BPOV
Had anyone asked me earlier in the morning what was the funniest thing I’ve ever seen, my answer would have unequivocally been "The look on Edward’s face when I put that big bowl in front of me.’ I swear, it took everything I had to keep from laughing in order to follow through with the plan Claire and I had cooked up.
As soon as he left me in the bedroom to work on the writing assignment my mind started thinking about yummy Fruity Pebbles. I had finished the sentences and was halfway through the letter of apology to Demetri when there was a knock on the door.
"Who is it?" Throwing the blankets over my naked backside
"It’s me Claire" she said inching the door open to peek in "I heard Edward leave and not come back so I figured it was safe. You think it’d be alright if I join you?"
Shrugging I waved her in as I thought out loud "Master never said I couldn’t have visitors"
Then again, the subject had never come up, all he said was I was to finish writing before going downstairs.
Claire shut the door behind her, padding over to the bed she curiously eyed the restraints Edward uses to tether me with. Picking up the one perched over the side of the mattress, she held it in her hands as she gingerly sat down beside me.
"You really like this stuff don’t you?"
Titling my head I gave her a tentative look and she quickly expanded "I mean, all of it...the calling him master, the obeying his every command, the snapping at attention when he calls...the being tied up?"
The last reference caused me to giggle, perhaps that had more to do with her expression then the actual words "Yeah I do..." not at all embarrassed by the admission "...in fact I sleep better restrained."
Her mouth dropped open in shock "You sleep all tied up every night?"
"Nooooo...not all tied up, usually just my hands and not every night..." my attention going back to finish the letter "...only the ones Master allows me in his bed"
"Allows you?" she asked dubiously stretching out on her belly beside me
"Uh ah...it’s a privilege to share Master’s bed with him"
Although in reality since being with Edward I’ve only spent one night alone, still it would do me good to remember I slept in the warmth of his arms by invitation, not entitlement.
Cocking my head I glanced at Claire to see her mystified reaction and added "That’s why I have my own room, the one your staying in. It’s the only place in the house where I’m always just Bella. If things ever get to intense or I start to get overwhelmed we have a word I can say and then retreat to the sanctuary of my room. I can yell, cry or curse him out if need be, without fear of there being any consequences."
"A word? Like a safe word? You have one of those?"
Switzerland suddenly popped into my mind, yet I kept that to myself as I explained "We have several. Each one has a different meaning?"
"Have you ever used them?"
Her curiosity not at all startling me, because I was sure I would have asked her the same thing had the roles been reversed. "Yes"
"Uh" Claire huffed and when she didn’t say anything else. Not sure what her reaction meant and not wanting to truly have to expand myself, I went back to the task at hand.
"What are you writing?"
"A letter of apology to Demetri"
"Is that your punishment?"
I thought about for a moment before answering honestly "No, this is just common courtesy..." pulling out the folded papers I had tucked into my journal "...this was my punishment"
Fingering the seven pages filled both front and back with my most legible handwriting - because if Master can’t read them, they didn’t count - Claire read it to herself before asking "Is this how you’re usually punished"
"Sometimes...he gets very imaginative so I’m never sure exactly what he’ll do and there’s always corner time or orgasm denial..." scrunching my face I admitted "that one kind of sucks"
"You mean...no sex?"
"OH No...there’s sex...I’m just not allowed to cum"
Claire’s mouth dropped the time her eyes widened "How do you manage that?"
"It’s one of the first things Master worked on"
Not wanting to bring up my recent bout of rebellion or the lengths taken to cure it, I flipped open the journal to one of the first entries. Detailing the night of my collaring; after placing it on my neck we had our usual session. It was the first time I was forced to remain still, to keep myself from responding with normal reactions. That night Master told me ‘You will learn control.’
Looking back at what was written I could see how far I’ve come in learning that skill. He had started easy, having me stand still while his hands roamed over my body. Having me pleasure myself to the point of orgasms only to have me stop before reaching it. Testing my endurance, finding my limits, showing me and him, how my body responded only to later push me over the edge into a mind blowing orgasm.
Claire listened intently while I verbalized what had already been written before I expanded "At the time I thought it was part of the play, that he was just being a smug bastard. Now I realize it was a starting point, for him to expand upon and the beginning of me learning to associate his touch with pleasure. That night he showed me how much command he could have over my body, all I had to do was trust him. Since then he’s worked little exercises into our ..."
Pausing to think of the correct word all I come up with was the term we used "...usual, until I learned to distract myself and only orgasm when permitted to."
Claire looked at me like I had just told her the sky was pink poka-dot, opening and closing her mouth before wondering "What kind of exercises?"
Repressing the sigh, I thought perhaps the best way for Claire to understand was to just read it for herself. Which is exactly what she did, taking my journal, she sat with her back resting against pillows while I finished the letter and worried about whether I should have allowed her to or not.
Contemplating the correct salutation, I signed the bottom of the paper ‘Master’s Isabella’, and turned to look at my friend. Claire was about half way through the pages I had written on, so I knew she didn’t have time to analyze every passage. Whatever section she was reading had her so engrossed that she didn’t even bother to look up from it when I got off the bed.
Not planning to shower until after breakfast I threw on a pair of sweat pants and a baggy hoodie that was loose enough I wouldn’t need a bra. Turning around to see what Claire was doing I was met with an ambiguous expression. Her confounded stare unsettled me, the growing tension caused my stomach to churn as I wondered what she had read. The journal was like a lifeline, a place where I purged all my hopes and fears, not just about my descent into the world of domination but also the memories of a painful past.
What the hell was I thinking?
What was Claire thinking of me?
Mentally kicking myself for allowing her access to my innermost private I was just about to begin justifying myself when she asked "Where do I get one of those BFF’s?"
I’m not sure if it was relief or the question itself that caused me to burst out laughing - Claire didn’t think I was fucked up either. The revelation Edward forced me to acknowledge earlier came to mind. I have nothing to be ashamed of, because there is nothing wrong with me. There hadn’t really been enough time for me to fully comprehend what that revelation meant to me yet. I could only imagine it was going to take me a day or so to fully come to terms with all the connotation involved with such declaration. I was going to need some alone time of quiet reflection and a few blank pages in my journal to fully accept being a masochist.
Claire giggled along with me asking "Is a BFF that good?"
"Fan-fucking-taskic" I said wiping the tears from my eyes "Come on, let’s go, I need some coffee"
Claire put my journal on the nightstand and helped me make the bed, when I opened the door to leave were hit with the aroma of fried bacon and something sweet.
"That smells fantastic"
"It does..." noddimh in agreement "...but Edward and I are having Fruity Pebbles"
She giggled "What’s up with those anyway?"
Claire was there when Demetri gave me two boxes of cereal, however she didn’t know the whole story. On the way down the steps I gave her the abridged version, hitting the highlights with enough gusto that she could piece it all together.
Reaching the bottom of the landing the thought came to me "I act like I’m going to eat out a really big bowl."
"Yeah like huge mixing bowls" her giggle causing the merriment in me to surface as I thought of another detail "And a big spoon...oh my god, can you image the look on his face when he sees it?"
"I should take his picture" Claire laughed
"Yeah, yeah...do it" I encouraged
Claire grew serious "Won’t he be mad and punish you again?"
It was a valid question, however it had just been the previous evening when I confessed about OCB - operation cock block. At that time Edward assured me that those kinds of games were not olny acceptable but were expected between lovers. It was the weekend, however to accommodate a house full of guest we had agreed to amend out D/s roles. For this one weekend Edward was only my Master in the private confines of His bedroom. Messing around and teasing Master could prove to be very dangerous. It was a different matter all together to be provoking Edward the boyfriend, in the kitchen, with a bowl of Fruity Pebbles.
It sounded like the conclusion to a game of ‘Clue’
That thought made me giggle and I assured my friend "No, he’ll do something to get me back but he won’t punish me and it’ll be funny as hell."
And it was
However nothing, absolutely nothing, compares to the look on my brothers face when he met Dougie for the first time.
Seth tried to high tail it out of the kitchen as soon as he was done eating, I wasn’t having none of that. The big jerk had the nerve to sit there all smug telling me he was king, because he was the only son. I showed him what he was king of - Dirty Dishes
Seth grumbled and complained about having to touch other people’s garbage while scrapping dishes into the disposal.
Muttering under his breath "this is disgusting"
Placing a few more glasses on the counter I patted him on the back "Sometimes even kings have to do work, just like us peons"
Seth rolled his eyes, making me giggle and Dougie came into the kitchen waving his hand in large half circle "Good Morning People"
Claire and Quil both replied while Tracy and my brother looked at the new comer with staggering expressions. It’s not that I could blame them, after all my bestest friend was his natural exuberant self. Plus, he was dressed in typical fashion, wearing jeans and for the occasion a mint green shirt with a darker bow tie. To me he appeared quite fashionable but I could see how someone not accustomed to his sense of fashion and liveliness could be a bit overwhelmed.
Expecting Edward to appear so he could eat his warmed food, my attention was focused on where he was rather then what was happening in front of me. It took me a second to see Dougie’s honing in on my brother. He had a wide grin on his face and bright eyes as he sauntered up to Seth in a cat like a cat prowl.
Seth’s eyes growing larger with step Dougie took until he stopped just shy of being within a socailly acceptable distance. Glancing up at my brother, he appeared to be almost horrified,
"And who are you?"
The sound of Dougie’s voice raising two octaves on the last word had me snickering under my breath. Poor Seth was so tongue tied, all he could get out was "umm...umm..." as he glanced at me with an expression that clearly said "HELP!"
"This is my brother Seth" the humor in my voice not making said brother all too happy.Dougie on the other hand had a different response.
One side of his lips curved up into a snarl and he growl making me laugh harder while Seth nearly shit himself.
"Down Boy..Down" I said patting Dougie on the shoulder and Seth pulled Tracy by the arm, positioning her in the narrow space between the two of them "This is my girlfriend Tracy"
"Oh Darn!" Dougie’s said with a snap of his fingers, looking to me his face became contrite "Why are the good ones always taken?"
"Um...I’m going to go showe..." Seth’s eyes flickering to Dougie before studdering out "...umm...get..get...get ready. Come on Trace" he said pulling the giggling girl along with him.
"Hey you didn’t finish the dishes" I yelled after the retreating pair
"I’ll do it later" Seth called back but they were already going up the stairs and the four of us started laughing.
"Oh man, you should have gotten a picture of Seth’s face" Quil said though his chuckles "That was ...priceless"
"I couldn’t resist" Dougie said with a grin before looking to me "hey girlfriend you got any more coffee?"
"It’s in the pot..." pointing to the counter "...and don’t you girlfriend me, I’m still mad at you"
"What’d I do?"
My mouth dropped open "Are you kidding me?"
His brow furrowed but he went to get himself a cup while I covered Edward’s plate and stuck it in the oven to keep warm.
Where the hell was he?
"Look we got trouble."
Ignoring Dougie’s comment I asked him where Edward went while joining Claire and Quil back at the table. Dougie sat in the chair across from me becoming rather serious "That’s what I needs to talk to you about"
His eyes flickered to Quil before inclining his head towards me to whisper "Is he safe?"
Not sure what ‘safe’ meant and not wanting to insult Quil I quickly changed the subject "You know I’m still ticked off about last night"
Snapping his head back Dougie gave me a thoughtful expression "What about last night?"
"What on earth were you thinking, challenging me like that?"
"Iz told you, I wanted my title back and that’s the only way I could get it...besides" a sly smile forming on his face "why would you be mad about showing all those bitches at the club the reason Master Edward is with you?"
"What do you mean? You think Edward only wants me for head?"
"No of course not, geez, anyone with one good eye can see that man has undying love for you...if they bothered to look. But all those wenches aren’t looking, so all they see you as is just another woman standing in their way. And if you don’t think they are wondering what you have that they don’t..."
I sort of saw what he was saying "So now they know that I...."
