Chapter 5

Chapter 5

I went to bed that night completely stunned at what happened between Bell and I. I had thought she was just being nice to me. I didn't know she actually felt anything towards me. When she asked if I felt anything, I thought I was dreaming. I just knew there was no way that this bright, beautiful, confident girl felt anything other than pity for me.

I honestly felt like I was dreaming when she kissed me. I felt like it was some sort of sick game God was playing with my head; that I would wake up any moment and realize I had imagined all of it.

She said that I was different from everyone else. That didn't mean different was good. What did she see in me? What made her believe I was worth her time?

There were so many other guys that had to be better suited for her. There were jocks and rich kids. Hell, anyone with a regular life would've been better.

Instead, she choose to kiss the emotionally retarded orphan that her father arrested.

There was a part of me that thought she would realize overnight what a mistake she had made, and would regret it in the morning. That she would look at me at breakfast, and tell me she wouldn't want anything to do with me.

I seriously hoped that wasn't true because I'm sure I wouldn't be able to handle it.

In the span of a couple of days, this girl had mad me hope and have feeling that I never thought possible. I didn't want to go back to not feeling those things anymore. It was surprisingly nice to feel emotions.

I felt like if I could ever hope in one person it was Bella. She seemed like a genuine person, and I knew that if my hope in her wasn't fulfilled that I would never have hope in anyone else again.

It wasn't fair to put that type of stress on her, but I couldn't help it.

I laid in the bed awake for what seemed like an eternity after Bella and I had said goodnight. My mind racing with the events of the past days.

I knew Bella was only a few feet away, and I wanted to go back to her room. I wanted to spend more time with her. I actually liked how I felt when it was just the two of us.

I wondered what she was doing. If she was unable to sleep too.

I decided against it. I didn't want to ruin what had happened and jeopardize any chance I had of it happening again.

I eventually fell asleep and slept peacefully. No nightmares of the fire. I awoke to a knock on the door. I rubbed the palms of my hands across my face.

“Edward? Are you up yet?” Bella asked from the other side of the door.

I made my way out of the bed, and over to the door. I opened the door to see her standing there in pink plaid pajama pants and a pink tank top. Her hair was messily pulled up, and she didn't have on any make up. She was still the most beautiful girl I had ever seen.

“Good Morning! How are you today?”

I usually didn't understand how people were so happy in the morning. For once, I actually understood how it's possible to wake up and be pleasant. This was the first morning I was happy to see someone on the other side of a door. After the events that had taken place last night, I couldn't help but be happy.

“Good Morning. I'm good. How are you?”

She couldn't regret it too much if she was this happy right? At least I could hope.

“I'm great! Are you gonna come down for some breakfast? Mom always makes a huge breakfast on the weekends.”

This family really did amaze me daily. They all seemed to be kind, genuine people that really loved each other. Until I met them, I didn't believe families like this existed.

“Yeah. Do I need to change, or can I come down like this?” I asked as I pointed to my clothes. I was in the sweat pants and t shirts they had bought me.

She giggled a bit before answering. “Silly, we all come down in our PJ's. You can get dressed later. Come on.” She said as she motioned towards the stairs.

I followed her down to the kitchen. I was overwhelmed by the smell of the food. I could hear Chief Swan and his wife talking. As we entered the kitchen, I heard a “Good Morning, Edward” in unison from them both.

I said “Good Morning” in return, and Bella and I again sat the table for everyone. We then poured orange juice in everyone's glasses. I followed behind Bella as she sat down.

Chief Swan was shortly behind us with plates of food. He brought in plates of pancakes, french toast, bacon and eggs. There was enough food here to feed an army. Bella wasn't exaggerating when she said her mom cooked a big breakfast.

We all began to eat and drink. There were no intrusive questions towards me, and I was grateful. When breakfast was over, Bella and I cleared the table. We finished washing the dishes, and I was informed by Bella that we could do whatever we wanted to do today.

I had no idea what to do. I would probably just sit in my room all day. She certainly had to have plans for the weekend. She couldn't spend it all with me.

I went to my room and gathered some clothes together. It was odd to have a selection of clothes. The Swans had bought me some really nice clothes that I didn't deserve.

I took a shower, and for the first time in a long time, I didn't even look for the razors. I simply showered and dressed. I didn't realize what I had done until I was already out and in my room.

Later on, Bella asked if I wanted to go for a walk with her. It was one of the few days in Forks where it wasn't raining. I couldn't think of anything else I had rather do other than spend it with Bella. If she wanted to go for a walk, I would go for a walk.

We walked around for a while and Bella pointed out things from her childhood. She pointed out curb where she fell and busted her lip open. She showed me the park where her parents used to take her. It was nice to hear about a normal childhood. A childhood with parents that loved her and wanted to see her happy.

I internally hoped that my parents would have been loving parents like the Swan's had been to Bella. Too bad I would never know the answer.

When we returned back to the house, it was almost dark. We had spent the whole day walking and talking, and I didn't want it to end. I felt bad that she had wasted another day hanging around me, but I was being selfish with her. I would take any time and all time that she would give me.

There had never been another person in my life that I wanted to be with as much as I wanted to just be around her. There had never been another person that could calm me, and actually get me to open up to them. It was like I was under a magic spell. Only, this spell wasn't one I wanted to end. Strangely, I liked it.

“Edward, we always order take out for dinner on Saturdays.” Renee began as she held a menu in each of her hands; just like Bella had with the movies. “So, it's either Chinese or Pizza. What would you like?”

Why was she wanting me to choose dinner for everyone? I've never really had a choice in anything, and she was wanting me to choose for everyone?

I looked down at my hands in my lap, and began to fidget with my fingers. I could feel my thoughts begin to jumble in my head. As I started to freak out over something as stupid as what to have for dinner, I felt Bella's hand set on top of mine. She squeezed my hand lightly, and I looked up at her face. She simply nodded, and I was instantly calmed by her simple gesture.

“Uhh... how about Chinese?” I shrugged. They wouldn't have suggested it if they didn't like it; would they?

“Chinese it is.” Chief Swan confirmed.

We all picked out our food, and Renee placed the order. Chief Swan suggested that Bella and I go pick up the food. He handed Bella the cash as we walked out the door.

“Bella, thanks for hanging out with me today.” I said timidly. I didn't know if it made me sound like pansy, but I wanted her to know that I appreciated it.

“Edward, I've told you before you do not have to keep thanking me. I enjoy hanging out with you.”

I wasn't sure if I would ever believe her when she said that to me. I liked hearing it, and I wanted to believe it. It was just really hard to accept the fact that someone truly liked me.

“Are you going out tonight? I'm sure there's a party to go to or something.” I was trying to give her and easy out for tonight. I didn't want her to think she had to spend her day and her night with me.

“Well, being the Chief's daughter doesn't exactly get you many party invites. I was thinking about just staying home, and watching a movie or something.”

It made me happy to hear that she would in close proximity to me for the whole night.

“That's cool. Maybe we could watch the other movie, Troy.”

“I told you it was long, but it is good. Let's do it!”

We picked up the food, and made our way back to the house. I was informed that we didn't have to all eat together on Saturday nights. As Bella and I were gathering our food and drinks to go upstairs, Charlie asked us if we had plans. Bella had told him about watching the movie, and he suggested we all watch it together. She agreed, and I was slightly disappointed. I liked her parents, but I liked her more. I liked my alone time with her. I, however, was just a guest in this house, and pretty much had to go along with whatever they decided.

We all gathered in the living room, and got settled with our plates as Bella put the movie in. The movie was extremely long. It was good, but I'm not sure I could sit through it again. I continued to sneak glances at Bella every few minutes. It was just comforting to know she was there.

It was pretty late once the movie ended. Bella went upstairs to take a bath, and that left me downstairs with her parents. I was getting a drink before heading up to my room when Chief Swan came into the kitchen.

“So, Edward, how is everything?” He asked.

It was such a simple question, and also a loaded question. How would I answer that? Everything was fine for once, and it scared the hell out of me. I was waiting on my whole world to crash down on me. I felt like if I got any more comfortable, they would kick me out; Bella would hate me, and I'd be back out on the streets.

“E... everything is fine.”

“That's good. That's what I like to hear. It looks like you and Bella are getting along pretty well.”

What was he trying to get at? Could he tell how I felt about her? Could he tell how she calmed me?

“Yeah, she's a great girl. I haven't met too many teenage girls like her.”

“She is a great kid. She gets her mother's heart. You can't help but love her. I'm sure if you stick with her at school, you won't have any problems.”

Little did he know how many times his daughter had already stood up for me.

“Well, kid, I'm gonna go upstairs. Don't you kids stay up too late tonight.” With that he turned, and left the kitchen.

I was happy that conversation was over. The last thing I wanted was for him to ask me if I had feelings for his daughter. Obviously, I had feelings for her. I just wasn't sure exactly what they were. I had never felt any of those things before, and I damn sure wasn't ready to answer his questions about them.

