part 4
“Maybe that’s why Edward can’t hear you.” Carlisle mused, his eyes alight with excitement. “Like some kind of shield.” He started talking with Jasper and Alice about this new possibility while Emmett and Rosalie made out on the couch across the room.
“We’ll have to come up with an excuse as to why you guys aren’t at school...” Esme started, but tactfully moved away when she realised that Edward and I were not really paying attention.
“Oh, Bella. I had no idea.” He muttered, leaning in to kiss my nose.
“Don’t blame yourself, please. It was my stupid idea.”
He smiled light-heartedly. “I thought I would never see you again.”
“Me too.”
“You do realise I’m never going to let you out of my sight?” He asked, completely serious.
“Good.” I whispered, leaning in even closer to his face.
part 5
I saw Carlisle nudge Esme, gesturing in our direction, but I didn’t care. I ran my fingers through his hair, noticing all the colours that were not visible to me before. I looked into his eyes, noting that desire was foremost in the golden depths. I smiled boldly, egging him on.
He grinned devilishly in response, pulling my face to his. His lips come down on mine and I twisted his hair in my fingers. I loved him with my whole heart. Everything I had been deprived of the last 90 years was forgotten. All I was, was here in his arms, surrounded by his heavenly scent, his unforgettable touch. Undoubtedly we would have continued, but Emmett decided to intervene.
“Get a room! Man, you’re worse than me and Rose.” He muttered.
I pulled away giggling. Edward just growled quietly. I put my finger to his lips again, silencing him.
“I just remembered something.” I said quietly, trying to ignore the rest of the family.
Edward looked at me curiously, tilting his head slightly to one side.
I reached for the chain that hung around my neck, unclasping it but hiding the ring in my fingers.
“It hurt too much to wear, but I kept it with me.” I whispered, pulling his hand so that it was under mine. I let go, sending the ring and the still attached chain falling into his hands.
He opened his hand, a dazzling smile appearing when he realised what it was.
I wiggled my fingers at him, showing him what I wanted. He complied instantly, placing the ring on my finger in front of his watching family, much to my embarrassment. After he made sure it was sitting snugly on my finger he pulled my hand to his mouth, kissing each of my knuckles before kissing the ring, exactly like he did when he proposed.
A chorus of aww’s rang out through the room, the girls all giggling slightly and Emmett making a stupid face. If I had been human my face would have flushed brilliant red.
I noticed Alice looking toward Edward with a pleading expression. I was confused, until I remembered the mind reading thing.
“No, Alice.” Edward said firmly and Alice’s expression turned heartbreaking in response. The whole family was looking between Alice and Edward, almost like a tennis match, all with varying degrees of amusement.
“What?” I whispered softly turning to stare at Edward as well.
Before he had the chance to reply, Alice cut him off. I was starting to notice she did that a lot.
“Bellaaaa...” Alice whined, drawing my name out.
Reluctantly I turned away from the love of my existence to see Alice get up and kneel in front of us.
“Bella, I just know we are going to best friends, sisters.” She began. “So I want to ask you for a favour.” Alice must have practiced in the mirror or something because her expression made me want to do anything for her. When I said nothing she continued, looking hopeful.
“Bella, please, please, please can I plan your wedding? Please?” she whispered, batting her eye lashes. I was helpless, unable to deny her.
I turned to Edward again, my mouth slightly open. He smiled at me with his crooked grin before my knight in shining armour came to my rescue.
“We haven’t decided on anything yet, Alice. We’ve been together again all of an hour and alone together all of five minutes.” He tightened his grip on my waist.
Alice made another heartbreaking face and I felt my resolve wavering.
Suddenly Alice’s eyes glazed over, a faraway look appearing on her face. I tried to work out what was happening. Then it hit me. I forgot she was physic.
Almost as soon as it started, Alice came back to reality, her face lighting up in a breathtaking smile.
“Alice,” Edward reprimanded. “She hasn’t said yes, yet”
“But she will! Thankyou Bella!” she jumped up, kissed me on the cheek, then danced back to Jasper’s open arms.
I turned back to Edward’s face, a guilty smile on my face. Edward surprised me by bursting into laughter.
“I missed that expression so much.” He murmured after he recovered slightly.