"Can suck a swamp rat through hose and drain it dry with your boa constrictor throat"
Quirking my lips I couldn’t think of a proper comeback and I didn’t have to because Dougie asked "By the way, how long can you hold your breath?"
"I don’t know..." i said with a shrug "...never time it"
Dougie chuckled "That will be the next challenge"
"Don’t you dare!"
"Ah...come on Bells, these kind of things break up the every night monotony . Besides just think how much Master Edward enjoys it. Not only does he get to show you off, he can also strut around the club like he was the head roaster of the hen house. Knowing every man...gay or straight..." nodding his head as he said each word "...wishes they could have you, just one time, so they can experience what he gotz...aint that right Quilly?"
Claire and I snickered at the nick name, but Quil’s eyes said he didn’t find the term nor the question, at all amusing. "I don’t think so...and don’t call me Quilly"
"Well, I suppose you’re not really the best person to ask, cuz youz is like Bells family or something, but you have to admit she sure did gets lotz of attention last night after winning"
Quil nodded and I thought how Dougie was correct in his assumption, lots of people came to speak with Edward and I, offering a comment or congratulations. Often times I was gazed at with an appreciative glance, almost like my victory had gain me some kind of commendation. A mixture of acceptance, adoration and approval, I was no longer Master’s little tag along, but rather part of their...our community.
"What time do we need to leave Bells?" Quil’s question bring me out of my thoughts.
Telling him the time schudle and hoping Jake was secusseful in getting Leah out of the house on time, he started to get up "In that case we better get ready, come along Claire"
"Ummm... Is it ok if I stay a few minutes to finish my coffee?"
I smiled at how she subtly asked for permission and so did Quil, nodding he told her not to take too long and left the three of us alone.
"Ok..." Dougie said conspiratorially as he once again leaned towards me "The jig is up, Daddy knows all about the phone call."
"You told Double D?" Edward already knew, so my alarm wasn’t about getting into trouble it was more that Dougie had broken my confidence.
His face fell "I couldn’t help it, Daddy kept working, and working on me until he gotz the truth." he expression turned forlorn "I didn’t mean to, but Daddy has his ways and well...his curiosity was peaked after talking to you and ...I just ...I’m sorry...I tried not to cave...I really did...I just..."
Reaching over I patted his hand "It’s ok, it was kind of my fault for acting so stupid when Double D was talking to me"
"Yeah well, Daddy is talking to Master Edward....right this minute" accentuating each word by smacking the table
Oh that’s where Edward was
Giving a shrug I admitted "It doesn’t matter, I already confessed but I said it was all my idea so you didn’t get in any trouble"
"Ohhhhhh no..." Dougie groaned and for some reason Claire giggled
Ignoring her Dougie focused on me "Iz told Daddy it was all my idea, cause I didn’t want to get you in trouble...cause I love you"
"I love you too"
And I did
We sat there talking for a few more minutes finishing our coffee and telling Claire the story of why I call Riley, Double D. Remembering how he had laughed and how much joy Riley got from my nickname, I tried to find out why from Dougie. All he said was ‘It’s an inside joke’ and I got the feeling the two ‘D’s’ stood for something either extremely embarrassing or very personal. Maybe Dougie was right and it’s better if I don’t know, after all - after all ignorance is bliss.
"You better get ready girlfriend, cause I don’t think you want to goes dressed like that and looking like you’ve had a hard night in the sack"
Claire snickered while I became indignant "I beg your pardon?"
"Oh come on girlfriend, have you taken a good look at yourself?" Dougie asked with raised eyebrows
"No...I didn’t"
"Yeah, that’s what I thought" he said with a smug tone "Everyone else might stay quiet so your not em-barra-ssed" dragging out the word using a deep bass tone "...but girlfriend I will always tell you the truth, and frankly you look like you either had a one hell of a long night or a fan-tastic morning"
The normal rise of his voice on the last syllable made me giggle and just to be a smart ass I to grew slightly smug "Just for the record...it was Both"
Claire chuckled while Dougie grinned "Well you go girl...and while you’re there, why don’t you shower and dress in something less...grungy"
Taking offence at the word grungy I huffed out a sigh "I have to finish to dishes first"
"Go...Go..." waving his hand dismissively "...I’ll finish this"
I wasn’t sure what Miss Manners would say about allowing a guest to clean up a meal he didn’t even eat but I was in no position to argue. Using a pot holder I took Edward’s warm plate out of the oven, sprinkled the pancakes with syrup, grabbed a fork and headed up the stairs.
Edward sat on my side of bed with his feet planted on the floor. He was still on the phone however judging from the one sided conversation I was privy to, it was obvious the other person was not Riley. Not wanting to interrupt, I knelt down before him with lowered eyes and held the plate out in offering. He finished on the phone by saying ‘I love you too’ and added ‘see you tomorrow’
"Isabella?"
Meeting his eyes I could tell right a way something was bothering him "My grandmother is slightly upset she didn’t receive an invitation to join us tomorrow"
OH?
It had never dawned on me to invite her and I suddenly felt bad about that "Your girl..."
"Quiet...it’s not anything to apologize for, my grandmother knows she’s always invited. To be honest, once I knew of the plans I should have called her myself. I’m only telling you so you’ll know there will be another person joining us." Pausing, he eyed my hands "What did you bring me?"
"Your warm breakfast Master"
Taking the plate from my hands he set on the nightstand "Thank you Isabella"
There was a subtle edge to Edward’s voice, almost as if he was attempting to suppress his anger. Master continued to gaze at me for a long moment before making my heart skip a beat by giving me the hand signal to get in my waiting pose. Dropping my bottom down onto the floor, I began to worry over what could be bothering him.
"Isabella I need to talk with you about something I learned a few minutes ago. Unfortunately this came to light at the most inopportune moment. I thought about not bringing it up to you at all today however I don’t believe I have the patience to hold off. So I want you to speak freely and reply only my questions, I don’t want to hear anything from you except direct answers. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes Master"
Anticipating his questions to be centered around something Riley told him, I was completely taken off guard with the very first one "What can you tell me about Phil?"
Phil?
My hesitation caused Edward to become agitated "Answer me"
Suddenly on edge I stammered "Wh..what would you like to know?"
Leaning forward he clasped his hands together between his knees as he rested his arms on his legs. The new position brought Edward’s face closer to mine, yet I still had to look up at him.
"Do you remember ever meeting his parents? Maybe they were at the wedding or something?" sounding almost hopeful.
"No Sir" I said shaking my head "Phil and mom were were married at the JP, it was only them and me. Phil was raised by his grandparents...like my mom was. It was one of the things they had in common"
"Did he ever talk about his parents? Where they were, what they did for a living, anything at all?"
Shaking my head I was about to tell him ‘no’ when he practically beseeched me "Think Isabella...there must be something you remember"
I tried to do just that - think - but it was so long ago and I was just so very young, a lot of those early childhood memories fade. There were thing’s I still remembered about my mother, like the scent of her perfume - Charlie. I still had a bottle of it tucked away in a box. When she had first died and I went to live with my dad, I’d spray a mist of the scent on my pillow, in hopes of chasing the ache away. Phil never wore colone, he just always had a faint smell of cigarette smoke and cinnamon from the sticks of Big Red gum he always chewed.
Those were the clearest memories I had, yet Edward was looking for that kind of information, for whatever reason, he wanted something more tangible. Try as I might, there was only one thing that came to mind.
"Phil’s mother died...when she was young...some kind of an accident, I think. Tha...That’s why he lived with his grandparents. I remember driving to met them when I was little. It was a long trip and they came down to Phoenix to watch Phil play. They were nice people, and seemed to approve of my mom and me...I remember they brought me a present...a doll"
my eyes narrowed as that forgotten detail came out "After the car accident, I never saw them again. I’d get birthday cards and send them letters with school pictures. But that kind of stopped as I got older. Bill - his grandfather died when I was in High School and while I was at Dartmouth I went to see his grandmother once. She still lived in the same house outside of Hanover but she was suffering from Alzheimer’s and didn’t remember me at all, then she died a year later."
Edward’s face crinkled in contemplation "Do you know what happened to the grandparent’s estate?"
Bewildered by the question I stammered "I...I...I guess they would have needed to use it for her care. She had a nurse there with her, all the time, that has to be costly"
Thinking over my reply Edward pursed his lips "And what about Phil’s father, can you remember anything about him?"
"No Sir"
"Not even his name?"
"No Sir, I don’t ever remember him being mentioned. I don’t think his mother was ever married, because Phil’s grandparent’s had the same last name - Dwyer"
A flicker of some emotion I couldn’t recognize crossed Edward’s face and then his eyes narrowed "Is all the paperwork from your mother’s estate still here?"
"Yes Sir, they are in my room"
"Are you aware of any of Phil’s personal papers in among them, like his birth certificate, baptismal or hospital records, anything like that?"
"I...I think there are a few. There is definitely his death certificate and a copy of the will in there"
Taking a deep breath, Edward appeared almost pained "Would you mind if I took a look at them?"
Racking my brain I tried my hardest to figure out a reason Edward would have for wanting to see them, however he was waiting for an answer so I replied quietly "No Sir, would you like me to get them now?"
Letting out a sigh he sat upright "No, it’s probably best to wait until we have the time to really go over them. Let’s just enjoy the time with our friends and we’ll look at them tomorrow."
His response was really worrying me and although I should have remained quiet I had to know "Did something happen Master?"
"I don’t know for sure Isabella, and I would like nothing more then to discuss this in full with you. However at the moment, we both need to get ready, so would you please trust me to know I’ll do my best to fill you in when we have the time."
"Should this one be worried?" Given his demeanor, it was an honest question.
"No..." hesitating for a moment he added "...at least not any more then you have been. Just please, for me, be safe"
"Yes Sir"
Motioning to me with his hand to come forward, I shuffled my knees forward until I was between his opened legs and he wrapped his arms around me, hugging me to him. "I love you...more then you can ever imagine"
I was going to respond with my own declaration when Edward released his hold, grasped my chin and kissed me. His lips were almost urgent, consuming, like for some reason he was attempting to immortalize the moment.
It was frightening
Pulling back I once again was trying to discern what was wrong, lifting my hand I rested it against his cheek "Are you alright?"
"No..." shaking his head "I’m far from alright"
"What happened?"
"Please, be patient and we’ll discuss this when we have the time to fully examine it without having to rush or be interrupted"
As if to confirm his last statement, Edward’s phone rang, picking it up with a sigh, he answered "Hey Emmett, give me a second"
Giving me his full attention he forced a smile "You better get in the shower Isabella or you’ll never be ready in time"
Getting to my feet I stood there biting my lip, knowing I was being disobedient yet still not moving because there was something that needed to be said. Edward watched me with raised eyebrows "What is it?"
"Your girl loves you Master" a true smile formed on his face and as he raised the phone to his ear, I repeated his statement "More then you can ever imagine"
Scurrying into the bathroom I heard Edward tell his bother to ‘Shut the hell up’ so I assumed Emmett overhead my declaration and was using it to taunt. Stepping into the shower I couldn’t help but worry over the conversation we just had. It made no sense to me why Phil was all of a sudden so important. Besides where would that topic have even originated from? Everything seemed fine until he came upstairs to call Riley, and I highly doubted Phil’s name would have come up in that conversation. No, I was absolutely sure something else must have brought it on.
Edward asked for my trust, to tell me when we have the chance to sit down and look at the whole thing rationally. I could that, I would do that, standing under the hot spray of water I felt invigorated. With the outward cleansing, I also did an internal one, pushing all thoughts of anxiety to the back of my mind, to revisit at another time.
Edward didn’t come into the bathroom until I had just finished drying my hair and had started brushing my teeth. He paused for a moment to kiss my cheek before stripping off his clothes to shower. I couldn’t help but to watch his reflection in the mirror, my eyes glued to the firmness of his butt, the muscles in his legs, flexing, making his cheeks appear to be dancing. I had a sudden desire to touch him, to feel the strength of his toned legs. To savor the warmth of his body against my hand and caress the smoothness of his skin marred by the prickles of short fine hairs.
