Chapter 11
BPOV
During that night was the first time I had dreamt about Edward Cullen—actually, it was the first time I had dreamt at all in Forks. Oh, what a dream it was. In my dream, Edward and I were like marble statues, forbidden to move: locked in an entranced gaze with each other for the rest of eternity. Edward looked liked a God carved from the white stone, reminiscent of the ancient Greek edifices created to worship The Olympians. Even though it was prohibited to move, Edward quirked his crooked-smile, winked, and then ran to me: crushing his lips to mine. After a moment of blissful connection between our lips, the marble Edward shattered into a million small pieces and marble dust that fell through my now-empty marbled hands. Then, my dream went black, and I awoke screaming. It ended like all my other nightmares: with confusing, depressing blackness all around me. The darkness that had forced me to scream was made bearable only by the previous part of the dream where Edward was kissing me. I shivered while recalling it. I rolled over and looked at my alarm clock. It was five-to-six, late enough to get out of bed and start getting ready for the day.
Although it was Friday, nothing of note happened. My day was as predictable as the previous school days had been this week. As strange as it may sound, I was impatiently waiting for it to be Monday already (or even next Friday) because then my birthday and party would be over-with. Truth be told, it was my party that made me anxious today, not the annoying people I had to put up with outside of my group. Even lunch had become predictable: waiting in line for food, Emmett and Rosalie whispering in their corner, Alice gushes excitedly about something to Jasper, and Edward and I bicker back and forth. Biology was the same in that it was a class, which had its own routine formalities, but Edward and I behaved similarly to the way we did at lunch.
I think that my favorite part of that entire day was my ride home: Edward drove me again. I loved being trapped in a small space with him as his intoxicating scent filled my lungs and made my heart light. Now that I knew how I felt, it was harder to enjoy myself while I was with him; the difficulty was in hiding the fact that I had a crush on him. To me, crushes were fleeting and easily dealt with: you ignore them. Nothing good ever came from having a crush on someone, I was sure of it.
"Ok, well I'll see you tomorrow night. Thanks for the ride… again," I said to Edward as I reached for the door handle to exit his car.
"No problem… Hey Bella?" Edward called. I looked at him in response. "What are you doing tonight?"
"Uh… Nothing? I'll probably be finishing all of my homework so I can have the rest of the weekend for Alice's dumb birthday stuff for me." I huffed. "Why?"
Edward looked taken aback, not expecting me to question his query. "Oh, I was … just wondering. I should probably work on homework too. After all, I do have your kick-ass birthday party to go to tomorrow night," He winked and I rolled my eyes at him.
"Oh please!" I exclaimed, exasperated with all this birthday hoo-ha, as I exited his Volvo. He chuckled as he drove away. I walked into my empty house and contemplated what to do with myself. I didn't know what Emmett's plans were for the evening after he got home from practice, but I decided to get some steaks marinating before starting my homework. That way I could have dinner ready by the time Charlie got home. Oh, shit! I was becoming Suzie-fucking-homemaker! Although it was quite unnerving to be this girly, I couldn't help but want to do something nice for my dad and brother. Emmett did end up going out to dinner and a movie with Rosalie, so it was just Charlie and me for dinner.
"So, Bells, Alice called me at The Station today." Charlie said, breaking the silence, after swallowing a bite of steak. My dad was always more talkative after a good meal.
"What?" I was shocked, and then concerned. "Why?"
"To tell me about this party she's planning for you tomorrow night. I think it's a great idea. I like that Alice; she's always been a good kid. She asked if I was mad that she was throwing the party because it's not at our house, how funny."
"Oh, yea—that. I was going to ask you tonight if I could go."
"I know. Alice said that you'd be sleeping over—all of the girl's were invited to. Emmett's staying over at Jasper's that night too, so I think I might do an over-night fishing trip with Harry Clearwater and Billy Black."
