********************************************************************************************************
“Dorothy was a pleasant surprise.” I grinned at Edward.
“She is one of my favorite people.” Edward smiled back as he held my hand.
We were on our way back from the Cullens’ house after dinner. We weren’t riding with Emmett and Rose this time. Edward borrowed his Dad’s Mercedes for our trip to Forks, so Em and Rose were following in the Hummer.
“I toyed with the idea of taking the Vanquish to Forks” Edward said casually. “But I thought it would make you uncomfortable to be in such a flashy car for our first trip there.”
He’s right. For this trip is would be enough to ‘show off’ my gorgeous boyfriend. The car could wait until next time.
“Yeah. Even though I’m certain that every single person in Forks knows about us, I’m all for keeping a low profile while we’re there this weekend.” I grinned at him.
Edward nodded in agreement. “Besides, my Dad loves to have an excuse to drive the Vanquish.” Edward chuckled.
As soon as we arrived at my apartment, I went to my bedroom to pack my suitcase while Edward switched on the television.
I had almost everything packed when Edward called to me “Bella, would you like a drink?”
“Yes please. A coke would be great.” I answered.
At that exact moment, I heard a loud, high-pitched scream, Or was it a wail? coming from my kitchen.
What the fuck?
I ran in there to find a wide-eyed, panting Edward, staring unbelievingly into my fridge.
I glanced in there and my heart almost stopped, when I saw Chewbacca’s head gaping at me, but I refrained from screaming like a pre-teen.
“Oh, shit. I forgot it was April Fool’s Day.” I muttered.
Edward just looked at me with a furrowed brow, still freaked out.
I looked back at him with my eyebrows raised, come on Edward, think, you know who did this.
All of a sudden, awareness lit his features. “Emmett” He muttered in disgust. “I’m going to the bathroom.” He said as he abruptly left the kitchen.
I grabbed my cell and dialed Emmett’s number just as Edward yelled from behind the bathroom door. “Your brother is one sick motherfucker.”
He’s about to be one dead motherfucker.
“Hey there Sissy, what can I do you for?” Sang the voice of the doofus.
“Emmett.” I was so angry I could barely get the words out. “Why the hell would you do that?”
“Oh, I see you found my little gift.” He was enjoying this.
“No Emmett, I didn’t find it. Edward did.” I was pissed. “I’m surprised you couldn’t hear him scream all the way over there.”
“He screamed Bella?” he started to snicker.
When I thought about it, I couldn’t help but snicker too.
My big, strong, handsome boyfriend, reduced to a quivering, shaking, mess by a wookie.
“Like a ten year old girl.” I admitted, then I burst out a laugh.
I hope Edward doesn’t hear me.
“Where’s he now?” Emmett asked.
“He’s in the bathroom. I think you may have literally scared the shit out of him.” I whispered.
I sincerely hope not, that would be so humiliating for Edward. And pretty freaking awkward for me.
Emmett was laughing so hard that I couldn’t help but join in. I was also certain that I could hear Rose laughing in the background.
I finally pulled myself together enough to say “You know Emmett, someday someone is going to get even with you for all your nonsense.”
“It’s all good Bella, I wouldn’t dish it out if I couldn’t take it.” He answered.
Well, that was true enough. Emmett was a very good sport.
“Tell Eddie that anytime he feels the need to scare me shitless, he can bring it. I just need to make sure that I have a supply of adult diapers on hand before he does.” We both laughed again.
“Look Emmett, I just saw you in your underwear yesterday. I have no desire to see you sporting a pair of Depends.” We both laughed again.
I looked up just in time to see Edward looking at me with narrowed eyes from the doorway.
“Uh, Emmett, I’d better go.” I squeaked out.
“Sure Bells. You guys still leaving in the morning for Forks?” He questioned.
“Yes”
At least I hope so. Unless Edward’s too pissed at me for laughing at him.
“We’ll see you tomorrow night then. Bye Bells.”
“Bye Em.”
I ended the call and turned, smiling toward Edward. “Hi.” I said sheepishly.
He stared at me for a moment, thinking. “Just tell me that you didn’t have anything to do with that prank Bella.”
“What?” I was a little flustered. “Oh God no Edward. It was clearly intended for me. You just got caught in the crossfire.” I tried not to laugh again.