The throat clearing took me away from the daydream, my eyes shot to the green ones staring at me in the mirror and I could feel my face flush with warmth.
Edward smirked "Are you enjoying the view Isabella?"
"Yes...Sir" talking around a mouth full of frothy foam with the toothbrush handle sticking out of my mouth.
"That’s always a good thing nâhtötse" chuckling as he got into the shower.
Shaking my head, I finished up and went to get dressed. I considered the plans Dougie had drawn out for me of his ‘Pea In A Pod’ theme when choosing a pair of olive colored slacks with an off white sleeveless shirt. Figuring it was dressy enough yet still practical for setting up Leah’s yard. Flats were also in order and I was just slipping them on when Edward came out of the bathroom wearing nothing but a towel around his waist.
Naked Edward was a sight to behold, slightly hidden Edward was just...yummy. I guess that’s because there is something to be said for letting you imagination run wild and mind sure was doing a lot of that.
Using another towel to vigorously rub the back of his head, he glanced over at me and smirked "Well at least your not drooling this time"
Only because my mouth had gone dry
God he was beautiful, how in the world could such an exquisite specimen of man could have been meant for me, I’d never know, but Jesus, was I glad he was.
"Isabella?"
My gaze snapping from Edward’s bare chest to his eyes "Yes Sir?"
"Are we a little distracted today?"
"Ahhh..." my brain still fogged over with the dazzling sight before me
"Ah, is not an answer. Do you just have a lot on your mind, or are you exceptionally needy today?"
"Ummm...."
Chuckling as he dropped the towel to put on a pair of light gray boxer briefs that left nothing to the imagination. Every dip, every curve, every bulge and there was most definitely a predominate bulge.
"Isabella, my eyes are up here"
Oops
Biting my lip, I took a deep breath and forced myself to look up at his face. Edward shook his head "There will be time for that later, however do you think you could get your mind off my dick for a few minutes and answer my question"
Question...what question?
Oh yeah
"Your girl seems exceptionally needy today Master"
Edward threw is head back in laughter before shaking his head "Perhaps I’ll address that need later Isabella" stepping into a pair of running pants "For now I was wondering what time you need to be at your sisters"
"Oh..." I hadn’t heard that question "ummm....Jake should be calling any minute to say the coast is clear. The rental company is arriving at twelve-fifteen with the tent and tables so...as soon as he calls..."
"In that case I purpose you refrain from lustful fantasies and get a move on"
Edward pulled a t-shirt over his head and while I put a pair of heels into a tote - to wear later - he pulled a huge black gym bag off the top shelf of the closet. Tossing it on the bed he wiggled his fingers at me "Come here"
Stepping close to him, Edward stared at me intently "I expect you to behave yourself today, and stay in the company of all your friends. I don’t want you out in front of the house for any reason. Do you understand?"
"Yes Master"
"Do not disobey me Isabella, I find it hard enough to leave you in an unsecured place without the added worry of you being irresponsible. My only comfort is that I’m sure a group of overprotective women are more then enough to keep you safe. Heaven help anyone that goes up against them"
Smiling at his assessment I once again assured him "Your girl will be obedient Master, she will not take any risk"
"I’m holding you to that Isabella, until we get this all figured out, I’m not going to tolerate anymore unsafe actions on your part. If anything happens to you, anything at all because you put yourself in an irrational situation, them I am going to hold you personally responsible and you will be severely punish." his eyes grew dark "Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes Master"
"Do Not... force my hand on this Isabella. Because I promise you will not like the aftermath"
The tone of his voice piercing, I shivered at the implied promise and then Edward was tilting my chin up to kiss me. His lips still had the insistant edge they held earlier and part of my fears returned. I wished, for my own piece of mind that we had the time to talk about whatever was bothering him. As if to remind me we had places to go, my phone chirped with a text.
Breaking the kiss, Edward released my chin with a sigh "See who that is"
I already knew; picking up the phone was just a formality - it was Jake
Downstairs the house was a mass of excited energy, everyone scurrying about, carrying boxes, plates of food and colorfully wrapped gift’s out to the back of Dougie’s hummer. My poor dog was beside himself, not knowing what was going on or who to follow. Calling him out to the kitchen for some fresh water and a raw hind seemed to be the trick to keep him out of the way. Taking the bowl of potato salad out front, it became fairly obvious that Seth had gotten over his aversion to my friend. The two of them were having a discussion on the best way to fit everything. As it turned out, most of the gifts ended up in the bed of my of my brothers truck.
Leah’s house, as usual was already tidy, there were only a few dishes drying in the sink to be put away. Claire worked on those while Tracy and I met the rental company out in the yard and the men cleared both vehicles.
Dougie took over directing where everything was to be placed, the tent went up in a matter of minutes. The four men so accustomed to the job, they put it together with the precision of an Amish barn raising. In no time at all the tables and chairs were unloaded and the driver was setting a large box marked ‘linens’ next me. Handing me a clip board, I signed the receipt and thanked him. The whole thing took less then a half hour and by the time the rental company truck rolled away, Leah’s yard was already beginning to look like a garden party.
Seth got two ladders out of shed for him and Edward; following Dougie’s directions the two of them strung wire infused white streamers from both sides of the porch and all along the length of the tent. He then had them go back to hang round white paper lantern at precisely the exact intervals. From where us three girls worked with Quil setting up the seating area I smirked as Dougie had them hook Mason jars filled with silk flowers and long flowing vines on the tent post.
Everything was coming together just as Dougie had explained it to me. Setting the last centerpiece on the table I stood back to take in the scene. It was a simple elegance, pristine white fused with sage green from the cellophane protected wrapped favors at each place setting . Natural live plants with whimsical touches in the centerpieces, surrounded by a
humble canopy of commonness.
Dougie had taken what I said about us being a simple people to heart. In his quest to make the shower special. He added just the right amount of grandeur to the ordinary and made it extraordinary without the least hint of extravagance.
The man was a genius
"Thank You" I said hugging him tightly "It’s just..."
"Perfect" Claire took the word from my mouth while handing Dougie and me a much appreciated glass of Laub punch.
"Why thank you Miss Claire" Dougie said raising his glass to her then before I could warn him, he took a long drink.
Claire had mixed the batch and I wasn’t exactly sure how strong she’d made it. From the way Dougie was drinking it down, my guess was she hadn’t added much Laub at all.
"Ahhhh..." he sighed "Moonshine"
Taking a drink of my own glass, my eyes widened at his reaction because it was rather potent but Dougie just smirked "You forget I was a down home boy girlfriend? I grew up on shine, heck grand-daddy use to put in my bottle"
"Ok, do we need to do anything else?" Quil asked as the three men joined us.
Looking around everything appeared to be ready "No, I guess that’s it"
"Mom and Charlie will here soon" Seth told me after swallowing a mouth full of food.
"Hey...what are you eating?"
"It was just a meatball sandwich"
Unimpressed by my glare, Seth huffed "What? I’m a growing boy...I was hungry...geez, you got me climbing up and down latter’s, stringing a bunch of foo-foo stuff, messing around with flowers so they hang just right..." imitating Dougie’s high pitch tone "I deserved it...screw that shit, I’m eating another one"
"You tell her Seth" Dougie said in a patronizing tone "You’re a growing boy and you sure does need your nourishment to keep all those big muscles of yours" patting his chest "...nice and strong"
Seth backed up just a bit as we all laughed when Dougie growled out the word ‘strong’
"You guys are fucked up!" Seth bellowed over our laughter before retreating into the house - and I assumed - towards the food.
"He’s fun" Dougie chuckled and we heard the faint sound of the front door bell ringing making his eyes perk up as he through his fist in the air "The cake has arrived"
A man dressed in jeans and a T-shirt with Michel’s Bakery plastered over his chest followed Dougie onto the back porch. The white box he was carrying was much bigger then I would have thought. Setting it down on the table, Dougie introduced me to Steve, who after the pleasantries got right to the work of dismantling the cardboard covering.
The more he revealed, the gitty I became and by the time he placed the little fondant scrupled pea pod baby under the frosting foliage I was damn near ecstatic.
"Didn’t I tell you, the cake makes all the difference" Dougie asked me smugly
I answered with true glee in my voice "Dougie I swear, I will never doubt you again"
"And now I got witnesses" he said, slapping his hands together then pointing an accusatory finger "and you all heard it. Master Edward you be my proof if Bells ever tries to be stubborn again"
"Yeah right" Edward scoffed "The correct word isn’t if...but when"
"I’m not stubborn" Edward’s raised eyes had me quickly amending "At least, not all the time...only when I right"
"If you say so babe"
Edward was only patronizing me, I knew damn well my stubborn streak irked the hell out him. However it wasn’t just merely a bad habit he could get rid of, unlike sighing my tenaciousness was something he was going to have to live with.
The low whistle caught us all off guard "Wow, there must be some kind of party going on here"
Charlie’s gruff voice cut off by the hug from Sue "I’m so sorry we were late Bella. But your father was driving...need I say more"
Charlie took the laws of the road quit literally, if the speed limit was fifty-five, he’d stay in the passing lane with the cruise control set at fifty-four.
"I’ve never received a ticket in my life and I sure as heck don’t want to get one for speeding"
"You’re lucky you don’t get pulled over for walking on the throughway" Billy said as he wheeled himself up the ramp.
Going over to him I said hello with an added hug and Charlie huffed "Uh...what am I chopped liver. Drive all this way to get ignored by my own daughter"
"Sorry dad" I said hugging and kissing his cheek "I was just saving the best for last"
Charlie cleared his throat "Ok now...that’s enough of the mushy stuff"
"Oh Bella..." Sue gasped, bringing her hand to her chest as she looked out over the yard "This is just ...Leah is going to be so ...you girls did a beautiful job"
"Thank you but everyone helped set up and really Dougie deserves all the credit...he has the ideas"
Turning to introduce him, I was taken aback by his obvious excitement, Dougie was practically electrified. Bouncing up and down on the balls of his feet with a wide grin on his face. He shook Billy’s hand, said ‘hello mame’ to Sue, then nearly knocked me out of the way in his efforts to reach Charlie.
"I am so excited to finally meet Bell’s Daddy!"
Dougie didn’t hesitate to wrap his arms around my father chest, gripping him with so much enthusiasm they started rocking back and forth. Charlie’s eyes nearly popped out of his head as his face turned seven shades of red and from behind me Quil muttered "I got that one"
My poor father grumbled about being - as he put it - ‘molested’ until the guest started arriving and the men had to leave. As I expected everyone brought enough food to feed an army of pregnant women. A little after two, Leah came home with Jake. As they opened the high privacy gate she almost fell over from the loud ‘Surprise’
My sister took one stunned glance around, looked me square in the eyes, and cried.
"You owe me lunch girlfriend"
Dougie’s whispered reminder in my ear of our bet had me wiping the moisture from my own eyes. I couldn’t really help it, Leah was my sister in every sense of the word. She had been there for me even when I didn’t want anyone around. She never let up, never allowing the misery to overwhelm me. Often times irritating the shit out of me in the process but that was Leah and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. So if it took buying him lunch to make my sister happy, I’d have a standing appointment every damn day.
Jake didn’t stick around much longer and the rest of the afternoon followed in typical Baby Shower tradition. We gorged ourselves with food that was no where near being good for you. Played "Guess How Big The Belly Is’, which irritated Leah to no end and watched her open gift after gift. While she unwrapped I dutifully sat next to her recording everything she received. The last box from her grandmother, contained the suede, beaded ceremonial outfit.
Sue’s mother explained the significance in broken English "This little one be generation five..." holding up her hand "to wear for it’s naming"
In the Christian world, a baptism takes place, the equivalent for the Quileute’s is a naming ceremony that traditionally takes place on the thirtieth day after birth. It is a celebration of life and welcoming of a new soul into the tribe.
