Chapter 6

EPOV 

Sunday Morning

The next morning I awoke with her warm body splayed across my chest.  It was a beautiful sight, the warm September sun flooded through the room and the rays touched her naked back.  She look glorious and peaceful.  Small sighs and light murmurs escaped her lips as she breathe evenly across my chest.  My stomach grumbled loudly and I didn't want to wake my angel so I gently slid her off of me and tucked her in on her side of the bed. 

I pulled on some pajama pants and went to the door.  I left for nourishment purposes only because after looking back at her laying so beautifully in that bed I really couldn't bring myself to leave her for any other reason. 

"Morning."  I grunted at Alice as I looked for where the blessed smell of food was coming from.  I pulled my self up on to the bar stool in front of where Alice was flitting around like a mad woman.   

"Good morning!"  Alice chirped back, much too chipper for her own good. 

"What're you making?"  I asked groggily.

"Today, brother dear, is cake day!"  She said turning to me with a sly smile. 

"But Alice, Bella said she didn't want a cake."  I argued.

"You're right Eddie.  Bella did say she didn't want A cake."  She said, innocently.

"So what you're gonna make her dozens?"  I asked.

"Aren't you a smart cookie?"  She commented.

I just laughed.  "So what kind of cake is that?"  I asked, pointing towards the oven.

"That is french toast cake, it'll be ready in just a minute.  Jasper has an appointment today, so I've got get you guys fed.  I made Bella her own, a smaller one of course for when she wakes up.  She sounded pretty tired last night."  She informed me, flashing me a knowing smile.

I got up and went in to the dining room, not wanting to be grilled any further this morning for my actions last night.  To my surprise I found everyone else gathered in there. 

"Morning Eddie."  Emmett greeted me.

"Morning everyone."  I said, hoping to keep the conversation minimal.

They continued chatting to themselves for a few minutes while I shook the fog of sleep from me by sipping on some of the orange juice that had been placed at my spot. 

Rose hmmed and hawed over all of Jasper's suggestions for her book career.  Rose had been wanting to write a book ever since she quit her job and now she was going to finally take the time and get it done.

Emmett chatted lively about the season starting up soon and how excited he was to get to play again.

Jasper was telling them all about his practice and how work had tripled recently. 

"So Edward how is everything for you and Bella going up there at Dartmouth?"  Jasper asked.

"Everything's really great.  I'm interning right now and I have one year left before I start my residency."  I rattled off with out really thinking about the question.

"And Bella?"  Rose asked.

"Oh she's doing great.  God, she made the Dean's list this semester.  She's incredible."  I answered.

"Wow..."  Alice said, softly from the doorway.

"Yeah... she's amazing."  I commented, under my breath.

"So about Bella."  Emmett started.

"What about her?"  I asked, eyeing him suspiciously.

"I heard from a little birdie that there was a bit more to your arrangement than you shared last night."  He informed me.

"Oh?"  I question, knowing full well that there was, but I wanted to know what he knew before I told him.   

"Edward can I ask you something?"  He said a little softer.

"Sure, what's up?" 

"What's with the dates?"  I already knew what the question was before his lips even formed the words.

I tried to think back to dinner quickly and I couldn't remember telling anyone about it.  It must have been Bella.  "She told Alice and I."  Rose spoke up, answering my unspoken question.

I nodded and cleared my throat.  "Well if you must know, I think a lot of Bella.  She deserves to be treated well, not just some cheap birthday sex, especially since this is her first time.  She's special and she deserves to be treated like she is."  I said as my mouth got clumsy.

"Because you love her."  Jasper added, quietly.

Jasper was a psychologist so it wasn't out of the ordinary for him to analyze your relationships and friendships right at the dinner table.  He was never too bashful about his findings, but sometimes they were a a bit much.  This was one of those times.  I gulped and swallowed thickly.  I had only just admitted it myself a few days ago, how could he and Alice say it so easily.  I didn't even know what to say to my friends.. these people knew us.

"Ed, I didn't mean to overstep or anything, I've just noticed how you look at her, how you've looked at her for the last seven years.  It's the same way Emmett looks at Rose and the same way I look at Alice.  I think it took so long for you to realize it because you guys are already in a 'relationship'."  He said using air quotes. 

