Chapter 63

Chapter 63
BPOV

I hit him?

I slapped James?

I was so repulsed by his touch that any fear I had turned to anger making me respond without a second thought. Once my hand made contact with his face the sound of the smack registered in my brain and nine years of pent up rage came out in one sentence.

“Don’t you ever touch me!”

Once the words were out of my mouth it felt like every ounce of energy I had went along with them. My legs felt weak, my stomach was queasy, and I had to literally force myself to breathe as I stood there staring into those icy blue eyes. In the back of my mind I knew that there were people with me. I could feel Edward’s presence and Sam was right there with him yet for those few tense moments it was just the two of us.

I wanted to talk with more conviction when I told Casey to call Officer Mark but instead it came out in a weak shaky tone that only made me seem more pathetic. The anger rolled across his face as I stared into his eyes, I could see the hatred and that made me even more determined to stand up for myself. To just once not back down, resolving in my mind that I wasn’t going to let him win. He could try to intimidate me all he wanted; it wasn’t going to work, not this time.

Once James left all I wanted to do was leave. Leah wanted me to stay, to celebrate.

Celebrate what?

Leah acted like I had just won the lottery when all I did was piss James off he was going to go home and take out his anger with me on Victoria. Sitting in the car I was wracked with quilt over that. Leah said ‘Fuck Victoria Kohn. It’s her problem if she stays’ How could she say that? Where is her compassion and understanding? Doesn’t she know how hard it is to leave, how dangerous it is for the woman?

Victoria is not exactly my favorite person she had been with James since high school. Even during the time when James and I were dating, he was seeing her too. I didn’t know that at the time, there had been whispers that he fervently denied. However once we were married it was very clear that they had never separated. Still I didn’t want to be the cause of her misery and I found myself justifying my actions.

Even if I pressed charges on him, placing him in jail for the night, when he did get out he would be even madder making his reaction to her worse.

That only worked for so long because I knew that my decision had nothing to do with Victoria’s welfare. When Sam told me that James would be processed the anxiety that I had been holding at bay couldn’t be restrained. My stomach was churning from the implications of what would happen had James been arrested.

It was my own panic that kept James out of jail, leaving him free to do as pleased. At first I had told myself that it was for Jake so that he wouldn’t get into trouble for avenging me. That was true three years ago; statute of limitations would make it impossible for James to press charges any longer. I had to be honest at least with myself; the only thing holding me back is my own selfish fear.

The last thing I wanted to have happen is for all the nasty details of my private life to come out. There was no way I would be able to talk about the degradation that I experienced. I couldn’t go through the humiliation of having everyone know of the terrible things that I allowed James to do to me. I don’t like to think about what happened. Most of it was mortifying to discuss privately with my counselor and I could not imagine the horror of telling it an open court of law. All the people that would be there, my father, family members, James and perfect strangers, all passing judgment on my own culpability

I can’t do it…I just can’t do it

“Isabella why in god’s name did you ever go out with that asshole in the first place?”

I heard Edward’s question and as my brain registered the words I started hyperventilating. My mind was a jumbled mess of uncertainty creating a fog around me that I couldn’t seem to get out of.

He blamed me. It was all my fault.

Tears streamed down my face from the guilt.

Edward’s voice immediately came out firmly “Don’t answer that Isabella. Not now”

The rain was pelting the car windshield and I watched the wipers swish away the water not paying any attention to where we were going. He knew the way back to LaPush although with the panic I was feeling that was the last place I wanted to be. I needed to get myself together. Find my center so that I could face everyone without them thinking I was some kind of freak. The problem was I didn’t know how to accomplish that. All I could feel was my world crashing in on me, and I couldn’t pin point why.

Edward turned off the road pulling to a stop in front of the Motel office. “Wait here”

I watched him get out of the car going into the building then a few minutes later coming back out with a key in his hand. Edward didn’t say anything as he started the car then drove around the back of the building where the rooms are.

“W..what …” I wanted to ask what he was doing however between the erratic breathing and my tears I couldn’t get the words out.

“Quiet” The glare that accompanied the order would have been enough to silence me.

Pulling into the spot in front of unit six, he once again got out of the car this time popping the trunk. Hearing it slam shut, Edward was at my door holding it open with one hand out for me to take while the other held on to the handles of the black tote bag. My mind wasn’t clear enough and I still didn’t know what we were doing so I hesitated.

“Do not make me wait Isabella” his voice was low and menacing making me move quickly to unbuckle the seatbelt and step out into the rain.

Edward lead me to the unit, opening the door the unmistakable smell of motel room hit my nose. It often reminds me of dry-cleaning fresh from the bag, not at all unpleasant just distinctive. I had never been here before but the room was typical of any small town roadside motel. A simple bed with a green paisley spread and wall lamps mounted above it. Under the large wall mirror sat the long dresser with a TV on top of it. The extended top had a wooden chair pushed under the open area making a small desk space with a lamp on it. There was one other door that I assumed was the bathroom, other than that the room was sparse.

Edward shut the door, turned on the lights, closed the curtains, threw the tote on the bed and gave me a one word order. “Strip”

The word left me dumbfounded and my hesitation was not received well “Now!”

Shedding my clothes Edward went into the bathroom bringing out a towel that he put on the bed. With my clothes off he stood before me giving the hand signal to lower my eyes

“Hands behind your back Isabella, legs apart”

In this position I could feel myself begin to relax slightly but I was still couldn’t seem to completely give myself over. The zipper on the tote was almost ominous making me wonder what he was planning to do.

Edward moved behind me and a moment later the sound of soft relaxing music filled the room. When he sat back on the bed I could see from under my lashes that he was shirtless as he put one of the bed pillows over his lap laying the towel on top of it.

“Come here” Edward hooked two fingers inside me pulling me to him by my center.

“You are to be ready for me Isabella” The accusation telling me that I had failed in my task.

“Master I…”

“Who?” his dark eyes snapped to my face “I did not ask for an explanation and I do not want one”

I could feel the tears forming in my eyes as I bite harder on my lip while staring down at his socks.

“Now. Choose your words carefully and tell me what has deterred you from your task”

What has deterred me?

“Master your girl doesn’t understand the question” I thought maybe that would give me more time to come up with an answer. I was wrong.

“Perhaps my girl needs incentive”

With his fingers still inside me he pulled me closer, shifted himself while laying my stomach over the pillow so my head and most of my shoulders were on the bed.

“Wrap your arms around the pillow hugging it to your belly”

The nervous energy inside me was growing as I clutched the fullness of the cushion to my stomach. I think that Edward knew that because his voices soften as his hand ran through the length of my hair moving it off my face. “Close your eyes. Relax. Take steady breaths”

Willing my body to relax, I felt his hand move down my back to rub my bottom while he used his elbow to separate my thighs. Sliding his two fingers back inside me his thumb clamped down on my clit creating a vice grip on my girly parts that made me whimper.

“Now you’re ready for me Isabella.” He announced then asked “So what was the problem five minutes ago?”

He was expecting an answer, and I still didn’t have one “Your girl doesn’t know”

“Oh she knows.” with that his hand came down on my bottom.

It didn’t hurt in fact it felt really good especially with the grip he had on me and the pressure from his thumb against the sensitive nerves. Edward gently rubbed the spot he just struck then gave me another swat. He worked his hand around the flesh of my bottom with a growing intensity each time followed by a soft rub and every now and then a small pinch.

“What was the problem Isabella?”

He wasn’t going to let it go

The swats were coming faster and harder making my bottom burn as each one started to sting. The grip that Edward had inside me, held my hips still so I couldn’t even wiggle to alleviate any of the discomfort.

The next swat brought tears to my eyes as I cried out “She don’t know!”

“She knows…” he growled darkly “…tell me what you were feeling?” The firmness of his voice broke through the pain from the continuous swats.

“Lost…your girl felt…lost” the tears were coming nonstop

“What else?” He asked while his hand rained down in firm hard swats.

“owe…please…stop…please” I pleaded through my sobs but my begging fell on deaf ears as another swat landed hard against the flesh making it burn all the more.

“Tell me” he growled without stopping or letting up on the pressure he had on my vag.

My brain was searching for any words that might make enough sense so that he would stop because there was no break in between each strike of his hand. The only reprieve I could feel was that no two consecutive swats seemed to land in the same spot.

“afraid …” I cried out “…afraid people will know” then the words just seemed to come as Edward continued to make my bottom burn

“selfish…guilty…ashamed…confused” With each word a solid slap landed on my tender flesh.

“Confused about what?”

“couldn’t… get balanced…no control” I was crying so much that my sentence came out in a garbled mess.

“Who is in control Isabella?” Each word radiated into my brain and it snapped in my mind.

“Master is in control” I called out letting the freedom of the words ring true as I sobbed into the bed.

While we were in the car Edward said he was proud of me and that I should be proud of what I can do not agonize over what I’m not ready to do. I can’t control the way other people act or the way they think and I’m not answerable for them or their actions. The only person I have to be accountable to is my Master.

“That’s right little one” the force of the swats diminished to the point where I could breathe at a steady pace.

“That’s it my pet, relax your body and just feel…let it go…let it all go…find your center and go there”

The strikes Edward was placing on my bottom seemed to settle into a rhythm that was mimicking the music being played. The softness of his voice was as soothing as the feeling of each strike. With every exhale a soft moan left my mouth as I felt myself drifting into that place of peaceful bliss. Time, place, sound and reason were all gone, in its place was the greatest high I could ever imagine and that’s where Edward was taking me. Floating on a sea of air where I can ride through waves of glorious pleasure. I wanted to stay there in blissful suspended animation for as long as possible and just be.

The radiating warmth that had been surging through my body started to slip away. The swats that had been scintillating where starting to hurt again and my body responded by tensing and whimpering.

“Shhhhh…relax my pet” Edward’s words combined with the feel of his hand stroking my back soothed me “Shhhh…come out as gentle as you went in”

I heard his words and I could tell that the swats he was placing on me were not nearly as strong as they had been but they still hurt and I couldn’t stop the deep moan.

“Shhhh…almost done…open your eyes for me”

I tried however it felt like my eyes were glued shut, the only amnesty I could be glad for was that Edward was no longer striking me instead his hands were rubbing and kneading my sore bottom making me hiss.

“Tender?”

That was a stupid question

“Yesss…Sir” my eyes finally fluttered open to see Edward looking down at me smiling while running his fingers through my hair “Welcome back my pet”

“Thank you Master” as I said the words my arms went to push up off his thighs.

“No. You stay still for another minute” he stroked down the length of my spine letting me relax.

As my body came down from the high it had been on I started to shiver from the coolness of the air. Edward notice and had me sit up slowly so that my chest was in constant contact with his. He laid me on my belly then covered my back and shoulders with the comforter.

“You’ll warm up in a minute; it’s only the perspiration drying on your body” He moved to get off the bed and I stopped him “Where are you going?”

“To the bathroom” he kissed my forehead before tucking the comforter in under my body to keep me warm.

I could hear the water running in the sink for a few seconds then he was back holding a small white towel. Sitting down next to me he laid the cool wet cloth over my butt making me suck air in through my teeth from the discomfort. While my buns were cooling Edward reached into the tote on the corner of the bed taking out a bottle of water and lotion. Twisting off the top he handed me the water before removing the towel and putting the Lanolin on me.

While he was working I watched him in the mirror admiring the way the muscles in his back and shoulders moved. The feeling of his strong hands touching me so tenderly was amazing and I closed my eyes enjoying his touch while listening to the music coming from the portable
I-Home.

“What is this song?” It was slow with a steady beat while the words were sung in a sultry tone.

Edward replaced the cool towel on my bottom then moved up on the bed taking the bottle of water from me. “Umm…” I watched him take a drink then giggled as I realized he was stalling. He chuckled along handing me back the bottle “give me a second there’s a lot of music on there”

When the refrain came on she was singing

And if I shed a tear I won’t cage it
I won’t fear love
And if I feel a rage I won’t deny it
I won’t fear love

“This is Fumbling Towards Ecstasy” he announced confidently.

I had no idea how those lyrics gave him that title however the voice sounded familiar “She kind of sounds like Sarah McLachlan”

Chuckling Edward took the bottle back placing it on the floor, leaned sideways onto the pillow pulling me into his arms “Maybe that’s because it is McLachlan”

“Oh” as I listened it was clear who it was. Laying there in Edward’s arms my body melted into his and I signed in contentment. “Mhhh…can we stay here all night?”

“Isn’t there some kind of fire burning revelry we are expected to attend?”

“Yeah…” I had an overwhelming need to be as close to him as I could get. Snuggling closer, Edward’s arms seemed to tighten around me. “What time is it? I think we are going to be fashionably late”

“I’m guessing it’s around seven. My watch is over on the dresser and I’m too comfortable to get up right now”

“uh oh …that means were going to be really late.”

Edward moved his head back without releasing the hold he had on me “Do you want to leave? My purpose for coming here wasn’t to keep you from your family and friends.”

“Can we have twenty minutes?”

“We can have as long as you need” Edward relaxed again letting the room go silent except for the music which was now playing Lullaby by The Cure.

“I always thought that this would be a great song to have sex to” I don’t know why that came out of my mouth but Edward laughed “That’s why it’s on the ‘fucking Bella’ play list”

Shifting to lean on my elbow I stared at him in shock “You have a play list entitled fucking Bella?”

“Of course…” he said with a grin “…although right now it’s doubling on the ‘Spanking Bella’ list”

“How many Bella lists do you have?” my curiosity was peaked.

