Lou and I were on our way to the wrap party before I heard from Edward. His response came in the form of a text message.
.
You know what they say about paybacks my loveI'll meet you in the lobby
.
Upon entering the lobby of The Standard, I felt out of place in my t-shirt and jeans even after I saw Edward dressed similarly. That man would look good in anything.
Or nothing
I snickered at the thought, earning a curious look from Edward before he gave me a quick hello kiss and led me from the lobby. In the elevator, Lou and Sidney stood in front of the doors with their backs to us. A couple other people crowded inside, so Edward pulled me in front of him, his hands gently gripping each of my shoulders.
After a minute I realized his fingers were very lightly tracing the straps of my bra through the material of my t-shirt. I inched back a little more until my entire body was flush against his front. I heard his sharp intake of breath at the same moment that I felt it..
Edward was definitely a little 'worked up'. Instantly, I regretted sending the photo. What the hell was wrong with me? Instead of making things easier for him, I had been cruel. He'd been so understanding and sweet and respectful, how could he help what happened in his dreams?
I felt my entire body sag under the weight of my regret. Edward must have felt it because just then his hands gripped a little tighter. Once again, he was probably worried about me.
I don't deserve him.
Once we stepped off the elevator, he signaled for Lou and Sidney to wait there before he grabbed my hand and pulled me into a small hallway by the rest rooms. "Bella what's wrong?" He whispered as his hands rubbed my upper arms.
"I'm sorry" I said, still not looking at him.
He put his hand under my chin, pulling my face up to look at him. "Why are you sorry sweetheart?"
"I shouldn't have sent the photo, it wasn't nice." I said after swallowing the lump in my throat.
He gave me a sexy smile. "Oh, on the contrary, I thought it was very nice." He bent down and brushed my lips with his. "I should be angry with you though." He whispered against my lips.
"I know."
"That image is now burned into my brain. You are one cruel woman Bella Swan." He breathed.
He was absolutely right.
"Answer me one question, and all will be forgiven."
"What's that?" I murmured
He moved until his lips were by my ear "Are you wearing them now?"
Edward wants to know if I'm still wearing the lingerie?
I nodded in answer.
Again, I heard his intake of breath. He pulled me close while wrapping his arms around me. "Ah Bella" He sighed. "Whatever will I do with you?"
"Anything you want seven weeks from now." I blurted without thinking before slapping my hand over my mouth.
Edward laughed loudly. "So you've been keeping track of the days too?"
"Maybe" I grinned.
"There you are." I heard Alec announce from behind Edward's back. Edward turned and gave him a dirty look.
"You're missing the party." He explained.
"Trust me, we're not missing anything." Edward said with a smirk before taking my hand and reluctantly turning toward the party. "Shall we?"
"Sure." I answered before Edward led me into a covered seating area near the bar. That was where Jasper found us a few minutes later.
"Hi Bella." He said quietly without meeting my eyes. He then turned toward Edward.
What's up with him?
"Sal and Herb are here, I know they'd like to say hello." He informed Edward.
I saw Edward's expression change to one of indifference as he shrugged. "They know where to find me."
"Who are they?" I asked in a whisper.
Edward pursed his lips. "A couple of studio execs."
I frowned. "Edward, you should probably say hello to them." I coaxed, wondering why he seemed out of sorts at the mere mention of their names.
He sighed deeply. "You're right. I need to be more like you my love, and stop holding grudges."
Huh? He thinks I don't hold grudges?
"Edward, you're aware that I'm afraid of heights right?"
"Oh sweetheart, is being on the roof bothering you?" He asked, suddenly worried.
I chuckled. "No, but being up on that pedestal where you've placed me is a very scary place."
He relaxed and started to snicker. "Come on, I'll introduce you." He stood and reached for my hand.
Herb and Sal were very nice. I couldn't understand Edward's attitude before we walked over there, but knowing him as I did it finally became clear that these two gentlemen had probably been key players in the 'Edward Masen boyfriend of Tanya' charade.
It was time for Edward to let that go, and I was going to inform him of such tonight.