"néá’eše néške’éehe" Leah thanked her grandmother with a reverent tone, then fingered the delicate fringe along the edge of the little shirt. After a moment of thoughtfulness she turned to me with a wistful gaze "You’ll be there, right?"
"Where?"
"At the ceremony, you wouldn’t stay away from that?"
Tears filled my eyes as I realized how much anguish my absence from family obligations had caused my sister. The fear of seeing James kept me away from home, at least I had always thought that’s what it was. At that moment I was beginning to question the reasoning. I knew my ex-husbands physical presence was not the only hindrance. It was true, James had always scared me to the point of nausea, I’d become sick and unable to breathe at just the mention of his name.
But I was beginning to understand that it wasn’t so much his actual existence that I feared as it was the knowledge he held. It’s like a criminal avoiding his accomplice so as not to be reminded of all the shameful crimes they committed together. In my mind, I knew the only person privy to all the dirty details was a man I loathed with every fiber of my being.
Still the questions remained. If I had such hatred for him, why would I allowed James to hold so much power over me. Why in the name of god did I continue to keep my mouth shut so he could continue to retain that power? Who was he to create such fear, that I’d stay away from the people who meant the most to me?
It hit me like a ton of bricks.
I’d spent years avoiding anything to do with Forks, not only because James was there but because of who I became when I was there. I feared returning to the desolate girl who found comfort in the suffering. The one who’s subconscious told her feeling pain was better then feeling nothing at all.
But Edward had showed me that wasn’t true, I wasn’t now, nor have I ever been "that girl’. And it didn’t matter if I was in Forks, Seattle or Tim-Buck-To. I would never find comfort in suffering, I might have been a masochist but I wasn’t fucking deranged.
The privilege of that title belonged with James and that’s the reason I had a healthy dose of fear of him - I’d be a fool not to.
Yet somehow the new understanding of myself allowed me to see him in a different light. James might be a rabid dog but I was the one with the shot gun. And if that bastard took one step in my direction, I’d shoot him right between the eyes. In that brief moment of time I’d made up my mind. James Cummings was never again going to hold any power over me.
Smiling at my sister, I told her with all sincerity "I wouldn’t miss it for the world"
The rest of the afternoon was filled with happy laughter, at five o’clock Dougie needed to leave. He had spent the day helping when he could but mostly sitting between Claire and Kim at the table surrounded by my friends. Every now and then I’d hear my name over their laughter and it made me wonder what kind of stories were being revealed. In reality it didn’t really matter, they could tell him anything they wanted. I was just glad he fit in so well. Gay or not, he was the only male at the party, yet no one seemed to mind.
Carrying a handful of empty plates, he came through the back door to to find me with my hands submerged in a sink full of soapy dish water. "I needs to go girlfriend, Daddy is expecting me home soon"
"Oh Ok" I said drying my hands on the dish towel slung over my shoulder before moving to give him a hug "Thank you again, I couldn’t have done all this without you"
"Your welcome, I had a lot of fun." Breaking the embrace he smiled at me "All your friends are so nice"
"Yeah, they are"
"And I’m so glad I got to meet your Daddy"
"Poor Charlie" giggling a bit at my father’s uncomfortable show of emotion "I’m afraid he’s not much of a hugger"
"Well, I’m going to have to work on that aren’t I?" giving me a wink before growing serious "Daddy’s only get a short time to hold their child’s hand, and then they need to hug them every chance they get so we never forget we’re always in their heart"
Embracing him again, I kissed his cheek "You’re the best Dougie"
"So are you girlfriend, you just haven’t fully realized it yet" the words whispered in my ear as his hand patted me on the back. Moving away he held me at arms length "So, I’ll give you a call sometime on Tuesday?"
The curiousness on my face caused him to sigh "So we can make plans for lunch...oh, and I don’t wantz nuttin nutritious"
He spoke around the word like it left a nasty taste in his mouth and I assured him "Me neither"
Telling Dougie I’d return all the extra items he brought for decorating, he had a short conversation with Leah, and before leaving hugged both her and Sue goodbye.
My feet were killing me, changing back into the flats I’d arrived in, I got a fresh glass of Laub punch and finally sat down to talk with the girls. It was only my second glass of the day but it wasn’t my last.
An hour later and two more glasses of punch, everyone started leaving. Kim’s house was going to be overflowing with guest, as was mine. Sue told me not only was Billy staying there but also her two sisters, their husband’s and her parents. I had no idea how they were all going to fit in my tiny house but Sue assured me they had it figured out. I could just picture the furniture in my living room being pushed out of the way to make room for air mattresses. I guess there is a lot to be said for a culture who’s philosophy was ‘there’s always room for one more’
Sue and her sister’s helped Leah take all the gifts inside the house. While they were busy, Rachel, Emily and I started dismantling the seating area. After boxing the dirty linens we moved onto the chairs, folding them to pack in bundles of eight into the zippered carriers. We had them all done except for the two Kim and Claire were standing on to remove the streamers and paper lanterns from the tent poles.
Finishing up, I kept the box of Dougie’s stuff to the side and let everything else under the tent. Rachel went to see if they needed any help inside, returning with Leah and a half full bowl of punch. Setting it in the middle of the patio table she handed out a round of paper cups before filling hers.
"Can’t let this go to waste"
Paul had their oldest son with him and his mom had taken the two year old with her to Kim’s house. So it appeared Rachel was taking advantage of having a childless night.
"What about the tent?" Emily asked while filling my cup before dipping in to fill her own
"The rental company will be here tomorrow to take it down."
The six of us sat around the table finishing off the punch and talking about all the stuff Leah got when she said "Oh Bella, your pictures are ready, are you going to take them home with you?"
"What pictures?" Rachel slurred setting her empty cup on the table.
"The ones I took of Bella, for Edward’s birthday"
"Awwwweeeee...." Emily’s croon was cut off by Kim’s question "when’s his birthday"
"Today...he’s twenty-eight" The dreaminess in my voice was unavoidable - thing of the man just did things to me.
Shaking her head at me Leah expanded upon my answer "Yeah but she’s having his party tomorrow, both families are going to be there and I highly doubt she wants Charlie to see her like that so..."
She was right about that, the last I wanted was for Charlie to be anywhere near those picture.
"Why can’t Charlie see the pictures?" Rachel seemed to think about it for a moment before pointing an a accusatory finger in my direction "Are you naked?"
The denial on the tip of my tongue was interrupted by a rather joyous Leah "Practically"
"Oh I have Got to see these" Rachel’s enthusiasm was seconded by Kim "Me too, where are they"
"No..no..no..."
"Oh come on Bella, you can’t really see anything besides...you didn’t care when Dougie saw them"
"Ohhhhh" Emily crooned "I really like Dougie"
"I know isn’t he great" Claire’s declaration seconded by Kim "He is, we had so much fun with him the night we over making all the favors"
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, Dougie’s great, now lets get back to these pictures"
I sighed at Rachel’s determination and beside me Claire leaned in and giggled "Don’t do that, or you’ll end up in the corner"
Smirking at her I turned my attention to back to Rachel and tried to dissuade her from the quest she was determined to win "They’re just pictures"
"Good then we can see them"
Ok, that didn’t work.
Perhaps I could appeal to her sense of privacy "I..I don’t know, they’re kind of...personal"
"Personal?" questioning me as if she’d never heard of the word and then a smirk crossed her face as she inclined her head towards Kim "that means naked"
Her antics were so comical we all giggled and for a moment Leah seemed to have sided with me "She’s not totally naked...I certainly am not going to be doing any porn..."
Feeling vindicated, I took a long drink from my cup as I watched the disappointment cross Rachel’s face before my traitor sister just had to go and turn on me "But really Bella, you have them all framed and ready for hanging on the wall so eventually someone is going to see. So why should you care, besides we’ve all seen your naked ass before"
The alcohol must have been disrupting my normal brain functions because Leah’s argument actually made sense to me "Oh, alright..." Just as the triumphant smile formed on Rachel’s face I thought of a stipulation.
"But you bitches have to promise not to tell your husbands...or I swear"
Unconcerned with the threat three women smiled sweetly as their right hands rose up in a solemn pledge while I stared at the other two expectantly.
"I’m not married" Claire shrugged as Leah smile smugly "Jake’s already seen them"
"Oh my GOD! Now you Got to show us!" Rachel exclaimed
"Why?" I wondered
"Because my little shit head of a brother can’t see something I’m not allowed to see. That’s just not right and I’m calling ...Big Sister’s Privilege"
Big Sister’s Privilege?
"I never heard of such a thing"
Nodding her head Kim informed me "It’s true Bella, that’s a known rule"
"You just want to see the pictures" I replied with an incriminating finger while Emily picked up the punch bowl to pour the last of it into my cup "Here, have some more liquid courage and lets go see your stuff"
They didn’t even wait for my consent, the five of them pushing back on their chairs and leaving me in the wake. Chugging down the few swallows of punch, I debated letting them go on without me. That way they could make all the obscene comments they wanted. However I really wanted to see the photos in their finished state so as the screen door slammed behind Claire, I hurried inside to catch up.
Sue looked up from the kitchen table where she was sitting with her mother and sisters, "What’s going on ladies?"
"They want to see Bella’s birthday present to Edward"
That’s my sister for you, straight forward and to the point
Four pairs of eyes cast themselves in my direction, almost begging for an invitation to join us. It might have been ill manners on my part but there was no way in hell I was going to let these women anywhere near those photographs. Besides the fact they would forever have something to say about it, Sue was the closest thing to a mother I had. The very last thing I wanted to have happen was for the image of me being all seductive burned into her memory. That would be just to freaking weird for words.
Scurrying through the living room, we followed Leah through the door of her studio under the stairs. She flipped on the overhead light switch sending a bright florescent glow throughout the room that made me squint.
"Holy Shit" with Sue sitting less then fifteen feet away, Rachel’s bellow was louder then I would have liked, thankfully her volume dropped "Damn girl, you’re fucking hot"
Rachel’s utterance brought my attention to the three framed pictures resting predominantly on individual easels. The largest in the center with the two smaller ones tiered on either side. Each could have stood on it’s own yet together they made a wonderfully cohesive collection.
"Wow...those are beautiful Bella" the awe clear in Claire’s voice while Emily agreed "They really are, sexy but not slutty...you did a great job Leah"
Kim continued to admire not only me but also Leah’s talents "I didn’t know you did boudoir shoots"
"It was a first for me, Bella asked...: she shrugged "...and it was kind of fun" looking to me for conformation.
"It was fun..." thinking of that day and the way Edward reacted when I answered the door wearing only a fur wrap, the memory reminded me. "Where is the other one, I want to see it again"
After all the pose of me kneeling in front of Edward was the whole reason for the photo shoot to begin with.
"Ahhh...it’s already wrapped, it’s going to be Edward’s gift from Jake and I"
"You don’t have to give him anything...at least let me pay for the frame"
Leah shook her head and I was going to argue but then a flicker of recollection crossed my slightly inebriated mind. The day Dougie came with me to examine the proofs, Leah had made reference to there being other more proofs, ones she had no inention of allowing me see. At that moment I wanted to know what they were.
"What other ones?" thinking back it dawned on me "Do you mean when I was curled up in Edward’s lap...when Jake walked in?"
"Yup..."
"Let me see them"
"No way...You’re just going to have to wait"
I wasn’t finished discussing the topic at hand, Rachel however was a different story. She had gotten to see what she came for and all of a sudden she had a new agenda "Bella are you going to show us where you’re living now or not"
"Ummm..." before I could come up with an appropriate response Leah put the first conversation to rest "You can see them all tomorrow, trust me, you’re both going to love them. Now..." she pointed to the three on display "...these are good?"
Shaking my head, Leah’s face fell and taking a step closer I kind of curled around her large belly "They’re better then good, they’re stupendous"
Except the Laub was starting to effect me so the word came out sounding more like stew-penis, making both of us laugh so hard her belly shook "Oh jeez, how much did you have to drink?"