Edward shrugged “How many different things can I do to you?”

My eyes rose in disbelief “Your girl is going to have to steal your I-pod to see what else you have on there.”

Edward laughed tucking e back into his side. “You don’t have to steal it; I’ll give it to you willingly”

It was then that I felt little eddie pushing up against my lower belly. Wiggling my hips I pressed against the bulge bringing out a grunt making me wonder “Isn’t that uncomfortable?”

“It will go away”

Go away?

“Wouldn’t you rather use it?” my voice was hopeful

“Not now Isabella.”

I could feel the hurt from what I thought was rejection wash over me. Before it went too far Edward continued “You need to relax and it was not my intention to bring you here for sex”

That was the second time he had said that it wasn’t his intention, which made me wonder what exactly was his purpose. What was the reason for getting a room and spanking me? Was it a punishment? The thought crossed my mind yet was quickly removed when I remembered that Edward said he would never reprimand me with corporal punishment.

Still…I had to know. Swallowing hard I asked the question that could break the trust I had in him. “Master did you…was your girl…” I didn’t even know how to say it.

“What Isabella?”

“Master was it your intention to bring your girl here to punish her?”

Edward moved quickly making me to lay flat on my back. The sudden movement caused me wince as my butt came in full contact with the mattress while he hovered over me. Taking my chin in his hand our gazes locked and he stared intently into my eyes.

“You have been punished before Isabella, you know how it works. There is a discussion so that you are aware of what you are being reprimand for, you are allowed a time to explain yourself and then the punishment itself is made clear. None of that happened here today. There was no punishment, because you did nothing wrong”

The intensity of his stare was starting to unnerve me and I tried to look away but the hold he had on my chin tightened, silently calling my attention back to him.

“What happened here is what I call maintenance”

Maintenance?

He must have seen my confusion as he wasted no time in explaining.

“Just as you have a car that needs an oil change, tires rotated and a tune up every now and then…”

I cut him off with my own understanding “You have to give your submissive a tune up?”

“Yes” he smiled “There will be times when my submissive as wonderful and obedient as she is will need maintenance to keep her grounded. There are many ways to go about doing that. Today I chose the quickest most direct form, to get to the bottom of your anxiety so that you a could get yourself…balanced once again”

I thought about that, realizing that is exactly what he did. My mind was a jumbled mess of emotions that felt like every synapse was firing off in a different direction. I was on the verge of panic, unable to gain control of myself as I fought through all the implications that kept charging through my mind. Edward recognized that, took command of the situation and did what was needed to set me back on the path I had chosen.

“That was achieved by sending your girl into subspace?” That’s where I was. The first time it happened I was afraid, this time it was so easy to slip into the alternate universe.

Edward smiled at me “That was an added bonus”

“Will you have to do maintenance often?” I didn’t know if there was a scheduled once a month submissive overhaul, the same way there was the three-thousand mile oil change. Instead of Jiffy-Lubed I would be Speedy-Spanked. That thought made me giggle.

“Are you going to share the joke?” Edward’s grin widened as I told him my Speedy-Spanked theory.

“I told you there are other ways and when time or circumstances allots for it I will choose one of those. However I can’t tell you how often that will happen. Isabella you gave me your submission, trusting me to always do the right thing. All I can tell you is that when it comes to your welfare I will do whatever is necessary. Your only job is to trust and obey, which you did magnificently”

I smiled at the word magnificently “Master your girl trust you and she loves you”

“That’s good to know that she trust me and better to hear that she loves me. Because I love her, very much” His hand was still on my chin as he kissed me softly.

“Now how about we take a bath?”

I agreed but voiced my concern about putting on my clothes. I hated to do that, always feeling so grimy with clean skin and dirty clothes. Edward came to my recue by bringing in a pair of his sweat pants and t-shirt that he had in his workout bag. He always carries a clean set of clothes for himself in the black tote.

He’s like my own private boy scout- always prepared.

The bath felt really good after my initial yelp from sitting my hot bottom into the water. Edward helped me out as much as he could by holding onto my cheeks until they got accustomed to the temperature, but it still hurt like hell. Leaning back against his chest I wondered how in the world I was going to be able to sit in the car for a six hour drive the next day. That thought brought to mind the question he had asked when we left Casey’s.

“Master it was a Monday night and your girl was working at the store…”

EPOV

Sitting in the warm water with Bella’s body between my legs and her back against my chest, my hands moved in small soothing circles over her stomach while I listened to the story.

Bella was working her part-time job at the grocery store, when she came out at ten o’clock to leave the old truck she drove wouldn’t start. She was going to go back inside to call Charlie when James knocked on her window asking if she needed any help. He lifted the hood, fiddled around with something, told her to turn the key and the truck started.

While she told me this I remained quiet wondering if he was the reason her truck was disabled in the first place. It would easy to remove a cable or a wire that would temporally immobilize the vehicle, and then effortlessly repair it.

Bella continued telling me that after James had gotten the truck started he followed her home under the pretence of seeing that she was safe. Not wanting her to be alone and break down along the way in the dark.

That would have played right into Bella’s submissive nature, her need to feel safe and protected. It also played along with the fact that she felt awkward and isolated so having someone care about her would have made an impression. If he did purposely disable the truck then he played his trump card well.

She continued to tell me that the next morning when she left for school, James was waiting for her. He said that he worried that perhaps the engine wouldn’t start again and she would need a ride. Bella told him that it was unnecessary and to his credit he backed off.

A few days later while she was at her locker he asked her out on a date. Bella said that she was reluctant because James was supposedly dating someone else. He assured her that they had broken up so after a few more attempts at a date Bella finally said yes. The relationship started out slowly with a few dates to movies, dinner and bowling. Gradually building up through natural progression to what she called an exclusive relationship.

Bella assured me that up until that night when he beat her with the belt he had never hit her before. There were times when James would grab her arm, squeeze her wrist and a few times he had shoved her into a locker or the wall. She would always discount the incidences as him needing to let off steam or reacting to something she had done. James also began to tell her where she could go and who she should be with. Belittling or yelling at her when she would go against his will. That was the stubborn streak in her coming through or maybe it was the fact that she loved her friends more then she loved him. Either way Bella said he could yell and scream all he wanted she wasn’t giving up her friends.

“Baby didn’t you recognize the signs?”

She shook her head “No. At the time, this girl didn’t know that there were signs. She didn’t know to back away. She thought that James just had a bad temper, never would have considered that he could be so full of hatred and violence. She truly had no clue and no one to talk to about it.”

Her reasons sounded plausible to me. In Seattle the school districts teach about domestic violence as part of the curriculum for heath class. The beginnings signs of abuse are clearly laid out; the possessiveness, the controlling, and the constant ridicule are all bright red flashing signs telling the girl to beware. Add into that any form of physical restraint or manhandling and the warning of it escalating to dangerous proportions couldn’t be any clearer. Young people are taught these facts along with given the phone numbers of places to contact if needed.

Forks High School had no such curriculum, which I think is preposterous. Small rural towns are no more immune to the realities of society then a large city. If anything they should be diligent in their education of personal awareness simply because they lack the resources that can be found in the city. Clinics, shelters, and women’s centers are all absent giving those with a problem no place to go. Their only option is to seek out someone who they cannot be sure is going to keep their confidence, or have the training needed to help them.

The water was starting to get cold and I knew it had to be close to eight o’clock, making us an hour late. We were going to have to leave soon or they might send out a search team to find us, but first I needed to know something.

“Isabella why didn’t you ever go out with someone else?” It seemed to me that if she had then maybe James wouldn’t have been so predominate in her life.

Bella’s head turned towards mine nuzzling into my neck “No one ever asked”

“Never?” she shook her head and I found that so hard to believe.

Jesus Christ are all the males here blind?

I’ve seen her high school picture she was fucking gorgeous. I don’t care how isolated she was, short of sitting in class picking her nose and farting I would have been all over her shit.

My arms tighten around her middle kissing the top of her head. Bella sighed not in that irritating way that annoys me but in a resigned way. I was going to get out of the water when she spoke “Your girl’s father is the chief of police. So that means that his children are either unruly because they think they can get away with it, or so goody-two-shoes that they would squeal. Besides the last thing a boy wants to do is upset the chief of police by dating his daughter and risk making an enemy because things didn’t work out.”

In there lies yet another reason why Bella was ostracized. That wasn’t anyone’s fault and I could understand the reluctance of teenagers to take a chance on pissing off a man that could make their life a living hell. That fear didn’t seem to bother James though, maybe after he got to know her, he realized that she was closed mouth about things. I also saw that James was a rather clever person who quickly figured out that there was no inter-personal communication between Bella and her father, leaving him safe to fulfill his plans.

Once we were out of the tub I put some more Lanolin on Bella’s bottom. It was still rather pink with an all around even color that shouldn’t bruise. That is the tricky part; the skin needs to be warmed up before the actual spanking begins. Then it is a matter of keeping the color spread evenly by paying attention to where each strike lands. I was sure there was no damage done but I was also sure that Bella would be feeling the tingle and the heat from the spanking for at least another day. That means that I would have to make sure to keep applying the ointment and checking on how she heals.

Bella looked rather sexy in my clothes; the grey sweat pants were way to long so she rolled the waist down to get a better fit. The white t-shirt was also big, going down to her thighs but that was a good thing because she refused to put back on her bra. The extra room shielded the shape of her breast although the light color didn’t hide anything else. Not that I minded her nipples poking out through the cotton. However I wasn’t sure who we would run into before she could dress properly and I didn’t want them to have a free show.

I’m not above her exhibitionism; I find it as erotic as she does as long as it’s done in the right atmosphere where the rules of conduct are clear. The last thing that I wanted to have happen was Jared to catch her dressed like that. Something told me that he didn’t care one bit if Bella was HO-quaht, that man wanted my woman.

My woman who was standing there wearing my clothes, fixing her hair in the mirror with my hairbrush, in a fashion that shows off my collar and wiggling her butt that is pink from my attentions. She’s mine and that motherfucker was going to know it.

Bella insisted on fixing the bed while I packed up the tote. She eyed me with a coy smile as I wiped off the black leather paddle with disinfectant. “Did you use that?”

“Yes” I told her throwing the wipe into the garbage and putting the paddle away.

Zipping the tote up I realized that Bella was still watching me with a strange expression that was somewhere between surprise and satisfaction.

“You disapprove?”

She had listed paddling as a high number on her new limits. That’s why I chose that implement as a way of saving my hand. Because let’s face it, after a while the contact begins to sting, which reduces impact. In order to prolong the session something has to used to achieve the desired effect that both of us are looking for.

“No Master, this one completely approves. She just didn’t realize that you had stopped using your hand”

That’s good, if I do my job right there shouldn’t be any detection on her part, the intensity of the sensations should flow from one toy to another. The expression on her face told me she had something else on her mind.

“Ask me”

“Your girl was wondering when you made the switch. Was it before she started begging you to stop?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact most of the session was with the paddle”

A look of pure satisfaction came over her face that made my heart soar with pride at her own fulfillment. Pulling Bella close to me I kissed her passionately while my hand moved under the hem of the shirt she was wearing and dipping into the pants to feel the warm wetness I was looking for.

My purpose wasn’t to bring her any sexual satisfaction; it was solely to reiterate my expectations of her continuing with the task I had given. However the moan that resonated in my mouth along with the firmness of the clit under my fingers told me my girl was not only prepared for me she was very needy. And she was going to stay that way, for at least a little while longer.

Pulling back from her mouth and her sex, Bella let out a whimper that was not making my hard-on any easier to ignore. The lust in her eyes was staggering and I had to search my brain to come up with the words I wanted to say.

“Now that your body is prepared for me, see that it remains that way”

“Yes Sir” Her voice was weak and I half expected her to beg for an orgasm. Instead Bella lowered her eyes took in a deep breath and gave herself over to her submission.

“Good girl” I told her with pride taking one last look around the room before we left.

The heavy rain had slowed to a steady drizzle that had not stopped since we been here. After getting Bella into the car and the tote bag back into the trunk I put the room key into the drop off box outside of the office. Getting back into the car I could tell that Bella was uncomfortable. Her body language was screaming arousal.

I had just made the turn onto the 101 when Bella’s breathing started to deepen. I half expected as much, due to how tender her bottom was from the spanking. That alone would be enough to fuel her desire. Glancing over I could see that her nipples were diamond hard. Bella had her thighs pressed tightly together as she wiggled her hips making it very clear what she was doing.

“Isabella you are being naughty”

Looking back at the road I couldn’t tell if the quick gasp was surprise from the word naughty or at being caught. I figured it would be better if I took care of both.

“Would you care to tell me why you are stimulating my pussy without permission?” Shifting my eyes I could see Bella lower her head but she said nothing. That was a good thing since I wasn’t done and she was already in trouble.

“You are sitting there clinching your thighs together and wiggling against the seam like a bitch in heat amounts to the same thing as masturbating. I know you are aroused and perhaps had you asked I might have allowed you release. As it is now there is not a chance in hell of that happening. So spread your knees wide apart, sit back and stay still.”

There was no need for her to answer me, glancing over I could see the blush on her face and I was sure that the pang of humiliation she was feeling only added to her need. That was ok, because I was dealing with my own throbbing dick. Had we the time I would have pulled over somewhere to take care of both of us, as it was Bella’s phone started playing ‘Love Shack’.

I knew it was Leah calling, looking at the clock I realized that we were over an hour late and was surprised that she hadn’t called before. Then again Bella’s phone was in her purse, which she had left in the car when we were at the motel.