I had a great time, especially after Crystal arrived. Jasper left early, and Alec disappeared about thirty minutes after we arrived. I didn't want to think about what he was up to.
Edward and I spent most of the evening drinking and talking with Yves, Crystal, Tony and his wife Molly.
They had live music, but the most entertaining part of the evening was the spectacle put on by Nicole French. Crystal and I snickered as we watched her go around the room, drinking and flirting with every male who crossed her path. She made the mistake of eyeing our men as she walked past. "Just keep walking twat waffle" Crystal announced loudly, sending Molly and I into hysterical giggles, while the guys chuckled along with us.
"I'm telling you, a punch in the face wasn't enough for her" Crystal announced "If she gets too close to Yves tonight, her ass is going swimming." She said while pointing to the rooftop pool, causing another round of laughter.
I must be sure to introduce Crystal to Rosalie. Something tells me they'd get along famously.
Nicole steered clear of us for the balance of the evening, but her luck ran out when she tried to grope one of the producers. A producer with a very jealous trophy wife. Nicole got a chance to try out the pool after all.
As we lay in bed that night, laughing about the day's events, I brought up the subject that was still troubling me.
"Edward, were those studio executives involved in the whole Tanya mess?"
I saw his jaw tighten. "Yes. Actually, back in January when you thought I'd lied to you about Tanya not being my girlfriend, those two guys were part of a roomful of people that I told to go fuck themselves." He admitted with a sigh.
"Oh" I said, as I remembered the message he'd left on my phone that day.
"Edward, it can't be healthy to hold onto all this anger. I worry about you so much." I whispered as I kissed his lips.
He relaxed and wrapped his arms tighter around me.
"I know you're right." He admitted. "You're a better person than I am Bella."
"That's doubtful." I blurted. "I go around feeling guilty most of the time. I feel like a terrible person."
"Guilty? What could you possibly have to feel guilty about?" He asked.
I sighed. "A lot of things. I'm working on it though. The biggest one is feeling responsible for my Mom's death. It's been difficult to talk myself out of that one." I admitted.
"Oh Bella" He sounded so sad "There's only one person to blame for that, and he's in prison."
"I know."
-V&V—
"So Eddie went to Mass with you?" Mrs. Hernandez questioned as I helped her prepare Moroccan chicken for Sunday dinner.
Kyle Browning had arrived at the house after we returned from Mass and he and Edward were in the living room discussing the Jill Richardson business.
"He always goes with me." I answered.
"That's nice." She said with a smile. "He's so different now Bella. You've changed him for the better."
"That's what his Mom says."
"Esme's a smart woman."
As we ate, Kyle talked about Jill Richardson. "She tried to block the DNA testing by arguing that she never said you were the baby's father. She couldn't fight a court order though." He grinned.
"I spoke with Spencer Wyatt's manager yesterday; Spencer has decided to have a DNA test of his own done." Kyle added.
"Wow, I'm surprised he spoke with you." I thought out loud.
"We're not the enemy as far as Spencer's concerned. He's angry with Jill Richardson, not Edward. Although I'm sure he hated Edward when he thought the 'phony' date was real."
I looked at him questioningly.
"Evidently he begged Jill not to go as Edward's date that night. He'd heard of Edward's 'reputation', which we all know now wasn't true, and assumed Jill would be another conquest." Kyle just chuckled and shook his head.
Edward sighed and rolled his eyes. Not wanting him to stress, I covered his hand with mine and gave him a reassuring smile.
"For the next couple of months he toured Europe with his band. When he came back, Jill tried to contact him once or twice, but he wasn't ready to speak with her."
"When Edward made his statement last weekend, he believed him. He suspected the baby to be his then, and went to see Jill in the hospital yesterday. Evidently, as soon as he saw the baby, there wasn't a doubt in his mind that he was the father. He's only ordering the test to claim his legal rights in case Jill tries to deny him."
Edward nodded in understanding.
What was I missing? "I don't understand Kyle. How did he know by looking at the child that he was the father?" I asked.
Kyle thought for a minute. "Well, I guess there's still a possibility that the child is someone else's, but it's obviously not Edward's."
I was still confused.