"I don't even know what to say...  I don't think it's all what you think."  I said, dismissively.

"It's the same for her.  A beautiful, young, vibrant, woman who's always dateless when Friday night rolls around?  I don't think so.  I think she probably turns them away more often than not.  And I think it's because she's head over heels for you and since what you guys have is all you're willing to give her she's going to take that.  It's really the perfect relationship for her.  She's busy with her schoolwork so she doesn't have to deal with drama of dating someone random.  She knows you're going to be a constant.  She gets what she needs from you.  So why would she go look for someone when she's got comfort, sex, and love already at home?"  He said, as Alice entered with french toast cake and syrup. 

"It's true, Edward."  Alice agreed.

"When's the last time you've been on a real date?"  Rose inquired.

"I don't know, it's been a while. I've been really busy with school and work."  I answered, trying to brush off their question.

"Yeah, a handsome, twenty something, doctor, who drives a sports car to work.  Mhmm I bet you're hurting for the ladies."  She replied sarcastically.  It was true I was turning down ladies left and right and until right then I didn't realize why.  I just didn't have any desire to go out anywhere with anyone.  My nights at home with Bella were more than enough for me. 

"Fine!  I did realize a few days ago... I'm planning on telling her soon.  Just don't butt in.  I need to do this my way."  I said, in a hushed tone.   

"I knew it!"  Emmett shouted, slamming his fist down on the table. 

"We all did!"  Alice squealed!   

"Then why did you suggest that she go out with that guy last night?"  I asked

"Because like you said Edward, she's special.  She deserves so much more than to be your friend with benefits."  She  said, scowling at me.

"It's more than that."  I argued.

"Then what is it?  Have you two even talked about it?"  She asked, seething at me.

"No I think we try not to so we don't over complicate things, but it's obvious that we're more than just friends with benefits." 

"Mhm.... sounds like it."  Rose said in a snide tone.

"Listen!  You guys don't know what it's like!  You're not the ones in the situation, so don't judge us!"  I yelled. 

"How long has this situation been going on?"  Emmett asked. 

I decided to clarify that question for two reasons.  He can kick my ass quite easily and he scares the shit out of me with how protective he is over Bella.  "Which one?"

"The one where you guys have been fucking around."  He clarified with his mouth full.

I got ready to run.  I prepared myself mentally for the fastest way out of the condo.  " A little over six years..."  I mumbled.

"What!?"  All four of them nearly shouted.

"It's really not as bad as it sounds, I swear."  I tried to reassure, I was also gauging Em and Jaz's response wondering if they were going to go ape shit or not.

"Then explain."  Rose said in a cool voice.  So cold that it sent shivers down my spine.

"It all started out as pure curiosity.  We were each other's first and then it just never really stopped."  I explained.

"And you've dated, even slept with other woman while you were fucking around with Bella?"  Jasper asked.  This wasn't his psycho-analytical tone, no this was his pissed off tone.

"I nodded slowly.  "She always knew, she dated too.  And if we were never together like that if we were in a relationship.  I swear, I really thought she lost her V card along time ago, guys."  I pleaded for mercy.

They didn't say anything.  They were all silent for a few moments.  "Don't hurt her."  Emmett warned. 

"What's all the commotion?"  The voice of my sweet angel fluttered down the hallway.  She walked in to the room only wearing my shirt and a pair of very short shorts.  My heart skipped a beat.  God did I love seeing her in my shirts.

"Sorry we were just reminiscing."  Rose smoothed.

"Oh?"  Bella questioned.

"Yeah, just talking about old times, that's all."  Jasper assured.

"Bella this is for you!"  Alice said, returning to her chipper mood.  Placing the smaller cake in front of her with a bottle of Bella's favorite syrup.  But the best part was that the entire top of the bunt cake was cover with sausages sticking up vertically, as if acting like candles. 

"What's this?"  Bella asked with a smile, taking the seat beside me.

"This is your breakfast cake."  Alice answered.  "Sorry I couldn't fit twenty-two 'candles' on it, but I ran out of room."

"Jesus Alice!"  Bella chided.

"Don't worry there's two more coming your way."  She teased.