I walked upstairs, and the bathroom door was still closed. I assumed Bella was still in there taking a bath. I passed by the bathroom, and walked into my room. I changed clothes into some pajama pants the Swans had bought for me. I changed into a clean white t shirt, and laid down on the bed.

I must have been really tired from the walk, and all the food because I fell asleep quickly.

I woke up to a knock on my door. I looked over to the alarm clock. It was one in the morning. Who was knocking on the door that late at night?


I walked over to the door. As I opened it, I realized it was Bella standing on the other side. She was dressed in some ridiculous pajamas, but they made her look so cute that I couldn't laugh.

She released a deep breath. “Thank God you're alright.”

What did she mean? Of course I was alright. I just feel asleep.

“What? What are you talking about?”

“Can I come in? I don't want to wake my parents.”

“Sure.” I moved out of the way, and flicked on the light.

She sat on the edge of the bed, and looked up at me. Her face looked like she was worried about something.

“Bella, are you okay?” I asked as I sat next to her.

“Yeah. I just had a bad dream about you.”

Great. Now I was giving nightmares to the one girl that liked me. I knew I'd fuck this up somehow.

“I'm sorry.” I didn't know what else to say.

She turned to look at me. “Don't apologize. It's not your fault.”

“Well, it is my fault. If I had never come here, you wouldn't be having nightmares about me.”

She grabbed my face with her hand, and turned it to look at her. “It was not a nightmare. I had a dream that you went into the bathroom, and then I heard you screaming. I raced to the bathroom, but the door was locked. I couldn't get in to help you. Then I saw blood seeping from under the door. I just knew you were dead. That you had finally succeeded, and I would never get to see you again.” She released my face, and covered her face with her hands.

I thought she had dreamed that I was a killer or something. I never thought she had dreamed about me dying. I felt bad that she had walked in that night, and caught me. It was my fault for putting those images into her mind.

“So, as soon as I woke up, I rushed to your room. I had to know that you were okay.”

“Bella, I'm fine. I'm sorry for making your worry about me.”

“Edward, quit apologizing. You have no control over what goes on in my mind.”

“Oh....okay.”

“Well, now I'm not gonna be able to go back to sleep. Do you mind if I stay in here for a while?”

Was she kidding? She could stay in here forever if she wanted.

“Sure. What do you wanna do?” I asked.

“Doesn't matter really.” She shrugged. “Wanna just lay down?”

I couldn't believe she was asking me if I wanted to lay down with her. She clearly didn't know that at this point I would do anything she wanted me to. Just to be near her.

As we moved up to the head of the bed, and laid down next to each other on top of the covers, I felt my cock twitch in my pants. I felt betrayed by my body. The second I get a chance to be close to a girl, my body has to be taken over by stupid teenage hormones. I hoped the pants I had on were big enough to hide my problem from her.

We laid side by side, and simply looked up at the ceiling.

I was breathing so hard, and my pulse was out of control. I had never laid in a bed with a girl before. Much less with a girl that had kissed me the night before. I didn't know what to do. I didn't know where to put my hands or what to say. I was completely lost.

“Edward?”

“Yeah.”

“Can you do something for me?”

I had no fucking clue what she was about to ask me to do. It didn't matter. I was putty in her hands.

“Yeah.”

“Kiss me.” She said softly, and I almost died.

Not only did she not regret kissing me the previous night, but she wanted to kiss me again. I didn't know how to go about it. I contemplated for a minute before making a move.

“You don't have to if you don't want to.”

Was she fucking serious? Of course I wanted to. Once again, my idiotic hesitation, and over thinking caused her to believe I didn't want to do it.

I propped up on my arm, and reached for her face with my other hand. She turned her head towards me. I looked into her beautiful brown eyes as I softly stroked her cheek with my thumb.

“Don't ever think that I don't want to kiss you. That couldn't be farther from the truth.”

She smiled as I leaned down to her face. My heart felt like it would bust out of my chest. I didn't want to fuck this up. I wanted to kiss her like she deserved to be kissed.

My lips finally touched hers, and it felt amazing. Her lips were soft and smooth. I felt her press her lips harder against mine after a few seconds. She brought her hand to the back of my neck and weaved it into my hair. I felt her pull me closer to her as she opened her mouth slightly, and ran her tongue across my lips.

The sensation from her tongue made my mouth and lips tingle. I felt her tongue push farther inside of my mouth, and I began to press my tongue against hers. It was the most amazing thing I had ever experienced. I didn't want it to ever end.

We swirled our tongues with each others', and pressed our lips together until we ran out of breath.

I pulled back as she released my hair, and her eyes were closed. She had slight smile on her face. I licked my lips, and she opened her eyes. I laid back against the bed.

“Wow. That was great, Edward.”

“Really? I didn't know what I was doing.” I confessed to her.

“Well, you could have fooled me.”

She propped herself up on her arm, and looked over at me. As I looked in her eyes, I felt her free hand begin to rub my stomach. I sucked in a breath. I was shocked that she was doing it.

“Is this okay?”

Seriously? It was all new to me, but I liked it.


I nodded my head because I was unable to actually form words at that point. She continued to rub my stomach, and I felt my body react to her in a way it had never reacted before. My whole body was filled with warmth, and all of the blood in my body rushed to my groin. I felt myself grow, and I was hoping Bella hadn't noticed.

She bent down again, and crashed her lips against mine. I opened my mouth, and pushed my tongue into her mouth. I felt her move herself on top of me, and I panicked at the thought that she would feel my groin betraying me.

She laid on top of me, and we continued to kiss. I couldn't believe that this was my life.

A nice, loving family had taken me in; I had my own room; I was in a real school; and there was a great girl that I liked and liked me. It was too good to be true.

Deep down I started to believe that my parents were actually looking over me in this life. That they were the reason that none of my suicide attempts ever worked.

As I laid there kissing the most beautiful woman in the world, I finally believed in one thing. Today was the greatest day I had ever known.

Chapter 6

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

My eyes shot open in a state of panic. My right arm was still firmly grasping Bella as she laid with her head on my chest. My pulse was racing, and my heart felt like it was going to beat out of my chest.

I lightly shook Bella in an attempt to wake her. “Bella, wake up. Someone's knocking on the door.” I whispered lightly into her ear.

She stirred lightly, but didn't fully wake up. I shook her with more force this time, and she finally opened her eyes.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

She sat straight up in an instant, and looked back at me. “Oh God! Who's at the door?” She whispered.

I shrugged my shoulders and shook my head. My mind was racing out of control. I could only imagine what Chief Swan would do to me after finding his daughter in my bed. I was certain he would kick me out of his house, and he'd probably lock me up. He would blame me for corrupting his daughter, and forcing myself upon her. When in actuality she was the one that initiated everything we had done.

“I'll hide in the closet. You open the door.” She whispered before quietly running inside the closet.

Once the closet door was shut, I went to the door and opened it. I was not ready to face the Chief.

“Good Morning, Edward.” Renee said in an extremely cheerful voice. She clearly had not suspected anything out of the ordinary.

“Good Morning Mrs. Swan.” I quickly responded. My pulse was finally starting to regulate.

“I just wanted to see how you are adjusting. Are you doing okay?” She asked.

She really wanted to talk about me adjusting to the changes? She wanted to sit here and chit chat while her daughter was hiding in the closet?

I needed to rush this conversation along. I didn't want Bella to have to stay stuffed in the closet longer than she had to.

“I am adjusting to everything pretty well. Thanks for asking.”

“Okay, great. Well breakfast will be ready shortly. I'll see you down stairs.” As she patted my arm, and then turned to walk down the hall.

Once she was out of my sight, I quickly shut the door. I raced over to the closet door, and pulled it open.

“Bella, I'm so sorry. I tried to rush her.”

She let out a long sigh, and walked out of the closet. She sat down on the edge of my bed. “That was close.”

“I know. A little too close. What if that was Chief Swan?”

“Why do you always call him Chief Swan? You could call him Charlie or my dad. Why always Chief Swan?”

“I don't really know. After getting passed around from family to family for so long, I learned to be impersonal to the adults that foster me. It's my way of not getting close to them, or allowing them inside. Then with Chief Swan, I feel like he deserves my respect because he is the Chief of Police, and he did bring me here instead of locking me up.”

“Oh.”

“I'm really appreciative of what he did for me, and I don't want to mess this up. I don't want to be rejected again. That's why I freaked out when Renee was knocking on the door. I thought it was Chief Swan.”

“Well, I should have gotten up, and went to bed. I didn't mean to fall asleep in here. So, it's my fault.”

“It doesn't matter whose fault it is. If either of them had walked in here, it would have been my fault, and I would have been sent away.”

The look on her face turned very serious. “I won't let them send you away. Just chill out. Nothing happened. No one knows.”

“Maybe, but this can't happen again. I can't risk being sent away. This is the first place I have ever felt even slightly comfortable.”