"Bella, the baby looks more like me than Edward, if you understand me." Kyle continued as he took in my puzzled expression.
Huh? How could a little baby look like Kyle?
Kyle chuckled and turned to Edward. "Is she for real?" He asked.
I even heard Mrs. Hernandez giggle from her seat at the table.
Edward smiled and nodded. "She's unique." It was Edward's turn to squeeze my hand. "Bella, I think what Kyle is trying to tell you is that he, like Spencer Wyatt, is African American." He then glanced at Kyle "I'm assuming the baby is mixed?"
Kyle nodded and smiled at us. Now I felt like an idiot. Of course I knew Kyle was African American, it just wasn't something I thought about. Race, for me, has always been something that faded into the background like hair color or eye color.
Well, obviously Edward's eye color never fades into the background. They are brilliant green and oh so beautiful.
Who am I kidding, everything about him is beautiful.
"Oh" was my brilliant response as I shrugged.
Kyle laughed. "I wish everyone was like you Bella, my stint in law school would have been much more pleasant that's for sure." He said as he continued to smile at me.
He thought for a minute, "Okay, so when Spencer visited Jill, she told him everything. About the studio dumping her, about the fake date, she even admitted to him that she'd been trying to force the studio to hire her back by making that statement."
Edward shook his head. "She'll be lucky if she ever gets an acting job now."
Kyle nodded. "When the test results are released her already low credibility will be in the toilet."
"I feel sorry for her" I said in a low voice.
All the faces at the table looked at me in shock. "I know she did something wrong, and she hurt us. But somehow I get the feeling that she's realized by now how badly she's screwed everything up and is probably sorry."
Kyle smirked. "Don't hold your breath waiting for an apology Bella. From what Spencer's manager told me, she's a manipulative bitch. He was happy when Spencer left her."
Oh
We then turned the subject matter to other things. Kyle stayed around for quite a while. He, like Wendy, was turning out to be a lot more than just a lawyer, he was a friend.
-V&V—
"Aziz wears the white dinner jacket well, but not as well as you Edward." I whispered. We were seated in the audience at the MTV Movie Awards.
Edward smiled at me as he laced his fingers through mine. By all accounts, this year's show had been quite tame compared to the year before. Every now and then though, I would peer up at the ceiling to make sure Bruno wasn't about to swoop down and land on my man.
Some moments of the show were awkward, but for the most part it was funny. When the kiss cam zoomed in on us, Edward leaned down and captured my surprised lips in a sweet kiss. Our kiss however was overshadowed by the one shared between Jonah Hill and Russell Brand.
Rose texted me in the middle of the show:
.
Nice kiss but I would have shown a little cleavage
Love you
-R
.
I have no doubt of that
I chuckled.
When it came time for the Global Superstar award, I wasn't surprised that Edward was declared the winner. This time I kissed him before he got up to accept. I watched closely to make sure the two female presenters didn't get too friendly with their hands when they congratulated him.
I'd hate to have to cut a bitch.
Edward feigned surprised as he stood up there holding the award. "First of all, I'd like to thank my fans, they are truly the best and without them I wouldn't have the opportunity to make these wonderful movies. " He shot a version of his Hollywood smile that was destined to melt the panties off ninety percent of the female population, including yours truly.
"I'd also like to thank my family and my manager, who is part of the family" He grinned. "for their constant love and support. And last, but certainly not least, I'd like to thank my girl, my beautiful Bella. She has gifted me with a future that is full of possibilities. I can't wait to begin our life together. Thank you."
I tried but failed to swallow the lump forming in my throat as my eyes filled with tears. By the time Edward arrived back at his seat, a couple of tears had escaped and were streaming down my face. He pulled me into his arms and kissed me sweetly.
After the show, Edward was interviewed by Josh Horowitz. I stood by as they laughed and joked. Josh teased him about his messy hair.
Lay off the sex hair Josh
Can it really be referred to as 'sex hair' if Edward's never had sex?
Good point.
As I stood off to the side watching him talk to Josh, I became aware of a couple of women standing near me. I turned in their direction and realized they looked vaguely familiar. As soon as I heard them speaking to each other, I remembered where I'd seen them. They were part of some lame reality show.
