone. Monday morning, Edward and I go back to work, after seeing Carlisle and Esme off. Today is Edward's first day back wearing his prosthetic. After talking it over with Carlisle, Edward decided it might be best for him to wait until today. Diego is going into Etched Swan with us, so he can see our operation.
"So, Edward, you have a pretty badass setup here," Diego says, as he checks Edward's room. "Actually this whole shop is pretty lit. You have a really nice place here, Bella."
"Thanks, Emmett and I may own it, but we credit the success of the shop to all of us. Jasper has talents that none of us want, such as permanent makeup application. Emmett is by far one of the best pin-up artists around, and his drawings are amazing. Alice is a wiz for perfect placements for piercings. She also has a photographic memory, and the ability to know when she is needed without words. As for Rose, she is the best accountant and our all-around organizational goddess."
"She neglects to tell you that she has Dave Navarro wanting her to go on Ink Master because he thinks she would win hands down," Edward says, as I shake my head.
"No way, I would never try to hold up my Traditional Tattoos to Oliver's standards, and don't even go there when it comes to doing Japanese for Chris."
"Wait, dude, you weren't just giving me shit the other night when you said Navarro has work done at this shop were you?" Diego asks.
"No, I wasn't kidding. I just did a Foo Dog for him a month ago. Bella here does a bunch of stuff for him, including UV lighting tattoos."
"No freaking way, man. You lucky mother—"
"Don't say it," Alice interrupts Diego. "Bella, Didyme is walking this way. Just heads up."
"Guys, keep the conversation clean for a bit, okay?" I say, and both guys nod.
The bell rings as the door opens. Didyme walks in with a big smile on her face. "Hello, my friend," she says, opening her arms to hug as she nears me.
"Hello, my friend," I say and hug her.
"Who are these two?" Didyme asks, with her Jamaican accent.
"Didyme, this is our newest artist, Edward Cullen, and his childhood friend who is visiting from Chicago, Diego Vasilis. Guys, this is one of my best clients, Didyme Brown."
"Didyme, it is really nice to meet you," Edward says, as he offers his hand to shake.
"It is nice to meet you too," she says.
"I really love your cornrows," Diego says. "That is some solid work."
"Thank you," Didyme and I say together, and smile.
"Wow, Bella, you rocked those. Head tattoos are hard, and I had to look twice to see that they were not real. You are really good at what you do," Diego says.
"I told you my girl could lay down stickers," Edward says with a grin.
"Your girl?" Didyme says.
"Well, not officially, but yeah his girl," I tell her.
Edward drops to his left knee and looks up at me. "Bella Marie Swan, will you officially be my girl?"
I blink, Alice and Didyme both have a hand over their mouths, and Diego smirks at his best friend. I'm so choked up, I can't talk. Heck, I can barely breathe, so I nod at him.
He stands back up and pulls me into a hug. "Of course, you were already my girl, but I had to ask to make it official. I love you," he whispers.
"Okay, now that that has happened, I think some of you should ready your rooms. Emmett is already working on his early client. Jasper is setting up for lip line, and eyebrows. Edward, you have a client coming in twenty minutes to finish a full back piece in color. Bella, you have fifteen with Didyme before you need to ready your room for half-sleeve black and gray realism for Dean. Diego, you are not licensed here, but you can observe all you want. I have to get the piercing room ready. I have an appointment coming in for industrial piercings in both ears, and a septum piercing," Alice states.
"Yes, Ma'am," I say with a smile.
Edward stops me from moving away and leans down to place a kiss on my forehead.
I smile and walk with Didyme to my room.
"That man has it bad for you, girl."
"I have it bad for him too, but we are taking things slow. I mean he is new here, and he is living with me too," I tell her.
"Wait, he is living with you?" Didyme asks, sounding shocked.
"Yeah, he is new to the area, and he was staying in a hotel. I offered him my basement apartment after we brought him into the shop as an artist. He has been staying with me for just over two months now. This whole thing between us has developed out of friendship. We are taking it slow; I am rather scared, to be honest."
"Well, I believe that my ancestors gave me the ability to read people, and he is good people. Even his friend is good people. Though I do think that his friend has the potential to have a potty mouth, but he has an innocent aura," she tells me and I chuckle.
As always, Didyme gives me twenty dollars, and we sit and talk for a few. When I walk her to the door, she hugs me and I slip the twenty back in her jacket pocket. She winks at me and shakes her head. I know she knows, but she has long stopped arguing with me about my taking her money.
I ready my room for my client and get to work when they arrive. About an hour into the tattoo, Diego comes to my door. I left the door open since Dean likes to chat with Alice and anyone else that comes around.
I look up at him after I stop the machine and he nods toward the other chair in my room.
"Dean, do you care if my friend from Chicago comes in and watches me for a bit?"