He breathed a sigh of relief. “Well, I’m glad that I was able to spare you that at least. Makes me feel a little better.” He sulked.
“Yes Edward.” I walked over to him and wrapped my arms around his waist. “You saved me.” I smiled.
He grinned crookedly and kissed my nose. “Looking out for your welfare is my favorite thing Miss Swan, even when I’m unaware that I’m doing it.”
I tilted my head “That’s your favorite thing to do Edward? Really?”
He smirked again as he caught my very unsubtle meaning. “I guess not. Now that you mention it, I can think of a couple things that I like more.” He said as he leaned down and brushed his lips against mine.
Edward brushed his lips and then his tongue across my bottom lip, I immediately parted my lips, allowing entrance. We swiftly got lost in the kiss and I tangled my hands in Edward’s hair.
What that man can do to me with just a kiss.
“If you’ve changed your mind Bella, remember all you have to do is tell me.” he murmured “Just one word from you baby.” He whispered as he kissed down my neck and across my collar bone. “I can forget all about being a gentleman for a little while.” He breathed.
My thoughts were all over the place as I panted for air. I felt my inhibitions melting away.
No, no, no. Not like this, he’s leaving in four days. And you’re making out in front of Chewbacca.
I reached over and pushed the fridge door closed. I‘d forgotten it was open.
“Sorry, Chewy watching us was creeping me out.” I grinned as I regained my self-control. “Okay Mr. Movie Star, get your bag packed for Forks.”
He chuckled as he shook his head.
--V&V--
About halfway to Forks, I was having to make a serious effort to stay awake, but it was difficult. My carcalepsy was taking over.
Edward must have sensed this, because he stopped at a convenience store to get drinks.
Caffeine should definitely help.
As I waited in the check-out line with Edward, I noticed the rack of tabloids on display. It was really weird to see myself on the cover of a magazine.
One had a photo of Edward and I dancing at Disneyland.
Damn, I look pretty good in that one. I wish all the photos were that flattering.
A second magazine had a photo of us kissing in front of the Basilica in Capistrano.
Well, that’s not too bad. I don’t look like a hussy as I feared anyway.
I breathed a sigh of relief over that one.
Oh shit. There’s one of us standing next to wax Edward at Madame Tussaud’s. Rats. Edward said he would make me pay if photos of that got out.
I glanced up at Edward and he was gazing out the window. He turned to look at me and smiled.
Maybe he didn’t notice it.
The caffeine only helped for a short while. Edward even put on livelier music, but after a while I felt myself drifting off.
I kept dreaming about Quentin Tarantino movies. It wasn’t very restful.
He wears a red bandana, Plays a cool piana,
In a honky tonk, down in Mexico
He wears a purple sash, and a black moustache
In a honky tonk, down in Mexico
I woke with a start when my dream morphed into a scene of me straddling Edward to give him a lap dance.
Ho-lee-crap.
I blinked hard and looked around trying to wake up.
That lap dance song is still playing.
“Edward, isn’t that song from Death Proof?” I questioned when I realized the song from my dream was playing on the car stereo.
“Yeah, I have a whole playlist of songs from Tarantino movies. Do you like it?”
“Sure, I guess it’s okay.” I answered. “I wasn’t talking in my sleep, was I?”
Suddenly I was terrified of what I may have said while dreaming of grinding on my boyfriend.
“No, why?” Edward grinned questioningly.
“Um, I just watch too many movies that’s all.” I muttered.
For the first time today, I was actually thankful that, at Charlie’s, Edward and I would have to sleep in separate rooms. Who the hell knows what I’d mutter in my sleep if I had that dream again?
--V&V--
When we arrived at Charlie’s, my Dad was still at work, so we let ourselves in. As I predicted at Christmas, the grand tour took about five minutes, not counting the fifteen minutes that Edward lingered in my childhood bedroom.
He seemed most amused by my old bulletin board, of all things. It had ended up being a ‘catch all’ for my favorite old photographs. He took particular notice of a photo of Charlie, me and Emmett with the Clearwaters from Christmas a couple years ago.
“Who are they?” He asked while pointing at it.
“Those are the Clearwaters, Harry, Sue, Leah and Seth. They’re friends of the family.”