"Edward Masen is fucking hot." I heard one whisper to the other.
I really couldn't argue with that.
"He's a prick. I totally tried to hook up with him at a party last year, and he wouldn't give me the time of day." The second one answered.
I smiled smugly to myself.
Josh was asking Edward if he was going to be in town for some movie premier and party the next weekend. "No, I'll be back in Seattle by then." Edward answered with a smile. "Isabella is graduating next Saturday."
That's when I heard bimbo number one start whispering again, "What the hell? Edward Masen's girlfriend is in high school? I wonder if she's even eighteen yet? He's like twenty-five or something."
"That's just nasty." Bimbo number two added.
I decided to interrupt them, knowing that this is precisely how stupid rumors got started. "Ladies, I couldn't help but overhear your conversation. Let me ease your minds. I am, in fact, graduating from college next week, not high school, and I am twenty-two, almost twenty-three years old." I smiled dismissively and stepped closer to the man I loved.
The bimbos walked away.
They are as dumb as they look. Who knew?
I was introduced to a lot of celebrities, and remained surprisingly calm through it all. Edward knew so many people. Mark Wahlberg wanted him to appear in an episode of Entourage. Betty White called me a 'doll' when we had our photo taken with her. Katy Perry was very nice, and very cool, as was Cameron Diaz, but the person I was most thrilled to meet was Sandra Bullock. She defined class.
Bradley Cooper was charming and swoon-worthy, or would have been if Edward wasn't the only man who could make me swoon. I watched as Edward chatted with fellow celebrities along with a couple of directors, totally in his element.
We didn't stay long after the show, I had an early flight the next day, and we both wanted some time alone.
"What would you like to do?" Edward asked after we arrived back at his house.
"I don't know, maybe watch a movie?"
I really wanted to swim in his pool, but my period had arrived earlier that day, so as crummy as I was feeling, swimming was out.
We got our showers and met back in the bedroom to watch a DVD.
"What are you in the mood for?" He asked.
"We haven't watched Alice in Wonderland yet."
Try as I might to concentrate on the movie, I found it difficult. Instead, I had an urgent need to discuss the future. We talked well into the night about many things that previously we'd only touched on.
We talked about purchasing a house in Seattle, knowing that we'd only live there when he wasn't filming. He tried to tell me that I could stay there during the times I didn't want to travel with him.
"Edward, when I told you we wouldn't be apart, I meant it. I intend to go with you on location every time." I poked his chest for emphasis as I said the last two words.
I could tell he was happy that I hadn't changed my mind. "I just don't want you to be living out of hotels for weeks at a time." He admitted.
"Edward, you'll still be living out of hotels and wouldn't it be better if I were there with you?"
"Absolutely" He smiled brilliantly and pulled me closer.
Another big issue that we'd only touched on was having children.
We knew that we both wanted them, but that had been the extent of our discussion up until that point. We were always so focused on the two of us that it was hard to think of anyone else.
"Edward, we haven't spoken much about having children." I said quietly.
He looked puzzled. "Bella, I assumed you wanted them, at least I hoped you did."
"Of course I do."
He looked relieved.
"Edward, do you know the Church's stand on having children?" I asked cautiously.
He visibly swallowed. "Bella are you trying to tell me that you're opposed to birth control?"
I sighed. "You make it sound so harsh." I paused trying to gather my thoughts. "I'd really like to try natural family planning. I've been reading up on it, and know if we're diligent it will work." I said hopefully.
Edward rubbed his hand across his forehead. "Bella, you do realize you're talking about abstinence." He said it like it was a dirty word.
"Only for certain days every month." I defended. I knew he'd have a hard time with this. "It's important to me Edward. It seems ridiculous for us to go through all the formalities of a Church wedding only to turn our back on the Church teachings immediately afterward."
He wrapped his arms tightly around me. "God knows we can afford as many children as we want Bella. I am apprehensive about this though. I want children with you, but I also know that childbirth is scary and dangerous. I had hoped we could put it off a few years. I worry about you."