“Well I’m glad you think it’s funny.” I replied, a little irked.
“Aw, My Bella.” He said, running his finger down my cheek. The trail he left behind tingled, and I leaned in closer.
It was all too good to be true. I was expecting to realise I was hallucinating at any moment, but until then I was going to take all I could get.
I inhaled his scent, the mouth watering aroma that I had been deprived of for almost a century, and sighed with pleasure.
His crooked grin appeared again, making my heart melt. He began trailing kisses up and down my throat and desire swelled up within me. Oh, how I had missed him.
“Am I forgiven, Miss Swan?” he asked in a deceptively innocent tone.
“I’m still deciding.” I whispered back, a smile making its way on to my face. I hadn’t smiled so much in such a long time.
“Is there anything I can do to convince you?” Edward asked seductively, tickling my ear with his breath.
“Hmm...” I pretended to think about it for a minute before turning and planting a chaste kiss on his lips. “I think that about covers it.” I said giggling slightly.
He smile grew but I couldn’t help but notice his slightly put out expression.
“What?” I asked, curious again.
“You have no idea what I would give to be able to hear your thoughts. It’s so strange for me, to have to guess what might be going through your head.” He said, looking amused but frustrated at the same time.
“It would just be weird if you could hear what I was thinking.” I answered, wrinkling my nose.
Edward’s laugh was like music to my ears. I could never tire of it.
“What an adorable expression.” He murmured, pressing his finger to my nose.
I closed my eyes leaning into his shoulder, completely content.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Edward’s new family was very welcoming. I instantly knew that Alice and I were going to be extremely close. She was very excitable and so full of energy. I couldn’t help but smile around her. Esme and Carlisle welcomed me with open arms and I was amazed by Carlisle’s immunity to blood lust and Esme’s huge heart. They held the family together with their compassion and love. Emmett was just like a huge teddy bear beneath his huge exterior. I found out about his immaturity almost instantly by the use of innuendoes in every sentence. Jasper turned out to be very likable. He was extremely laid back in comparison to the pixie named Alice, and I found him easy to talk to. Rosalie became like an older sister to me almost instantly, fuelled by an interest in cars. I found out she was a master mechanic and she even showed me her baby, a shiny red BMW M3 convertible.
Edward never left my side, for which I was glad. It hurt when he was out of sight and I still thought he would disappear at any second. We finally had our alone time when Alice announced the family was going hunting without us. We exchanged stories of our past, his being much more eventful than mine. He told me the stories of the rest of the family, editing out details he thought they should tell me themselves. Everything was so interesting in comparison the dull existence I had been living.
I learn about their cover story for school. Rosalie and Jasper were twins and Carlisle’s niece and nephew. Alice, Edward and Emmett were unrelated and were adopted at various stages by Carlisle and Esme.
And I learnt all of this in less than 48 hours. It’s so useful not to sleep sometimes.
“I’ve thought of a cover story for why we weren’t at school.” Alice’s soprano voice cut in just as I was about to deepen the kiss I was currently engaged in with Edward.
Edward pulled back and I couldn’t help that my face slipped into a pout.
He laughed at my expression, kissing my nose, then turned to Alice.
“You might have to repeat it because I wasn’t really paying attention.” Edward said mildly while his hold on my waist tightened. We were currently in his bedroom, comfortably sitting on the black leather couch that was the only piece of furniture available.
Alice rolled her eyes. “Then only time I actually want you to listen...”
“Sorry, Ali.” I cut in quickly, smiling as angelically as I could manage. “My fault.”
She glared at me for a couple of seconds before breaking into a smile. “That’s fine. Anyway, back to the cover story. Esme has already rung the school to say that our grandmother, Carlisle’s mother, died, so that’s why we left school. And Bella, everyone thought you looked unwell on Monday, so we can just say you were sick. Any questions?” Alice looked like she might hurt anyone who dared to mock her perfect plan.
“Uh, yeah. What are we going to do about this?” I asked, holding up Edward and my hands intertwined as an example of us, together.
She pondered my response for a second, resting a perfectly manicured nail against her chin.
“Well...” she began, drawing the word out. “You’re going to have to take off that ring, Bella, which is a shame because it’s so pretty. And I guess you’ll have to pretend you’ve never met then get together like a normal couple would.”