“How old’s that guy?” He asked while pointing at Seth . Edward actually sounded jealous.
“Seth is probably nineteen or twenty now, I really don’t keep track.” He still didn’t look satisfied, so I decided to tease him. “What’s the problem Edward? Do you think I have a secret boyfriend or something?”
He grimaced. Seriously?
“Edward where is this coming from? Remember me, Bella Swan, never had a date before you.” I laughed, but had to admit that it was kind of flattering.
Edward’s really hot when he’s jealous. Who are you kidding Bella? He’s hot any time.
He sighed. “I know, I’m being silly. I’m sorry Bella. By the time I leave on Monday, I’ll probably need medication. My paranoia is showing.” He wound his arms around my waist as he spoke.
“Come on, let’s get some lunch, and then there’s someone I’d like you to meet before we go to the grocery store.” I really wanted Edward to meet Father Pat.
While I took a short inventory of Charlie’s kitchen, deciding what groceries I needed to get for Easter dinner, a police car pulled up in front of the house.
I watched as Deputy Mark exited the car, heading for the front door. Mark slowed down as he eyed the Mercedes in the driveway.
Edward, who had been seated at the table in front of the window, suddenly darted from his chair mumbling something about needing the restroom.
That’s weird. I thought he just went?
I pulled open the front door just as Mark was getting ready to knock. He smiled broadly when he saw me. “Hi Bella.”
“Hey Mark, how are you?”
He frowned. “I’m here to deliver some of Harry Clearwater’s fish fry batter. I just picked it up from Sue. Your Dad was out of it, and knew you’d need some for tonight.”
“Why is Dad making you run errands for him?” I asked, confused.
Mark looked sheepish. “He found out that I helped Emmett put jello in his boots” he said, “and marshmallow fluff in his tackle box.”
I laughed. “I’m sorry.”
Mark grinned “That’s okay, I’d do it all again in a heartbeat. Well, I’d better go pick up the Chief’s dry cleaning.”
I tried not to laugh again as he left.
As soon as Mark was gone, Edward came out of the bathroom looking pale. “Edward if you’re not feeling well, you don’t have to go. I can…”
He cut me off. “Don’t be silly Bella. Let’s go, I’m starving.” He said with a big smile.
I directed Edward to the Forks coffee shop. He paled again as we got ready to exit the car.
What is wrong with him today?
Margie showed us to my favorite booth. I noticed that Edward kept his cap and sunglasses on. “Edward, I’m pretty sure you don’t need the glasses and hat inside.”
He looked uncomfortable. “I don’t want anyone to recognize me.” He said in almost a whisper.
It didn’t help, everyone still knew who he was. It was well known in Forks by now that we were dating, so if they recognized me, they immediately knew Edward was with me.
I started to watch him closely, noticing that any time Raye, one of the waitresses, got close to our table, his hands visibly shook.
Why the heck is he afraid of Raye. She has to be over seventy years old, it‘s not like she‘s going to molest him.
Then my mind flashed back to an image of ‘Grandma Moses’ groping Edward during Mass.
No, Bella, Raye’s a sweet lady. Edward is just a nervous wreck.
Before we left, Margie made sure to give us a box of hot cross buns to take home to Charlie. By the time we were back in the car, I was really concerned about Edward.
Maybe he’s headed for a mental breakdown. The trip to England is bothering him more than I thought.
After lunch, Edward and I drove over to Saint Anne’s church. It was Good Friday, and I wanted to be there for the last part of the Three Hours’ Agony.
We sat in a pew in the back and listened to Father Pat read the passion. To me, the readings from this day were the most meaningful.
As usual, my mind began to wander. I was still concerned about Edward, although he seemed to have returned to normal. I thought back to the conversation I’d had with Esme the previous night.
**flashback**
Edward had been deep in conversation with Dorothy when Esme started toward the kitchen, asking me to help her for a moment. I followed her out.