He laughed then without humor. "I'm also pretty sure that the first time I see you in pain because you're giving birth to my child, I'll desperately wish I could switch places with you." He said with a tortured look. "But because that's impossible, I'll probably beg Emmett and your Dad to kick my ass for getting you pregnant."
"Oh Edward" I chuckled as I reached up to kiss his lips. "That's a welcome kind of pain. But you're worrying about something that's not even close to happening yet. We get to have lots of sex before we have to worry about that." I wiggled my eyebrows at him, trying to lighten the mood.
He moved quickly then, flipping me onto my back so he could hover above me. "My beautiful girl, I know you're trying to distract me, and it's most definitely working." He said with a smirk. "I also know that as soon as we've made love, I'm not going to want to abstain. Not ever. So that which I fear, will happen a lot sooner than you think." He grinned.
"Okay then, let's not worry about any kind of family planning until after the first baby." I said with a playful smile.
He growled. "You are incorrigible." He then proceeded to attack my mouth with a passionate kiss. His lips moved forcefully against mine before I felt his tongue warm and smooth trace my bottom lip. I opened my mouth just enough to allow his entrance. As he explored, I carefully swept my tongue over his a couple of times before pulling back slightly. Edward withdrew his lips from mine and began to kiss down my neck. I leaned into his ear and gently took the lobe between my teeth, biting down playfully. He groaned before pulling away from me.
"I can deny you nothing beautiful. If it means that much to you, I'll agree." He said in a defeated tone.
"Thank you Edward, I love you so much." I whispered.
"As I love you sweetheart."
We lay there quietly for a few minutes before I spoke again.
"Edward?"
"Yes, love?"
"Are you sure that you just don't want to have to share me." I teased. "You know, with a baby."
He chuckled. "I can't argue with that Bella, and there's no man on earth that would blame me." He smiled. "But on the other hand, to know you were carrying our child, something we made together out of love." His grasp tightened very slightly. "The thought overwhelms me."
I could feel goosebumps form on my flesh as he spoke.
That night I dreamed of a beautiful little boy with his father's untamed hair and piercing green eyes.
-V&V—
With a promise to see me Tuesday evening, Edward kissed me goodbye at the security area of the L.A. airport.
The flight back to Seattle was uneventful. Lou read a book while I studied for the exam I had that afternoon.
Once we arrived home, I had just enough time to unpack before having to leave for class. Lou walked me inside and was waiting outside the classroom door when I was finished.
"Hey Edward, I guess you're at the Letterman show. I just called to let you know that I'm done for the day. Call me when you can. I love you." I ended the call as Lou pulled up to my building. Surprisingly, there were no paps stationed outside.
"Do you need anything else today Bella?" Lou asked.
"Nah, I'm just going to relax. I don't plan to go out. Why? Do you have a hot date?" I teased.
Lou smiled gently. "Nothing like that unfortunately. I'm just going home to get caught up on laundry and probably call my brother. My Mom's not doing too well; he's the one who lives closest to her."
I knew that Lou's mom had a minor stroke about a month before. "Oh Lou, I'm so sorry to hear that. Why don't you go see her? I can drive myself tomorrow."
Lou shook his head and laughed. "Do you want to get me fired Bella? Besides, once Edward and Sidney arrive tomorrow night, I'll ask for a few days off to go see her."
"Lou, I know that won't be a problem."
-V&V—
About an hour later, I was kicking myself for letting Lou go. As I pulled the last tampon from the box and scowled at the empty package of maxi pads, I realized that once again I'd run out when it wasn't convenient to go to the store.
Why do I keep doing this to myself?
Normally this wouldn't have been a big deal because, in a pinch, Rose and I would borrow from each other until one of us went shopping.
But with Rose being pregnant, and out of town, borrowing from her was no longer an option.
I really can't call Lou all the way back over here just to take me to the drug store.
I debated for several minutes before deciding that I would drive myself.
And never tell Edward
I wasn't stupid. I made sure to carry my pepper spray.