“You're overreacting Edward. We could have came up with some story to tell them.”

“I don't want to lie to them. You all have already done more for me than most people, and I don't want to risk losing any of you.”

She was trying to rationalize the situation, and make me feel better about how close we came to getting busted, but it wasn't working. She couldn't understand my feelings. She had never lost everything, and been rejected as much as I had.

“You won't lose us, Edward.” Then she lightly kissed my forehead. It was surprisingly calming.

“I'll go to the bathroom, and make sure the coast is clear. Then you can go to your room, and get dressed.”

I walked out of the door, and into the hallway. I looked towards Chief Swan's room, and noticed that the door was open. I couldn't see very far into the room, but I didn't hear any sounds coming from there. I walked to the bathroom, and quickly took care of myself.

I checked the hallway once again on my way back to my room. I opened the door, and told Bella that the coast was clear. She quickly and quietly made her way to her room.

I ran my hands through my hair, and released a deep sigh of anxiety. I didn't want to get caught with Bella. I didn't want to be sent away from there. They were the first real family that had wanted me. I didn't feel like I was a paycheck to them.

I had to make sure that we were never put in that predicament again. Bella seemed so confident that nothing bad would happen to us, but she was an optimist. She hadn't lived the same life I had lived. She couldn't see the truly dark side of life. As much as I liked Bella, it kind of bothered me that she always thought everything was going to be roses and butterflies. Of course, in her life it had been fucking roses and butterflies.

I changed out of my pajamas and into regular clothes. I took a quick glance in the mirror before leaving the room. I was surprised when I actually looked halfway decent. My eyes weren't as puffy as they usually were, and my skin seemed to be a bit brighter. I didn't look so bad after a few nights of good sleep.

I made my way down to the kitchen where Renee was placing all of the food on the table.

"Good Morning, Edward." Chief Swan rang out.

"Good Morning, Chief Swan."

"Edward" Renee began "you really do not have to call him Chief Swan."

"Just call me Charlie. No need for formalities in this house. Chief Swan makes me feel like I'm working."

"Umm okay.... Charlie." It just sounded weird coming out of my mouth. I wasn't sure I could get used to it, but at least he didn't ask me to call him Dad.

"Good Morning!" Bella chimed as she sprang into the room.

"Morning, Bells. How did you sleep?" Chief Swa.... Charlie asked.

"I slept great!" She answered as she looked at me and winked. What the hell was she trying to do? I swear my fucking heart stopped beating. This girl was going to be the death of me. Here I was incapable of killing myself, and she was going to kill me by way of a heart attack.

Bella sat down across the table from me, and started playing footsie with me under the table. I couldn't focus on anything that anyone at the table was saying. The fact that she was showing affection towards me in front of her parents was nerve wracking. She truly did not understand my side of things.

I quickly finished my breakfast, and asked to be excused. I basically threw my plate into the sink, and ran up stairs to my room. She was freaking me out, and I felt like I was getting entirely too close to her too quickly. I needed to find a way to distance myself from her without her actually knowing it. I didn't want to hurt her feelings, but I couldn't let my teenage fucking hormones jeopardize the only good thing that has happened to me in many years.

Yes, she was beautiful. Yes, she was kind. Yes, she makes me think dirty dirty thoughts, but none of that was worth risking everything.

I decided to go for a walk. I didn't really care what I was doing. I needed to be alone, and out of that house. I grabbed my coat and threw it on. I ran into Chie.. Charlie on the stairs, and told him I was going for a walk. He didn't ask any questions. He just told me to be safe.

I guess he knew better than to ask a lot of questions. He knew I was all messed up in the head, and asking one simple question may get him more than he asked for.

I didn't see Bella as I walked out of the front door, and I was glad. I knew if she saw me she would want to come along, and there was no way I could tell her no. She was too nice of a person, but I really needed to be alone.

I quickly walked down the driveway, and down the street until I could no longer see the Swan house. I had no idea where I was walking to. It wasn't like I had any family or friends. I needed time and space to gather my thoughts. I needed to evaluate the whole situation with Bella.

I had no history or experience with anything close to this situation, and I needed to handle it very carefully. What if Bella felt rejected, and lied to her parents about me, and then they kicked me out? What if she didn't stop, and we got caught? There were too many ways for this to go horribly wrong.

After about an hour of apparently walking in a big ass circle, I saw the Swan's house again. I stopped walking completely, and stood still. I wasn't ready to go back in there yet. I could see Bella's truck in the driveway, and I knew she was home.

I remembered the playground Bella showed me where Charlie used to take her to play. It wasn't far, and it was the perfect place to go. I made it to the playground a few minutes later, and found an empty bench to sit on.

I watched the kids playing on the swings and monkey bars, and it made me sad. I was the only person in America that could be saddened by happy carefree kids playing in dirt. I couldn't help it though. I could never remember a time when I was a carefree person. My life had always been so complicated and full of pain. I was envious of these kids who would never be rejected by as many people as I had. I was jealous that they had parents who enjoyed watching them play in dirt. It reminded me of everything I would never have.

Being in that playground also reminded me that I finally had something worth hanging on to. I had finally found a place to call home with good people that seemed to genuinely care for my well being. I couldn't lose it.

I wasn't sure how long I had stayed at the playground, but I noticed the sun begin to set, and I knew it was time to go home. If I didn't get back soon, they would start to worry.

I walked onto the porch, and took a deep breath before turning the knob and opening the door. It was time to face the music. Maybe Bella wouldn't ask any questions. Maybe she would stay in her room tonight. Even though the thought of her warm body snuggled against mine was very comforting, it wasn't worth the risk.

I entered the house, and noticed Charlie sitting in the recliner watching TV. "Hey, Edward. Glad you made it home. Have a good walk?"

"It was a pretty good walk."

"Watching a little football. You wanna join me?"

"Maybe a little later. Thanks."

"Anytime, Son."

Son. Did he just call me Son? I had never been called son before. It was very odd to hear. I wasn't sure what to say in response, so I simply walked up the stairs.

I noticed Bella's door was shut, and I was thankful. I walked past it, and into my room. I laid down on the bed; still trying to grasp what Charlie had just said. Did he even know that he had said it? Did he call all kids my age that?

One little word had totally mind fucked me.

One night with a beautiful girl had totally mind fucked me.

I had to get a grip on things before I drove myself completely crazy.

Not long after my mental breakdown on my bed, I heard Renee call out that dinner was ready. I had lost all track of time. My mind was in so many different places.

I didn't want to go eat with everyone. I wasn't even hungry. I knew that it would be rude of me to not come to dinner, so I put my self pity aside and went downstairs.

By the time I made it to the table, everyone was already seated. They were all passing the food around, and fixing their plates. I sat down, and did the same. Their wasn't much conversation that pertained to me. Most of the conversation was between Renee and Charlie.

I didn't look at Bella the entire time, but it felt like she was burning holes into my skull by staring so hard. It was clear that her feelings were hurt by the sound of her voice. She only gave one word answers in response to her parent's questions. I felt bad that she was being so short with her parents when I was the one she was hurt by.

I finished dinner, and began clearing the table. It was clear that doing the dishes, and clearing the table was the kids job. I didn't wait on Bella. I was hoping to finish my part before she could question me.

I failed.

As I was rinsing the dishes off in the sink, she walked up next to me, and began to breathe heavily. After a few moments of that, she started in on me. "Edward, why in the hell have you been avoiding me all day?" She said through her closed jaw.

I knew she was mad. I could practically feel the anger radiating from her skin.

"I don't know what you are talking about."

She stomped her foot, and poked my arm with her finger. "You know what I'm talking about! Don't play stupid with me." Her tone was very forceful even though she was trying to keep her voice down.

"I really don't know what you're talking about, Bella."

"The fact that you were gone the whole day, and then when you come back you can't even speak to me! Have I not been nice to you? Have I not made it clear how I feel about you?"

"I just needed some time alone, Bella. It had nothing to do with you."

"You are such a liar. I might have believed you until you refused to even look at me during dinner. Explain that."

I didn't want to explain it to her. I didn't want to be the bad guy. I didn't want to hurt her feelings.

"I can't explain that Bella. It's nothing to do with you. It's all me. I'm fucked up in the head. You knew that already."

"Don't give me that crap. You are not fucked up in the head. You are just different, and that's why I like you." She said as she stormed out of the kitchen and up the stairs.

The whole situation was fucked, and I had no idea how to fix it.

Chapter 7

The last few weeks were pure hell. Ever since that Sunday when Bella and I almost got caught, things have not been the same. Things are always tense between us at home, and school is even fucking worse. We have every fucking class together, and the teachers were trying to be nice in the beginning by setting me next to her, but now that was a big pain in my ass.