While she made a pot of coffee, we talked. “Bella, I’ve heard all about how Edward is handling this upcoming trip to England, but how about you?“
I felt sad, but I knew I’d be okay. “I think the time will pass quickly as long as I keep busy. I’ve also arranged my schedule this quarter so that I don’t have class on Fridays or Mondays. I’m going to try to surprise him on one of the weekends by flying over. I was thinking of asking Alice to help me plan it.“
Esme’s face lit up with a brilliant smile. “Oh Bella that would be wonderful. You will make Edward so happy.“
I thought about how Edward, being such a good actor, was very adept at hiding his feelings from me. “Esme, tell me how he really is. He hides his anxiety from me most of the time.”
She smiled sadly. “He is in agony knowing he has to leave you again. Partly because he worries so much about your well-being, but most of all because he knows how lonely he’ll be without you.“
“I’ll miss him too, but he worries too much.” I answered.
“Yes, but only about you.” She smiled. “You need to understand how precious you are to him. He’s changed so much since meeting you. Dorothy was right, my son had become so cynical and bitter over the last few years, that I hardly recognized the loving child I raised.” She patted my forearm “You’ve brought him back to us Bella. I can never thank you enough.”
I helped her carry the tray of coffee as we walked slowly back toward the dining room together.
“Esme, everything you perceive that I’ve done for Edward, I want you to know that he’s done exactly the same for me. He’s helped changed my life in so many ways over these last few months, and I don’t miss my old life one bit.”
We walked back into the dining room. Edward looked up at that exact moment, as soon as our eyes met, his face lit up with a breathtaking smile.
I didn’t know how I’d survive for the next month, but I was determined to show Edward that I could be strong.
**end of flashback**
After Father Pat had concluded the services for Good Friday, he came over to greet me.
“Hello there Isabella.” He said as I hugged him.
“Hi Father Pat. I wanted you to meet Edward Cullen.”
Edward smiled as he shook Father’s hand.
“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you Edward. Isabella’s quite taken with you.” Father smiled.
Even though Edward already knew how desperately I loved him, I couldn’t help but blush at Father’s comment.
Edward seemed very pleased by that and smirked at me.
Father Pat and Edward chatted for a few minutes about the movie industry, leading back to his upcoming trip to England.
Why does every conversation lately end up back at that damn trip?
When I could feel the edges of my sanity starting to fray, I silently prayed that I could keep from falling apart until Edward’s plane was airborne.
“So Father, we’ll see you for Easter dinner?” I asked.
“Yes, of course Isabella. I wouldn’t miss it.”
Edward seemed completely back to normal as we said our goodbyes and headed to the car. Just as I fastened my seatbelt my phone rang.
Rose
“Hey Rose” I answered cheerfully.
“Hi Bells” She sounded happy too. “I’m still at work, but I needed you to pick up a few things at the store if you haven’t gone yet. I‘ve decided to attempt making the breakfast tomorrow.”
Since their engagement, Rose had been trying to improve her formerly nonexistent cooking skills.
“Oh sure, we’re on our way there now. Let me get something to write with.” I pulled out my little scruff of a grocery list. There wasn’t any more room to write anything else on my list, and I didn‘t carry a pen in my tiny purse. “Edward, can I look in the glove compartment for paper and pen?”
Edward shrugged. “You can look. I think Dad probably keeps a pen or two in there, not sure about paper.”
I opened it to find I was in luck. There was a pen and a piece of white paper, folded in half. I grabbed the paper, unfolded it, and started to write.
Rose rattled off the things I needed to get in order for her to prepare breakfast, and I knew she would need my help. We said our goodbyes, and I ended the call.
I decided to rewrite all the items from my scruffy list on this one. I quickly ran out of room on the front and flipped it over to continue on the back.
At first, I started to panic because the paper wasn’t blank, and I’d obviously written on something of Carlise’s. The panic disappeared when I realized what I was looking at, and my confusion took over.
What the hell?
“Um, Edward, why was there a receipt in there for the Pacific Inn Motel, Forks Washington, December 25 th 2009 with your name on it?”
I watched Edward’s face as it morphed into one of horror. He stared at me with wide eyes, blinked several times and swallowed twice before he found his voice. “Bella, is there any possibility that you could forget you ever saw that?” he asked while looking at me with pleading eyes.
I narrowed my eyes at him. “Oh Edward, I don’t think that’s going to happen.” I smirked and folded my arms across my chest as I waited for his explanation.
This should be interesting.
No comments:
Post a Comment