We sang happy birthday to her and had her blow out her 'candles'.  Then Bella ate happily, devouring most of it.  She looked up at me through her eyelashes when she finished. 

"Morning, love."  I said softly, resting my hand on her thigh.

"Mmmmorning."  She cooed back nuzzling in to my side.

"We should probably shower and get packed up.  I'm sure Alice has plans for us later."  I said, nudging her. 

"You wanna join me?"  She asked, quietly.

I didn't answer her I just got up and followed her to the bedroom. Did I want to join her?  What kind of question was that? 

We washed each other and again I got to use the term showergasm.  She looked stunning with the water cascading off of her little body as she shook and trembled from pleasure. After that we eventually got dressed and packed. 

Once we were finished we found everyone in the living room waiting for us. 

"Well hell you two really are like rabbits."  Jasper commented. 

Bella blushed and scoffed at his words and I just kept quiet.  We took the chair settling in for a nice movie before lunch.  Bella climbed on to my lap and made herself comfortable. 

"Comfy, sexy?"  I whispered, kissing right below her ear. 

She squirmed on my lap, effectively causing a large problem. 

"Bella, baby you can't go starting things..."  I chided.

"Sorry..."  She breathed.

"Are you comfy?"  I asked her again.

She nodded and Alice put in the new Rob Pattinson movie.  I hated that guy, but Bella loved him, so I sucked it up, got her comfortable in my nook and wrapped my arms around her.  Two hours of my life later Bella was still curled up in my arms, she was sound asleep.  Alice headed in to the kitchen to get lunch ready, that she insisted we eat before we leave for our five hour ride home. 

While Alice bustled around I just held Bella.  It was refreshing to be able to just stare at her.  Everyone else was chatting while we were stowed away in our own bubble. 

"Hey, can you wake her up?"  Alice whispered, indicating that lunch was ready. 

"Bella, baby..."  I murmured, shaking her lightly.

BPOV

Sunday Afternoon

I awoke encircled in his arms while his velvety voice called me out of the foggy sleep I was in.  I didn’t realize where I was, I just knew that I wanted to kiss him.  I turned slightly in his arms, seeking his lips.  Once I found them I latched on for dear life.  I lapped lightly at his bottom lip and he graciously let me in.  It was all very sweet.  I just needed reassurance that he was still there.  After I achieved my reassurance I wanted nothing more than to deepen the kiss.  I knew I would be sleeping alone after Saturday so I wanted to get in as much as I could before I was banished off in to my lonely bed.  As the kiss got exceedingly hungrier though there was the sounds of throats clearing and I wondered who it could be.  Then I remember that we were at Alice’s… on her chair… in the living room.  I tore myself away as delicately as I could.  He seemed to whimper as much as I did when our lips finally parted. 

“Jesus Bella!  I wish you’d kiss me like that after a nap.”  Emmett boomed.

"Yeah.. Yeah... I bet you would."  I mumbled lifting myself off of him.

"Soooo... Who wants lunch?"  Alice gratefully asked as she took the attention off of me. 

"Mhmm... me."  I mumbled again dragging myself to the table. 

"Bella what the hell is going on with you...?"  Alice hissed as I passed the kitchen.

"What do you mean?"  I whined.

"If you guys aren't together you shouldn't act like you are..."  She chided.

"Like I said at dinner on Friday... we are this weekend and that's all that matters." 

"Bella... You're only hurting yourself."  She tried again.

"You're right, so stay the fuck out of it."  I said crankily after being woken up from a really nice nap. 

"Fine!"  She huffed as she went back to fussing with some food.

A few minutes later all of of except Alice were sitting at the table, soon she came waltzing in with some delicious smelling concoction.  Edward rested in the seat next to me as his hand did what it had been doing every time we sat next to each other this entire weekend. 

"This is Sheppard’s pie... I know it's not a cake, but it's so damn yummy I couldn’t resist."  Alice said, in a bit cheerier tone.  

"Thank you."  I said, quietly.

"Bella, it's your birthday, how could I not go all out for it?"  She asked looking at me like I had six heads.  

I nodded and blushed at her enthusiasm.  

"Okay guys... dig in!"  She announced and we all dished up.  

"So you guys must be heading out soon."  Jasper commented, spooning a clump of the amazing pie in to his mouth.  