Bella looked over at me unsure what to do. She didn’t need my permission to answer yet I gave it to her anyway “Talk to your sister”

Bella fished her phone out of her purse, flipping it open to put an end to that stupid song. I was going to have to ask about the significance of the ring tone later.

“Hi”

oh god

I practically groan from the twinge that shot through my dick. Bella’s voice was so breathy it sounded like she was on the verge of an orgasm.

“…we’re on our way…in about ten minutes…no I’m fine…I’m fine Leah”

She didn’t sound fine to me, Bella had that tone in her voice that lets me know she needs to be fucked. That thought made me chuckle as I listened to the rest of the one sided conversation.

“...we just hit the rez now…alright bye”

Tucking the phone back into her purse Bella grinned “It was raining so hard that they didn’t get started on time, but now everyone is there and Leah was just wondering if we had left the motel yet because they are waiting for us”

I shot her a look of shock then chuckled “News travels fast”

She giggled along with me nodding “Welcome to small town USA.”

Pulling up in front of the house she was right they were all waiting for us. Looking over at her state of dress her breasts were very visibly excited. Reaching in the back seat I grabbed my sweatshirt. It was still damp but she wouldn’t have to wear it long. Handing it to Bella she gave me a curious look. Not saying anything I ran the back of my hand over her nipples.

“Oh…” she blushed “That bad?”

“I like it.” I grinned “I just prefer that they don’t get to like it.” my head inclined to the five males standing on the porch.

By the time I had her door open Bella had pulled the hoodie over her head and was tugging it down over her thighs as she got out. She was swimming in my clothing and still looked sexy as hell. Jacob came down off the porch wrapping Bella in a hug.

“Are you alright?”

“I’m fine” and she was.

Jacob gave her the once over glancing at me before looking back at Bella. “I couldn’t get to you, Sam told Emery and Paul not to let me out of the chair. They wouldn’t let me up.”

“I was fine Jake, I knew you were there…” her comment stung a little that someone else could bring her comfort until she added “…and I could feel Edward right behind me. I knew that he wouldn’t let anything happen to me and the last thing you need is to get in trouble. So it was better that way.”

He nodded then smirked “What did it feel like to hit that son of a bitch?”

Bella blushed “I don’t know it happen so fast…” she held her palm up “…and it hurt my hand”

“Is it ok?”

Jacob inspected her hand the same way I had done earlier, even placing a kiss in the center of her palm before pulling her back into a hug and calling her a name I didn’t understand. Had the exchange occurred with anyone other than Jacob the jealousy I was feeling would have been unbearable. As it was I quashed them with the knowledge that their relationship was that of siblings and I would have treated Alice the same way.

“Bella are you going dressed like that?” Leah called from porch.

Bella turned to look at her “No I don’t even have under ware on”

“Well hurry up, I’m starving”

Bella rolled her eyes at me “I’ll get you a clean sweat shirt?”

I nodded “That would be great”

We followed Bella onto the porch she walked to Leah who was appraising Bella’s appearance. Shaking her head they both went inside while Jacob handed me a beer, I could hear Charlie through the screen door asking Bella where she had been. Apparently the word of our motel room tryst hadn’t reached his ears yet.

“Yeah where the hell were you two?” I guess Seth hadn’t been informed either.

“Ah…it was a trying afternoon and we needed alone time to talk” I took a swig from the bottle while Paul laughed.

“Is that what you call it? I guess you could talk during…”

Jared cut him off before the real crudeness started “Is Bella alright? Did he hurt her?”

It was genuine concern and I couldn’t fault the guy for that “No he didn’t hurt her and she’s fine…now” I added the now to let him know that it was I who had made my woman better.

Quil spoke up “I don’t know how in the hell you didn’t rip his arm off”

I shrugged listening to Bella in the house calling Seth’s name “I was afraid if I did anything he would have hurt her. I was bidding my time waiting for the right moment to step in…”

The calling became louder and Seth yelled towards the door that he was outside. Bella opened the screen door coming out on the porch with my sweat shirt in her hand and not one covering the white t-shirt she was wearing. I tried to express my disapproval with her attire or rather lack of, with my eyes but Bella wasn’t looking at me as she handed me the hoodie.

“Not you” she informed Seth while her eyes went to Jacob “Where is my dog? They said to ask you”

Jacob’s expression turned almost guilty as he stumble over his words “ahh…yeah about…that” while he was trying to pacify her Paul ever the one to make a comment had to say something “Nice beamers Bells”

That’s why I gave her the damn sweatshirt in the first damn place

She didn’t seem to care as her whole face turned red. Only this wasn’t from blushing Bella was angry. Grabbing the back of the shirt it pulled tight against her skin while she yelled “Beamers? There are your fucking beamers! Now where is my dog?”

Charlie’s voice from inside the door warned her about cursing while she stared down Jacob and I thanked god that she released the slack on the back of the her shirt.

“Bells calm down. He’s alright; in fact he’s probably going to have the night of his life”

“Jacob William Black Where Is My Dog” Each word came out through angry clenched lips.

He didn’t answer her as it looked like he was still searching for the words to say. However Seth didn’t seem to have any problem telling her. “His services were needed”

“What does that mean?” turning her frustration to Seth

“He’s on a booty call”

Chapter 62

Chapter 62
EPOV

Since the moment we arrived in Forks I had wondered how in the world someone who was surrounded by so many people who loved her could have fallen prey to someone like James. Not that I’m ignorant of the fact that even women who have never been exposed to abuse or hardships in their childhood couldn’t find themselves in the same situation. There are all kinds of predators in the world leaving even the most self-assured person with strong family ties, vulnerable to their influence.

I had figured out the reason why no one helped her, she didn’t let them. Keeping all the terror and degradation to herself. Bella became a master magician at hiding all the misery from those who loved her, out of fear, shame or some warped sense of pride. She hid her scars behind half hearted smiles and isolation. Granted, I don’t know very much about the mental state of an abused woman, however since being with Bella, I have been given a crash course and, from what I can understand, that response is typical.

For all the issues that Bella has with her lack of confidence, she makes up for in stubbornness. That was evident the first time we had any play. That night on the couch when Leah and Jacob burst into the room, she had no instruction in control yet she refused to move her arms from where I placed them.

Pigheaded

In this cold cruel world we live in that trait can be very useful, it can also be twisted by someone who has ulterior motives and used as a weapon to exploit. That’s what James did. He preyed upon an innocent girl who had issues with herself and her surroundings and then took the one strength she had and utilized it against her.

I could see why Bella married so young, she was an outcast in a world of harmony. She lived in a small close knit community where everyone gathers around each other’s life achievements. They celebrate the good while gossiping about the bad. This is a world where generations of families subsist for the sole purpose of keeping their community intact. In doing that they shun the unfamiliar and that’s what Bella was.

She was a native, yet because she was removed from among everyone else Bella was all but forgotten. Her reemergence might have been a happier reunion had it not been for the circumstances. As a child who had just unexpectedly lost the one parent who she relied upon it would make sense that she would be standoffish. Had Bella arrived in the beginning of the school year or even a few months prior, perhaps things would have been different. She might have acclimated herself into the fold, made the normal alliances and become one with her environment.

Instead the school year ended and rather than place Bella where she would have been with other children from her class, her father sent her to the reservation with his friends to be cared for. I’m not second guessing that decision, even to me that seems like the best option; however it also enforced the divide between Bella and her classmates. She became even more of a pariah to those she went to school with. As she grew her natural instinct was to push them away to welcome in the people who she knew and who readily accepted her.

There would have been nothing wrong with that had Bella truly been completely accepted by those whom she associated with. To the outward eye she had been, Billy called her his own, Sue treats her like a daughter and everyone else at La Push thinks of her as belonging. However, even by her own admission there is a missing piece that keeps Bella at arm’s length; creating a chasm that could not be breached or overlooked.

The one time she violated the unseen gap turned into a disaster. She trusted that boy more than she would have trusted anyone who she had attended school with, making his betrayal a harsher sting. Jared- who I had yet to meet- did what every young boy does, exaggerated his conquest by bragging to his friends. I’m going to go out on a limb and say that this was also the time when Bella realized that she was HO-quaht , and therefore unworthy of the boy she was infatuated with. It’s not the boys fault, but something tells me that the events surrounding that summer did more to throw Bella openly into the arms of James than anything else.

Sue had commented that she knew something happened but she never inquired about any specifics from Bella. Even when she realized that Bella no longer spent time with Jared, showing that whatever happened must have been rather devastating. I don’t know that Bella would have opened up to Sue about the circumstance behind the breakup, but at least it would have told Bella that someone cared enough to have noticed her grief.

The worst part about the whole thing was Charlie’s reaction. I can’t blame him for the way he responded, no father wants to hear the words ‘daughter and condoms’ used in the same sentence. However, the incident occurred ten years ago and rather than take in the information with an open mind he lashed out in accusation.

Bella who was the victim was forced to defend herself, which that alone spoke volumes as to their father-daughter relationship. For all intents and purposes Bella was a parent’s wet dream. She cooked, cleaned, worked, got good grades, and behaved in public so what more could a father have asked for? Charlie is the kind of man who shelters his emotions, limiting outward signs of affection and with his simple body language discourages open communication.

Bella had once told me that she would not have forced Charlie to hear all the details about what occurred between her and James. At the time I didn’t understand why not. Charlie was a cop; he sees people at their very worst; surely for the sake of his daughter’s wellbeing he would have stepped up to the plate and given her the support she needed. After having witnessed their interaction I can see that Bella was right, I don’t think he could handle it in the supportive manner that would be required.

My fear is that at hearing the details his natural inclination would be to lash out at Bella. To inadvertently place blame, by making her feel ashamed, guilty, or humiliated about something she had no control over. Just as he had done upon learning of Jared’s mild transgression, how much more appalled would Charlie be to learn why she had no bathtub? Besides I don’t like to hear the details I could not imagine the anger and pain it would cause Charlie, especially since he can’t do anything about it.

Sitting in the small living room waiting for Bella to come back from the kitchen with her father, my eyes once again moved to the photos on the mantle. It was as if her life was written in pictures across the wooden surface. From her birth to a toothless girl in pigtails with a happy face and a mischievous glint in her eyes, Bella was happy. Then it appeared that the gleam was gone, replaced with the dullness of a girl with shallow cheeks and short brown hair. The teenage years took on a look of resignation, the feeble smile plastered to her face to hide the isolation.

Perhaps it was symbolic that the last photo was her wedding day. I found it odd that should be included in the collection. Maybe it was placed there all those years ago and never removed, or perhaps Charlie keeps it because it was the last day she was his little girl. Whatever the reason, my thoughts remained the same as when I held it in my hand.

The young girl staring back from behind the veil had a face of innocent youth with eyes of ancient solitude. Bella wanted what everyone wants, someone who she could rely on to be there for her completely, unconditionally and without any hesitation.

Irrational as it may be the other thing that went through my mind was a flash of jealousy at the thought of Bella walking down an isle towards another man. I squashed that feeling down as soon as I recognized it but the thought still remained. I don’t care how long ago it was or that we didn’t even know each other, the only person that I want her to find the happiness in life that she’s looking for is me.

Bella came out of the kitchen with a strange look on her face. Setting the two glasses of ice tea down on the table she took a hold of my hands. “Come on I’ll show you the rest of the house.”

Looking up into her eyes I tried to decipher what was the matter with her, and being unable to tell I stood letting her lead me to the stairs. Charlie came in from the kitchen with a small plate containing a piece of pie. Seeing us going upstairs he cleared his throat making Bella stop. “You see that those doors remain open, in fact, Leah why don’t go up with them and show Bella my new den?”

Leah didn’t respond but Bella groaned, “Dad.”

“UH…I’m not having any shenanigans going on.”

“What do you think we’re going to do up there?” Bella was appalled but I thought it was rather funny and had to work hard to suppress my laugh.

“Nothing with the door open and someone with you,” Charlie was unyielding and Leah rose to the appointment of chaperone. “I’ll go; I have to pee anyway and I want to see her reaction.”

“Ohhh… me too,” Seth followed his sister while Bella led the way upstairs.

The small square landing at the top of the stairs contained four open doors. Bella pointed to the left where Charlie and Sue’s room was along with the one bathroom. To the right was Seth’s room and then Bella pushed open the last door and nearly stumbled over her own feet as she stepped though the doorway.

“What the hell happened?” Bella’s voice was total astonishment while Seth laughed and Leah agreed with my assessment, “Hideous.”

“Oh my god Leah…our room,” Bella whined while taking in the sight before her.

It was an outdoorsman’s erotic dream come to life. Two lazy boy recliners faced the TV that sat angled in the corner in a black entertainment center. In the area between the two windows was a large gun cabinet with a smaller cabinet next to it containing fishing poles and gear. The wall themselves had some kind of shiny wood grain wallpaper covering them. For decorations there were all kinds of fishermen plaques with silly sayings ‘Fisherman hook the big ones’ and ‘Fisherman’s tales are bigger than their fronts.’ The most predominate things on the wall were Charlie’s mounted trophies, a large ten point buck and three gigantic fish.

“What is this stuff?” Bella asked touching the wall.

“Contact paper,” Leah said with a grin while Seth offered more information, “Wal-Mart was discontinuing it so Charlie bought it for fifty cents a roll,” his laughter broke on the last word and I couldn’t help but chuckle.

Bella looked at me in astonishment, “This room used to be purple.”

“It still is,” Leah announced peeling back a small piece of the contact paper to reveal the purple paint underneath it. That was all it took for everyone to break out laughing while Seth pointed his finger up in the air, “Charlie wanted to go get more and do the ceiling.”