It fucking sucks having to do Biology labs with the girl that I really want to kiss, but can't kiss because if Charlie finds out my ass is back on the street, or in jail. We were supposed to be working together, but I couldn't even look her in the eye; much less actually produce sentences. I felt really shitty about giving her the 'it's not you; it's me' speech, but telling her the truth would hurt her even more. Telling her that being with her wasn't worth risking the life that her parents were offering me. I had ended up hurting her regardless of my intentions.

In all actuality, I wanted to hug her, and kiss her, and tell her that sleeping with her wrapped in my arms was the best sleep I had gotten in most likely my whole life. I wanted to tell her that she was the main reason I no longer wanted to kill myself daily. I wanted to tell her that she had made me see that life can be worth living.

She had been distant from me too. I wasn't sure if it was in an attempt to prove a point, or if she was just done with the whole situation. Part of me thought that she had rethought everything, and discovered that I was right all along-that I wasn't worth her time and attention.

The past few weeks were making me question the thought of life being worth living. The damn near daily harrassment from Newton was getting very fucking old very fast. He had the maturity level of a five year old. If he wasn't throwing food at me in the lunch room, then he was trying to trip me in gym class. It was always some dumb shit. To try and make him look superior by making me look stupid.

What Newton didn't understand was that I didn't give a fuck what any of those kids in that school thought of me; aside from Bella. I had never had friends before, and sure as hell didn't care if I had any now. The only person I cared about wasn't speaking to me, and it had nothing to do with Newton's childhood antics. He was a fucking douche that thought he was the king of the school; when in reality he was just a fucking tool.

I still rode to and from school with Bella, which again was pretty fucking awkward, but we had to. How would she explain to her parents that she didn't want to be around me; other than making me seem like an asshole? Which would spark all kinds of other questions, and again end up with me out on the streets.

My conflicting feelings for Bella were really taking a toll on my mental state. One minute I wanted to grab her and kiss her, and the next minute I didn't even want to look at her. I always wanted to look at her, but I was so scared that I wouldn't be able to control the situation. She had some crazy effect on me emotionally that I had never felt before. I loved her and hated her at the same time. I wanted to kiss her and run away from her all at the same time.

I was thoroughly fucking confused by the whole situation.

It was just an average Tuesday afternoon ride home from school, when Bella finally spoke to me about something other than school work.

"Edward, we can't keep doing this." She stated flatly as her eyes remained focused on the road.

"I know." I completely understood. The internal battle I had been fighting was excruciating.

"We are together more than we are apart. We have to find a way to work this out."

"I know." I didn't know what else to say. I wanted to let her lead the conversation, and see what ideas she had for resolving the issue because honestly, I had none.

"Well, for starters, why are you acting like I have some contagious disease?" She sounded frustrated, but her eyes never left the road.

"I'm not."

"Is that all you can give me? Two word answers?"

"No."

"Great!" She said sarcastically. Now, we're down to one word answers. This is pointless. I'd have better luck talking to a wall."

"What? I'm sorry. I don't know what to say. This is all new to me." I said timidly as I fidgeted with the zipper on my coat.

"I know it is, and it's all new to me too. I've never had to spend so much time with someone I like."

"You like me?" I questioned. Did she really like me? She wasn't just fucking with my head?

"Obviously, Edward. It doesn't take a genius to figure that out." She said sarcastically before releasing a giant huff.

"I didn't know. I just thought you were being nice."

"Oh, so you think I kiss, and sleep in the same bed as everyone I like?" She asked as she pulled into the driveway. The cruiser was gone which meant Chie.. Charlie wasn't home. Renee's car was gone, so that just left us.

She shut the engine off, and opened her door. After she exited the truck, she slammed the door really hard, and it shook the whole truck. I had clearly upset her with my idiotic comments. Stupid fucking word vomit.

I stepped out of the truck, and closed the door behind me. By the time I made it to the porch, she was already inside the house, and on her way up the stairs.

As I walked in the front door, I heard her slam her bedroom door.

Another great day courtesy of Edward Cullen the fuck up.

I went to my room for a while in an attempt to gather my thoughts, and figure out how the hell to fix the situation with Bella.

I laid down on the bed, and before I knew it I had drifted off to sleep. I awoke to Renee knocking on my door telling me that dinner was ready.

As I walked out of my room, I passed by Bella's, and noticed that her door was open. That meant she was either downstairs at the dinner table or she was gone. I was deciding on the first option, considering she never missed dinner.

"Hey, Edward." Charlie rang out. "How was school today?"

"Hey, Charlie. It was as good as can be expected." I responded as I pulled my chair out, and sat down across from Bella.

"That Newton boy isn't giving you anymore trouble is he?" As he passed one of the vegetable filled bowls around the table.

"No." I was lying, and he probably knew it. That Newton fucker had been fucking with me daily since he found out that I was living with the Swans. I don't know if he was jealous, or if he was just being an ass hole.

"You sure, son? I would hate to have to throw my weight around at that school to get him to act right."

He had progressively started throwing son in more and more lately. I was still shocked every time I heard it, but it was nice to hear.

"Yes, Sir. I'm sure. Thank you though." I responded while reaching for the rolls.

"Well, you just let me know if that kid needs to be reminded who is boss around this town."

I nodded to let him know I understood. Couldn't someone just change the subject already? The fact that I was being bullied at school wasn't something I wanted to dwell on.

We finished dinner in relative silence. A few times it felt like Bella kicked me underneath the table. I chose not to acknowledge it. The dinner table wasn't the place for her and I to address our issues.

After dinner was finished, and all of the dishes were washed, Bella headed up to her room. I followed shortly behind her. I was heading to my room when I heard her door open.

"Edward." She whispered.

I turned to see what she wanted. "Yes?"

"Come here." As she motioned me into her room with her hand.

I wasn't sure if it was a good idea or not, but silence was getting us nowhere. So, I went in.

"What?" I asked.

"I can't take the silence anymore, Edward." She confessed while she sat down on the edge of the bed. I choose to sit in the chair at her vanity.

"Me either."

"Well, what are we gonna do about it?"

"I don't know. What did you have in mind?" She had to have better ideas than me.

"I'm just gonna lay it out there. I like you. Not like I like my friends. I like you as in I want to be more. I have feelings for you." She said boldly before dropping her head, and picking at her nails.

"Really?" I was completely shocked. I really never thought anyone would like me in that way. I didn't know how to respond.

"Yes. Really."

"Me too. I just don't know how to deal with everything. It's all happening so fast."

She walked over to me, and lifted up my head with her hands. "Don't worry. We will get through it together."

"You make it sound so easy, but if this all goes bad, I'm gonna be the one sent away. Not you. Your world won't be turned upside down. You will go on living a normal life as if I never existed." I let it all spill out. She needed to know how I felt, and what I had to lose.

"Edward, I know you are scared, but my dad would never send you away. He may punish you for some things, but he would never make you leave. You won't lose us." She stated in an attempt to comfort me.

"Well,l I don't really want to punished either." As much as I liked her, she really wasn't getting my point.

"Edward, I will take the blame for everything if needed. I won't let him send you away, or punish you for something I talked you into."

"What are you talking me into?" I questioned as I looked into her eyes. I wanted so badly to kiss her in that moment, but we had just started talking again. I didn't want to press my luck.

She bent down, and lightly pressed her lips against mine. My pulse began to race, and all of the blood in my body immediately went straight to my groin.

"I may have talked you into that." She replied as she pulled out of the kiss.

"Oh."

"That is if it's okay with you?" She questioned before running her hands through my hair. I loved it when she did that. It was so relaxing, and I always liked it when she touched me.

"Umm... yeah.... it's okay with me."

She then bent down to press her lips to mine again. Same reaction. Blood straight to the groin. Did she have any idea how hard it was for me to kiss her, and not want to rub my dick against her?

I pulled away from her. "We're pushing it. Charlie will be up here any minute, and I don't think I can handle him seeing that right now."

She pressed her forehead against mine. "You're right." She stood up, and walked over to her bed.

"Maybe I should go to my room." I suggested. Half of me was hoping she would stop me. The other half knew that going to my room alone was the right decision.

She hung her head and sighed. "Okay."

Before I exited her room, I turned to look at her, and I almost apologized for leaving. I didn't though. I knew that I would just be talked back into her room.

I shut her door behind me, and walked straight into my room. I laid on the bed for what seemed like hours willing the ridiculous erection in my pants to finally subside.

It didn't work.

The only solution was to take care of the 'problem' myself. I gathered my sleep pants and boxers before heading to the bathroom.

Once I was inside, I set my clean clothes down on the counter. I pushed the shower curtain aside, and began to run the hot water. As I waited for the water to warm, I stripped out of my clothes. Feeling the steam from the shower, I knew the water was ready. I turned on the shower head, and stepped in. The water was warm, and very relaxing. Unfortunately, it wasn't relaxing my erection.

I leaned against the cool tiles, and tried to think of anything that would distract me from my thoughts of Bella.

Airplanes.

Newton.

Fires.

Death.