Edward nodded. “I think we can manage that.” He grinned mischievously. “It’ll give us a chance to work on our acting skills.”
I giggled, sounding ridiculously like the infatuated schoolgirl I was to become.
“Perfect, Bella. Now we need to leave in an hour, so Bella’s coming with me so I can get her ready.” Alice grinned as I looked at her in horror. Another thing I had learnt about Alice, she absolutely adored shopping and anything to do with fashion.
Exactly the opposite of me.
I managed to kiss Edward once more before the evil little pixie grabbed my arm and dragged me from the room.
After half an hour of pushing and prodding, Alice declared me perfect in simple but expensive pair of dark skinny jeans, a designer tank top, a gorgeous dark blue jacket and strappy high heels. I only had the barest amount of makeup on and my hair was down and slightly curled. My ring had been placed back on the chain around my neck but it was no longer a reminder of what I had lost. It was reminder of the wonderful future still to come.
I walked into the lounge with Alice at my heels and I couldn’t help but laugh at Edward as his jaw hit the floor.
“I guess I’ll see you all soon then.” I said sadly. Already I felt like I was a part of the family and I didn’t want to have to leave. The only thing that brought me comfort was the fact that I would see them all again very soon.
“Be sure to come over tonight, Bella.” Esme said wrapping her arms around me in a warm hug.
“Of course.” I answered quickly, touched that she cared.
Everyone said goodbye before Edward captured my lips with his, giving me just a taste of his hidden desires.
I sighed quietly before waving goodbye and heading to my car parked in the front yard.
The trip to school was quiet. I kept the radio tuned to the local oldies station, but even that couldn’t calm my nerves. Being away from Edward was doing my head in.
I drove the long way to school, cutting back past my house so I would come from the same direction I always did.
I tried to seem as normal as possible, parking where I normally did and sitting in the car for a couple of minutes like usual.
I got out after exactly 4 minutes, 37.9 seconds, just in time to see the Cullen’s pull up in Edward’s silver Volvo.
I couldn’t help the smile that crossed my face as I was Edward again. It felt like an invisible weight had been lifted from my chest.
“Hey, Bella!” I heard a voice call from behind me. I turned just in time to see Mike come up behind me, Jessica, Erik, Tyler and Angela in tow.
“Hi, Mike.” I answered dryly, hoping he would take the hint, but he was much too thick for that.
“So, are you feeling better?” he continued, leaning against my car.
“Um, yeah.” I muttered quickly. “Listen, Mike, I have to go to the front office to explain why I wasn’t here, so if you’ll excuse me.” I pushed past him, unable to contain my annoyance.
I looked over at Edward who was leaning against his car alone. Everyone else must have gone inside already.
I rolled my eyes at him, showing my feelings about Mike.
His cocky grin looked oddly triumphant and I couldn’t help but smirk.
He raised one eyebrow, a silent question. I shrugged my shoulders in response. I was ready when he was.
He pushed off his car and walked over...well more like strutted. He looked exactly like every other teenager that thought they could get everything they wanted and I had to hold back a laugh.
I pretended to ignore him and kept walking. This would be so much fun.
I listened as Mike started talking to Tyler, complaining about Edward. “Bloody Cullen. Who the hell does he think he is? Everyone here knows that Bella’s mine. I swear if he tries to come onto her...”
I tuned him out. I was unable to completely smother my laughter, a small giggle managing to escape.
“Hey! Your Bella right?” Edward said loud enough for everyone to hear. He caught my arm and gently pulled me to a stop.
“Um, yeah. Your...”I paused for dramatic effect. “Edward?” Man, this acting thing was fun.
“Yeah. Do you mind if I walk with you?” he asked looking as genuine as he sounded. He was good.
“Okay.” I said, biting my lip shyly.
His grin made my heart swell and mine grew to match it.
He leaned down to whisper in my ear, casting a fugitive glance around.
“You have no idea how bad I want to kiss you right now.” He said quietly and I couldn’t help but giggle.
“I wish.” I said back at the same volume.