“Noooo?” Bella asked through her laugher as Seth held up his right hand, “I swear he did.”

“Where is all our stuff?”

“In the attic,” Seth answered Bella’s question while she looked around again.

“Well Edward, you are going to have to picture it.” Bella then went on to describe how the room used to be set up. After explaining that they had twinkle lights around the perimeter of the ceiling she looked back to me with a serious expression. “Honestly what did he think we were going to do in this room, there is a freaking Moose watching us.”

“Wait you haven’t seen the best part,” Seth walked over to open up the closet revealing an RC Cola soda machine. “Do you have a quarter?” he asked me holding out his hand in expectation.

Digging in my pocket I held out my hand with what was in there. Seth put the coin into the slot pressed the first square button bringing the machine to life. Bending over he pulled a can of beer out of the opening.

“Don’t drink that,” Charlie’s unexpected voice came from behind us while Seth assured him that he wouldn’t. Charlie looked to Bella with pure enjoyment on his face, “What do you think?”

“Umm…it’s you dad,” that was probably the nicest thing Bella could say.

The room was faux log cabin and definitely fit Charlie’s personality and I could tell he was proud of it. He looked to me for an opinion; I just smiled looking around the room and asked about the mounted fish. He launched into a tale of where he caught each one and even knew the dates and how long it took to reel them in. I had been deep sea fishing a few times and when I was little my grandfather Cullen use to take Emmett and I out in his boat on the lake. That was the extent of my fishing experience, but at least it gave us something in common to talk about. When I asked about the buck Charlie told me that he didn’t actually shoot that, he bought it at the same auction where he got the soda machine. He thought that it added to the authenticity of the lodge atmosphere he was trying to create.

“Alright Seth are you ready to go?” Charlie asked when we finished with our conversation.

“Yeah, just let me get something out of my room,” as Seth started walking out the door he turned to look at me and Bella. “Remind me that I want to ask you a favor.”

“You want me to remind you to ask me for a favor?” Seth looked at Bella with narrow eyes, “Yeah…” his eyes shifted to me. “Edward you’ll remind me, right?”

“I’ll try to remember.”

“Thanks,” he smiled.

Charlie shook his head while Bella asked if he knew what Seth wanted, “No clue Bells it could be anything.”

Seth was back in the doorway telling Charlie that he was ready to go. As Charlie was leaving he pushed the door all the way open giving Bella a pointed look, “That stays open.”

Bella told Seth that we would all yell loudly for him and the two of them left. Bella looked around the room again letting out a sigh. She still had a strange look on her face like something Charlie had said to her in the kitchen had upset her. Wrapping my arms around her shoulders I pulled her close to me.

“Did you have a nice talk with your dad?” I didn’t want to push but I didn’t want Bella to dwell on negative thoughts either.

She shrugged, “Yeah.”

That was it - Yeah?

Bella moved away from me to stand in front of the mirror that hung on the inside of the open closet door. She looked at herself for a second and then lifted her sweatshirt up off her head, turning sideways to look at herself again.

What the fuck is she doing?

Her hands rested on her stomach, slid down her hips and then rested on the fullness of her bottom. Shifting her eyes they met mine in the mirror where her whole face scrunched up. “Am I getting fat?”

“What?” I had no idea why she would think that.

“Charlie said I gained weight,” I couldn’t help but chuckle as my arms once again wrapped around her body while Bella continued to look repulsed.

“It’s not funny Edward!”

My eyes shot up in surprise at the outburst, while my tone took on a harsh edge. “Excuse me, was there a part about saying my name correctly you didn’t understand?”

“No Sir, your girl is sorry it’s just…”

I cut her off, “It’s just that your mouth spoke before your brain could stop it.”

Bella took the reprimand with lowered eyes; I however wanted her to understand what Charlie was talking about.

“Look in the mirror Isabella,” our gaze met. “You have gained weight,” her eyes narrowed and I went on to explain before she got the wrong idea, “but it’s a healthy weight. Your cheeks aren’t as shallow,” the back of my hand skimmed along her face. “Your breasts are fuller,” my hand skimmed down to cup the fullness. “Your bottom is a little rounder,” my other hand gave her cheek a squeeze. “Your eating habits have improved tremendously making you appear more fit than you were before. That is what Charlie was talking about, he meant it in a good way.”

“Then he should have said that,” her admission made me grin as my eyes looked around the –if I was being honest – gaudy room. “Somehow baby your father doesn’t strike me as being a very tactful man.”

Bella giggled trying to turn in my arms, however I had other things on my mind and I held her still while opening the top of her pants. My hand sneaked down between her skin and jeans to feel her wet heat. At the feeling of her body’s readiness my dick twitched making me grind myself against her while I praised her with a growl, “Good girl.”

Bella’s body responded to my light touch by relaxing against me with a soft whimper. At the sound of her delight, I pulled my hand back out patting the exposed skin of her stomach while speaking in her ear, “No shenanigans.”

“Ohhh,” Bella groaned while I chuckled at her dismay.

“Come on my pet, let’s go,” I added with a swat on her bottom just as Sue called her name from downstairs.

I went in to use the bathroom while Bella put her sweatshirt back on and went downstairs. I could hear the woman in the kitchen while I sat down with Jacob and Billy in the living room. Handing me a beer Jacob asked what I thought of the room and then laughed when I said that Charlie had achieved the look he was going for. We sat there for a few minutes talking about baseball until the conversation switched to the woman who Billy has been seeing. As I listened it became clear that Billy was not completely paralyzed, and I couldn’t help but laugh along with Jacob when Billy told us the reason he stopped dating the last woman.

“Don’t laugh boys I’m telling you that stuff is important,” As he said the words Seth came running up to me with his tail wagging and Bella following with his leash in her hand.

“What’s so funny?” Billy glanced over his shoulder at her then gave me a pointed look, “Well maybe it’s not as important for you.”

Bella eyed us waiting for an answer and I didn’t know what to tell her so I was more than happy when Sue and Leah joined us asking if we were ready to go. Leah needed to use the bathroom again, while Bella put Seth on his leash and Jacob asked if I would help him get Billy down the stairs. With everyone outside I held Bella’s hand while we walked the few blocks down to Main Street. It appeared that the whole town had turned out for the parade and a few more people either said hello or stared at Bella as we walked up the street to where the group from La Push seemed to have conjugated. Jacob opened up a chair for Leah while everyone said hello and the women hugged.

That was something I was still getting use to, all the female hugging. It’s not that it bothers me; I just find it to be one of those amusing things women did that I had never noticed before. I could see the draw if it had been a while since they had seen each other, that would make sense. But it appeared to me that women hug every time they join or part one another’s company. I suppose it is equated with a hand shake or a pat on the back but it still seemed strange.

Standing there in the slight drizzle of rain watching the interaction of friends I didn’t at all feel left out of the conversations. I stood behind Bella with my arm wrapped around her waist talking with the men while she carried on a chat with the women. It seemed natural to me that I should be in such a position talking about dog breeding and darts over the heads of the women. Every now and then one of girls would butt into our discussion with a question that had nothing to do with what we were talking about.

Like when Quil was explaining about the addition he is putting onto his house and the horror stories that the contractors were putting him through. That was interesting to me because the contractors were to be starting my bathroom the following week. He was just saying how he had ordered high efficiency windows and they installed regular double paned when Claire turned around to interrupt.

“Baby, who was that football player?”

Quil stopped talking to look at her just like the rest of us did, “Which one?”

“You know that one from Dancing with the Stars, he started dating his partner, bought her that expensive ring. What was his name?”

“Umm…LT, LaDainian Thomlinson.”

“Yeah…who did he play for?”

“The Jets,” Quil answered while Claire shook her head, “nooo, here on the west coast.”

“San Diego.”

Claire smiled at him, “That’s right San Diego, why can’t I remember that?” she asked herself turning back around to talk to the girls, “he was there.”

Quil shook his head with a smirk then went back to finishing his story, it was then I realized what a man in love looked like to an outsider. I had seen my brothers and father interact with their women, doting on them to the point of being indulgent. The respect that I always had for women was a learned trait from my parents, the coddling that I give Bella is pure love and I will indulge her as much as I damn well please no matter what I look like to someone else.

That thought caused my arm to squeeze her a little tighter to me making her look up and smile, “Everything ok?”

“Everything is perfect,” I told her before placing a chaste kiss on her lips when our lips parted I continued to stare into her deep brown eyes, “I love you.”

The most gorgeous blush broke out on her face as she asked coyly, “a whole bunch?”

“Bucket loads.”

Before I realized what Bella was doing she had spun around wrapped her arms around my neck and jumped up to bring her face level with mine. My arms automatically wrapped around her back to hold her to me as she spoke against my lips, “I love you.”

The moment was sealed with another kiss but nothing went too far because I was well aware of the fact that we were in a very public place with many eyes on us. I was just about to tell her to behave when a voice interrupted my thoughts.

“Hey sweet cheeks when you are done mauling Edward I have something for you.”

Fucking Emery and that damn nickname

Bella giggled as I patted her bottom before she let go of my neck sliding back down my body to stand on her feet. “I was not mauling Edward,” she held her hand out while I turned to face him and his family. “Can I have it?”

“No way,” he shook his head. “I’m not that easy, you have to come get it”

What the fuck is he talking about?

“No,” Bella didn’t sound very convincing.

“Come on sweet cheeks I dare you,” he taunted while his wife Kim giggled “Oh don’t do that.”

Bella shook her head and he grinned, “I double dare you.”

I was still confused at the exchange wondering what the hell he wanted Bella to do when she patted my chest took a step towards him and leaped up onto Emery’s chest wrapping her legs around his waist. Just as I had done his hands wrapped around her waist to keep her from falling while his face took on a look of shock, “Damn girl my wife is here.”

Bella didn’t seem to care about that as she patted around his chest like she was looking for something while demanding, “Where are they?”

I could feel the scowl growing on my face and the only thing that kept me from ripping her out of his arms was the laughter from Kim and Jacob’s hand on my shoulder. Emery must have seen my anger because he pushed her back off his body, but she wasn’t releasing the grip around his waist. “Jesus Christ Bella, Edward is going to punch me in the face.”

“Well you shouldn’t tease me!” she yelled while I assured him, “Edward is thinking about punching you.”

“Here take ‘um before you get me beat up,” Emery reached inside his jacket pulling out a white envelope giving it to Bella who was now thankfully standing on her own two feet.

“Thanks,” the glee in her voice was replaced with sarcasm as she elbowed him in the ribs, “You big oaf.”

I still had no idea what just happened, looking around at the people who had watched their expressions were a mixture of shock and amusement. Jacob patted my shoulder as he chuckled “Bells is back.”

Emery however was still as bewildered as I was, “Geez what happened to blushing sweet cheeks?”

“She’s on vacation,” Bella announced opening up the envelope. “What is all this stuff?”

Emery ignored her question as he stepped towards me holding his hand out, “Sorry dude, I wasn’t expecting to be jumped, Bella’s never done that before,” he added with a chuckle while Bella stepped up closer to me.

“Bella’s never done a lot of things before,” she spoke before I could say anything, looking up at me through her lashes with a blush on her face that made me grin and my dick twitch at the deviousness of her words.

My blood pressure had calmed down enough to finally shake his hand and Emery explained what Bella was holding, “These are the four tickets.”

Tickets?

My brain was still reeling as he spoke to Bella, “You asked me to get the best seats I could, that’s them. You’re going to have to put up with my brother and his friends but those are the concession you are just going to have to endure. That other ticket is VIP parking; I could only get you one of them. Oh and by the way don’t tell Charlie you have that or he’ll be pissed and start pulling me over every time I’m in town.”

“He would not,” Bella giggled.

“Yes he would,” Emery assured her before she asked, “So this pass is good the whole season?”

Season? What is holding in her hand?

“Yes and if you lose it I can’t replace it.”

“What do you have babe?” I was starting to get excited but until I knew for sure I was going to keep myself under control

“Season Tickets,” They both said at the same time, Emery like it should be obvious and Bella with pure excitement.

Taking the tickets from Bella I studied them, “These are VIP Booth tickets?”

I knew my statement sounded like a question and that was how Emery answered, “Yes and they include playoff games. And we are going to the playoffs this year.”

“Thanks,” it was all I could think to say.

“Oh don’t thank me, sweet cheeks just asked if I could supersede the waiting list. They are in Bella’s name so next year you just renew them.”

The sound of sirens could be heard telling us that the parade was starting and Emery told us he would talk to us later he wanted to get his family seated. As he moved to leave us alone I could feel Bella staring at me while I held onto the ticket. There was a look of concern on her face that I didn’t understand.

“Don’t you want them?”

“What?”

Bella spoke so fast I had to listen closely to what she was saying, “Emmett said that you have been on the list for a long time and that you had to wait until someone died so I called Emery and asked if he could help, I thought you would be happy.”

She thought I wasn’t happy?

“I’m sorry baby,” I told her putting the ticket from my hand back into the envelope with his brothers. “I’m just slightly shocked and torn between wanting to jump up and down like a five year old and taking you behind the building to show you my appreciation.”

“Oh,” she beamed at me stepping closer. Bella wrapped her arms around my back looking up at me with her chin resting against my chest she had the devious look back in her eyes. “I vote for the second one.”