"Not enough. I can still feel my tongue"
And I was going to keep drinking until I couldn't.
Had anyone asked me earlier in the morning what was the funniest thing I’ve ever seen, my answer would have unequivocally been "The look on Edward’s face when I put that big bowl in front of me.’ I swear, it took everything I had to keep from laughing in order to follow through with the plan Claire and I had cooked up.
As soon as he left me in the bedroom to work on the writing assignment my mind started thinking about yummy Fruity Pebbles. I had finished the sentences and was halfway through the letter of apology to Demetri when there was a knock on the door.
"Who is it?" Throwing the blankets over my naked backside
"It’s me Claire" she said inching the door open to peek in "I heard Edward leave and not come back so I figured it was safe. You think it’d be alright if I join you?"
Shrugging I waved her in as I thought out loud "Master never said I couldn’t have visitors"
Then again, the subject had never come up, all he said was I was to finish writing before going downstairs.
Claire shut the door behind her, padding over to the bed she curiously eyed the restraints Edward uses to tether me with. Picking up the one perched over the side of the mattress, she held it in her hands as she gingerly sat down beside me.
"You really like this stuff don’t you?"
Titling my head I gave her a tentative look and she quickly expanded "I mean, all of it...the calling him master, the obeying his every command, the snapping at attention when he calls...the being tied up?"
The last reference caused me to giggle, perhaps that had more to do with her expression then the actual words "Yeah I do..." not at all embarrassed by the admission "...in fact I sleep better restrained."
Her mouth dropped open in shock "You sleep all tied up every night?"
"Nooooo...not all tied up, usually just my hands and not every night..." my attention going back to finish the letter "...only the ones Master allows me in his bed"
"Allows you?" she asked dubiously stretching out on her belly beside me
"Uh ah...it’s a privilege to share Master’s bed with him"
Although in reality since being with Edward I’ve only spent one night alone, still it would do me good to remember I slept in the warmth of his arms by invitation, not entitlement.
Cocking my head I glanced at Claire to see her mystified reaction and added "That’s why I have my own room, the one your staying in. It’s the only place in the house where I’m always just Bella. If things ever get to intense or I start to get overwhelmed we have a word I can say and then retreat to the sanctuary of my room. I can yell, cry or curse him out if need be, without fear of there being any consequences."
"A word? Like a safe word? You have one of those?"
Switzerland suddenly popped into my mind, yet I kept that to myself as I explained "We have several. Each one has a different meaning?"
"Have you ever used them?"
Her curiosity not at all startling me, because I was sure I would have asked her the same thing had the roles been reversed. "Yes"
"Uh" Claire huffed and when she didn’t say anything else. Not sure what her reaction meant and not wanting to truly have to expand myself, I went back to the task at hand.
"What are you writing?"
"A letter of apology to Demetri"
"Is that your punishment?"
I thought about for a moment before answering honestly "No, this is just common courtesy..." pulling out the folded papers I had tucked into my journal "...this was my punishment"
Fingering the seven pages filled both front and back with my most legible handwriting - because if Master can’t read them, they didn’t count - Claire read it to herself before asking "Is this how you’re usually punished"
"Sometimes...he gets very imaginative so I’m never sure exactly what he’ll do and there’s always corner time or orgasm denial..." scrunching my face I admitted "that one kind of sucks"
"You mean...no sex?"
"OH No...there’s sex...I’m just not allowed to cum"
Claire’s mouth dropped the time her eyes widened "How do you manage that?"
"It’s one of the first things Master worked on"
Not wanting to bring up my recent bout of rebellion or the lengths taken to cure it, I flipped open the journal to one of the first entries. Detailing the night of my collaring; after placing it on my neck we had our usual session. It was the first time I was forced to remain still, to keep myself from responding with normal reactions. That night Master told me ‘You will learn control.’
Looking back at what was written I could see how far I’ve come in learning that skill. He had started easy, having me stand still while his hands roamed over my body. Having me pleasure myself to the point of orgasms only to have me stop before reaching it. Testing my endurance, finding my limits, showing me and him, how my body responded only to later push me over the edge into a mind blowing orgasm.
Claire listened intently while I verbalized what had already been written before I expanded "At the time I thought it was part of the play, that he was just being a smug bastard. Now I realize it was a starting point, for him to expand upon and the beginning of me learning to associate his touch with pleasure. That night he showed me how much command he could have over my body, all I had to do was trust him. Since then he’s worked little exercises into our ..."
Pausing to think of the correct word all I come up with was the term we used "...usual, until I learned to distract myself and only orgasm when permitted to."
Claire looked at me like I had just told her the sky was pink poka-dot, opening and closing her mouth before wondering "What kind of exercises?"
Repressing the sigh, I thought perhaps the best way for Claire to understand was to just read it for herself. Which is exactly what she did, taking my journal, she sat with her back resting against pillows while I finished the letter and worried about whether I should have allowed her to or not.
Contemplating the correct salutation, I signed the bottom of the paper ‘Master’s Isabella’, and turned to look at my friend. Claire was about half way through the pages I had written on, so I knew she didn’t have time to analyze every passage. Whatever section she was reading had her so engrossed that she didn’t even bother to look up from it when I got off the bed.
Not planning to shower until after breakfast I threw on a pair of sweat pants and a baggy hoodie that was loose enough I wouldn’t need a bra. Turning around to see what Claire was doing I was met with an ambiguous expression. Her confounded stare unsettled me, the growing tension caused my stomach to churn as I wondered what she had read. The journal was like a lifeline, a place where I purged all my hopes and fears, not just about my descent into the world of domination but also the memories of a painful past.
What the hell was I thinking?
What was Claire thinking of me?
Mentally kicking myself for allowing her access to my innermost private I was just about to begin justifying myself when she asked "Where do I get one of those BFF’s?"
I’m not sure if it was relief or the question itself that caused me to burst out laughing - Claire didn’t think I was fucked up either. The revelation Edward forced me to acknowledge earlier came to mind. I have nothing to be ashamed of, because there is nothing wrong with me. There hadn’t really been enough time for me to fully comprehend what that revelation meant to me yet. I could only imagine it was going to take me a day or so to fully come to terms with all the connotation involved with such declaration. I was going to need some alone time of quiet reflection and a few blank pages in my journal to fully accept being a masochist.
Claire giggled along with me asking "Is a BFF that good?"
"Fan-fucking-taskic" I said wiping the tears from my eyes "Come on, let’s go, I need some coffee"
Claire put my journal on the nightstand and helped me make the bed, when I opened the door to leave were hit with the aroma of fried bacon and something sweet.
"That smells fantastic"
"It does..." noddimh in agreement "...but Edward and I are having Fruity Pebbles"
She giggled "What’s up with those anyway?"
Claire was there when Demetri gave me two boxes of cereal, however she didn’t know the whole story. On the way down the steps I gave her the abridged version, hitting the highlights with enough gusto that she could piece it all together.
Reaching the bottom of the landing the thought came to me "I act like I’m going to eat out a really big bowl."
"Yeah like huge mixing bowls" her giggle causing the merriment in me to surface as I thought of another detail "And a big spoon...oh my god, can you image the look on his face when he sees it?"
"I should take his picture" Claire laughed
"Yeah, yeah...do it" I encouraged
Claire grew serious "Won’t he be mad and punish you again?"
It was a valid question, however it had just been the previous evening when I confessed about OCB - operation cock block. At that time Edward assured me that those kinds of games were not olny acceptable but were expected between lovers. It was the weekend, however to accommodate a house full of guest we had agreed to amend out D/s roles. For this one weekend Edward was only my Master in the private confines of His bedroom. Messing around and teasing Master could prove to be very dangerous. It was a different matter all together to be provoking Edward the boyfriend, in the kitchen, with a bowl of Fruity Pebbles.
It sounded like the conclusion to a game of ‘Clue’
That thought made me giggle and I assured my friend "No, he’ll do something to get me back but he won’t punish me and it’ll be funny as hell."
And it was
However nothing, absolutely nothing, compares to the look on my brothers face when he met Dougie for the first time.
Seth tried to high tail it out of the kitchen as soon as he was done eating, I wasn’t having none of that. The big jerk had the nerve to sit there all smug telling me he was king, because he was the only son. I showed him what he was king of - Dirty Dishes
Seth grumbled and complained about having to touch other people’s garbage while scrapping dishes into the disposal.
Muttering under his breath "this is disgusting"
Placing a few more glasses on the counter I patted him on the back "Sometimes even kings have to do work, just like us peons"
Seth rolled his eyes, making me giggle and Dougie came into the kitchen waving his hand in large half circle "Good Morning People"
Claire and Quil both replied while Tracy and my brother looked at the new comer with staggering expressions. It’s not that I could blame them, after all my bestest friend was his natural exuberant self. Plus, he was dressed in typical fashion, wearing jeans and for the occasion a mint green shirt with a darker bow tie. To me he appeared quite fashionable but I could see how someone not accustomed to his sense of fashion and liveliness could be a bit overwhelmed.
Expecting Edward to appear so he could eat his warmed food, my attention was focused on where he was rather then what was happening in front of me. It took me a second to see Dougie’s honing in on my brother. He had a wide grin on his face and bright eyes as he sauntered up to Seth in a cat like a cat prowl.
Seth’s eyes growing larger with step Dougie took until he stopped just shy of being within a socailly acceptable distance. Glancing up at my brother, he appeared to be almost horrified,
"And who are you?"
The sound of Dougie’s voice raising two octaves on the last word had me snickering under my breath. Poor Seth was so tongue tied, all he could get out was "umm...umm..." as he glanced at me with an expression that clearly said "HELP!"
"This is my brother Seth" the humor in my voice not making said brother all too happy.Dougie on the other hand had a different response.
One side of his lips curved up into a snarl and he growl making me laugh harder while Seth nearly shit himself.
"Down Boy..Down" I said patting Dougie on the shoulder and Seth pulled Tracy by the arm, positioning her in the narrow space between the two of them "This is my girlfriend Tracy"
"Oh Darn!" Dougie’s said with a snap of his fingers, looking to me his face became contrite "Why are the good ones always taken?"
"Um...I’m going to go showe..." Seth’s eyes flickering to Dougie before studdering out "...umm...get..get...get ready. Come on Trace" he said pulling the giggling girl along with him.
"Hey you didn’t finish the dishes" I yelled after the retreating pair
"I’ll do it later" Seth called back but they were already going up the stairs and the four of us started laughing.
"Oh man, you should have gotten a picture of Seth’s face" Quil said though his chuckles "That was ...priceless"
"I couldn’t resist" Dougie said with a grin before looking to me "hey girlfriend you got any more coffee?"
"It’s in the pot..." pointing to the counter "...and don’t you girlfriend me, I’m still mad at you"
"What’d I do?"
My mouth dropped open "Are you kidding me?"
His brow furrowed but he went to get himself a cup while I covered Edward’s plate and stuck it in the oven to keep warm.
Where the hell was he?
"Look we got trouble."
Ignoring Dougie’s comment I asked him where Edward went while joining Claire and Quil back at the table. Dougie sat in the chair across from me becoming rather serious "That’s what I needs to talk to you about"
His eyes flickered to Quil before inclining his head towards me to whisper "Is he safe?"
Not sure what ‘safe’ meant and not wanting to insult Quil I quickly changed the subject "You know I’m still ticked off about last night"
Snapping his head back Dougie gave me a thoughtful expression "What about last night?"
"What on earth were you thinking, challenging me like that?"
"Iz told you, I wanted my title back and that’s the only way I could get it...besides" a sly smile forming on his face "why would you be mad about showing all those bitches at the club the reason Master Edward is with you?"
"What do you mean? You think Edward only wants me for head?"
"No of course not, geez, anyone with one good eye can see that man has undying love for you...if they bothered to look. But all those wenches aren’t looking, so all they see you as is just another woman standing in their way. And if you don’t think they are wondering what you have that they don’t..."
I sort of saw what he was saying "So now they know that I...."