None of that shit worked! My erection was still as hard as ever.

I finally relented, and wrapped my hand around my dick. I stroked it lightly a few times, and I could feel myself starting to relax. As I continued to stroke the length of my erection, and ran my thumb over the head, I was picturing Bella in my head. The way she looked just after she kissed me. The way her lips felt against mine. The way her hands felt against my skin.

I was stroking myself more quickly and forcefully. I knew I was getting close to coming. I was a sixteen year old virgin. It wouldn't take too long for me to reach the brink. I pictured Bella sitting in my lap, naked, and slowly lowering herself onto my dick. With that thought, and one last stroke my body began to jerk, and my head fell back.

"Oh! I'm sorry Edward!" I heard Bella yell as she slammed the door behind her. I had been so caught up in my self pleasure that I hadn't noticed the door opening. How long had she been in here? Did she see what I was doing? I fucking hoped not.

I quickly finished my shower, and got dressed before exiting the bathroom. I walked straight to my bedroom. I didn't want to chance having to make eye contact with Bella after what had just happened.

Soon after I laid down on my bed, I was asleep. My shower activities had released a lot of pent up stress.

What the hell is that? I felt something cool against my face.

I opened my eyes to find Bella laying next to me, and lightly running her fingertips against my face.

"Hey." She said simply.

"Hey. What time is it? What are you doing in here?" I was starting to panic.

"Shhh. Calm down. It's one thirty in the morning."

She obviously had a thing for sneaking into someone's bedroom.

"Bella, do you not remember what happened last time you snuck in here?"

"It won't be like that this time. I promise." She said before leaning in to kiss my cheek. "I just wanna be here with you."

"You know I can't think when you are kissing me like that." I said as the ridiculous erection returned.

"Is that so?" She then grabbed my face, and turned it to look at her. She leaned in, and pressed her lips to mine.

I pushed her away quickly. "Bella, we can't do this tonight. Please go back to your room." I was practically begging her to leave.

Yes, I wanted her with me, and I wanted to do more than kiss. I, however, did not want to do it while her parents were sleeping next door.

"Edward, just relax." She then kissed my lips again. Her lips were so moist and soft, but I couldn't think about that. She had to get out of my room.

She then swung her left leg over my body, and straddled herself on top of me. Naturally, right over my erection. There was no way she couldn't feel it. I was a little embarrassed. Although, she had to know that it was a natural reaction.

KNOCK KNOCK

Before I could answer, or move Bella off of me, the door swung open. My heart fucking stopped. I almost threw up, and had a heart attack at the same time.

Chapter 8

Edward POV

I attempted to shove Bella off of me as quickly as I possibly could but instead accidentally shoved her onto the floor. Her petite body hit the floor with a hard thud.

It did no good.

My life was over.

Everything that I had come to like about living here was all coming to end in that very moment.

Teenage hormones were officially ending my life.

"What in the hell is going on here?" he shouted.

I knew he was mad. What father wouldn't be, walking into your foster son's room to find your teenage daughter straddling his groin in the middle of the night?

I completely expected to hear gunshots, and feel a burning hole rip through my chest and end my life.

Charlie shooting me would be easier than any repercussions I was doomed to endure from this.

Thank God I actually still had my pants on. At least he knew we hadn't actually had sex.

Not that it mattered at that point. She should have been in her room sleeping. She most certainly should not have been in my room.

I couldn't think, I was in such a panic. I was sweating uncontrollably, and my heart was beating out of my chest.

"I.... I..... it's not what....I wasn't...." I tried to say something. Anything to get him to not kill me, but I couldn't even produce a coherent sentence.

"Edward, be quiet!" he yelled, "Bella, get off the floor now, and go to your room!"

I could see the veins in his neck and forehead. They looked like they were getting ready to bust open at any moment. His face was as red as a cherry and his eyes were as wide as saucers.

"Dad, it's not -" Bella began as she stood up off the floor.

He held his hand up to her. "I don't want to hear anything out of either of you! It's taking everything in me not to kill you both right now. I suggest you go to your room, and not make a sound until I come in there."

I had no idea what to do, or say. I had never been in this situation before. I didn't know if I had any chance of saving my life; much less staying in this house. I probably should have just started packing my bags right then.

Bella didn't even look at me as she walked past him and into the hallway.

Charlie didn't even look at her. His eyes were so focused on me. If looks could kill, I definitely would have been dead.

I knew he was going to think it was my fault. He would think the whole thing was my idea. He would never believe that his sweet daughter was the mastermind behind it all.

I was royally fucked.

"Edward," he began, "I need to calm down before I do or say something I will regret. You are not to leave this room for any reason until I come back in here. Got it?" he asked in a forceful tone.

I couldn't even produce an answer at that point. I was so scared of the consequences. All I could was nod my head.

"I'm serious, Edward. Do not test me," he warned as he shut the door behind him.

I laid back in my bed, and rubbed my face roughly with my hands.

"What the fuck?! I knew better than this. I told her to leave. He's never gonna believe me. I am so fucked! God, why won't you just let me die? I've tried so many times, but it never works. Are you just keeping me around to torture me?"

I didn't know why I was talking to myself or God, because it certainly wasn't going to help me, or get me anywhere.

"Fuck!" I shouted as I punched the mattress.

I had to get out of that bed, so I stood up, and began to pace around the room. My thoughts were running rampant.

I paced around that room for what seemed like hours, but when I looked at the clock it was only two thirty.

How long was he going to make me wait in this room? I knew the whole situation was fucked up, but he had to know the waiting was killing me.

Part of me thought I should just jump out of the window and make a run for it. The other part of me thought I might stand a chance of not being evicted from his house.

I wondered what Bella was doing. Was she freaking out as well? Was she in there laughing at my situation? She knew I would be freaking out.

I hadn't heard any yelling, so I didn't think Charlie was in her room yet.

What in the hell was he doing?

Did he go back to sleep?

I sure as hell wasn't taking the chance to leave my room to find out. He told me not to leave the room, and I wasn't going to push him any farther.

After pacing the room for another thirty minutes, I heard footsteps getting closer to my door. I turned to stare at the door. I knew it was going to be Charlie. The only question: Bad news or worse news?

Bad news being that I was going to be kicked out.

Worse news would be him torturing me to death.

The door opened, and I stood there like a deer caught in headlights.


"Edward, I need you to come downstairs now," he stated calmly. It was a little bit of hope that he didn't come in here with his gun cocked and pointed at my head.

"Okay."

I followed behind him as he exited my room. He walked directly to Bella's door, opened it, and turned to face me. "Go on downstairs and have a seat at the table. I'll be down in a minute."


I quickly made my way down the stairs and into the dining room. I could faintly hear him speaking to Bella, even though I couldn't tell what he was saying to her.

I sat down at the table, and began to fidget with the hem of my shirt. I was attempting to remain calm while I waited on him to come downstairs.

After a few moments, I heard someone stomping down the stairs, and Charlie telling Bella to be quiet. I assumed it was her that was stomping down the stairs.

I kept my eyes focused on the hem of my shirt. I was scared to look at either one of them.

As much as I liked Bella, I knew that this was mainly her fault. I should have tried harder to get her to leave my room, but she should have never been in there.

It was all going to come down to my decision to let her stay in my room. He would never believe me. She was Daddy's little girl, and she would always win against me.

"Sit down and be quiet, Bella. Don't make me say it again," he ordered as he pulled out the chair next to mine. Bella sat across from me, just like she did at dinner.

"But Dad -" Bella started, but Charlie interrupted her by slamming his fist against the wooden table.



"Damn it, Bella! I told you to be quiet!" He rubbed his forehead with his hand, and shook his head. He muttered something under his breath that sounded like 'damn kids'. "Okay, this is how this is going to work. I'm going to ask the questions, and you two are going to answer. If I want an explanation of an answer I will ask. You do not speak until you are spoken to, got it?"

"Yes, sir," I quickly responded. I didn't need to get in any more trouble.

"Dad, I..." Bella tried to say again.

"Bella, what don't you understand about not explaining?" he frustratedly asked.

"Dad, it's just -"

"Never mind, Bella. You're about to kill the one nerve I have left. Just be quiet."

I sat silent as I listened to the two of them argue. She was making this harder than it needed to be. What would he do to her for punishment? Take away her phone, or ground her for a few days? She wouldn't be out on the streets like I was sure I would be.

"I'm just gonna skip the bullshit, and get straight to what I need to know," he stated as he looked over to me. "Edward, have you had sex with my daughter?"

My heart stopped beating for a second. That was not the question I was expecting. I looked him in his eyes, and quickly answered, "No, Sir."

"Have you seen my daughter naked?"

I felt like I was literally in the interrogation room at the police station. Why was he asking me all of the questions?

"No, Sir."

"Dad, come on....what kind of girl do you think I am?" Bella interjected, sounding appalled at his line of questioning.

"Bella, I've told you to shut it!" he yelled.