I found myself being extra cautious while walking through the parking deck to my car, half expecting some creepy guy to be lurking in the shadows. Emmett had been driving my car at least once a week to make sure it kept in working order, but it had been ages since I'd driven it myself. As soon as I slid behind the wheel, I relaxed.
I'm so silly for feeling nervous. No one is around to bother me.
It was true. There'd been no flowers delivered in weeks. No weird notes. No strange phone calls. I was pretty sure that whoever had sent those carnations had lost interest in me, and was off stalking someone else by now.
Making sure to park where my car was visible from the front door of the drug store, I quickly found what I needed. It took me about ten seconds to decide that purchasing a supply to last several months was probably a good idea since I was such an airhead.
The cashier gave me a strange look, but didn't say a word. As I entered my apartment with enough feminine products to supply a sorority house, I had to admit that I was pretty proud of myself. I'd ventured out alone and managed to return unscathed.
-V&V—
That evening on skype, I discussed Lou's situation with Edward. "Lou told me that his mom isn't doing very well Edward, he needs a few days off to visit her."
"Of course he can take as much time as he needs once Sidney and I arrive tomorrow. Bella please tell him how sorry I am about his Mom." Edward said, the genuine concern evident on his face.
"I know he'll be grateful to hear that." I said softly. "Edward, I see no reason why he has to wait for you and Sidney to arrive. I'll be perfectly fine by myself for a few hours."
Edward's expression grew hard. "Absolutely not Bella."
"Edward, I promise to lock myself in the apartment until you arrive."
He began to run his fingers through his hair. "Bella, please don't ask me that." He pleaded.
"Edward please, I swear I won't do anything stupid."
"Bella, I can't."
"Please." I begged.
He just shook his head then. I knew I wouldn't be able to sway him.
Lou arrived bright and early the next day, so early in fact that I wasn't quite ready to leave. He sat in my kitchen nursing a cup of coffee while I tied my shoes and stuffed my things into my backpack. "How's your Mom?"
He looked up with sad eyes. "She had another stroke last night. It doesn't look good."
"Oh no Lou." I said with a gasp. "You need to go to her."
"Bella, I'm going tonight." He stated firmly. "I'm already packed. As soon as I know Edward and Sidney have arrived, I'm leaving. "
"Lou, you need to leave now." I insisted.
"No, Bella."
I am not helpless.
Stupid stubborn men.
Between exams I phoned Edward. "Edward, Lou's mother had another stroke last night. He said it doesn't look good."
Edward drew in a quick breath. "I'm sorry. What do you want me to do Bella?" He asked in a defeated tone.
"I want you to let him go to her. He needs to leave now."
"Bella" He said in a tortured voice.
"Okay, then after my exams Edward. Let him leave then."
He sighed.
"Edward, if she dies and he doesn't get to see her because of me, I'll never forgive myself." I said as my voice caught in my throat.
There was silence for a long moment. "Okay" He said quietly. "I'm going to see if I can get an earlier flight back."
"That's not necessary Edward. I told you I won't leave the apartment."
"I know." He sounded defeated. "Bella, promise me you'll stay safe."
"I promise. I love you Edward." I said happily. "You'd better call Lou; I know he won't believe it coming from me."
"Alright, but I'm calling you this evening. I expect you to be locked in your apartment by then." He said in a demanding tone.
"Yes sir" I teased. "I love you Edward."
"I love you too baby."
Edward was only able to move his flight to one that left an hour earlier, but that was better than nothing.
My exams were over. In four days, I'd be a college graduate.
I was securely locked in my apartment, alone and bored, counting the minutes until Edward arrived. I'd sent Lou on his way hours before with my best wishes for his mother's recovery.
I'd already dusted and vacuumed my apartment, channel surfed and found nothing to watch, pulled out my well-worn copy of The Scarlet Pimpernel and attempted to read, I just couldn't settle down. I decided to write for a while, and that's just what I was doing when Edward phoned. "Hey sweetheart, I'm about to give a bunch of interviews before boarding my plane. I take it you're locked securely in the apartment?"
"Yes Edward, other than missing you, I'm fine."
"I wish I was there right now." He said with longing in his voice.
"Me too. I love you. Now go do your interviews." I ordered.