"Can suck a swamp rat through hose and drain it dry with your boa constrictor throat"
Quirking my lips I couldn’t think of a proper comeback and I didn’t have to because Dougie asked "By the way, how long can you hold your breath?"
"I don’t know..." i said with a shrug "...never time it"
Dougie chuckled "That will be the next challenge"
"Don’t you dare!"
"Ah...come on Bells, these kind of things break up the every night monotony . Besides just think how much Master Edward enjoys it. Not only does he get to show you off, he can also strut around the club like he was the head roaster of the hen house. Knowing every man...gay or straight..." nodding his head as he said each word "...wishes they could have you, just one time, so they can experience what he gotz...aint that right Quilly?"
Claire and I snickered at the nick name, but Quil’s eyes said he didn’t find the term nor the question, at all amusing. "I don’t think so...and don’t call me Quilly"
"Well, I suppose you’re not really the best person to ask, cuz youz is like Bells family or something, but you have to admit she sure did gets lotz of attention last night after winning"
Quil nodded and I thought how Dougie was correct in his assumption, lots of people came to speak with Edward and I, offering a comment or congratulations. Often times I was gazed at with an appreciative glance, almost like my victory had gain me some kind of commendation. A mixture of acceptance, adoration and approval, I was no longer Master’s little tag along, but rather part of their...our community.
"What time do we need to leave Bells?" Quil’s question bring me out of my thoughts.
Telling him the time schudle and hoping Jake was secusseful in getting Leah out of the house on time, he started to get up "In that case we better get ready, come along Claire"
"Ummm... Is it ok if I stay a few minutes to finish my coffee?"
I smiled at how she subtly asked for permission and so did Quil, nodding he told her not to take too long and left the three of us alone.
"Ok..." Dougie said conspiratorially as he once again leaned towards me "The jig is up, Daddy knows all about the phone call."
"You told Double D?" Edward already knew, so my alarm wasn’t about getting into trouble it was more that Dougie had broken my confidence.
His face fell "I couldn’t help it, Daddy kept working, and working on me until he gotz the truth." he expression turned forlorn "I didn’t mean to, but Daddy has his ways and well...his curiosity was peaked after talking to you and ...I just ...I’m sorry...I tried not to cave...I really did...I just..."
Reaching over I patted his hand "It’s ok, it was kind of my fault for acting so stupid when Double D was talking to me"
"Yeah well, Daddy is talking to Master Edward....right this minute" accentuating each word by smacking the table
Oh that’s where Edward was
Giving a shrug I admitted "It doesn’t matter, I already confessed but I said it was all my idea so you didn’t get in any trouble"
"Ohhhhhh no..." Dougie groaned and for some reason Claire giggled
Ignoring her Dougie focused on me "Iz told Daddy it was all my idea, cause I didn’t want to get you in trouble...cause I love you"
"I love you too"
And I did
We sat there talking for a few more minutes finishing our coffee and telling Claire the story of why I call Riley, Double D. Remembering how he had laughed and how much joy Riley got from my nickname, I tried to find out why from Dougie. All he said was ‘It’s an inside joke’ and I got the feeling the two ‘D’s’ stood for something either extremely embarrassing or very personal. Maybe Dougie was right and it’s better if I don’t know, after all - after all ignorance is bliss.
"You better get ready girlfriend, cause I don’t think you want to goes dressed like that and looking like you’ve had a hard night in the sack"
Claire snickered while I became indignant "I beg your pardon?"
"Oh come on girlfriend, have you taken a good look at yourself?" Dougie asked with raised eyebrows
"No...I didn’t"
"Yeah, that’s what I thought" he said with a smug tone "Everyone else might stay quiet so your not em-barra-ssed" dragging out the word using a deep bass tone "...but girlfriend I will always tell you the truth, and frankly you look like you either had a one hell of a long night or a fan-tastic morning"
The normal rise of his voice on the last syllable made me giggle and just to be a smart ass I to grew slightly smug "Just for the record...it was Both"
Claire chuckled while Dougie grinned "Well you go girl...and while you’re there, why don’t you shower and dress in something less...grungy"
Taking offence at the word grungy I huffed out a sigh "I have to finish to dishes first"
"Go...Go..." waving his hand dismissively "...I’ll finish this"
I wasn’t sure what Miss Manners would say about allowing a guest to clean up a meal he didn’t even eat but I was in no position to argue. Using a pot holder I took Edward’s warm plate out of the oven, sprinkled the pancakes with syrup, grabbed a fork and headed up the stairs.
Edward sat on my side of bed with his feet planted on the floor. He was still on the phone however judging from the one sided conversation I was privy to, it was obvious the other person was not Riley. Not wanting to interrupt, I knelt down before him with lowered eyes and held the plate out in offering. He finished on the phone by saying ‘I love you too’ and added ‘see you tomorrow’
"Isabella?"
Meeting his eyes I could tell right a way something was bothering him "My grandmother is slightly upset she didn’t receive an invitation to join us tomorrow"
OH?
It had never dawned on me to invite her and I suddenly felt bad about that "Your girl..."
"Quiet...it’s not anything to apologize for, my grandmother knows she’s always invited. To be honest, once I knew of the plans I should have called her myself. I’m only telling you so you’ll know there will be another person joining us." Pausing, he eyed my hands "What did you bring me?"
"Your warm breakfast Master"
Taking the plate from my hands he set on the nightstand "Thank you Isabella"
There was a subtle edge to Edward’s voice, almost as if he was attempting to suppress his anger. Master continued to gaze at me for a long moment before making my heart skip a beat by giving me the hand signal to get in my waiting pose. Dropping my bottom down onto the floor, I began to worry over what could be bothering him.
"Isabella I need to talk with you about something I learned a few minutes ago. Unfortunately this came to light at the most inopportune moment. I thought about not bringing it up to you at all today however I don’t believe I have the patience to hold off. So I want you to speak freely and reply only my questions, I don’t want to hear anything from you except direct answers. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes Master"
Anticipating his questions to be centered around something Riley told him, I was completely taken off guard with the very first one "What can you tell me about Phil?"
Phil?
My hesitation caused Edward to become agitated "Answer me"
Suddenly on edge I stammered "Wh..what would you like to know?"
Leaning forward he clasped his hands together between his knees as he rested his arms on his legs. The new position brought Edward’s face closer to mine, yet I still had to look up at him.
"Do you remember ever meeting his parents? Maybe they were at the wedding or something?" sounding almost hopeful.
"No Sir" I said shaking my head "Phil and mom were were married at the JP, it was only them and me. Phil was raised by his grandparents...like my mom was. It was one of the things they had in common"
"Did he ever talk about his parents? Where they were, what they did for a living, anything at all?"
Shaking my head I was about to tell him ‘no’ when he practically beseeched me "Think Isabella...there must be something you remember"
I tried to do just that - think - but it was so long ago and I was just so very young, a lot of those early childhood memories fade. There were thing’s I still remembered about my mother, like the scent of her perfume - Charlie. I still had a bottle of it tucked away in a box. When she had first died and I went to live with my dad, I’d spray a mist of the scent on my pillow, in hopes of chasing the ache away. Phil never wore colone, he just always had a faint smell of cigarette smoke and cinnamon from the sticks of Big Red gum he always chewed.
Those were the clearest memories I had, yet Edward was looking for that kind of information, for whatever reason, he wanted something more tangible. Try as I might, there was only one thing that came to mind.
"Phil’s mother died...when she was young...some kind of an accident, I think. Tha...That’s why he lived with his grandparents. I remember driving to met them when I was little. It was a long trip and they came down to Phoenix to watch Phil play. They were nice people, and seemed to approve of my mom and me...I remember they brought me a present...a doll"
my eyes narrowed as that forgotten detail came out "After the car accident, I never saw them again. I’d get birthday cards and send them letters with school pictures. But that kind of stopped as I got older. Bill - his grandfather died when I was in High School and while I was at Dartmouth I went to see his grandmother once. She still lived in the same house outside of Hanover but she was suffering from Alzheimer’s and didn’t remember me at all, then she died a year later."
Edward’s face crinkled in contemplation "Do you know what happened to the grandparent’s estate?"
Bewildered by the question I stammered "I...I...I guess they would have needed to use it for her care. She had a nurse there with her, all the time, that has to be costly"
Thinking over my reply Edward pursed his lips "And what about Phil’s father, can you remember anything about him?"
"No Sir"
"Not even his name?"
"No Sir, I don’t ever remember him being mentioned. I don’t think his mother was ever married, because Phil’s grandparent’s had the same last name - Dwyer"
A flicker of some emotion I couldn’t recognize crossed Edward’s face and then his eyes narrowed "Is all the paperwork from your mother’s estate still here?"
"Yes Sir, they are in my room"
"Are you aware of any of Phil’s personal papers in among them, like his birth certificate, baptismal or hospital records, anything like that?"
"I...I think there are a few. There is definitely his death certificate and a copy of the will in there"
Taking a deep breath, Edward appeared almost pained "Would you mind if I took a look at them?"
Racking my brain I tried my hardest to figure out a reason Edward would have for wanting to see them, however he was waiting for an answer so I replied quietly "No Sir, would you like me to get them now?"
Letting out a sigh he sat upright "No, it’s probably best to wait until we have the time to really go over them. Let’s just enjoy the time with our friends and we’ll look at them tomorrow."
His response was really worrying me and although I should have remained quiet I had to know "Did something happen Master?"
"I don’t know for sure Isabella, and I would like nothing more then to discuss this in full with you. However at the moment, we both need to get ready, so would you please trust me to know I’ll do my best to fill you in when we have the time."
"Should this one be worried?" Given his demeanor, it was an honest question.
"No..." hesitating for a moment he added "...at least not any more then you have been. Just please, for me, be safe"
"Yes Sir"
Motioning to me with his hand to come forward, I shuffled my knees forward until I was between his opened legs and he wrapped his arms around me, hugging me to him. "I love you...more then you can ever imagine"
I was going to respond with my own declaration when Edward released his hold, grasped my chin and kissed me. His lips were almost urgent, consuming, like for some reason he was attempting to immortalize the moment.
It was frightening
Pulling back I once again was trying to discern what was wrong, lifting my hand I rested it against his cheek "Are you alright?"
"No..." shaking his head "I’m far from alright"
"What happened?"
"Please, be patient and we’ll discuss this when we have the time to fully examine it without having to rush or be interrupted"
As if to confirm his last statement, Edward’s phone rang, picking it up with a sigh, he answered "Hey Emmett, give me a second"
Giving me his full attention he forced a smile "You better get in the shower Isabella or you’ll never be ready in time"
Getting to my feet I stood there biting my lip, knowing I was being disobedient yet still not moving because there was something that needed to be said. Edward watched me with raised eyebrows "What is it?"
"Your girl loves you Master" a true smile formed on his face and as he raised the phone to his ear, I repeated his statement "More then you can ever imagine"
Scurrying into the bathroom I heard Edward tell his bother to ‘Shut the hell up’ so I assumed Emmett overhead my declaration and was using it to taunt. Stepping into the shower I couldn’t help but worry over the conversation we just had. It made no sense to me why Phil was all of a sudden so important. Besides where would that topic have even originated from? Everything seemed fine until he came upstairs to call Riley, and I highly doubted Phil’s name would have come up in that conversation. No, I was absolutely sure something else must have brought it on.
Edward asked for my trust, to tell me when we have the chance to sit down and look at the whole thing rationally. I could that, I would do that, standing under the hot spray of water I felt invigorated. With the outward cleansing, I also did an internal one, pushing all thoughts of anxiety to the back of my mind, to revisit at another time.
Edward didn’t come into the bathroom until I had just finished drying my hair and had started brushing my teeth. He paused for a moment to kiss my cheek before stripping off his clothes to shower. I couldn’t help but to watch his reflection in the mirror, my eyes glued to the firmness of his butt, the muscles in his legs, flexing, making his cheeks appear to be dancing. I had a sudden desire to touch him, to feel the strength of his toned legs. To savor the warmth of his body against my hand and caress the smoothness of his skin marred by the prickles of short fine hairs.