"Yeah, that's right." I pretended to know. It was weirding me out that Charlie knew more about my birthday party than I did. Damn, Alice was good, I thought. She crossed every T and dotted every I in order to create no way for me to worm-out of it. "And that sounds like fun, dad! You should do it!" At least then I would know it wouldn't be Charlie coming to break up the party when the Police arrived, which was inevitable in my eyes that they would.
"Well since you're going over to Alice's tomorrow night, how about you, Emmett, and I go out to dinner on Sunday to celebrate your birthday?" Charlie asked.
"Yeah, dad, dinner sounds good." The rest of the night was easy: Charlie sat in front of the TV watching some sports game while I did my homework, randomly replenished his supply of beers, took my nightcap with my Sleep CD playing, and fell asleep.
Saturday I awoke to the very surprising sunshine. After five minutes of lying awake in bed—deciding that I was too tired to get out of it yet—Alice appeared, opening my bedroom door. "Bella! What are you doing still in bed! It's time to get going!" She squealed. I rolled over and looked at the alarm clock. It was only eight am.
"Alice, Christ, it's fucking early still! Wait… go where?" Through the fog of my just-awoken brain, I attempted to process what she was trying to say to me.
"Rosalie and I have planned a 'girl's day' with manicures, massages, hair-styling and makeup appointments before we meet the boys for dinner before the party. Actually, all of the appointments are coming to my house: Rose pulled some strings. So get out of bed, shower, brush your teeth and let's go!" Although she was tiny and sweet, she could make her voice as forceful as one of those guys on TV at wrestle mania.
"Alice… you never told me about this." I was pushing my luck arguing, so I got out of bed like she had wanted.
"Well something had to be a surprise, Bella!" She and her little maniacal laughter made me laugh too. Alice watched me like a hawk and saw me dawdle. "Shower—now!" After I had showered, brushed my teeth and packed a sleep-over bag, Alice had me in her yellow Bug and on the way to her mansion.
"You said Rose pulled some strings for our house-call appointments?" I questioned, curious how much money was being thrown into today. I was going to owe them so much!
"I sure did!" Alice was quite chipper now that we weren't going to be late.
"Uhm, how?"
Alice looked at me with questioning eyes. "Do you know about Jasper and Rose's family?"
"Uhm… no. Should I?" Alice tinkled with small laughter.
"Not necessarily, no. The Hales are from a long line of Texas Oil-Well Owners… they're loaded." Alice sounded impressed, which I found ironic since Rosalie was the one gushing about Alice's house last week.
"As in The Texas Hales? No offense Alice, but I thought you were the ones that were 'loaded'."
"The very same. Oh, we have money—don't get me wrong: Carlisle's job at the hospital doesn't pay much here, but my mom is a renowned interior decorator—we just don't have as much as the Hales do. They like to keep it pretty low-profile though. Mrs. Hale has a sun allergy so they moved to Forks three years ago after she was diagnosed. She's totally fine, now." Well, well, well: wasn't Alice the source of all gossip in Forks, not that I had ever cared about gossip.
"I had no idea. Interesting. No wonder why you're all in the 'popular crowd'!"
"Bella, are you trying to say that our winning personalities aren't amiable enough to be appreciated by all of Forks High School's students?" Alice sarcastically asked. I liked them all, but they had seemed too much like real people to be associated with the stereotypical, superficial popular crowd.
"Never…" I replied with equal sarcasm. We both laughed as we pulled up to her house. I saw that Rosalie's red BMW was already there, as were the vans that belonged to our masseurs, hairstylists, nail technicians, and makeup artists.
In the daytime, the Cullen Mansion looked much bigger than I had remembered. I was taken through the first level of the house and saw an array of beautiful rooms in different shades of white that held beautiful things. Alice led me up a set of stairs to the second level and into what she mentioned was her room. It was large and decorated in varying designs of red, black, and white. Within it, somehow Alice and Rosalie had converted her bedroom and large bathroom into a small private spa. We each had a massage in a curtained corner of Alice's room, before our individual, private mud-baths in her tub. The bath was followed by a sea-salt scrub and hot shower which led to our hair and nail appointments. We got dressed in Alice's extra-grand walk-in closet before our makeup was done. I felt like a princess, which sort of revolted me. All this time and money was spent on making me beautiful: I didn't want that type of beauty—that is, until I saw the finished product in Alice's three-way mirror.