"Okay. I love you too. I'll see you tonight."
Edward would be interviewing for the next couple of hours before immediately boarding an airplane home to me.
Sometime later, my cell rang with a call from an unfamiliar number.
The thought crossed my mind that it might be someone from the publishing company. "Hello"
"Hello Miss Swan? Is this Isabella Swan?" A male voice inquired.
"Yes, could I ask who this is?"
"Miss Swan this is Deputy Simons with the Forks Police Department."
At his words, I could feel my body begin to tense. I didn't remember a Deputy Simons, but his voice was vaguely familiar. "Yes" was all I could force out as I immediately started to worry about Charlie.
"I'm sorry Miss Swan, your brother was unreachable, and you were also listed as Chief Swan's next of kin." I stopped breathing. "Your father has suffered a massive heart attack. He's in the hospital. How quickly can you get here Miss Swan?" the deputy demanded.
"I, I…" I needed Edward. And Emmett. And Rose.
"Miss Swan did you hear me? Your father needs you, he's in the hospital. I asked how quickly you can get here?" He sounded a little irritated.
I forced my brain to start working again. "Three hours" I managed to croak out.
"Very well. Is this number your cell phone Miss Swan?"
"Yes" I whispered.
"Please keep the line open, I'll call you at this number with any updates. I'll see you in three hours Miss Swan. Please hurry."
My hands were shaking as I ended the call. Not giving a thought to anything else, I robotically grabbed my keys and my purse and headed out the door.
My Dad needs me.
My phone rang then and I glanced at the screen.
Alice
I couldn't speak to her at that moment. Maybe later.
Sorry Alice, whatever you need will have to wait.
I had to keep the line open.
By the time I was in my car, the tears were falling full force. I knew I needed to pull it together or I wouldn't be able to drive. I took a few calming breaths.
Just this morning I was worried that Lou wouldn't see his mother alive again, now I don't know if I'll make it in time to see my Dad.
My Daddy
The tears flowed as my mind filled with images of Charlie.
Carrying me on his shoulders at the beach when I was a small child, before he would swing me down and dangle my feet in the chilly water, just to make me squeal.
On nights that he wasn't working, after Mom had tucked the covers up to my chin, my Dad would always check under my bed for monsters.
Teaching me to ride a bike, and then patching up my skinned knees afterward….
Day by day and hour by hour, putting the pieces of his broken little girl back together after her mother's death…
Why was this happening? Why would God let this happen?
Taking me fishing…
Dad and Emmett teaching me to drive….
Emmett
Emmett and Rose weren't due back from New York until tomorrow. Even though the Deputy had told me to keep the line open, I knew I had to leave a message for my brother. I picked up my phone from where I'd tossed it on the passenger seat and quickly dialed my brother's number as I drove.
As expected, the call went immediately to voicemail.
"Emmett, a deputy from Dad's office called to tell me he's had a heart attack" My voice catching on the words "He's been rushed to the hospital. I'm in my car now driving to Forks. I'm sorry for blurting it out like this, but I didn't know what else to do." I was now crying again. "Can you leave a message for Edward, he's flying back tonight." I stopped to catch my breath. "The deputy asked me to keep this line open, so I'd better go. I love you brother bear."
It was sometime later when my phone rang again. By that time I was almost to Sequim, it was getting dark and starting to rain.
It was with more than a little trepidation that I looked at the screen, assuming that it would be Deputy Simons with an update. I was surprised to find Emmett's name displayed there.
"Emmett." I whispered.
"Bells where are you? Are you alone?" Emmett spoke quickly.
"I'm almost to Sequim. Lou had to leave town, his mother is sick. I'm driving myself."
"Shit. I was afraid of that." He muttered. "Bells, listen to me carefully. Pops is okay, I just spoke with him."
I breathed out a sigh of relief. "He's okay? Is he still in the hospital? What was wrong with him?" The words rushed out.
"Bells, nothing was wrong with him. He was never in the hospital. That phone call Bells, whoever called was lying."
I gasped when I realized what that meant.