The throat clearing took me away from the daydream, my eyes shot to the green ones staring at me in the mirror and I could feel my face flush with warmth.
Edward smirked "Are you enjoying the view Isabella?"
"Yes...Sir" talking around a mouth full of frothy foam with the toothbrush handle sticking out of my mouth.
"That’s always a good thing nâhtötse" chuckling as he got into the shower.
Shaking my head, I finished up and went to get dressed. I considered the plans Dougie had drawn out for me of his ‘Pea In A Pod’ theme when choosing a pair of olive colored slacks with an off white sleeveless shirt. Figuring it was dressy enough yet still practical for setting up Leah’s yard. Flats were also in order and I was just slipping them on when Edward came out of the bathroom wearing nothing but a towel around his waist.
Naked Edward was a sight to behold, slightly hidden Edward was just...yummy. I guess that’s because there is something to be said for letting you imagination run wild and mind sure was doing a lot of that.
Using another towel to vigorously rub the back of his head, he glanced over at me and smirked "Well at least your not drooling this time"
Only because my mouth had gone dry
God he was beautiful, how in the world could such an exquisite specimen of man could have been meant for me, I’d never know, but Jesus, was I glad he was.
"Isabella?"
My gaze snapping from Edward’s bare chest to his eyes "Yes Sir?"
"Are we a little distracted today?"
"Ahhh..." my brain still fogged over with the dazzling sight before me
"Ah, is not an answer. Do you just have a lot on your mind, or are you exceptionally needy today?"
"Ummm...."
Chuckling as he dropped the towel to put on a pair of light gray boxer briefs that left nothing to the imagination. Every dip, every curve, every bulge and there was most definitely a predominate bulge.
"Isabella, my eyes are up here"
Oops
Biting my lip, I took a deep breath and forced myself to look up at his face. Edward shook his head "There will be time for that later, however do you think you could get your mind off my dick for a few minutes and answer my question"
Question...what question?
Oh yeah
"Your girl seems exceptionally needy today Master"
Edward threw is head back in laughter before shaking his head "Perhaps I’ll address that need later Isabella" stepping into a pair of running pants "For now I was wondering what time you need to be at your sisters"
"Oh..." I hadn’t heard that question "ummm....Jake should be calling any minute to say the coast is clear. The rental company is arriving at twelve-fifteen with the tent and tables so...as soon as he calls..."
"In that case I purpose you refrain from lustful fantasies and get a move on"
Edward pulled a t-shirt over his head and while I put a pair of heels into a tote - to wear later - he pulled a huge black gym bag off the top shelf of the closet. Tossing it on the bed he wiggled his fingers at me "Come here"
Stepping close to him, Edward stared at me intently "I expect you to behave yourself today, and stay in the company of all your friends. I don’t want you out in front of the house for any reason. Do you understand?"
"Yes Master"
"Do not disobey me Isabella, I find it hard enough to leave you in an unsecured place without the added worry of you being irresponsible. My only comfort is that I’m sure a group of overprotective women are more then enough to keep you safe. Heaven help anyone that goes up against them"
Smiling at his assessment I once again assured him "Your girl will be obedient Master, she will not take any risk"
"I’m holding you to that Isabella, until we get this all figured out, I’m not going to tolerate anymore unsafe actions on your part. If anything happens to you, anything at all because you put yourself in an irrational situation, them I am going to hold you personally responsible and you will be severely punish." his eyes grew dark "Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes Master"
"Do Not... force my hand on this Isabella. Because I promise you will not like the aftermath"
The tone of his voice piercing, I shivered at the implied promise and then Edward was tilting my chin up to kiss me. His lips still had the insistant edge they held earlier and part of my fears returned. I wished, for my own piece of mind that we had the time to talk about whatever was bothering him. As if to remind me we had places to go, my phone chirped with a text.
Breaking the kiss, Edward released my chin with a sigh "See who that is"
I already knew; picking up the phone was just a formality - it was Jake
Downstairs the house was a mass of excited energy, everyone scurrying about, carrying boxes, plates of food and colorfully wrapped gift’s out to the back of Dougie’s hummer. My poor dog was beside himself, not knowing what was going on or who to follow. Calling him out to the kitchen for some fresh water and a raw hind seemed to be the trick to keep him out of the way. Taking the bowl of potato salad out front, it became fairly obvious that Seth had gotten over his aversion to my friend. The two of them were having a discussion on the best way to fit everything. As it turned out, most of the gifts ended up in the bed of my of my brothers truck.
Leah’s house, as usual was already tidy, there were only a few dishes drying in the sink to be put away. Claire worked on those while Tracy and I met the rental company out in the yard and the men cleared both vehicles.
Dougie took over directing where everything was to be placed, the tent went up in a matter of minutes. The four men so accustomed to the job, they put it together with the precision of an Amish barn raising. In no time at all the tables and chairs were unloaded and the driver was setting a large box marked ‘linens’ next me. Handing me a clip board, I signed the receipt and thanked him. The whole thing took less then a half hour and by the time the rental company truck rolled away, Leah’s yard was already beginning to look like a garden party.
Seth got two ladders out of shed for him and Edward; following Dougie’s directions the two of them strung wire infused white streamers from both sides of the porch and all along the length of the tent. He then had them go back to hang round white paper lantern at precisely the exact intervals. From where us three girls worked with Quil setting up the seating area I smirked as Dougie had them hook Mason jars filled with silk flowers and long flowing vines on the tent post.
Everything was coming together just as Dougie had explained it to me. Setting the last centerpiece on the table I stood back to take in the scene. It was a simple elegance, pristine white fused with sage green from the cellophane protected wrapped favors at each place setting . Natural live plants with whimsical touches in the centerpieces, surrounded by a
Dougie had taken what I said about us being a simple people to heart. In his quest to make the shower special. He added just the right amount of grandeur to the ordinary and made it extraordinary without the least hint of extravagance.
The man was a genius
"Thank You" I said hugging him tightly "It’s just..."
"Perfect" Claire took the word from my mouth while handing Dougie and me a much appreciated glass of Laub punch.
"Why thank you Miss Claire" Dougie said raising his glass to her then before I could warn him, he took a long drink.
Claire had mixed the batch and I wasn’t exactly sure how strong she’d made it. From the way Dougie was drinking it down, my guess was she hadn’t added much Laub at all.
"Ahhhh..." he sighed "Moonshine"
Taking a drink of my own glass, my eyes widened at his reaction because it was rather potent but Dougie just smirked "You forget I was a down home boy girlfriend? I grew up on shine, heck grand-daddy use to put in my bottle"
"Ok, do we need to do anything else?" Quil asked as the three men joined us.
Looking around everything appeared to be ready "No, I guess that’s it"
"Mom and Charlie will here soon" Seth told me after swallowing a mouth full of food.
"Hey...what are you eating?"
"It was just a meatball sandwich"
Unimpressed by my glare, Seth huffed "What? I’m a growing boy...I was hungry...geez, you got me climbing up and down latter’s, stringing a bunch of foo-foo stuff, messing around with flowers so they hang just right..." imitating Dougie’s high pitch tone "I deserved it...screw that shit, I’m eating another one"
"You tell her Seth" Dougie said in a patronizing tone "You’re a growing boy and you sure does need your nourishment to keep all those big muscles of yours" patting his chest "...nice and strong"
Seth backed up just a bit as we all laughed when Dougie growled out the word ‘strong’
"You guys are fucked up!" Seth bellowed over our laughter before retreating into the house - and I assumed - towards the food.
"He’s fun" Dougie chuckled and we heard the faint sound of the front door bell ringing making his eyes perk up as he through his fist in the air "The cake has arrived"
A man dressed in jeans and a T-shirt with Michel’s Bakery plastered over his chest followed Dougie onto the back porch. The white box he was carrying was much bigger then I would have thought. Setting it down on the table, Dougie introduced me to Steve, who after the pleasantries got right to the work of dismantling the cardboard covering.
"Didn’t I tell you, the cake makes all the difference" Dougie asked me smugly
I answered with true glee in my voice "Dougie I swear, I will never doubt you again"
"And now I got witnesses" he said, slapping his hands together then pointing an accusatory finger "and you all heard it. Master Edward you be my proof if Bells ever tries to be stubborn again"
"Yeah right" Edward scoffed "The correct word isn’t if...but when"
"I’m not stubborn" Edward’s raised eyes had me quickly amending "At least, not all the time...only when I right"
"If you say so babe"
Edward was only patronizing me, I knew damn well my stubborn streak irked the hell out him. However it wasn’t just merely a bad habit he could get rid of, unlike sighing my tenaciousness was something he was going to have to live with.
The low whistle caught us all off guard "Wow, there must be some kind of party going on here"
Charlie’s gruff voice cut off by the hug from Sue "I’m so sorry we were late Bella. But your father was driving...need I say more"
Charlie took the laws of the road quit literally, if the speed limit was fifty-five, he’d stay in the passing lane with the cruise control set at fifty-four.
"I’ve never received a ticket in my life and I sure as heck don’t want to get one for speeding"
"You’re lucky you don’t get pulled over for walking on the throughway" Billy said as he wheeled himself up the ramp.
Going over to him I said hello with an added hug and Charlie huffed "Uh...what am I chopped liver. Drive all this way to get ignored by my own daughter"
"Sorry dad" I said hugging and kissing his cheek "I was just saving the best for last"
Charlie cleared his throat "Ok now...that’s enough of the mushy stuff"
"Oh Bella..." Sue gasped, bringing her hand to her chest as she looked out over the yard "This is just ...Leah is going to be so ...you girls did a beautiful job"
"Thank you but everyone helped set up and really Dougie deserves all the credit...he has the ideas"
Turning to introduce him, I was taken aback by his obvious excitement, Dougie was practically electrified. Bouncing up and down on the balls of his feet with a wide grin on his face. He shook Billy’s hand, said ‘hello mame’ to Sue, then nearly knocked me out of the way in his efforts to reach Charlie.
"I am so excited to finally meet Bell’s Daddy!"
Dougie didn’t hesitate to wrap his arms around my father chest, gripping him with so much enthusiasm they started rocking back and forth. Charlie’s eyes nearly popped out of his head as his face turned seven shades of red and from behind me Quil muttered "I got that one"
My poor father grumbled about being - as he put it - ‘molested’ until the guest started arriving and the men had to leave. As I expected everyone brought enough food to feed an army of pregnant women. A little after two, Leah came home with Jake. As they opened the high privacy gate she almost fell over from the loud ‘Surprise’
My sister took one stunned glance around, looked me square in the eyes, and cried.
"You owe me lunch girlfriend"
Dougie’s whispered reminder in my ear of our bet had me wiping the moisture from my own eyes. I couldn’t really help it, Leah was my sister in every sense of the word. She had been there for me even when I didn’t want anyone around. She never let up, never allowing the misery to overwhelm me. Often times irritating the shit out of me in the process but that was Leah and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. So if it took buying him lunch to make my sister happy, I’d have a standing appointment every damn day.
Jake didn’t stick around much longer and the rest of the afternoon followed in typical Baby Shower tradition. We gorged ourselves with food that was no where near being good for you. Played "Guess How Big The Belly Is’, which irritated Leah to no end and watched her open gift after gift. While she unwrapped I dutifully sat next to her recording everything she received. The last box from her grandmother, contained the suede, beaded ceremonial outfit.
Sue’s mother explained the significance in broken English "This little one be generation five..." holding up her hand "to wear for it’s naming"
In the Christian world, a baptism takes place, the equivalent for the Quileute’s is a naming ceremony that traditionally takes place on the thirtieth day after birth. It is a celebration of life and welcoming of a new soul into the tribe.
"néá’eše néške’éehe" Leah thanked her grandmother with a reverent tone, then fingered the delicate fringe along the edge of the little shirt. After a moment of thoughtfulness she turned to me with a wistful gaze "You’ll be there, right?"