I stood, in my navy blue, cotton wrap-around dress, looking into her mirror. I didn't recognize my reflection. Who was that ivory-skinned beauty staring back at me? I didn't look like I had come off the pages of Cosmopolitan—thank god—but I did look like I was a rock star on my way to the Grammy's. The red in my hair was brought out perfectly by the shade of the dress, which also made my eyes look like melted chocolate. I was surprised—usually I hated my brown eyes: they literally looked like shit-eyes, but today they were fabulous. Or, maybe, I was just finally appreciating my natural beauty? After admiring myself—which was definitely out of character for me—Alice and I had an argument about the shoes I was to wear. Alice and her team of stylists all wanted me to wear these scary-looking stilettos, while I wanted to wear a pair of chucks, naturally. We finally settled on a compromise: black, high-heeled boots. They were fashionable enough to appease Alice, and to promise lots of tripping and falling on my part. Rosalie looked stunning as usual in a short, red dress. Alice also looked very beautiful in her little-black-dress; it flawlessly complimented her shiny black hair.
When all three of us were finally ready, we traipsed down the stairs to meet the boys in the foyer. Emmett looked great in his crisp, button-down white shirt, black vest, black pants and red tie—no doubt Rosalie's doing. Jasper looked charming in his deep gray sweater over a white-collared shirt with black pants. Edward—oh god—looked hot. He was incredibly sexy in his black button-down, un-tucked, shirt with tighter-than-average black jeans. He was wearing his leather jacket over it which only added to the overall badass effect I was feeling from him. The black-on-black was definitely my favorite; it made his eyebrow ring all the more visible. All I wanted to do was rip it off until I had popped off every last button. I wasn't expecting this: I might need a new pair of underwear soon.
"Ah, yes—here are our beautiful girls; ladies, you all look stunning," Emmett called to us, always the charmer. The three of us murmured our thanks as we finished descending the wide staircase.
"Well, we better get going. The limo is waiting out front," Alice informed us.
"Wait. Hold-the-fucking-phone! Limo?" I gasped. "I draw the line. I don't need a damn limo for my birthday party! We're just going to dinner!"
"Bella, chill. We always take a limo when we can't all fit into one car; my parents let us borrow theirs," Jasper replied, always the voice of reason. If it had come from anyone but him, I probably would have still been throwing a fit. There was just something about him that always seemed to calm me down; he always seemed in control. "Plus, this way we can all have a drink at dinner." Clearly he was forgetting that we were only teenagers, but I figured their money might have its advantages in that aspect.
"Oh… alright. Well, you heard the man: let's go!" I said, slightly embarrassed at my outburst. We all filed out the door and into the limo. Edward held the door open for us while the driver sat in his seat. Before I got into the black stretch, he stopped me and leaned his head down to my ear. He was so close that his nose lightly brushed it, and then I was sure that I'd need new panties.
"You look absolutely sinful. If I weren't some sort of gentleman…" he whispered, seductively. Chills ran down my spine and my blood pounded through my veins. "I'd watch out, if I were you… not everyone can control themselves like I attempt to." Edward then flashed his devilish smile, and winked at me before we both entered the vehicle. He sat so close to me, our elbows touching, that if my older brother weren't in the same limo as me, I might have jumped on top of Edward right then and there. Luckily, I'm not some sort of Harlot, and had better control of myself than that.
Dinner was fun: just our group. We went to the nicest restaurant in town, which isn't exactly saying much for Forks. We drank champagne—the waiters knew better than to card us—and laughed merrily. I had almost forgotten that it was all in honor of me. I felt somewhat awkward, drinking underage in public while being the Police Chief's daughter, but not enough to stop myself. I did, after all, just go to school drunk on Wednesday. Everyone toasted me a "happy birthday" and contrary to my pleas and although I was turning as red as a tomato, they sang to me as well.