Her words made me chuckle and I kissed her quickly as the noise from the sirens grew louder. Bella tucked the envelope containing the tickets into her purse then stood in front of me with my arm protectively wrapped around her waist, just as Charlie was in eyesight. Everyone waved at him as he turned the sirens on once again. As the marching band from the high school started playing my eyes scanned the crowded street, on the other side towards the end of the block was James. He was standing with a very tall redhead with wild curly hair and he was staring right at us.

The parade passed by quickly, each class from Forks high school had a float while the reservation only entered two. The rest of the parade was filled in with boy scout troops, daycare groups and one dance class and of course the graduating senior class. As the kids walked by people would yell out their names, Bella, Leah and Sue yelled out to Seth so loudly he rolled his eyes and blushed. As the last fire trucks went by everyone started gathering up their stuff to leave and we stood in a circle saying good-bye as the hugging commenced.

Once we got back to the house Billy left and the rest of us sat down waiting for Charlie to come back. Jacob came in from the kitchen with beer offering one to both Bella and me and sitting down he made an announcement. “Everyone is going to Casey’s.”

“What’s Casey’s?”

Bella looked at me, “It’s a bar.”

“It’s a pub,” Jacob clarified. “They have dollar draft happy hour and awesome food you should come.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea. Beside what am I going to do with Seth?”

“Everyone is meeting at four, you can leave Seth here with Sue and she’ll bring him tonight.”

Bella didn’t hesitate in responding, “Sue doesn’t want to keep him and besides I should stay and help her get ready.”

“Sue!” Jacob yelled towards to kitchen, “do you need Bella’s help?”

“No,” she was standing in the doorway. “You go have fun, I’ll keep Seth.” Jacob smiled at Bella as if he had just solved the mystery of life.

“I’m not dressed,” Bella came back with but Jacob stopped her. “It’s Casey’s, your fine and stop making excuses. Come on Bells it will be fun, live a little,” he smirked, “I dare you.”

I could see Bella was beginning to consider the idea and admittedly I didn’t know what was holding her back however it seemed Jacob did, “What are you afraid of?”

Bella stiffened, “I’m not afraid.”

He completely ignored her protest, “Yes you are or you would go.”

I didn’t like the way he was manipulating her. Granted I didn’t think that Bella should be fearful of attending something she wanted to do, but I wasn’t even sure that she desired to go. That was the first thing I needed to find out.

“Baby do you want to go?” her eyes roamed the room like she was searching for the answer written on the walls while she bit into her bottom lip. Cupping her chin to force her attention to me, I searched her eyes to see if I could find the answer but all I saw was indecision.

“Isabella it’s a simple yes or no question. Don’t over think it and don’t feel pressured into it either. Do you want to go?”

“Is Leah going?” She tried to turn her head to ask Jacob but I held it firmly keeping her attention on me.

“I didn’t ask about Leah, I ask you Isabella. Do you want to go?” Punctuating each word so she would understand.

Her head nodded in my hand, “Yes.”

With her answer I smiled adding a playful wink. It was a simple thing as far as obedience goes yet I wanted her to know that I was proud of her. Kissing her forehead I whispered against her skin, “Good girl.”

Looking back towards Jacob he was watching us with a curious expression. I couldn’t tell if it was one of awe or aversion and to be honest it didn’t matter to me. I needed Bella to be focused on her own needs not those around her.

Charlie came in a few minutes before we left, happy that everything was back to normal in the town and glad that Bella was joining her friends. Although I found that odd that he was so concerned about her going to bars in Seattle yet here it was encouraged.

We followed behind Jacob to Casey’s which was located on the outskirts of town and housed in a large green converted barn. Pulling into the half full parking lot Bella looked around at the cars and she physically relaxed into the seat.

“Are you sure?” I asked looking up at the building before turning to her, “we could go back to the house or you could show me another trail in the woods.”

She giggled, “pervert.”

“Always,” I answered with a grin as she got a resigned looked on her face. “No, let’s go in.”

As I opened my door Jacob and Leah were standing there waiting and he yelled for us to hurry up, then practically whined that we were taking too long as I opened Bella’s door. Leah watched us while Bella took my hand to step out of the car, “Edward can you teach Jake to do that?”

“I open the door for you,” he protested as we walked up the stairs to the front door.

“When?” she objected.

“I thought you prided yourself on being independent?” she rolled her eyes while opening the door to a blast of music while Jake smirked holding the door open with a wave of his hand, “After you my dear.”

“Screw you,” Leah grinned stepping inside while Jacob assured her, “I keep trying.”

I grinned at their exchange while Bella openly laughed.

The inside was rather dark and reminded me of one of the local bars from my college days with ‘Father Figure’ coming from the speakers. Signs and beer posters covered every spot on the wall that was not occupied with the twenty-five different sized flat screens that appeared to be broadcasting every sporting event available. The room seemed to be in an ‘L’ shape that mimicked the dark wooden bar. In the corner gathered around several tables Paul was sitting with Sam, Emily, Quil and Claire.

As we walked in the man behind the bar pointed his finger in warning, “Jake I don’t want no trouble here.”

Jacob held up his hand as he continued walking, “No trouble Case.”

Taking our place with the others Paul couldn’t wait to say something, “You beat somebody’s ass one time…”

Bella sighed looking uncomfortable at what was being said and Jacob leaned over to kiss the top of her head. It was an intimate exchange that told me how much the two of them shared and a small part of me was envious that she seemed to rely on him so much. The majority of me was glad that she had someone in those harsh years to turn to.

“What are you drinking babe Coke or Sprite?”

Leah thought about her husband’s question, “ummm…I think I’ll go with the hard stuff…ginger ale.”

“You got it,” he said turning to me, “beer?”

“I’ll get it,” he waved me off, “you get the next round, but you better watch it because my woman can drink a lot of ginger ale.”

Emery and Kim came in and the group seemed to settle into a round of various conversations of laugher. Kim asked Paul where his wife was and rather than be civil he told her that she was at home where she belonged.

Kim laughed as he continued with the macho comments about telling her that her place is at home with the kids. Leah however didn’t take it as easily, “I am sooo telling her you said that.”

“Go ahead she knows who wears the pants in the family,” he said taking a long drink from his glass.

“Oh my god, you are in so much trouble. Somebody give me their phone so I can record this shit, because Rach will never believe it.”

“Go ahead, I’m not afraid of her,” everyone laughed because it was clear that he was definitely worried as his face changed to a serious expression.

“No seriously Kim…she wanted to put the kids in for a nap and mom was busy so Rach had to stay with them.”

Leah laughed harder, “I’m still telling her.”

He shrugged, “She won’t believe you and besides if she makes me mad she won’t get the high hard one.” he cupped his balls, “and that would be torture for her,” making everyone laugh.

“Torture?” Claire questioned through her laugher, “Rachel probably pisses you off to keep you away from her.”

“Nahh…she knows where her loins are buttered,” the laughter grew except from Jacob who looked sick. “Hey that’s my sister!”

From the corner of my eye I could see someone approaching the group. He was Quileute, tall with a muscular build long black hair and five o’clock shadow. As everyone said their hello’s to Jared, Bella smiled. “I was wondering where you were.”

“Hey Bells…” he gave her a small hug, “…I had to work.”

Besides her family he was the only one who I heard call her Bells and he seemed rather friendly with the hug, but I overlooked it. Bella introduced us and I shook his hand more out of respect for her. Foolishly as it sounds I was pissed off at what occurred between them, it irritated me that he could have been so callous with her emotions. I knew he was just a kid at the time and I shouldn’t hold it against him, especially since it seemed obvious to me that Bella had excused his actions. Unfortunately, I wasn’t as forgiving and found it a whole lot easier to hold a grudge.

While the girls went in to use the bathroom Emery and I started talking about golf. He has a normal four-some that meets on Friday mornings however two of them are going to be gone for a few weeks. He had suggested that perhaps Emmett and I would be interested in joining them, that sounded great to me and I knew that Emmett would jump at the chance. We were just exchanging phone numbers when the women came back without Bella. I glanced over to see her standing by the bathroom talking to some guy.

“Who’s that?” I asked Jacob inclining my head in her direction.

“Joe. He’s irritatingly talkative but harmless. His parents live two doors down from Charlie,” as he finished talking Bella looked over at me giving me look that said – help me.

I chuckled and Jacob grinned, “fucking Bella, she’s too polite for her own good, I better go get her.”

“I got her,” chuckling again as I got to my feet. Joe had a pool stick in his hand blocking the pathway so Bella couldn’t make her escape. From what I heard of the conversation there was nothing inappropriate being said, Bella was just trapped.

“Baby your food is getting cold,” I told the blatant lie while holding my hand out. Taking it, she quickly introduced me and after saying ‘nice to meet you’ I guided her back to the group.

Once she sat back down Bella smiled at me, “Thanks I was stuck there.”

Leah rolled her eyes, “Why are you so nice to everyone?”

“I can’t be rude,” she told her sister who assured her, “Well I can.”

Of course Bella couldn’t be rude it’s part of her submissive nature to please people, to think of others and their feelings. It’s just part of what makes her so very special.

Just like at the parade the conversations split the women were chatting amongst themselves while the men were talking about baseball. Bella was leaning into my side singing along quietly to ‘Breath’ she got to the words:

Caught up in the touch
The slow and steady rush
Baby, isn't that the way that love's supposed to be

Her head tilted slightly so the words were directly in my ear and I could feel the rush of air from her breath across my neck. My eyes looked down into hers bringing our faces so close together that our noses nearly touched. “What are you doing?”

“Singing,” her tongue peeked out to moisten her lips.

“I think you’re doing something else…” the innocent smile on her face made me grin, “…and I think you should try and behave yourself.”

Bella sighed dramatically, “I’ll try.”

“Succeed.”

She tilted her chin higher to reach closer to my ear whispering, “Will your girl get a reward?”

“Maybe,” at my answer Bella became animated sitting up quickly to press her chest against mine bringing our faces to an almost level plane.

“Yeah …do you promise?” The excitement in her voice and eyes was so cute it reminded me of a child on Christmas morning.

“How can I promise a maybe?” I asked her tucking a lock of hair behind her ear.

“Ohhh…” she whined twisting further so more of her body was facing me making the arm around her shoulder drop down to her waist to hold her tighter. “So I have a fifty-fifty shot.”

“That sounds about right,” I didn’t understand the huge smile that lit up her face and Bella must have seen my confusion because she spoke slowly into my ear, “That means your girl is getting her reward.”

“And tell me how my girl figures that?” The words were spoken quietly against her ear but she immediately pulled back to look in my eyes with that same optimistic smile.

“Because this girl is a glass is half full kind of girl,” I couldn’t help the chuckle that came out making her giggle with me.

“Is that right?” I asked through my laugher while she nodded her head in absolute certainty as I told her, “I guess we’ll have to wait and see if you’re correct.”

“I am,” Bella was sure of herself as she kissed me softly then pulled back with a smug smile. “You watch, I’ll prove it.”

“I’ll be looking forward to it,” I told her as she sat back correctly in her chair with a confident grin.

When my attention came back to the rest of the people in our group I found that the conversation had ceased and it would appear that our exchange had become their focus. Other than the last few sentences, the words Bella and I spoke were soft enough and the music loud enough that no one would have heard us, so they were only reacting to what they saw. Most of the faces staring at us were pleasant, in fact they seemed pleased. The only one who didn’t seem to appreciate our exchange was Jared, and hey, fuck him. Even Leah was sort of smiling but it was Emily who spoke up.

“You guys are so cute,” once that was out in the open Paul had to chime in, “Yeah, it’s almost sickening.”

I glanced over at Bella to see her face was so red from the blush that I knew her cheeks must be in pain. The music had stopped playing so I gave Bella money telling her go pick out some more, hoping that she would relax. With her gone the conversation once again picked up and the only people who paid me any attention were Leah and Jared.

Leah was eyeing me with a curiousness in her gaze and a knowing smile on her face. I had nothing against Leah, she was only looking out for her sister and that was a trait I can admire. If it was going to take time for her to fully trust me I could wait, just so long as she is civil along the way. Jared’s narrow eyes were harder to read and of less importance to me.

Bella was standing at the jukebox picking out music and I wasn’t paying much attention, after all she was only about fifteen feet away and the place wasn’t that crowded. I didn’t hear anyone new come in however, the voice was unmistakable.

“Just fucking great. How long are you going to be here?”

“Shit,” Jacob muttered angrily while Paul mumbled, “there goes the party.”

I couldn’t be concerned with them because Bella was standing alone. I got to my feet so fast that the chair flew backwards however it wasn’t fast enough. Bella turned to move away from him and he grabbed her arm. “I’m talking to you bitch!”

“Let me go!”

“Get your hand off her!” James looked me in the eye, “Now!” I growled angrily because I was going to kill that motherfucker.

“Let Bella go,” it was Sam who was standing beside me with a voice of authority.

James huffed, shaking his head like he was disgusted with the whole situation. I didn’t want to grab him because he still had Bella’s arm, besides Sam had his arm out like he was blocking my approach. James smirked at me before shifting his eyes to Sam then dropped Bella’s arm as he spoke.

“So not fucking worth it, god damn cunt.”

I wanted to seize a hold of Bella to get her to safety then get her out of there without any more incidence, fate seemed to have a different agenda. The whole thing happened in slow motion I could see Bella’s hand drop from his grasp, then it started to move again. It came up with such force that James’s head actually moved sideways from the blow. I was so stunned that it didn’t register that Bella had slapped him until the ‘crack’ from the impact reached my ears.

“Don’t you ever touch me!” Bella screamed with furious anger.

“You fucking Bitch!” he screamed whether from pain or shock I don’t know.