"Where?"
"At the ceremony, you wouldn’t stay away from that?"
Tears filled my eyes as I realized how much anguish my absence from family obligations had caused my sister. The fear of seeing James kept me away from home, at least I had always thought that’s what it was. At that moment I was beginning to question the reasoning. I knew my ex-husbands physical presence was not the only hindrance. It was true, James had always scared me to the point of nausea, I’d become sick and unable to breathe at just the mention of his name.
But I was beginning to understand that it wasn’t so much his actual existence that I feared as it was the knowledge he held. It’s like a criminal avoiding his accomplice so as not to be reminded of all the shameful crimes they committed together. In my mind, I knew the only person privy to all the dirty details was a man I loathed with every fiber of my being.
Still the questions remained. If I had such hatred for him, why would I allowed James to hold so much power over me. Why in the name of god did I continue to keep my mouth shut so he could continue to retain that power? Who was he to create such fear, that I’d stay away from the people who meant the most to me?
It hit me like a ton of bricks.
I’d spent years avoiding anything to do with Forks, not only because James was there but because of who I became when I was there. I feared returning to the desolate girl who found comfort in the suffering. The one who’s subconscious told her feeling pain was better then feeling nothing at all.
But Edward had showed me that wasn’t true, I wasn’t now, nor have I ever been "that girl’. And it didn’t matter if I was in Forks, Seattle or Tim-Buck-To. I would never find comfort in suffering, I might have been a masochist but I wasn’t fucking deranged.
The privilege of that title belonged with James and that’s the reason I had a healthy dose of fear of him - I’d be a fool not to.
Yet somehow the new understanding of myself allowed me to see him in a different light. James might be a rabid dog but I was the one with the shot gun. And if that bastard took one step in my direction, I’d shoot him right between the eyes. In that brief moment of time I’d made up my mind. James Cummings was never again going to hold any power over me.
Smiling at my sister, I told her with all sincerity "I wouldn’t miss it for the world"
The rest of the afternoon was filled with happy laughter, at five o’clock Dougie needed to leave. He had spent the day helping when he could but mostly sitting between Claire and Kim at the table surrounded by my friends. Every now and then I’d hear my name over their laughter and it made me wonder what kind of stories were being revealed. In reality it didn’t really matter, they could tell him anything they wanted. I was just glad he fit in so well. Gay or not, he was the only male at the party, yet no one seemed to mind.
Carrying a handful of empty plates, he came through the back door to to find me with my hands submerged in a sink full of soapy dish water. "I needs to go girlfriend, Daddy is expecting me home soon"
"Oh Ok" I said drying my hands on the dish towel slung over my shoulder before moving to give him a hug "Thank you again, I couldn’t have done all this without you"
"Your welcome, I had a lot of fun." Breaking the embrace he smiled at me "All your friends are so nice"
"Yeah, they are"
"And I’m so glad I got to meet your Daddy"
"Poor Charlie" giggling a bit at my father’s uncomfortable show of emotion "I’m afraid he’s not much of a hugger"
"Well, I’m going to have to work on that aren’t I?" giving me a wink before growing serious "Daddy’s only get a short time to hold their child’s hand, and then they need to hug them every chance they get so we never forget we’re always in their heart"
Embracing him again, I kissed his cheek "You’re the best Dougie"
"So are you girlfriend, you just haven’t fully realized it yet" the words whispered in my ear as his hand patted me on the back. Moving away he held me at arms length "So, I’ll give you a call sometime on Tuesday?"
The curiousness on my face caused him to sigh "So we can make plans for lunch...oh, and I don’t wantz nuttin nutritious"
He spoke around the word like it left a nasty taste in his mouth and I assured him "Me neither"
Telling Dougie I’d return all the extra items he brought for decorating, he had a short conversation with Leah, and before leaving hugged both her and Sue goodbye.
My feet were killing me, changing back into the flats I’d arrived in, I got a fresh glass of Laub punch and finally sat down to talk with the girls. It was only my second glass of the day but it wasn’t my last.
An hour later and two more glasses of punch, everyone started leaving. Kim’s house was going to be overflowing with guest, as was mine. Sue told me not only was Billy staying there but also her two sisters, their husband’s and her parents. I had no idea how they were all going to fit in my tiny house but Sue assured me they had it figured out. I could just picture the furniture in my living room being pushed out of the way to make room for air mattresses. I guess there is a lot to be said for a culture who’s philosophy was ‘there’s always room for one more’
Sue and her sister’s helped Leah take all the gifts inside the house. While they were busy, Rachel, Emily and I started dismantling the seating area. After boxing the dirty linens we moved onto the chairs, folding them to pack in bundles of eight into the zippered carriers. We had them all done except for the two Kim and Claire were standing on to remove the streamers and paper lanterns from the tent poles.
Finishing up, I kept the box of Dougie’s stuff to the side and let everything else under the tent. Rachel went to see if they needed any help inside, returning with Leah and a half full bowl of punch. Setting it in the middle of the patio table she handed out a round of paper cups before filling hers.
"Can’t let this go to waste"
Paul had their oldest son with him and his mom had taken the two year old with her to Kim’s house. So it appeared Rachel was taking advantage of having a childless night.
"What about the tent?" Emily asked while filling my cup before dipping in to fill her own
"The rental company will be here tomorrow to take it down."
The six of us sat around the table finishing off the punch and talking about all the stuff Leah got when she said "Oh Bella, your pictures are ready, are you going to take them home with you?"
"What pictures?" Rachel slurred setting her empty cup on the table.
"The ones I took of Bella, for Edward’s birthday"
"Awwwweeeee...." Emily’s croon was cut off by Kim’s question "when’s his birthday"
"Today...he’s twenty-eight" The dreaminess in my voice was unavoidable - thing of the man just did things to me.
Shaking her head at me Leah expanded upon my answer "Yeah but she’s having his party tomorrow, both families are going to be there and I highly doubt she wants Charlie to see her like that so..."
She was right about that, the last I wanted was for Charlie to be anywhere near those picture.
"Why can’t Charlie see the pictures?" Rachel seemed to think about it for a moment before pointing an a accusatory finger in my direction "Are you naked?"
The denial on the tip of my tongue was interrupted by a rather joyous Leah "Practically"
"Oh I have Got to see these" Rachel’s enthusiasm was seconded by Kim "Me too, where are they"
"No..no..no..."
"Oh come on Bella, you can’t really see anything besides...you didn’t care when Dougie saw them"
"Ohhhhh" Emily crooned "I really like Dougie"
"I know isn’t he great" Claire’s declaration seconded by Kim "He is, we had so much fun with him the night we over making all the favors"
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, Dougie’s great, now lets get back to these pictures"
I sighed at Rachel’s determination and beside me Claire leaned in and giggled "Don’t do that, or you’ll end up in the corner"
Smirking at her I turned my attention to back to Rachel and tried to dissuade her from the quest she was determined to win "They’re just pictures"
"Good then we can see them"
Ok, that didn’t work.
Perhaps I could appeal to her sense of privacy "I..I don’t know, they’re kind of...personal"
"Personal?" questioning me as if she’d never heard of the word and then a smirk crossed her face as she inclined her head towards Kim "that means naked"
Her antics were so comical we all giggled and for a moment Leah seemed to have sided with me "She’s not totally naked...I certainly am not going to be doing any porn..."
Feeling vindicated, I took a long drink from my cup as I watched the disappointment cross Rachel’s face before my traitor sister just had to go and turn on me "But really Bella, you have them all framed and ready for hanging on the wall so eventually someone is going to see. So why should you care, besides we’ve all seen your naked ass before"
The alcohol must have been disrupting my normal brain functions because Leah’s argument actually made sense to me "Oh, alright..." Just as the triumphant smile formed on Rachel’s face I thought of a stipulation.
"But you bitches have to promise not to tell your husbands...or I swear"
Unconcerned with the threat three women smiled sweetly as their right hands rose up in a solemn pledge while I stared at the other two expectantly.
"I’m not married" Claire shrugged as Leah smile smugly "Jake’s already seen them"
"Oh my GOD! Now you Got to show us!" Rachel exclaimed
"Why?" I wondered
"Because my little shit head of a brother can’t see something I’m not allowed to see. That’s just not right and I’m calling ...Big Sister’s Privilege"
Big Sister’s Privilege?
"I never heard of such a thing"
Nodding her head Kim informed me "It’s true Bella, that’s a known rule"
"You just want to see the pictures" I replied with an incriminating finger while Emily picked up the punch bowl to pour the last of it into my cup "Here, have some more liquid courage and lets go see your stuff"
They didn’t even wait for my consent, the five of them pushing back on their chairs and leaving me in the wake. Chugging down the few swallows of punch, I debated letting them go on without me. That way they could make all the obscene comments they wanted. However I really wanted to see the photos in their finished state so as the screen door slammed behind Claire, I hurried inside to catch up.
Sue looked up from the kitchen table where she was sitting with her mother and sisters, "What’s going on ladies?"
"They want to see Bella’s birthday present to Edward"
That’s my sister for you, straight forward and to the point
Four pairs of eyes cast themselves in my direction, almost begging for an invitation to join us. It might have been ill manners on my part but there was no way in hell I was going to let these women anywhere near those photographs. Besides the fact they would forever have something to say about it, Sue was the closest thing to a mother I had. The very last thing I wanted to have happen was for the image of me being all seductive burned into her memory. That would be just to freaking weird for words.
Scurrying through the living room, we followed Leah through the door of her studio under the stairs. She flipped on the overhead light switch sending a bright florescent glow throughout the room that made me squint.
"Holy Shit" with Sue sitting less then fifteen feet away, Rachel’s bellow was louder then I would have liked, thankfully her volume dropped "Damn girl, you’re fucking hot"
Rachel’s utterance brought my attention to the three framed pictures resting predominantly on individual easels. The largest in the center with the two smaller ones tiered on either side. Each could have stood on it’s own yet together they made a wonderfully cohesive collection.
"Wow...those are beautiful Bella" the awe clear in Claire’s voice while Emily agreed "They really are, sexy but not slutty...you did a great job Leah"
Kim continued to admire not only me but also Leah’s talents "I didn’t know you did boudoir shoots"
"It was a first for me, Bella asked...: she shrugged "...and it was kind of fun" looking to me for conformation.
"It was fun..." thinking of that day and the way Edward reacted when I answered the door wearing only a fur wrap, the memory reminded me. "Where is the other one, I want to see it again"
After all the pose of me kneeling in front of Edward was the whole reason for the photo shoot to begin with.
"Ahhh...it’s already wrapped, it’s going to be Edward’s gift from Jake and I"
"You don’t have to give him anything...at least let me pay for the frame"
Leah shook her head and I was going to argue but then a flicker of recollection crossed my slightly inebriated mind. The day Dougie came with me to examine the proofs, Leah had made reference to there being other more proofs, ones she had no inention of allowing me see. At that moment I wanted to know what they were.
"What other ones?" thinking back it dawned on me "Do you mean when I was curled up in Edward’s lap...when Jake walked in?"
"Yup..."
"Let me see them"
"No way...You’re just going to have to wait"
I wasn’t finished discussing the topic at hand, Rachel however was a different story. She had gotten to see what she came for and all of a sudden she had a new agenda "Bella are you going to show us where you’re living now or not"
"Ummm..." before I could come up with an appropriate response Leah put the first conversation to rest "You can see them all tomorrow, trust me, you’re both going to love them. Now..." she pointed to the three on display "...these are good?"
Shaking my head, Leah’s face fell and taking a step closer I kind of curled around her large belly "They’re better then good, they’re stupendous"
Except the Laub was starting to effect me so the word came out sounding more like stew-penis, making both of us laugh so hard her belly shook "Oh jeez, how much did you have to drink?"
"Not enough. I can still feel my tongue"
And I was going to keep drinking until I couldn't.