We continued on our path to the front office, trying to ignore the whispers behind us and we made small talk like anyone who hadn’t met before would.
sorry it took so long....at least i made it up to you in length :P
“Maybe that’s why Edward can’t hear you.” Carlisle mused, his eyes alight with excitement. “Like some kind of shield.” He started talking with Jasper and Alice about this new possibility while Emmett and Rosalie made out on the couch across the room.
“We’ll have to come up with an excuse as to why you guys aren’t at school...” Esme started, but tactfully moved away when she realised that Edward and I were not really paying attention.
“Oh, Bella. I had no idea.” He muttered, leaning in to kiss my nose.
“Don’t blame yourself, please. It was my stupid idea.”
He smiled light-heartedly. “I thought I would never see you again.”
“Me too.”
“You do realise I’m never going to let you out of my sight?” He asked, completely serious.
“Good.” I whispered, leaning in even closer to his face.
part 5
I saw Carlisle nudge Esme, gesturing in our direction, but I didn’t care. I ran my fingers through his hair, noticing all the colours that were not visible to me before. I looked into his eyes, noting that desire was foremost in the golden depths. I smiled boldly, egging him on.
He grinned devilishly in response, pulling my face to his. His lips come down on mine and I twisted his hair in my fingers. I loved him with my whole heart. Everything I had been deprived of the last 90 years was forgotten. All I was, was here in his arms, surrounded by his heavenly scent, his unforgettable touch. Undoubtedly we would have continued, but Emmett decided to intervene.
“Get a room! Man, you’re worse than me and Rose.” He muttered.
I pulled away giggling. Edward just growled quietly. I put my finger to his lips again, silencing him.
“I just remembered something.” I said quietly, trying to ignore the rest of the family.
Edward looked at me curiously, tilting his head slightly to one side.
I reached for the chain that hung around my neck, unclasping it but hiding the ring in my fingers.
“It hurt too much to wear, but I kept it with me.” I whispered, pulling his hand so that it was under mine. I let go, sending the ring and the still attached chain falling into his hands.
He opened his hand, a dazzling smile appearing when he realised what it was.
I wiggled my fingers at him, showing him what I wanted. He complied instantly, placing the ring on my finger in front of his watching family, much to my embarrassment. After he made sure it was sitting snugly on my finger he pulled my hand to his mouth, kissing each of my knuckles before kissing the ring, exactly like he did when he proposed.
A chorus of aww’s rang out through the room, the girls all giggling slightly and Emmett making a stupid face. If I had been human my face would have flushed brilliant red.
I noticed Alice looking toward Edward with a pleading expression. I was confused, until I remembered the mind reading thing.
“No, Alice.” Edward said firmly and Alice’s expression turned heartbreaking in response. The whole family was looking between Alice and Edward, almost like a tennis match, all with varying degrees of amusement.
“What?” I whispered softly turning to stare at Edward as well.
Before he had the chance to reply, Alice cut him off. I was starting to notice she did that a lot.
“Bellaaaa...” Alice whined, drawing my name out.
Reluctantly I turned away from the love of my existence to see Alice get up and kneel in front of us.
“Bella, I just know we are going to best friends, sisters.” She began. “So I want to ask you for a favour.” Alice must have practiced in the mirror or something because her expression made me want to do anything for her. When I said nothing she continued, looking hopeful.
“Bella, please, please, please can I plan your wedding? Please?” she whispered, batting her eye lashes. I was helpless, unable to deny her.
I turned to Edward again, my mouth slightly open. He smiled at me with his crooked grin before my knight in shining armour came to my rescue.
“We haven’t decided on anything yet, Alice. We’ve been together again all of an hour and alone together all of five minutes.” He tightened his grip on my waist.
Alice made another heartbreaking face and I felt my resolve wavering.
Suddenly Alice’s eyes glazed over, a faraway look appearing on her face. I tried to work out what was happening. Then it hit me. I forgot she was physic.
Almost as soon as it started, Alice came back to reality, her face lighting up in a breathtaking smile.
“Alice,” Edward reprimanded. “She hasn’t said yes, yet”
“But she will! Thankyou Bella!” she jumped up, kissed me on the cheek, then danced back to Jasper’s open arms.
I turned back to Edward’s face, a guilty smile on my face. Edward surprised me by bursting into laughter.
“I missed that expression so much.” He murmured after he recovered slightly.