The adrenaline in Bella’s system was wearing down because she was visibly shaking and the furiousness that she had just spoken with was gone as she called with a trembling voice, “Casey call Officer Mark and tell him that James is in violation of a PFA.”

James narrowed his eyes at her in an attempt to intimidate; however as anxious as she was, my girl was not backing down and I think James knew it. My mind was torn between removing her and letting her have the moment of strength to stand her ground. I chose the latter hoping that she could feel my presence and let her gain whatever she needed from it.

“Well aren’t you the fucking brave one”

Bella didn’t say anything to him and she didn’t back down either. It seemed like an eternity that they stood there playing a bizarre game of chicken, waiting to see who would break first. Bella’s tenacity which James had used as weapon against her was now being turned against him, and it didn’t matter how scared she was, there was no way she was losing.

He spit on the floor at her feet, “I’m leaving smells like shit in here anyway.”

That motherfucker

I couldn’t think about the implication of James’s parting words because Bella was a shaking mess. Pulling her to me her hands gripped my shirt while I held her tightly, “Shhhh…it’s ok baby, you’re ok.”

I didn’t think Bella was crying and if she was it would have been in response to the hormone fluctuations because I didn’t think James actually hurt her. That was something I would have to check out once she settled down. She was still trembling so much that I lifted her up by her hips. Sensing what I was doing her arms moved around my neck and her legs wrapped around my waist. Bella buried her face in my neck taking deep breaths, with each one I could feel her relaxing against me.

“Better?” I asked when I could feel the fullness of her weight on my arms.

“Yeah…” Bella lifted her head to look at me, she just stared for a moment with a sadness in her eyes. “I hit him.”

“I know baby, I wanted to do that and you beat me to it.”

She smiled looking down at her palm, “My hand hurts.”

Setting her down on her feet I took her hand making sure that she didn’t damage anything. After having her move all her fingers I placed a kiss in the center of her palm and then lifted her sleeve. Under the elbow there were a few red marks from the pressure of his fingers. That didn’t make me happy and I wanted to hunt James down but that was not in the cards. Touching the red marks the whiteness disappeared quickly telling me that they shouldn’t bruise, however I would be sure to check them again.

Turning around to the people at our tables they were all sitting there in stunned silence. It took about a half of second before Leah wrapped Bella up in a hug. “Holy Shit! I can’t believe you did that! I’m so proud of you for standing up to him!”

“I shouldn’t have hit him. He’s going to go home and take it out on Vickie.”

That’s the woman I love, she was assaulted, bruised, and disrespected and she is worried about someone else. Maybe that is because she has lived it so she can empathize or maybe it’s just because she has a genuine concern for her fellowman.

“Fuck Victoria Kohn! She stays with him that’s her problem,” Leah grinned. “I wished I would have had a video camera so I could see it again. CRACK!” the sound of her hands slapping together makes Bella flinch.

“Can we go please?” Bella looked up at me with pleading eyes.

“Yes, let’s go.”

Leah didn’t agree, “GO? Come on you need to have drink to celebrate…hell even I’m thinking about having one.”

Bella continued to look at me, “I need my purse.”

Emily brought it over for her and Sam, who had followed James outside, walked us out to the car. Once Bella was inside with her belt on, Sam squatted down in the open door. “Bella do you want me to call Mark, and report the violation?”

“I hit him Sam can’t he press charges on me?”

Sam shook his head, “He was in violation of the restraining order. He assaulted you first by grabbing your arm; you have a right to defend yourself.”

Bella thought about it for a few seconds, “What would happen to him?

“He would be booked, spend the night in jail until his bail hearing.”

“They would finger print him and take his DNA?” Bella asked and I knew that she wasn’t going to press changes.

“Yes, they will.”

The tears that weren’t there before came as she sobbed, “I can’t do that Sam.”

“Ok,” there was no disappointment in Sam’s voice; he knew the same as I did. He stood shutting the door then shook my hand, “You’re a good man Edward, take care of her.”

Getting in the car Bella sniffled wiping her tears away with the back of her hand, “Please don’t be mad at me.”

“Why would I be mad at you?”

“Because I won’t press charges.”

I sighed, “I understand that you are trying to protect Jacob.”

Bella shook her head, “That’s not it Edward, those charges were dropped they can’t be brought up again. I just…”

She stopped talking to take a deep breath, “I would have to tell everyone what happened. I can’t do it!” She wailed at the words, “I’m so horrible … I…let him walk around free…all because…I..can’t do it!”

Releasing the clasp on the seatbelt I held her to my chest shushing her while I stroked my hand through her hair. I continued to hold her until she calmed enough to stop crying. I knew what courage it took her to stand up to her own personal demon. Somehow Bella had found the strength within to accomplish what she deemed unattainable. Who knows, maybe as she digs deeper within herself she just might find enough fortitude to overcome the next impossible hurdle. In the meantime she needs to be proud of what she accomplished, not feel bad for what still scares her.

Taking her face in my hands to look in her eyes I spoke firmly, “Isabella, did you ever think that you would be able to stand there and face him like that?”

She shook her head in my hands.

“Speak please.”

“No Sir.”

“And yet you did it, so I say don’t worry about what you can’t do, rejoice in what you can. Do you remember your half full theory?”

She nodded, “Yes Sir.”

“Apply it now and be as proud of yourself as I am. Because baby, you did great.”

“Yeah?’

“Yeah,” I told her with a kiss that deepened before I could stop it. Then again I didn’t want to stop it. Bella moaned softly into my mouth making me realize that my own breathing was erratic and the windows were getting steamy. Pulling away from Bella’s lips is always a difficult thing to do; this time was even harder because I could feel her need. However due to where we were, getting carried away was out of the question, so reluctantly I backed off.

Starting the engine I followed her directions to get back into town. I was thinking about all that I had learned about Bella since coming to Forks. There was still one thing that had me baffled and my mind must have still been foggy from the lack of blood leaving it for lower pastures because I didn’t even think before asking what I wanted to know.

“Isabella why in god’s name did you go out with that asshole in the first place?"

Chapter 61

Chapter 61
BPOV

Freaking Leah, we were already behind schedule and she was making me wait until a fresh pan of sticky buns was ready. I had to agree with her that they are better right from the oven. The diner made the raised dough from scratch daily. On the weekends, or days when there was something happening, it was a non-stop production of yummy goodness. But we had a deadline of free time this morning and her craving was cutting into it.

The morning was going by quickly, Edward let me sleep longer than usual and by the time everyone showered and dressed there wasn’t much time for me to show him around. Then again why in the world he was so interested in seeing the schools I attended or the grocery store I worked at left me baffled. Those places meant nothing to me other than being somewhere I was forced to spend my time.

I could feel the eyes of the people in the diner on me, when I met a few of their stares some would look away. Others, like Brenda Nagel who was now Tatasure, sat with her mother and two children gawking openly. She looked out the window pointed at something and then continued to cast glances at me like I was some kind of science experiment.

The girl was irritating the crap out of me more than she ever had in high school and I was on the verge of going over and asking what the hell she found so interesting when Jake came inside.

“Are you making them?”

Rolling my eyes at his outburst, “Leah wants fresh ones.”

“How much longer do you have to wait?” his impatience with Leah was clear but she didn’t seem to care. “A few more minutes, we’ll be right out.”

“Well hurry the fuck up, Sue’s going to be pissed if we’re late and I have to stop at the store and you want to go to the bakery.”

Leah huffed, “They just came out of the oven give us another minute.”

Jacob sighed and looked out the door with narrowed eyes and left without saying another word.

Leah tisked, “What the hell, it’s not my fault.”

I smiled at her because it was her fault but I wasn’t going to say that. She continued to prattle on about some shoot she had done while I glanced around the diner. Several people were looking out the window with interest making me curious about what was happening. I would have gone over to see for myself but Bob called out to us that our buns were ready.

While we paid it seemed like I had gained even more attention from those inside and I wanted to get out of there in the worst way. Opening up the outer door Jake was standing next to Edward with his arm resting against his shoulder. Leah gave me a quizzical look and I shrugged because hell if I knew what was happening.

“Are you two bonding?” she asked going down the stairs while I stood on the bottom step behind Edward. Following his gaze my eyes focused on the other side of the street where Officer Mark was walking a few feet behind someone.

“What’s going on?” I asked putting both arms around his chest while resting my chin on his shoulder, kissing his cheek.

Edward’s head turn in my direction placing a soft kiss on my lips, “I’ll tell you later.”

Jake sighed loudly and Leah became agitated, “What happened?”

They seemed to be having a wordless conversation but I couldn’t pay attention because Edward started talking against my ear sending tingles through me, “Did you get your sticky bun?”

“Yes Sir,” I smiled coyly opening the bag so he could get a whiff the warm bun. “Do you want some?”

“Absolutely, I want everything you’re willing to give me,”

His words made me roll my eyes and blush at the double meaning. Ripping off a piece of the bun I brought it to his lips. As Edward opened his mouth taking it from my fingers he sucked the sticky molasses off. The feel of his tongue against the sensitive tips of my fingers went straight to my core and a small whimper escaped me. Edward’s eyes grew darker making my breathing quicken while I remained caught in his gaze.

“Alright that’s enough, you two need to get a fucking room if you’re going to do that shit,” Jakes comments made me blush while Edward chuckled.

We stood there for a minute talking while I took turns feeding Edward and myself the sweet treat. Leah was going to take Seth with her while they drove to the store so Jake could get beer. Edward and I were going to the bakery and then I was going to finish the tour of Forks before we met back up at Charlie’s. While we were finishing up the details I heard people coming out of the diner. Rather than release my hold on Edward I stepped with him off to the side to allow the exiting patrons room to maneuver the stairs.

Mrs. Nagel came down holding on to the hand of Brenda’s son while she was behind them with her daughter perched on her hip. Both women eyed Edward before shifting their gaze to my arms that were still draped over his shoulders.

“Hi Bella,” Brenda spoke to me. “Leah, Jake,” she added with a nod before looking back to me expectantly. I stepped away from Edward introducing them out of politeness. Mrs. Nagel asked if we were home for the parade and then made a comment about how time flies when we told her that Seth had graduated. Brenda wasn’t really listening as she continued to size up Edward before turning to Jake.

“What was the problem?” She asked in curiosity.

“There was no problem,” he answered solemnly to which her eyes narrowed, “Oh. It looked like…”

“Looks can be deceiving,” Jake cut her off with his retort. I had no idea what she was talking about; however, it was clear that she wasn’t going to get anything further from him and she was not happy about that.

“Hhm,” Brenda huffed, “maybe I’ll see you later.” She started to walk away and then turned, “Oh, by the way Bella, did you hear that Elaine was pregnant again?” She continued talking in a superior tone. “Her and Wade got married a year after you did and this will be their fourth baby.”

“I hadn’t heard but I’ll be sure to congratulate her.”

Brenda grinned at my statement then moved to her car. Her words were meant in a malicious fashion as if to hurt or insult me and for a second she succeeded.

“Elaine weighs two hundred and fifty pounds and Wade was caught sucking that guys dick down at the truck stop last year.” I burst out laughing at Leah’s take on the situation making her laugh with me. “Personally Bella I think you’re better off,” she added with a chuckle. “Really another woman Elaine might be able to contend with …”

Jake couldn’t resist to comment, “She could always sit on her or smother her with the rolls on her thighs.”

Leah shot Jake a look of disbelief and then laughed along with us while finishing her thought, “…and I don’t care how fat she gets or what else grows on her she’s never going to have a dick.”

“There’s always strap-on’s,” Edward said with a slight chuckle while Jake added even more to that suggestion. “She could get one of those double headed ones, so she gets off while doing him.” We all laughed as Jake put the motion of thrusting his hips along with the words.

“Ewww gross!” Leah commented through her laughter, “I don’t want that mental picture…big Elaine and skinny Wade…with his greasy hair…bending over and taking it up the ass!”

“Thanks for sharing,” I knew it was mean but the thought was just too much and I laughed.

“That’s worse…” Leah’s laugher was dying down to a chuckle, “…than walking in on Mom and Charlie on the chair!”

“Ohhh…Leahhh,” I complained, “why did you have to bring that up?”

That was not something I wanted to be reminded of, especially when we were going to be going over there. As our laughter died down all thoughts of Brenda’s disparaging comments were gone.

“Ok,” Jake chuckled, “let’s go or were never going to make it on time.”

As they walked away with Seth my arms wrapped back around Edward for a quick hug and he reached down with his hands gripping my thighs to hoist me up onto his back making me squeal. “Which way m’lady?’

“Ummm…that way,” I pointed down across the street with a giggle.

As Edward started walking across the road Charlie’s cruiser turned the corner. Seeing us he stopped driving, rolling down the window he eyed my position and the way Edward’s hands held on to me. “Something wrong with your legs Bells?”

“Nope…I get carried like this all the time.” I announced smugly while dad grinned “Oh yeah? How do you manage that?”

“Do you see this finger?” holding up my pinky with a giggle. Edward squeezed my thigh and kind of growled, he knew damn well what I was referring to. Charlie on the other hand just smiled shaking his head.

“What are you doing out? I thought Sue would be keeping you busy all day.” Charlie blinked a few times then his eyes went to Edward with a blank stare before shifting back to me.

“Just making sure that Mark had everything under control.”

Oh

“Ok…well we’re just going down to the bakery and then I’m going to show Edward the school and we’ll be over.” I told my dad our plans wondering what Officer Mark had to do that required Charlie checking up on him. Mark had been working with Charlie for ten years and he knew how to set up the barriers for the parade.