When we arrived back at the Cullen House, everyone was already there. Alice led our group into the back yard that was alight with tiki-torches, birthday balloons, and people—a lot of people. Everyone that mattered from the high school was there—all of the football players, the jean-skirted girls, the cheerleaders, the social climbers, my personal batch of stalkers and more. Music was playing and I recognized another boy from school in charge of it. There was a dance floor, a drink station, the bonfire was going, there was a food buffet, and a present table. I glared at Alice and mouthed I thought I said no presents! She simply looked at me, face filled with a huge smile and mouthed back sorry! Edward took my arm and escorted me to the middle of dance floor. Oh my god—is he planning on dancing with me? I thought, Because I cannot dance! I gave him a worried look and he merely winked and my thoughts were momentarily detained, unable to think about the possibility of dancing.
"Edward, if you're serious about this dancing thing, I'm going to need a few more drinks in me first: I'm a terrible dancer, seriously." I warned.
"Well I was just giving Alice a chance to introduce you to the party, we'll get drinks in a minute," He coolly responded. There was a faint smile on his face: he seemed to be enjoying this. I also noticed that his hand was still on my arm: I was enjoying that.
"Hey everybody! Let's wish Bella a happy 17th birthday!" Alice called over a microphone. Really, Alice, was it necessary to have a microphone? Just then everyone erupted in a chorus of Happy Birthday. It was mortifying. Luckily at the end of their rendition Edward made good on his promise and got me a good stiff drink: a Whiskey Sour on the rocks.
"Cheers to the birthday girl," Edward said as he clinked our glasses. He leaned over to my cheek, ever so slowly. There was less than an inch distance between his lips and my cheek. "Happy Birthday Bella." He whispered. Ohhhh his voice did things to me. Just then, ever so lightly I couldn't be sure, he kissed my cheek before taking a drink and returning my stare. I drank mine and swallowed hard—nervous for the first time all evening.
"Thanks," I murmured, suddenly becoming meek all over again. We both finished our drinks quickly: Edward seemed as antsy as I was. After he got us our second, our conversation started flowing. We talked about nothing important, yet it felt so good.
"Wanna dance?" Edward asked once we had finished our second drinks.
"Uhh I don't know if that's a good idea…" I stammered.
"C'mon, we'll take a shot for good luck first," He offered.
"Oh, alright." After our shots, I let the burning warmth that was now in my stomach flow through my veins: into my arms and legs. I practically willed the alcohol to take over my body and remove the clumsy so I could dance with my Crush, Although I knew that alcohol did quite the opposite in anyone else. Edward, taking my hand, led me to the dance floor where the youth of Forks were grinding to the rhythm of the music. He spun me around once we had reached the middle, and placed his hands on my hips while I placed mine around his neck. My heart started racing and my nervousness increased. He pulled me closer; our bodies only separated by fabric, and began to move with the beat of the music. It took me a few more seconds to become comfortable with it all, but once I did, I let go all my reservations and just danced. I felt comfortable in his arms as our bodies moved seductively against each other. We maintained eye-contact, which made our dance seem more intimate than just a dance; I became lost within the emeralds of his eyes. We danced for hours, only stopping to drink more. I enjoyed my time with Edward on the dance floor, as I let his hands roam my body's soft curves, turning me on as he twirled me around the floor.
Before I knew it, people started counting down until midnight to ring in my birthday properly. It felt like New Years' Eve. It was magical. Ten! Nine! Eight! They all called. Edward and I were rooted in our spots, staring into the other's eyes. Seven! Six! I felt the primal urge to devour his face, to pin him down in the middle of this crowd and take him—take all of him. Five! Four! There was a tingling sensation, roaming over my body. I felt it settle my lower abdomen, calling out. I parted my lips slightly, subconsciously licking them. Edward started at the small movement of my mouth, entranced. Three! Two! My heartbeat picked up in anticipation. I wanted him, I wanted all of him and I wanted it now: I had to have it. I moved my face closer to his, hoping he would want it too. One of his hands moved up my back and onto the nape of my neck, and the other to my butt with a firm grip. He bent his head down, attaining my level, his eyes were hooded in what I assumed was desire. We were closing the shrinking gap between his luscious, kissable lips and my own. It was now or never, do or die. It was a time for truth.