"Edward, have you touched my daughter in any inappropriate way?"

"No, Sir," I responded.

Would he think kissing was inappropriate? Other than kissing, her straddling me was the worst we had done.

"Are you sure?"

What did he mean? Of course I was sure.

"Yes, Sir."

"You don't consider kissing my daughter in the middle of the night in my own home inappropriate?"

Fuck! Now he wouldn't believe anything else I said.

"No, Sir."

"Explain," he quickly retorted.

"Well," I hesitated slightly - I didn't want to throw Bella under the bus, but he had to know that I wasn't trying to take advantage of anyone or anything, especially his daughter. The only way to make him understand that was to tell him that Bella had started it. "It wasn't my idea to kiss Bella."

He cocked his head to the side. "Really? Then just whose idea was it?" he asked sarcastically.

"Bella's," I stated.

He threw his hands up in the air. "You mean to tell me that it was my daughter's idea to kiss you?"

I knew he wasn't believing me, but it was the truth. I could tell from his tone that he thought I was just trying to lie my way out of it, but I wasn't going to take the blame for something I didn't start.

"Yes, Sir."

He glared at me for what seemed like an eternity. Was this some police tactic to try and get me to break? I was already broken, but I wasn't lying.

I held my own, and simply looked him straight in his eyes. He finally gave up, and looked over to Bella.

"Bella, is that true? Did you kiss him first?"

She paused for a second before answering. Was she getting scared now?

I was. I just knew that she would lie, and tell him it was all my fault.

She looked down at her hands. "Yes," she answered quietly.

Charlie stared at her for a minute. I think he was in disbelief. He had it in his head that I was to blame, and the fact that Bella proved him wrong was fucking up his whole plan of attack.

"You're not lying for him, are you?" he asked her.

Her eyes shot up to look at him. "Are you kidding me Dad? No, I am not lying for him."

"Was it your idea to go into his room in the middle of the night?" he questioned her.

"Yes."

"I can't believe you, Bella! We raised you better than this. How long has this been going on?" he shouted.

"Well, the first time was the weekend he moved in. Then we barely spoke until yesterday," she admitted.

He looked to me. "Is this true, Edward?"

I nodded my head. "Yes, Sir."

"Bella, I just don't get it. You are such a smart kid. I never thought you would do anything like this."

"Do anything like what, Dad?" Bella questioned.

"I'm asking the questions here, young lady." He sat silent for a few minutes.

"Well, you two leave me no choice," he began, and I knew that my life was over right then. He was going to send me away. I would be back on the streets, or in jail, or with some other greedy family that didn't give a shit.

"Edward, we are going to have to find you a new place to live. I can't have you under my roof anymore."

My heart stopped, and my stomach sank. I felt the bile begin to rise in my throat. It was everything I had expected, and everything I never wanted to happen. I was going back into hell. The little glimmer of hope I had been given was snatched away. There was nothing I could do. Sure, I could beg him to let me stay. I could argue that it wasn't my fault, but that wouldn't do any good. He wasn't going to send his daughter away. I felt like crying, but I couldn't bring myself to actually produce the tears.

"What? No, Dad! You can't send him away! You can't!" Bella cried out.

I looked at Charlie and nodded my head. "I understand. I'll go pack my things," I said as I stood up from the table.

"Daddy! You can't do this! Why are you doing this? It wasn't his fault!" she yelled at Charlie through her tears.

She was crying? Why was she crying? I told her this would happen, but she wouldn't listen.

"Bella, calm down," Charlie said.

"Edward, you can't go! You can't leave!" she cried out as she ran towards me. Charlie grabbed her before she could actually reach me.

I made it to the stairs, and I could hear Bella cries. I couldn't believe she was so upset. I couldn't bring myself to feel sorry for her though, because her life would return to normal in a few days, and mine would be back to shit.

As I walked up the stairs, I heard Charlie trying to calm her down. I didn't want to hear what they were saying. She wasn't going to win this fight.

I was leaving. Period. End of story. Back to hell where I belong.

As I entered my room for the last time, I tried to commit everything to memory. Even if I was leaving on a bad note, everything else that had happened here was good. It was the first time I had felt like part of a family. I couldn't blame Charlie for sending me away. His daughter was his first priority. I was like a stray animal that he found abandoned on the side of the road.

I grabbed my duffle bag out of the closet, and began throwing in the few things that I actually owned. I wasn't going to take any of the things they had bought me. It didn't feel right. I was only leaving with what I came in with.

While I packed my bag, I could hear Bella and Charlie arguing with each other downstairs. I couldn't understand what they were saying, but it was none of my business anyway.


I changed out the pants I had been sleeping in, and put on a pair of my old jeans. I sat down on the edge of the bed. I wasn't sure what time he wanted me to leave.

Did he want me to leave at that very minute? Were we waiting for dawn?

I just sat there, and figured he would come get me when he was ready.

The arguing downstairs stopped after a while, and I heard Bella storm up the stairs and slam her bedroom door. I wondered where Renee was through all of this. Had Charlie told her what happened? Did she agree that I should leave? How could she have slept through everything?

My door opened slowly, and I saw Charlie standing in the doorway.

"Edward, I don't want to send you away. Do you understand why I have to?"

"Yes." I understood his reasoning, but it didn't make me feel any better.

"Bella seems to be very upset about it. I think she cares more for you than you know."

"Really?" I questioned.

"Really. I thought maybe it was her way of teenage rebelling, but I've never seen her that upset. She told me she'd rather die, than for you to be stuck with another family that didn't care about you."

I was blown away. Rather die? Really? I thought she was just messing around. I didn't think she actually cared about me.

"Wow. I can't believe that."

He shook his head. "Me either. She's too much like her mother."

He walked over and sat next to me on the bed. "So, I have an idea. None of us want you to leave. I don't want my daughter to be in pain, and I don't want you to be in pain either. I cannot allow you two to continue any type of romantic or intimate relationship. In order for this situation to work out, you have to swear that you will only be friends with Bella. Nothing more."

Was he letting me stay? Was he serious?

I excitedly turned to look at him. "You're not kicking me out?"

"Not if you agree to those terms," he replied.

I hugged him with all my strength. I couldn't help it. My emotions had taken over my body. The last few hours had been a roller coaster of emotions.

"Whoa!" he exclaimed.

I pulled back. "Oh, sorry. I got carried away," I offered sheepishly.

"It's okay. I understand. I'll go tell Bella the news. You have to promise me that if Bella tries anything, that you will stop her."

"I promise," I said confidently.

There was no way I was going to fuck this up again. If she tried anything else, I would have to try harder.

"Try to get some sleep. Go ahead and unpack too!" he said before shutting the door.

I let out a huge sigh of relief. I couldn't believe that I was getting to stay.

I only hoped Bella took this seriously. I hoped she understood what was at risk, and would do as her father asked.

I laid back on the bed, and finally relaxed.

Epilogue

Epilogue


"Have you fixed it yet?" Bella asked.

"Just about. You know this truck is so old, it's just gonna continue to cause problems. Why won't you go buy a new car?" I asked as I turned the wrench in my hand.

I had been asking her for months to let this poor old truck just die already. This truck was older than both of us put together. She never gave in though. Stating she felt like it was a part of the family, and she couldn't just let it die.

"Edward, we've had this conversation plenty of times. The truck is not going anywhere." She stated as she turned to walk into her parent's house.

Bella and I had been together ever since her parents gave us the green light years ago. It turned out that she and I were very good for each other. Somehow, I made her feel special and she made me feel like living.

We managed not to break Charlie's rules. It wasn't very easy though. We waited until she went to college to finally have sex. Neither one of us wanted to give Charlie any reason to end our relationship, and waiting for sex wasn't that bad. We would often sneak away and make out or fool around. We just never took it all the way. We knew that we were meant for each other and knew there was no reason to rush things between us.

I managed, with Bella's help, to get good enough grades to graduate with her. I had never thought I would graduate from anything, and the feeling of accomplishment was invigorating. Bella and her parents continued to praise me, saying how proud they were of me. One of the best memories of my life came as I walked across that stage and heard their proud cheers as I accepted my diploma. I felt like a real part of their family, and it almost brought me to my knees.


I didn't want to go to a formal university. School was never really my thing. I decided to go to auto mechanic school instead. During the time I lived with the Swan's, Charlie had gotten me interested in cars. He was often showing me how to do minor repairs on the weekends. It was kind of like father son bonding, I guess it could be called.

I graduated from mechanic school a year or so ago. Bella decided to attend college in Seattle and once I had graduated, I moved up there to be with her. I found a good job at a local repair shop. The money was good. We weren't wealthy by any means, but we were stable.

Bella had gotten a scholarship, so thankfully we didn't have to pay for her classes. We rented a small apartment close to campus, and it was our own little world. Although we both missed Charlie and Renee, it was nice to be alone for a while. It was nice to be able to kiss her, and not worry about her father barging in.