“See you at the house, oh and Bells…” I thought for sure he was going to comment about me hanging on Edward’s back but he surprised me. “Do your old man a favor and get a wet bottom pie.” I smiled as Charlie rolled up the window.

“You are in so much trouble,” Edward growled spinning in a circle so that I had to tighten my grip around his shoulders while I giggled burying my face into his neck. Placing a kiss under his jaw before tugging on his ear lobe with my teeth eliciting a small groan while I admitted into his ear, “Sometimes I like trouble.”

“Hmmm…I know you do.”

Turning my face into the crook of his neck the heady scent of his skin always drawing me in for more I whispered against him, “I love you.”

“Ah, my Bella.” I felt his arms tighten around my body while his shoulders rose as if giving me a hug

I realized that he came to a stop and when I looked up we were outside of the Bakery. Edward let go of my legs allowing my body to slide down his back until I was standing on my own two feet.
There was a young girl behind the counter whom I didn’t know. It was possible that she had just moved here or more than likely because of her age I knew her parents but couldn’t recall her.

“What’s wet bottom pie?” Edward asked while he held my hand walking back to the car.

I thought for a second while standing at the corner waiting to cross the street where the car was parked. “It’s like funny cake with a layer of sweet dark pudding on the bottom.”

Getting ready to cross the street my breath caught and I could feel my body stiffen at the sight of the light blue pick-up truck. James was driving with Vickie in the passenger seat, his head was facing forward but his eyes bore into us. His expression was passive and I noticed that he cut off his long hair but his stare contained the same the hardness that always caused me panic. His fury that constantly brought about my fear now produced an intense hatred that made me angry with myself for reacting as I did.

Edward noticed the difference in my stance immediately, squeezing my hand as the truck continued at a steady pace down the street. The movement of Edward’s feet caused me to follow along with him to the car. As he opened the door for me to get in his hand lifted my chin making me look into his searching eyes.

I had to say something so that Edward wouldn’t think I was crazy, “That was…”

“I know who it was,” he interrupted my explanation.

My eyes narrowed in confusion, “How?”

It was the only thing I could say while searching my brain to remember if Edward had seen a picture of James, or had he known strictly from my reaction. “We’ve met.”

What?

“When?” I was getting frustrated with myself and the one word responses that kept popping into my head, but I couldn’t help it. Edward’s eyes searched my face before letting go of my chin with a resounding sigh. “Get in, we’ll talk on the way.”

Strapping the seatbelt across my shoulder I sat with the cake box balanced on my lap watching Edward walk in front of the car to his door. He didn’t say anything while getting his own belt on and starting the engine. “Which way am I going Isabella?”

Isabella?

My mind automatically settled into a peaceful state as I pointed over my shoulder, “That way Sir.”

Putting the car in drive Edward pulled out of the parking space, made a U-turn and headed in the direction I had pointed. Keeping my eyes on the road I waited for a few minutes for him to start talking. The time seemed to drag on as I cleared my mind while concentrating on my breathing. Each breath that I took in was filled with Edward’s scent drawing me further into myself. I could feel a calm wash over me, and although I still wanted to know what happened I was content to wait until he thought it was the right time to speak.

“Are you better my pet?” the words were softly spoken as if out of concern while his hand lay on top of mine.

“Yes Master.”

As I said the words a thought occurred to me that Edward purposely tapped into my submissive nature as way of giving me fortitude. The words he said last night while we were getting ready to go to Sam’s came to my mind. “This weekend is going to be tricky Isabella, and believe me if I thought for one minute that it would be in your best interest, our usual would not be taking place at all.”

When he had said those words I thought he meant that our usual would be tricky, trying to have our D/s time around everyone else in such close proximity. Which I suppose was true, the thing I didn’t fully understand until that moment was the part about it being in my best interest. I assumed that Edward was talking about not wanting me to get complacent with a long interval of down time; forcing him to have to go backwards in my training, frustrating both of us and completely undermining my self confidence.

Sitting there in the car drawing in on all the training I had been through. Focusing my inner strength and self control, I realized that’s what it was all about. Since day one Edward had me working on control, not just my body but my mind, emotions, and basic functions. Forcing me to take stock of myself and getting to know myself better than I ever have before. Drawing on the power that I get not only from his control of me, but the control I have over myself.

These lessons weren’t just about sex; they were to be used to enhance my whole self, to embrace my submissive character and draw strength from it. Never before have I been as accepted as when I kneel before him with nothing but my desire to serve. Because never in my life have I felt as strong as I do laid bare, naked, before my Masters feet.

That was what he meant by his statement

Yesterday I told Leah that Edward understands me and he makes me understand myself. At the time I said it I thought those words to be true, but sitting there in the car I knew without a doubt that they were. He knew what I needed all along. At that thought my heart soared with more admiration and love for him then I had before.

“Thank you Master.”

A small smile played on his lips, “You’re welcome my love.”

Edward turned at the sign that pointed the way to Forks High School. “Isabella, I want you to remain quiet and not say a word until after I am finished. Do you understand?”

“Yes Sir.”

While we drove the half mile into the school Edward began telling me about James coming up to him outside of the diner. I listened with intense interest at his recall, grimacing at the nasty things that James had said but not at all surprised by the arrogance that he showed. Pulling up into the parking lot facing the main office Edward turned off the car, removed his seatbelt and then turned his body to me.

“I don’t want you to think that I was trying to hide it from you Isabella. I had every intention of telling you this evening. I told you before there are no secrets between us, however I wanted us to be alone in a private place where we could discuss it rationally, with both of us in the right frame of mind.”

The right frame of mind- It wasn’t just me that needed to delve into my inner self, Edward needed it too

That thought was cut off by his comment, “I have no idea how James knew my name. Other than to say that it is very apparent that everyone here seems to know that you are in a relationship. That leaves me to assume that with me standing there with Seth, he put two and two together.”

That made total sense to me, how many people had commented that it was about time they got to meet Edward? So it would only figure that James would know his name. I just felt bad that Edward was even put in that position. “Your girl is sorry Master.”

“You have nothing to be sorry for. You have no control over other people; the only actions a person can be responsible for are their own.”

I knew that of course, and his words were meant to comfort me but instead I internalized them twisting it into a double meaning. Thinking that if it weren’t for me then he wouldn’t have been faced with the awkward situation he was in earlier. “Master takes responsibility for his submissive.”

“I do that willingly Isabella, and so far my submissive has yet to cause me embarrassment, so she can get that thought right out of her mind.”

He really does know me

The car was quiet for a moment until Edward opened the latch on my seatbelt, “Is there anything else that needs to be said on this issue, or can we put it behind us?”

“No Master, we can put it behind us.”

“Good choice.”

He got out opening my door, pulling me into his arms as I stepped out of the car. I could feel his lips against my hair but he never lifted my face to kiss my mouth and I was content feeling the warmth of his embrace. Stepping back he took my hand in his tugging me towards the buildings. As we walked the five separate structures that always reminded me of army barracks, I explained what each building was used for. Edward looked in a few windows and I marveled again at how interested he was with seemingly inconsequential things.

Walking around the back of building ‘C’ I explained about the trail in the woods and how when it wasn’t raining hard I would go out there to eat lunch alone to escape all the chaos of the cafeteria. So of course Edward had to see what I was talking about. Following the trail back about fifty yards was the tree limb that served as a bench. It had fallen over so long ago that it was covered with moss and surrounded by over brush that created a little canopy of sorts.

Sitting on the log Edward pulled me down into his lap, his hands wrapping around my waist holding me without crushing me to him. Looking towards the school the deserted buildings were still visible through the gaps in the forest.

“What did you do in there Isabella?” Edward asked motioning with his chin towards the red brick structures.

“Your girl went to school Master.”

“What else did you do?”

Thinking about that question I didn’t know how to answer so I said the first thing that came to mind, “Your girl went home from school.”

Edward chucked at my response, “No. I mean what did you get involved in? Sports, cheerleading, clubs, organizations, activities, what extra things did you do?”

Staring at the building I shook my head, “Nothing, just homework.”

“Nothing?” I could see from the corner of my eye Edward’s head turn to look at me.

“No…what did you do in school?” my head turned to meet his gaze, watching as his face took on a look of nostalgia.

“I played football, basketball and baseball. I was a member of the young republicans, the key club, and student council. I participated in odyssey of the mind and the year book.”

“You did all that?”

He smiled broadly, “yeah.”

Looking back at the school where I had spent four years just getting an education, there was no remorse in me for things I didn’t do. It had never occurred to me to be active in school. It was just a place that I had to go.

“Why didn’t you get involved in something?”

His question was simple enough, and I suppose to someone who fit into the ins and outs of the popular crowd it would seem strange that I never did.

“Your girl doesn’t know,” I answered with a shrug of my shoulders.

“Well what were your friends doing, didn’t they try to talk you into joining something?”

My head turned once again to look at him, “This one’s friends all went to school on the reservation.”

“Didn’t you have any friends here?” he asked with narrow eyes, making me feel insignificant and causing me to look away from his glare.

“No.”

“You spent four years here and had no friends?”

I thought about his question before answering, “There was the occasional lab partner or if we got grouped into a project. But no one to just hang out with, most of the people your girl knew from junior and senior year were friends of James, not hers. She spent evenings, weekends, and holidays with her friends from the reservation.”

“And you would sit out here eating lunch by yourself?” I nodded resting my back and head against his shoulder, staring out into the trees.

“When it was cold or raining too hard your girl would sit in the library. She didn’t fit in here, so your girl came here and did what she had to do, worked hard to get an education so she could get out. It went all the way back to when she first moved here. Your girl was in the second grade, it was the beginning of May and her mother had just died. Her whole life was turned upside down. Three weeks later school ended and she spent all summer at the reservation, and that was her life, they were her friends and family. The next year this girl was still an outsider to everyone in school, but she was one of the rez kids to everyone at La Push. She was proud of that and felt like she belonged there.”

After a long moment Edward spoke quietly, “So why didn’t you date one of the boys from the reservation?”

“Master, your girl is HO-quaht.”

“White?”

I nodded, “As much as she was just one of the kids, and the adults watched out for her like she was their own, in the back of her mind your girl always knew that she really wasn’t.”

I didn’t want to get into the proud heritage of the Quileute people or their land distribution policies. Edward didn’t need to know that as a white girl I would never have been accepted as a first wife. That was reserved for girls from the tribe who could breed full blooded Quileute babies so that family lands could be passed down generation to generation. Not that it really mattered to me anyway, all those guys were never more than friends to me. Except for the one summer when I played touchy feely games with one of them. That ended in a total mess when Jake kicked his ass because of rumors he had started about his male prowess.

Edward’s arms tightened around my middle, “Stand up Isabella.”

His hands held my hips for a second keeping me in place standing between his open legs as his hands worked to open the button and zipper on my jeans. His fingers wasted no time with teasing instead pushing down my pants and plunging two fingers deep inside me. The shock from his actions caused me to gasp and Edward swatted me fully on my bottom with a stern warning, “Quiet.”

His fingers were working in and out of me with such fervor that it didn’t take long before I was panting shamelessly.

“Lift up your shirt and touch yourself” the directness of his voice told me it wasn’t a request so I did as he said. Lifting the bottom of my sweat shirt up to my armpits my hands cupped each breast. Edward’s other hand reached up pulling my bra to free them.

“Don’t tease them Isabella, pinch your nipples, twist and pull,” as I did what I was told the pain from my fingers sent ripples of pleasure through me that added to the delight of Edward’s fingers inside me.

“Harder Isabella,” the extra pressure from my own hands made me whimper, earning me another swat and a warning to be quiet. My eyes focused on the brick building while I tried to think about anything other than what my body was feeling, but Edward wouldn’t allow that as he ordered with a harsh tone, “Harder.”

I could feel my legs starting to shake and my hips tucked slightly to try and rub my clit against his wrist. Edward knew what I was doing because he turned his hand so that I couldn’t get any friction while he order, “Harder!”

My breathing was erratic and my lip burned from the force of my teeth biting into it while the pressure in my stomach built.

“How desperate is my slut to cum?”

I couldn’t tell if he was asking me or making an observation so I remained quiet, trying to hold on to anything that would keep me from crying out. Edward’s hand twisted and the side of his thumb rubbed against my clit making a strangled whimper leave my throat. There was no way I was going to be able to continue and I was going to beg him to let me cum when he ordered sternly, “Hold it!”

Oh fuck – Alabama, Alaska, Arizona…

“Harder.” The word reached my brain taking me away from my internal thoughts making me realize that my own hands had let up on their task. The hasty removal of Edward’s hand from my body made me gasp with need. In my lust induced state I felt his hands pull my jeans down to my thighs. Placing both hands on my hips Edward pulled me backwards into his lap lowering me onto his errection. The feeling of fullness was so exquisite that it took me a second to realize what was happening.

“I want those nipples throbbing Isabella.”

The words spoken in my ear made my hands get back to work pinching and twisting the aching nubs as his hands on my hips started directing their movement. My back arched from the delight of the pain that I was causing myself while I rode through his thrusts inside me. My body responding to him in the most primal way and I could feel my muscles starting to squeeze around him.

“Don’t you cum.” The growl was a warning that I took seriously.

My mind was so lost in the sensations cursing through me that I lost all reality of where I was as my body responded with pure need. I tried really hard to keep quiet pushing against the pressure growing in my stomach. Edward started to thrust against my movements as small grunts sounded in my ear. I felt his fingers dig into the flesh of my hips using them to guide my body against his own. Slamming me against him a few more times his hand dipped down to my clit, pinching it tightly while he ordered, “Now!”