“Well I’m glad you think it’s funny.” I replied, a little irked.
“Aw, My Bella.” He said, running his finger down my cheek. The trail he left behind tingled, and I leaned in closer.
It was all too good to be true. I was expecting to realise I was hallucinating at any moment, but until then I was going to take all I could get.
I inhaled his scent, the mouth watering aroma that I had been deprived of for almost a century, and sighed with pleasure.
His crooked grin appeared again, making my heart melt. He began trailing kisses up and down my throat and desire swelled up within me. Oh, how I had missed him.
“Am I forgiven, Miss Swan?” he asked in a deceptively innocent tone.
“I’m still deciding.” I whispered back, a smile making its way on to my face. I hadn’t smiled so much in such a long time.
“Is there anything I can do to convince you?” Edward asked seductively, tickling my ear with his breath.
“Hmm...” I pretended to think about it for a minute before turning and planting a chaste kiss on his lips. “I think that about covers it.” I said giggling slightly.
He smile grew but I couldn’t help but notice his slightly put out expression.
“What?” I asked, curious again.
“You have no idea what I would give to be able to hear your thoughts. It’s so strange for me, to have to guess what might be going through your head.” He said, looking amused but frustrated at the same time.
“It would just be weird if you could hear what I was thinking.” I answered, wrinkling my nose.
Edward’s laugh was like music to my ears. I could never tire of it.
“What an adorable expression.” He murmured, pressing his finger to my nose.
I closed my eyes leaning into his shoulder, completely content.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Edward’s new family was very welcoming. I instantly knew that Alice and I were going to be extremely close. She was very excitable and so full of energy. I couldn’t help but smile around her. Esme and Carlisle welcomed me with open arms and I was amazed by Carlisle’s immunity to blood lust and Esme’s huge heart. They held the family together with their compassion and love. Emmett was just like a huge teddy bear beneath his huge exterior. I found out about his immaturity almost instantly by the use of innuendoes in every sentence. Jasper turned out to be very likable. He was extremely laid back in comparison to the pixie named Alice, and I found him easy to talk to. Rosalie became like an older sister to me almost instantly, fuelled by an interest in cars. I found out she was a master mechanic and she even showed me her baby, a shiny red BMW M3 convertible.
Edward never left my side, for which I was glad. It hurt when he was out of sight and I still thought he would disappear at any second. We finally had our alone time when Alice announced the family was going hunting without us. We exchanged stories of our past, his being much more eventful than mine. He told me the stories of the rest of the family, editing out details he thought they should tell me themselves. Everything was so interesting in comparison the dull existence I had been living.
I learn about their cover story for school. Rosalie and Jasper were twins and Carlisle’s niece and nephew. Alice, Edward and Emmett were unrelated and were adopted at various stages by Carlisle and Esme.
And I learnt all of this in less than 48 hours. It’s so useful not to sleep sometimes.
“I’ve thought of a cover story for why we weren’t at school.” Alice’s soprano voice cut in just as I was about to deepen the kiss I was currently engaged in with Edward.
Edward pulled back and I couldn’t help that my face slipped into a pout.
He laughed at my expression, kissing my nose, then turned to Alice.
“You might have to repeat it because I wasn’t really paying attention.” Edward said mildly while his hold on my waist tightened. We were currently in his bedroom, comfortably sitting on the black leather couch that was the only piece of furniture available.
Alice rolled her eyes. “Then only time I actually want you to listen...”
“Sorry, Ali.” I cut in quickly, smiling as angelically as I could manage. “My fault.”
She glared at me for a couple of seconds before breaking into a smile. “That’s fine. Anyway, back to the cover story. Esme has already rung the school to say that our grandmother, Carlisle’s mother, died, so that’s why we left school. And Bella, everyone thought you looked unwell on Monday, so we can just say you were sick. Any questions?” Alice looked like she might hurt anyone who dared to mock her perfect plan.
“Uh, yeah. What are we going to do about this?” I asked, holding up Edward and my hands intertwined as an example of us, together.
She pondered my response for a second, resting a perfectly manicured nail against her chin.
“Well...” she began, drawing the word out. “You’re going to have to take off that ring, Bella, which is a shame because it’s so pretty. And I guess you’ll have to pretend you’ve never met then get together like a normal couple would.”