One! As everyone was screaming Happy Birthday Bella, Edward's lips and mine finally met. It was like a spark ignited from our lips and flooded my body with warmth: a burning desire to touch him more and be touched. Our kiss was sweet at first as our lips initially met, but immediately we mashed them together more fiercely. His desire seemed to match mine as our kisses became more needy and frantic. I opened my mouth and invited in his warm, sweet tongue. While we kissed, one of his hands stayed firm on my ass, pulling my closer to him, while the other ravaged my hair, sending tingling sensations from the roots at the top of my head all through my body to my toes. His teeth lightly bit my lips and waves of ecstasy splashed through me completely. It was slightly playful the way his teeth tugged at my lower lip, and somewhat erotic to me. I pulled at his hair, not getting enough of him. When we finally broke apart breathless and a little awestruck at what just happened, I had to unwrap my leg from around his. Oops. At first, I looked at my feet, unable to meet his eyes. After a moment of cowardice, I regained myself and brought my eyes at his level. He was eyeing me with interest: watching me. When our eyes met, I couldn't help but smile, happiness that he caused started to gush through me, and he smiled in return.
"Well, that was a long time coming," Edward whispered, seductively as always. I wondered if he did that on purpose or if it was just in his nature. I nodded, simply staring into the green depths of his soul.
"So… Bella. How about I get us a drink, and then we can… maybe, talk?" He faltered. I thought Edward was sexy when he was being a bit of an asshole, but this flustered and somewhat awkward Edward was rather hot to me as well. It was cute, that was for sure.
"Sure," I smiled warmly, showing him that I'd do anything with him. Edward took my hand which tingled of its own accord, and led me to a few Adirondacks that encircled the fire-pit which was less than one-hundred feet from the drinks station.
"Stay here, I'll be right back with our drinks," he said charmingly, quirking his signature half-smile. Then, he lifted the hand he was holding and kissed the top of it as if we were a pair from an old movie. Did I mention that tonight felt magical? I was left alone for only a few moments: not minding his absence too much because I knew he'd be back in a matter of minutes. Alice and Jasper waved to me from the dance floor, smiling as they too were having fun. I noticed Emmett and Rosalie coming from behind the shed, walking towards the dance floor hand-in-hand. My brother was such a horn dog, but I smiled none-the-less. Deep in thought about my new friends in Forks, I was taken by surprise when James tapped my shoulder.
"Hey Bella, I saw you sitting by yourself and I thought how perfect: I can finally wish the birthday girl a happy birthday!" He said, while sitting in the chair next to me. He had two drinks in his hands and I wondered who they could be for.
"How sweet, thanks James."
"Oh, you remembered my name!" He sounded proud and I couldn't help but smile, it was kind of cute.
"Of course, you play football with Emmett."
"True. Well, hey, I also noticed you didn't have a drink, so I brought you one. The birthday girl should never have to get her own, ya know!" He replied warmly. I couldn't remember, at that moment, why I had found him a little scary when I had first met him.
"Oh… thanks," I said as he handed it to me. "Well, actually Edward was just getting me a drink." I stated loyally.
"Well, one more wouldn't hurt, right?" He responded. He was right: it was my birthday and I wanted to get hammered! I was only slightly drunk so I felt as though I wouldn't be betraying Edward if I had one while I was waiting for him. "Cheers!" James declared, while clinking our cups.
I took a sip from the cup James had brought me. It tasted like a rum-and-coke, not bad. I did like rum. My legs started to feel heavy after I took a few gulps, I thought that maybe the night was finally catching up to me. Suddenly Edward was with us, he looked pissed. Oh no, I thought, now he's jealous too. Then, everything went black…