My body spasmed in sweet relief, as the back of my head slammed against Edward’s shoulder while my internal muscles clamped down on him. I heard him grunt a few times but I was too lost in my own release to think about it.

My eyes fluttered open for a brief moment as a small breathy moan left my throat from the feel of Edward’s warm hands on my breasts lightly rubbing the tender nipples. “Shhhh…Relax my pet.”

At his words my eyes closed while my head lay against the juncture of his neck and shoulder, the smell of Edward and sex hung in the damp air but it was peaceful. “What are you thinking Isabella? Tell me what you are feeling.”

“Right now your girl is feeling very content,” My eyes opened at the realization of where I was and I stiffened in reaction. “Your girl hated it here, she hated everything about it.”

“Shhh…” his hand moved to caress the side of my face. “…I know. Close your eyes Isabella,” as I did he continued talking. “Smell the earthy forest, listen to the rain drops against the leaves, the rustle of the trees and absorb your surroundings”

Becoming aware of all those things going on around me my body relaxed even more against his.

“Now tell me Isabella, what is the one thing that you sense the strongest?”

I didn’t even need to think about that, the words came out through closed eyes.

“You Master, all your girl can think about is you. The smell of your skin, the feel of your breath on her face, how your heart beats with the rise and fall of your chest. Your girl smells our sex in the air and feels you inside her. You Master are all that this girl can sense in this place.”

That was the best way that I could sum up what I was feeling. The old associations that were connected with that spot in the woods didn’t seem to matter anymore. There was no dread of the school bell ringing that making go back inside. There was no feeling of not belonging because at that moment I felt whole. I might have spent four years sitting there alone reading a book while eating sandwiches but those memories had been replaced.

From that moment on, whenever I thought about the space where I had spent so much time alone, my brain would automatically recall in vivid detail the time I spent there with Edward. It was only a short period of time in comparison, but the events and emotions involved surpassed everything else. Those feelings would always leave me with a smile on my face and a warm feeling in my heart.

We didn’t get to stay there very long. Edward tucked himself back into his pants while I fixed myself and by the time we got back to the car, I needed to take off my pants to remove my panties. He laughed at me while I struggled in the small space to pull my pants back on but I didn’t care there was no way I could spend the rest of the day with our sloppy juices amassed in my underwear.

We were thirty minutes late in getting to Charlie’s and everyone was waiting as we walked in the door. The little living room was filled with people as I handed the white box with the pie in it to Sue. Everyone said hello while Edward looked around the small room taking in the humble surroundings while I petting Seth who came over with a wagging tail.

“It’s about freaking time I’m starving,” Seth’s complaint coming in from the kitchen with Tracy. “Where the hell were you? I tried to call and it kept going to voice mail.”

“I was showing Edward around and I don’t think I get reception in the woods.”

“Why were you in the woods?” rolling my eyes at my own big mouth I came up with the best answer I could.

“We just followed the tail out behind the high school” my excuse didn’t seem to hold any weight as Leah eyed me suspiciously while my gaze shifted to the one person I had not had a chance to see yet. Sue told everyone they could eat while I took Edward over to meet the man who was like my second father.

“Hi Billy,” my arms wrapped around him in a hug. “I missed you last night.”

His legs were paralyzed but his arms were strong and it took nothing at all for him to draw me into his lap while Edward sat down in the chair next to us. “I know and I felt bad about that. It was the first ceremony I ever missed.” His eyes moved to Edward and I introduced them while they shook hands.

Jake and Leah sat on the couch with their plates while Billy focused his attention on Edward, “Now you tell me young man what your intentions are with our girl here.”

“Billy!” I squealed with embarrassment but he didn’t seem to care.

“No..no Bella, these are things we need to know.”

My eyes went to Edward trying to convey my sympathy; however he didn’t seem to care. He smiled shifting his eyes to me for a moment then looked back to Billy who was waiting for an answer.

“Well sir, at the moment I just want to make Bella happy.”

That sounded like a good answer to me and I would have thought that Billy would be content with that, I was wrong.

“And just how are you planning on doing that?” I think the whole room got quiet at Billy’s inquiry waiting to hear the response.

Edward’s eyes went to mine while he spoke, “I’m going to love her, with everything that’s in me.”

“Aweee….” Sue purred while Seth made a gagging noise and Edward chuckled at their reaction.

“That’s a good answer son,” Billy approved. “I thought maybe you were going to say something like spoil her rotten.”

Edward chuckled, “I would like to do that too. But Bella never asks for anything”

“That’s the way Bella has always been, she’s the responsible one. Never asking or expecting anything extra.”

My face heated up with embarrassment at Billy’s words, “hellooo, I’m sitting right here.”

“You hush up young lady and let me speak man-talk with Edward,” Billy admonished.

“Man-talk?”

Billy nodded at me.

“Well can your man talk wait until Edward has some food?”

At my question Sue came over with a plate for Billy. Standing I led Edward towards the small kitchen watching him as he eyed the pictures that covered the mantel. He stopped walking to look at them. Most were me in the traditional blue back ground that all schools use but there were a few more personal ones, Charlie leaning over Renee while she reclined in a hospital bed holding me. One of Jake and me up in the tree grinning triumphantly down at the camera and one of Leah and me in our bathing suits standing in the lake posing in what we thought were seductive stances. The one he picked up to look at was me in my wedding gown with the veil pulled over my face clasping Charlie’s arm.

“You were so young,” Edward’s fingers traced the outline of my face over the glass. I had no idea what he was thinking at that moment and his face gave nothing away. After a second he replaced the picture smiling sadly at me.

“Food?” he questioned making me show him into the kitchen.

Sue had made baked macaroni and cheese with broccoli along with scrambled eggs and sausage links. We got our plates full before going back into the living room to join everyone else. There were only a few spaces to sit down and as I walked by the recliner I mouthed to Edward, ‘don’t sit in this chair.’

He looked at me in confusion for a second and then realization came to him in the form of a grin. “Thanks for the warning,” he whispered in my ear as we sat down. I was on the couch next to Jake while Edward sat in the chair along side of me. Charlie was talking about getting together for some fishing trip while Billy was being evasive about a definite answer. It was so out of character that realization dawned on me.

Leaning over I whispered to Jake, “Does Billy have a lady friend?”

He smirked then nodded in response while I was annoyed at not knowing that, “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I haven’t seen you.”

“You saw me last night and besides I think news like that warranted a phone call!”

He rolled his eyes at me and I couldn’t be mad because I wanted the details.

“Who is she? Where did they meet? How long have they been together?” I was rattling off questions in Jakes ear when Billy’s laughter made me stop talking.

“You better get use to that Edward.” Billy pointed over at Jake and me, “From the time they were little those two were inseparable. They did everything together they played, ate and slept together. Hell I even caught them in the bathtub together,” he laughed as Charlie’s voice stammered for words while I stared in shock.

“It was hot out and we were in our swimming suits,” Jake corrected him quickly while Billy kept laughing, “Sure you were son.”

Charlie had finally found his voice “My daughter never would have done that,”

My attention turned to Edward assuring him that we were in our swimming suits. Edward smiled at me leaning over to kiss my cheek while the conversation continued. When my attention came back to the group Billy was still talking.

“Well Leah could always defend herself, she was a hellion; there was no boy going to get anything over on her. But Jake was Bella’s defender; even got in a few fights with the others if I recall.”

I don’t know why Billy was bringing up these things and I didn’t think I liked going down memory lane, however Jake just fed right into it. “When was that old man?”

“I seem to remember Jared’s mother calling me.”

I knew exactly what he was talking about and so did Jake “That asshole was lucky I didn’t kill him”

I tried to come to his defense “Jake was defending my honor”

“Uhh…” Charlie grunted, “…you shouldn’t have been doing anything that needed your honor defended for.”

“That was the point dad; Jared started telling the guys that he did things that never happened.”

“Well you must have done something to encourage him.”

My mouth dropped open, “Are you saying it was my fault?”

“Now Charlie,” Sue interjected. “You know how boys are, a simple kiss becomes a grope and a grope becomes a lap dance and the next thing you know he’s talking about needing condoms.”

Charlie was on his feet staring at me, “Who needed a condom and how old were you?”

Seth couldn’t keep his mouth shut, “Damn Bella…my whole image of you has been shattered this weekend.”

“No one needed a condom!” I was trying to get that point across to both of them when Leah spoke up.

“Do you want to know what happened? I’ll tell you what happened,” Charlie who was still standing turned to Leah while she went on to explain. “Bella was kind of going out with Jared. Not really going out just holding hands and kissing every now and then…”

“When were you kissing him? How old were you?”

“Ohhh,” I groaned rubbing my forehead while Edward silently chuckled next to me. “I was fifteen it was the summer before…”

“Uh…” Charlie huffed again. I suppose it was difficult to have his image of the picture perfect daughter tarnished, he always did better living in ignorance.

“Anyway,” Leah interjected, “Paul and Quil came with Jared into town and he said that he needed condoms for him and Bella. Paul went back spreading that around and Jake heard it and went right to Jared to confront him. Jared tried to act all big like him and Bella were getting it on”

“Which was total bullshit” Jake interjected while Leah finished “So Jake called him a liar and beat the crap out of him.”

“It was all a lie Charlie nothing happened,” Sue assured him as he sat back down.

“You knew about this?” Sue smiled at him

“It was the summer we got married. Don’t you remember Bella was dancing with Jared all night?” Charlie nodded as she went on, “Towards the end of the summer Bella came home in tears and the next day Jared was at the door with a black eye and busted lip. I called around, found out that Jake beat him up and Bella stopped hanging around with Jared so I knew that something, not so nice must have happened.”

“You never told me.” Charlie was bewildered

Sue patted his arm reassuringly, “That’s because there was nothing to tell. I didn’t know the details, Bella never told me and I never asked.”

Charlie’s eyes met mine with a slight bit of sorrow in them, “You should have told me Bells.”

“Jake took care of it, he…”

My dad shook his head, “I’m your father, and it was my job to protect you.”

Charlie stood taking his empty plate into the kitchen while I stared after him. As he rounded the doorway I caught Sue’s glance and the small jerk of her head. Taking Edward’s plate along with mine I asked if he wanted a drink. One look in his eye told me that my farce of an excuse wasn’t fooling him but he said yes for the sake of appearances.

Charlie had his back to me looking out the window, his left arm leaning against the wooded frame with his head resting against the back of his wrist. Putting the plates down on the counter I didn’t know what to say to him so I wasted time filling the sink with hot soapy water to start the dishes.

Charlie cleared his throat, “You should have come to me Bells.”

“It was nothing dad, jus…” he stopped me mid sentence.

“I’m not talking about that, although, if you would have come to me about that mess with Jared, maybe you would have trusted me with other things.”

My father turned to look at me with red glassy eyes, “Do you know how hard it is for a father to watch his daughter die a little bit more each day? To know that something is very wrong but be unable to help because she refuses to tell you what’s happening, and still to this day won’t trust you with the details?”

I could feel the tears in my own eyes begin to form, “It’s better this way…”

“Better for who Bells? Last night was the first time I’ve seen you openly laugh in years. So who was the self imposed misery better for?”

“As a cop…”

“I’m not talking about being a cop, that’s my job. I’m talking about being your father, keeping you safe, that’s my responsibility.”

His words made me remember that he was out this afternoon patrolling, “Is that why you were out today?”

His eyes narrowed, “Mark called and told me that there had been a problem so I wanted to make sure you were alright. How did you find out about it? Jake told me you were in the diner when it happened.”

“I was, Edward told me about it after James passed us in the street.” I couldn’t tell if Charlie liked the idea or not that Edward had not kept that from me, and I felt the need to defend his choices. “Edward doesn’t keep things from me and he refuses to let me keep things from him.”

“What does that mean?” the suspicion was clear in his tone.

“That means when I’m upset he holds me until I tell him what’s bothering me, getting everything out in the open so that we can work through it together.”

Charlie sighed, “I guess that’s a good thing, maybe I should have done that, forced you to tell me. Then all the secrets could have been exposed and maybe it wouldn’t have gotten as bad as it did. I’m a man set in my ways who would rather turn a blind eye than look at what is right in front of him. Who out of shame for his own misdeeds let a criminal go unpunished,” he sighed lightly, shaking his head. “That’s my own private sorrow.”

I didn’t want my dad to feel guilty about anything. “You were, are a great dad.”

“I tried Bells, but sometimes I feel like I fell short of the mark.”

“Nobody is perfect,” it was all I could think of to say. Charlie was never a warm hug kind of guy, that was always reserved for Billy.

Charlie sighed again, “Yeah I guess not. But you look happy, you smile with a glow about you and you’ve gained some weight.”

Gained weight?

“I guess that I have Edward to thank for that” I heard what he said along with the tone he used but I was still stuck on the gained weight part as I looked down at my frame. “You’ll tell me Bells if something goes ... if Edward ever..”

My head shot up meeting his eyes as I spoke with conviction, “Edward’s not like that.”

“Promise you’ll tell your old man,” he pressed.

“I promise,” as the words left my mouth I could see his shoulders relax, so I asked the question that I needed to know, “What do you think of Edward?”

Charlie hummed, “hmmm…Well I haven’t felt the need to shoot him…yet.”

Uncharacteristically Charlie stepped forward wrapping me in a hug, while I giggled. “I guess that’s a good thing.”

“It’s a start Bells…it’s a start.”