"No, I don't mind," he says.
"Thanks, man, nice to meet you," Diego says as he sits down.
"You like tattoos, huh?" Dean asks Diego.
"Yeah, you could say that. I grew up in a shop, and I now run it in Chicago. Bella here is my best friend's girl, and I came to visit him and meet her."
"Diego, you couldn't meet a greater chick. Bella here has done about ninety percent of my work, and I will not go anywhere else. Bella, I wasn't aware you were seeing anyone, that's cool. Anyone I know?" Dean asks.
"Yeah, Edward," I say, and Dean smirks.
"I thought you two seemed pretty close when I came in last week and checked out the art you drew for me. He had killer instincts for how it would sit best."
"Yeah, Edward is an amazing artist, and a complete natural," Diego states, and I nod in agreement.
Diego and Dean talk quite a bit as I finish up Dean's forearm. When I am done and it is cleaned, Diego lets out a whistle. "Damn, Bella, that is some seriously amazing work. It looks like I can pick up that wrench, the metal even seems to gleam. Man, you got serious talent."
"Thanks, Diego."
"He's right, Bella, this is for sure one of the best you have ever done for me," Dean adds.
"Okay, stop giving her a big head," Alice interrupts and I give her a smile.
I know Alice could tell I was uncomfortable with all the attention and praise, so she interrupted on purpose. Alice always seems to know when I need intervention.
I get Dean settled, and after he pays I enter the information into the computer. Diego watches me and has his head tilted, almost like he is thinking hard.
"What?" I ask him.
"What kind of program is that? It is awesome. It's like it breaks down how many supplies you used, and how much your income taxes are, how much you made per hour, everything."
"That is exactly what it does, and more. It is not a program that is out on the market though."
"What do you mean?" Diego asks.
"Rose designed this program, and it is basically designed for this shop."
"Wait, I thought Rose was some kind of vehicle restoration guru, who dabbled in keeping your books," Diego states.
"Well, Rose is a lot of things, and I'm not sure she would love hearing you call her a guru, but she is a master of all trades she dabbles in."
"What all does she dabble in?" Diego asks.
"Well, she is an ASE-certified mechanic, and she can also restore cars from frame up. She also designs parts to fit and alter vehicles and makes them herself, which she loves doing. She also has a master's degree in accounting, and she took quite a few programming classes in college, in her 'free' time. She invented the program that we use, but refuses to market it."
Diego just shakes his head.
"Not only that, but Rosie looks banging in a bikini," Emmett states loudly. "Hey, Bellsy, Dean's arm looks amazing as always."
We all laugh at Emmett, because as he said that, Rose walks in from the back room. He has his back to her as she walks over to him, and he has no idea. When she gets right behind him, she smacks him on the back of the head. "Of course I look good in a bikini, you oaf," Rose states, giving him an arched brow.
"On that note, I am going to head back to Edward's room and see how this back piece is coming along," Diego states.
Emmett and Rose go into the workspace room, and I go about cleaning my room for my next client.
The rest of the day drags, and when we close shop for the night, I am whipped.
Edward and Diego hang out in the basement and play video games again on Monday night.
Tuesday is much the same with Diego hanging out around the shop. Jasper and Diego spend a lot of the day talking, and I can see that everyone seems to really like him. I'm glad everyone likes him, Diego is great, and Edward has missed being around his friend.
On Wednesday, we take Lilian out for dinner and dancing. Lilian has a blast because Diego can dance the Mambo and knows Salsa too. By the end of the night, we're all tired. On the way home, Emmett keeps teasing Rose that Diego is going to be her new stepdad. She smacks him but then laughs.
Thursday Diego goes to Rose's shop to see her workspace, and at lunch time he tells Emmett that he is a lucky boy to have a girl with so many toys. We all laugh, and Diego about falls out of his chair when he finds out he hasn't even seen a tenth of her collection.
By the time Friday rolls around, none of us want to see Diego leave, but Edward and I take him to the airport before work.
"You have to come visit again soon," I tell him with a hug.
"Thanks for putting up with me," Diego says. "Keep this one in line for me, will ya?"
"You know it," I smile.
"Bye, man, it was great to hang out with you, it has been forever," Edward says.
"Yeah, I will come visit again. I damn sure have to come back, I've missed hanging with you too, bro."
They hug, and I can tell how much this visit has meant to both of them. Thankfully they were able to rekindle their friendship.
A/N: So what did you think of Diego? Did you enjoy the interaction of Edward and Bella? On a side note, I know that Oliver Peck and Chris Nunez are no longer on Ink Master, and all (Peck) controversy aside, I think they were both amazing judges, and are amazing artists. Did those of you who know who Oliver Peck is, know he was once married to Kat Von D? What a pair of fantastic artists.