Bella will be graduating in the spring. She's earning a bachelor's degree in social work. She said that after meeting me, and seeing what a difference her family made in my life that she wanted to be able to help kids like me. She had such a big heart, and after hearing all the pain I had endured in my life, she felt that social work was her calling.

"Bella," I began as I turned to see her sitting on the porch with Renee. "The truck should be fixed now. Come try to crank it."

"Okay." She quickly walked down the steps and over to the truck. She got in and turned the key. Sure enough, it fired right up.

She stuck her head out the window. "Thank you baby!"

I closed the hood on the truck. "Anytime."

She turned the truck off, and we walked up to the porch.

"You can stay out here with Renee. I just need to go in a wash my hands."

"Okay. I'll be waiting on you." As she kissed me lightly on the cheek.

Once I was finished washing my hands, I walked into the living room. Charlie was sitting in the recliner watching some game on TV.

"Hey Charlie. How's the game?"

"Terrible. We are losing badly. How are you?"

"I'm good. Really good. I wanted to ask you something."

Keeping his gaze into the TV. "Sure, kid, shoot."

"Well," I started as I picked at a loose string handing from the sleeve. "I was thinking of asking Bella to marry me, and I wanted to ask your permission first."

He sat straight up in the recliner and turned to look me in the eyes. "Are you serious?"

"As a heart attack." I replied as I tried to match his gaze. I didn't want him to think less of me by looking away. I wanted him to know how incredibly serious I was.

Charlie pondered his thoughts for a few minutes, and I felt a line of sweat forming down my leg. He then seemed to settle on something, and a bright grin came across his face."Well, you know I already consider you my son. I think it would be great. She loves you a lot."

"I love her too."

"I know you do, Son." He said as he stood up and walked over to hug me. "It's about time you two made this official."

"Thanks."

I didn't propose to Bella right away. I had bought the ring weeks beforehand, but I wanted the timing to be perfect. I wanted her to know how much I loved her, and how much I appreciated her.

It was a Saturday afternoon, and I packed a picnic lunch for us. I had told her that I wanted to take her somewhere, but never told her anything else.

Surprisingly with out argument, we made it all the way to the playground close the her house. I didn't want to do the typical dinner proposal or something cheesy like proposing at a sporting event. So, I took her to the playground she had taken me to when I first met her. I laid the blanket out on the grass, and we could see the kids playing not far away. I set the basket of food down, and asked her to sit with me.

She sat in between my legs with her back to my chest. I wrapped my arms around her, and took it all in. The feel of her skin and the smell of her hair, still gave me butterflies.


"This is nice, Edward."

"I'm glad you think so. Do you remember when you first brought me here?"

"Yeah, that seems like forever ago."

"I know. I can't thank you enough for loving me. You've changed my life in so many ways. I honestly wouldn't be alive without you."

"Don't talk like that. I can't even think of you not being here."

I reached in my pocket and pulled out the little black velvet box that held the small diamond ring. It wasn't huge or anything to brag about, but it was what I could afford. I grabbed her hand, and placed the box in it.

"Open it." I said.

"Edward! What is this? You didn't have to buy me anything."

"Just open it."

She lifted the lid and gasped. "Oh my God. Is this what I think it is?"

I kissed her neck right below her ear, and whispered in her ear. "Will you marry me?"

She squealed and turned around, wrapping her arms tightly around my neck. "Yes yes yes yes!"

I pulled her head back and kissed her with all the passion and love in my body. "Thank you."

"I can't believe it! It's so pretty!"

"You deserve something so much bigger and I promise one day I will buy the prettiest ring you can find."

"Edward, don't be silly. I don't need a huge ring. I just need you."

"I love you so much, Bella."

"I love you too." She said before kissing me again.

We decided to leave the playground before our kisses turned into something more passionate and X rated.

I never would've guessed that the Chief's daughter would have been the one to bring me to life. Now, everyday would be as good as that very first day I met her. The broken boy who longed to die was gone, and in his place was man ready to live the rest of his life with the most amazing woman in the world.

THE END

Chapter 9

Chapter 9

"Good Morning Edward. Would you like some breakfast?" Asked Renee.

"Good Morning. That looks great. Thank you."

Things had been good since the incident with Bella, Charlie, and I. Things weren't at all tense with Renee. She had informed me that she knew what happened, but that she and Charlie has disagreed on how to handle it. She never wanted to kick me out, that was all Charlie's idea. She stayed in their room because she didn't want to make the situation worse by arguing with Charlie in front of us. Saying she thought it was best if she stayed out of it. In the end, everyone seemed to be happy that Charlie had eventually sided with Renee, even if he did threaten to kick me out first.

Bella seemed to be taking Charlie's rules seriously at first. We didn't really spend a lot of time together immediately after. We basically went to school together, and then had dinner together. Out side of that, we kept our distance.

As much as I liked Bella and wanted to be with her, I knew that the acceptance of her family as a whole was more important. Sure the memories of Bella's soft skin and moist lips crept into my mind almost daily, but that wasn't anything I couldn't deal with on my own. I had made it that far without having sex, another year or so wouldn't make any difference.

There were times, however, at the dinner table when I would feel Bella playing footsie with me and smirking across the table. It took a lot of restraint not to react to her advances. I almost felt like she was trying to test me. To see if I had the strength to stay away from her.

"Good Morning Charlie."

"Morning, Edward." He responded.

Just then Bella bounced down the stairs and greeted her parents by kissing them both on the cheek.

"So, Mom, your birthday is coming up. Anything in particular you had your eye on?" Bella inquired.

Renee thought about it for a moment before answering. "No. Not really." She responded as she placed the pancakes on our plates.

"Edward, you want to go with Bella and I to the mall later?" Charlie asked.

I wasn't sure if I wanted to go or not. I hated to reject Charlie's attempts to include me. The good part was that if Bella and I were with him, we couldn't be alone and she would be forced to behave herself.

"Sure." I answered.

"Great. I'm planning to leave in a few hours."

"Okay. Sounds good."

We finished breakfast without any incident from Bella. I was thankful that she found it in herself to not tempt me.

"Bella, what do you think about this one?" Charlie asked.

We were standing at the counter of a jewelry store in the mall. Charlie was eyeing a diamond pendant necklace.

"That's beautiful Dad."

"Do you think she'll like it?"

"How could she not? It's beautiful."

"What do you think, Edward?" Charlie asked.

Why was he asking me about jewelry? I had no idea. "Ummm, it looks good to me, but I'm no expert."

Charlie lightly chuckled. "Yeah, me either. We'll go with Bella's opinion on this." He turned to Bella once again and held up the necklace. "You think this is the one?"

She nodded. "Definitely."

He then turned to the sales lady and handed it to her. "I'll take it."

Charlie completed the transaction, and as we walked out of the store, he asked if we wanted to grab something to eat before we went home.

"It doesn't matter to me. I'm okay either way." I responded.

"What about you Bells?"

"Yeah! There's a great pizza place in the food court."

"Okay. I just have to make a quick stop at the men's room." He said as he walked over to the restroom.

"I gotta go too." I said quickly following behind Charlie.

Charlie and I didn't speak in the restroom. I was done before he was, and walked back out to the mall. As I maneuvered through the lines of people to where we had left Bella, I noticed that she was pinned against the wall by some guy. Panic set in and I rushed over to her.

Despite everything that had happened between us, I still didn't want anything bad to happen to her. She was a really nice person, and definitely didn't deserve to be hurt by some guy.

I finally made my way to her and shoved the guy away from her. As he fell to the ground, I could see his face. It was fucking Newton. That prick had been pushing my buttons for a long time. He had pushed it too far this time.

My anger was practically radiating from my body. It took all the strength I had not to just wail on him. He deserved to have his ass handed to him.

"What the fuck man?" He yelled.

"You're fucking kidding right? What the fuck were you trying to do to her?" I shouted.

"I wasn't doing anything! We were just talking!"

I started walking towards him, the anger in me kicking in again and making it impossible for me to stop.

"Edward, don't! He's not worth it!" She said as she tried to hold me back.

"It didn't look like you were just trying to talk to her." I responded through my clenched jaw while I continued to walk towards him, and he backed up.

"Whoa whoa! Wait a second. What's going here guys?" Charlie asked as he made his way in between Newton and I.

"Foster kid here is trying to take his anger from his shitty life out on me!" Newton responded.

"Fuck you!" I retorted.

"Guys! Just wait a damn second, or I'm going to lock you both up!"

I stopped my movements, and tried to regain some sense of calm. That prick had it coming to him, and I really wished Charlie would not have interrupted because it would have felt so good to inflict some pain on him. What did he know of my life? He was a fucking prick that thought he knew everything when he actually didn't know shit.

"Now Bella, what happened?"

"Well, Mike pinned me against the wall, and Edward came out and saved me."

He looked at me. "Is this true, Edward?"

"Yes."