Edward nodded. “I think we can manage that.” He grinned mischievously. “It’ll give us a chance to work on our acting skills.”
I giggled, sounding ridiculously like the infatuated schoolgirl I was to become.
“Perfect, Bella. Now we need to leave in an hour, so Bella’s coming with me so I can get her ready.” Alice grinned as I looked at her in horror. Another thing I had learnt about Alice, she absolutely adored shopping and anything to do with fashion.
Exactly the opposite of me.
I managed to kiss Edward once more before the evil little pixie grabbed my arm and dragged me from the room.
After half an hour of pushing and prodding, Alice declared me perfect in simple but expensive pair of dark skinny jeans, a designer tank top, a gorgeous dark blue jacket and strappy high heels. I only had the barest amount of makeup on and my hair was down and slightly curled. My ring had been placed back on the chain around my neck but it was no longer a reminder of what I had lost. It was reminder of the wonderful future still to come.
I walked into the lounge with Alice at my heels and I couldn’t help but laugh at Edward as his jaw hit the floor.
“I guess I’ll see you all soon then.” I said sadly. Already I felt like I was a part of the family and I didn’t want to have to leave. The only thing that brought me comfort was the fact that I would see them all again very soon.
“Be sure to come over tonight, Bella.” Esme said wrapping her arms around me in a warm hug.
“Of course.” I answered quickly, touched that she cared.
Everyone said goodbye before Edward captured my lips with his, giving me just a taste of his hidden desires.
I sighed quietly before waving goodbye and heading to my car parked in the front yard.
The trip to school was quiet. I kept the radio tuned to the local oldies station, but even that couldn’t calm my nerves. Being away from Edward was doing my head in.
I drove the long way to school, cutting back past my house so I would come from the same direction I always did.
I tried to seem as normal as possible, parking where I normally did and sitting in the car for a couple of minutes like usual.
I got out after exactly 4 minutes, 37.9 seconds, just in time to see the Cullen’s pull up in Edward’s silver Volvo.
I couldn’t help the smile that crossed my face as I was Edward again. It felt like an invisible weight had been lifted from my chest.
“Hey, Bella!” I heard a voice call from behind me. I turned just in time to see Mike come up behind me, Jessica, Erik, Tyler and Angela in tow.
“Hi, Mike.” I answered dryly, hoping he would take the hint, but he was much too thick for that.
“So, are you feeling better?” he continued, leaning against my car.
“Um, yeah.” I muttered quickly. “Listen, Mike, I have to go to the front office to explain why I wasn’t here, so if you’ll excuse me.” I pushed past him, unable to contain my annoyance.
I looked over at Edward who was leaning against his car alone. Everyone else must have gone inside already.
I rolled my eyes at him, showing my feelings about Mike.
His cocky grin looked oddly triumphant and I couldn’t help but smirk.
He raised one eyebrow, a silent question. I shrugged my shoulders in response. I was ready when he was.
He pushed off his car and walked over...well more like strutted. He looked exactly like every other teenager that thought they could get everything they wanted and I had to hold back a laugh.
I pretended to ignore him and kept walking. This would be so much fun.
I listened as Mike started talking to Tyler, complaining about Edward. “Bloody Cullen. Who the hell does he think he is? Everyone here knows that Bella’s mine. I swear if he tries to come onto her...”
I tuned him out. I was unable to completely smother my laughter, a small giggle managing to escape.
“Hey! Your Bella right?” Edward said loud enough for everyone to hear. He caught my arm and gently pulled me to a stop.
“Um, yeah. Your...”I paused for dramatic effect. “Edward?” Man, this acting thing was fun.
“Yeah. Do you mind if I walk with you?” he asked looking as genuine as he sounded. He was good.
“Okay.” I said, biting my lip shyly.
His grin made my heart swell and mine grew to match it.
He leaned down to whisper in my ear, casting a fugitive glance around.
“You have no idea how bad I want to kiss you right now.” He said quietly and I couldn’t help but giggle.
“I wish.” I said back at the same volume.
We continued on our path to the front office, trying to ignore the whispers behind us and we made small talk like anyone who hadn’t met before would.
sorry it took so long....at least i made it up to you in length :P