"Bells I need you to stay calm. At the first gas station or quick mart or anything like that, just pull in. Then I want you to go inside and wait. Pops is already driving in your direction. Once you're somewhere safe, call him to let him know where you are."
"Okay" I breathed. My hands were shaking again.
"It's gonna be okay Bells" Emmett tried to reassure, but I knew my brother was dying inside.
The rain started to pick up then, and I turned the windshield wipers on high. After a few swipes, the driver's side wiper flew off.
"Fuck!" The rain was coming down so hard that without the wiper I couldn't see the road. I immediately lifted my foot from the gas as I tried to lean over in order to see through the windshield from the passenger's side.
"Bella, what's wrong?" Emmett shouted in my ear.
"The wiper just flew off." I shouted back as the car slowed to a crawl and I began to pull off. I had no other choice.
"Damn it." Emmett muttered. "There's nothing wrong with those wipers Bella."
"What are you saying?" I was starting to get hysterical. The car was stopped on the side of the road now.
"Don't worry about it." Emmett said forcefully.
"Emmett, I had to stop I couldn't see." I was shouting into the phone.
I could hear Emmett relaying everything that was happening to someone.
Rose?
His voice was muffled as if he was covering it with his hand.
"Are you talking to Rose?"
"Yeah, she's got Pops on her phone." Emmett said. "Look Bella, Pops has notified the police they should be on their way to you soon. Is there anything nearby? A house, anything?"
"No Emmett. There's nothing around but trees. It's so dark; there aren't even any other cars on the road." I answered, my voice shaking.
He sighed in frustration. "Just sit tight in the car and make sure the doors are locked. It's gonna be okay Sissy." He tried to soothe.
"Yeah." I did as he said and tried to regulate my breathing. "Can Rose call Edward?"
"She already did Bells."
"He's probably freaking out." I muttered.
"A bit." Emmett answered.
At that moment I saw the headlights of a car pull in behind me. A knot began to form in my stomach. I hoped it was someone to help, but feared that it might be whoever had lured me from my apartment.
"Emmett, someone just pulled off the road behind me."
He gasped. "Bella, don't unlock your door."
"Suppose it's a policeman." I asked.
"You just wait in your car until Pops gets there." He sounded frantic.
I could see a figure exit the car behind me then and begin to walk toward me.
"Someone's coming to my window" I squeaked out, holding the phone in one hand as I searched my purse for the pepper spray with the other.
"Stay on this phone with me Bells" He shouted.
By this time, the dark figure was beside my window. Whoever it was gave two loud taps to the glass.
Was that a flashlight?
"They're knocking on my window Emmett." I choked out. My entire body was shaking in fear by this time.
"Oh God Bells" He gasped. "Don't open your door."
The figure hit the window again, only this time it wasn't a tap. There was a loud crashing sound as it was hit so hard that the glass shattered. I screamed and dropped the phone as bits of glass rained down on me and a large arm reached in, wrenching my door open. Everything happened so fast. The next thing I knew, two large arms were grabbing at me. I fought with everything in me against them. I backed away as I fought until I was lying across the front seat. I got in one good kick before the intruder's weight trapped my legs. The figure had on a large rain jacket, the hood came down so low that it obscured his face. The jacket was wet and slippery so it was hard to find purchase for my assault as I grabbed at him. I could hear my brother shouting from the phone where it lay on the seat beside me as I continued to fight.
"I've got you now you little bitch." The figure growled as I thrashed. He swung something heavy and smashed the interior light before proceeding to hit me. First he landed a hard punch to my stomach, managing to knock the air from my body. As I gasped for breath, he hit my face, landing one closed-hand blow and several hard slaps. I was beginning to feel dizzy, but still attempted to fight him off. He then grabbed a handful of my hair and pulled my head toward him only seconds before I felt a sharp pain as something heavy and hard hit my head, plunging everything around me into darkness.
*****A/N****
A/N Before anyone asks: YES Lou's Mom is really sick. Lou is one of the good guys. That was just a happy coincidence for our stalker.
The next LRM will describe what's going on with poor Edward during all this.
* That is all for now. Don't be angry with me. Relax. Take a breath. Review and tell me that you trust me…please.
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