"Mike, what were you thinking? You thought you could get away with forcing yourself on my daughter in a public place? You are dumber than you look kid. Get out of my face and go home before I haul your ass away!"

Newton looked like a scared little kid. He quickly left just as Charlie had instructed him to.

"Are you okay?" Charlie questioned her.

"Yeah, Dad. I'm fine. I'm just glad Edward came out when he did."

He released Bella from his grasp and turned to me. "Thank you, Son."

"Uhh, sure. Don't worry about it." I responded.

Charlie was pretty much giving Bella the Spanish Inquisition on the ride home. She never fully answered his questions. There was more to the situation with Mike than she was telling her father. I would have to talk to her, and get her to tell me. That guy was a fucking tool and I was determined to keep him away from her.

Bella went straight to her room when we arrived at the house. Charlie and I figured she needed a little time to calm down and process everything that happened.

I was in my room trying to relax, but I couldn't get Bella off my mind. I had to know what was going on with Mike. I hadn't seen him do anything inappropriate to her at school, but she had always disliked him. The more I thought about it, the more I knew Bella hadn't told her dad the entire truth, and I needed to find out.

I knocked on her door.

"Who is it?"

"It's Edward. Can I come in?"

"Yeah."

I walked in and saw her laying down on her bed staring at the TV.


"How are you feeling?" I asked.

"I'm alright. I just really hate Mike."

"I know the feeling. I hated him before today, but he took it to a different level with that stunt."

"He's an idiot."

I laughed a little. "That's putting it mildly."

"Thanks for rescuing me today. I don't know what I would've done without you."

"It's no problem. You have always looked out for me. It was the least I could do." I was downplaying it. I didn't save her because she had always helped me. I rescued her because when I saw that idiot pushing himself on her, all of my feelings for her rushed to the surface and took over my body. I was on auto pilot, and ready to hurt anyone that hurt her.

"Well, thanks anyway."

"What was Mike doing anyway? Why was he cornering you like that?"

"It's a long story. I don't really want to talk about it."

"Okay. I understand. I'm here for you though. If you decide you want to talk about it."

"Thanks." She said as she wrapped her arms around my waist, and squeezed tightly. "Don't leave just yet. Please."

What was she doing? She knew we were not supposed to be alone together, much less touching. I was getting nervous, but I didn't want to pull away from her after the day's events.

So, I just sat there with her arms wrapped around my waist.

"What in the ....." I heard Charlie say.

Fuck! This was it. I was certain to be kicked out now.

Bella quickly removed her hands and sat up.

"Daddy it wasn't what it..."

Charlie held his hand up to stop her. "I don't wanna hear anything. Both of you downstairs now!"

I couldn't believe this was happening again. This time we really didn't even do anything. She was just hugging me out of appreciation for saving her. It was innocent.

Of course, a father wouldn't see it that way.

We went downstairs and sat down on the couch. A few moments later Charlie and Renee entered the room and sat in the chairs opposite of us.

"First things first, I informed Renee of the incident at the mall today." Charlie said.

"I feel like there is more to this situation, Bella. You need to tell us why Mike felt the need to corner you." Renee pleaded.

Bella sat quiet for a minute and fidgeted with the hem of her shirt.

"Fine," she began. "Mike has kind of liked me for a while. I was never interested. He wasn't my type. Since, I never really dated anyone in school he didn't take it too personally. He said he just figured I didn't like anyone. Then when Edward came into the picture, and we were always together. Mike began to get jealous. That's why he was so mean to Edward. He wanted Edward gone. He wanted to be the guy with me all the time. So, I guess when he saw us at the mall something just snapped. When Dad and Edward went to the bathroom, he grabbed me and pinned me against the wall. Saying something like he was gonna make me sorry that I liked a loser and not him, and that one way or another we were going to be together. I kept trying to fight him off, and tell him it was never gonna happen but he didn't listen. Then Edward saved me."

That prick really was going to die now. Telling her she would be sorry and that they would be together? And I was supposed to be the loser? What a fucking douche.

"I'm so sorry honey." Renee said as she moved over to hug Bella.

"Bells, don't you worry about Mike. I'll talk to the school. He won't be a problem again." Charlie said. "Now onto the next issue. Why can't you two seem to keep your hand off of each other?"

He looked at me, and I sat there stunned. Why was he looking at me? She always started it and this time it was just a hug.

"Dad, I was just hugging him. He comforts me. Nothing was going on."

"But I told you two not to be alone. Didn't I?" Charlie was in interrogation mode and looking directly at me, his prime suspect.

"Yes, Sir. I only went in her room to check on her. That was all."

"I understand that and Edward, I really can't thank you enough for helping Bella today."

"It was no problem." I responded.

"We see how you two look at each other. We know that you have feelings for each other. We just need to know the depth of those feelings." He stated.

"Daddy, you know I haven't really been interested in many guys, but I really like Edward. He's different than other guys. He's sweet, he's honest, he isn't worried about clothes or how many girls he can get. He's a good guy."

I looked at her in amazement. No one had ever spoken of me in such a good way. I was completely shocked. I knew she liked me, but I definitely didn't know all of that.

"Edward, how do you feel about Bells?" Renee asked.

I had no clue what to say. I hadn't even confessed my feelings to Bella, now I was having to confess them in from of her parents too.

"Umm... Bella is very special to me. She's not like any other teenage girl I've met. She doesn't care about the superficial things. She's a good person. She's the only person that's ever made me feel like my life was worth living. She's made me feel things I didn't know existed."

I couldn't believe I had just confessed all of that to everyone. It was like the flood gate had been opened, and I was unable to stop myself.

Bella and I stared at each other in silence. I was trying to fully grasp what she had said and I assumed she was doing the same thing.

"Well, that is not at all what I expected." Charlie interjected. "I expected some teenage hormonal nonsense. We will be back. Your mother and I have to discuss this."

They left us alone in the living room and we never stopped staring at each other. I had never felt such strong emotions towards another person. I scared the hell out of me to think that it might actually be love. I really had nothing to compare the feeling to, but it consumed my whole body and mind. I couldn't have taken my eyes off of her I wanted to.

"Did you mean that?" She asked.

"Every bit of it. You?"

"Ditto." She replied simply.

We didn't say anything else after that. We sat on the couch fully engrossed in one another's presence until her parents came back in the room.

"Alright, Renee and I have discussed this and we see now that it's not just hormones running wild. You two genuinely seem to care for one another. We love you Edward just as we love Bella. You are a part of this family now, and we aren't going to do anything to change that."

"Thank you." I said.

"Don't thank me yet, son. We've also decided that we will allow you two to continue this relationship on a few conditions."

Bella and I nodded to him, letting him know we would accept whatever conditions they had. They didn't have to allow it at all, and I for one was grateful that they were.

Charlie looked to Renee and she nodded her encouragement. He didn't look at all happy about having to have this conversation, "First, no flaunting you feelings in front of us. Which means no holding hands or kissing, and for God's sakes....stop with the footsie under the table." Charlie glared at Bella and she blushed at getting caught. I can't believe he had seen that. How do parents do that?

I didn't have time to pounder that thought as Charlie continued, "Secondly, you are NOT to be intimate with each other in OUR house, which I guess leads me to plead with you both to wait as long as possible to actually have sex. You are still both very young, and the consequences of unprotected sex would interfere with your futures. Neither of you are mature enough to take care of a child, and your mom and I are NOT ready to be Grandparents." Charlie was getting red in the face, and Renee reached over and rubbed his back to help him continue. "We have decided that it would be good if Bella went to see her doctor and get on birth control. We are NOT pushing you to have sex, but if you are going to be sexually active, you need to be prepared."

I guess this was the proverbial 'sex talk' that parents had with their kids. As I glanced around the room at Bella, I tried to gauge how she was handling this situation. Much to my surprise, she was calm and cool. However, her face was red as a beet.

I almost thought this was over until Charlie started again,"Finally, there will be NO sleeping in the same beds and no getting up in the middle of the night to sneak into each others rooms." It was time for me to blush now, but to my surprise Charlie was staring at Bella again, "That means no 'bad dream' excuses or any other nonsense."

His conditions were almost too kind. I would have been happy with simply being able to share things with Bella. Sex wasn't even an issue to me.

"Okay." We said together.

"Now I'm serious. If either of break these rules there are going to be serious consequences." Charlie warned.

"We will obey the rules. I promise." I said.

Bella leaped up and hugged him. "Thank you."

"Thank you, Sir." I added.

"Don't make me regret this decision."

"You won't Dad. I promise!" Bella shouted as she bounced out of the living room.

I followed behind her upstairs. We stopped in the hallway and hugged each other tightly.


I felt so good to hold her again and know that I wouldn't be sent away for it. It felt like my life was worth living again. I had a great family that accepted me, and I had Bella who brought me to life after years of wanting to die.

I was almost certain that there would never be another day that I would feel as great as I did today.