"Yeah, we'll have to leave by five to make it home at a decent hour."  Edward answered.  

"Mhmm..."  Emmett murmured as he feasted hungrily.  

"Okay so after lunch we'll do presents then your real cake!"  Alice squealed in anticipation.  

I just stayed silent; she knew I didn't want presents so I refused to acknowledge the fact that she was referring to my presents.

"So Bella, are you going out tomorrow... for your real birthday?"  Rose asked. 

"Yeah, I mean I think so."  I said glancing at Edward. 

He nodded.  "Yes, I am taking Bella out, but it's a surprise."  He said answering Rose, but gazing at me during his explanation.

"Huh..."  Rose commented.  

Edward finally took his eyes off of me and raised an eyebrow at Rose. 

"Oh nothing... I just thought she would want to spend her birthday with someone special..."  She commented. 

"Rose..."  Jasper chided. 

"No!  Really... Why would you wanna waste a birthday... It's a perfect chance to have a great date."  She continued. 

"I am spending it with someone special, Rose."  I spat.  "God!  You know, you act like Edward is nothing... He is my best friend and if I did want to spend my birthday with someone else I would have already."  I said, quickly acknowledging the fact that we were no longer talking about my birthday... but my virginity.  

"I'm sorry... I just still don't understand it."  She murmured. 

Everyone finished their meal and went to sit in the living room.  On the coffee table rested an impressive pile of gifts, all elaborately wrapped.

"Bella mine first!"  Emmett shouted as Edward took a seat on the couch, next to me.  

"Which one?"  I asked.

He dug through the pile and handed me a huge one!  "Here ya go!"  He said waving it in front of me. 

I took the large box from his equally large hands and sat it on my lap for a moment. There was a heft to the present.  I tore at the corner and then went wild with the paper.  As I peeled back the paper I was completely taken aback... "Jesus EM!"  I said, sounding more pissed off than anything.  

"What... you need this!"  He argued.

"A Macbook Pro?  Really?"  I asked. 

"Yes really!  You're gonna be a famous writer one day!"  He said, brimming with excitement.  I got up and stumbled over to him and hugged the shit out of him.  

I opened Alice's next.  Of course it was four new dresses and heels to match... I assumed for my three pre-agreed on dates... and maybe my birthday?

"Thanks Alice... I guess I really don't have enough of this stuff."  

"You're welcome!" 

Rose handed me hers with huge smile on her face.  I took it from her with a wary smile.  "Is it gonna eat me?"  I asked. 

"No it's not that advanced."  She said, holding back a giggle. 

After tearing away the wrapping I found 'the bullet' inside... oh god.  Redness filled me cheeks and I immediately tried to cover the box back up with the paper.  

"What?"  Rose asked, as I set it on the floor by my feet.

"Uh... I don't think I need that... but thanks..."  I said softly. 

"Bella it's for when you have to fake it."  She informed me. 

"I've never had too."  I answered her simply.  Her jaw dropped to the floor. 

"What the hell did you give her Rosie?"  Emmett asked. 

"Oh a bullet.  I love mine... but apparently Bella doesn’t need one."  She said sarcastically glaring at Edward.

Edward just smirked and kissed my cheek. 

"Bella, this from Alice and I as well."  Jasper said handing me a smaller box.  

When I opened it I gasped.  

"We just thought you could use a trip home.  There's a second ticket in there too... if you find someone you wanna bring with you."  Alice explained.  

"Thanks guys... this is kinda perfect."  I said jumping up to hug them. 

"Hey there's still one more." Emmett said. 

"What?"  I said, confused. 

"Well, I just thought since everyone else was giving you gifts I might as well sneak one in there."  Edward answered. 

I picked up his gift; it was about a foot square.  I shook it lightly while I watched his face and he just rolled his eyes.  "Just open it Bella."  

I tore it open an feasted my eyes on the gift.  It was perfect like everything else he had ever given me.  Purely perfect.  A leather bound journal with my name embossed on the cover and a huge set of my favorite pens. "Thanks.."  I said trying not to be such a girl and cry. 

"I thought you'd like it."

"Well you were wrong."  I said, seriously.

"Oh... I'm sorry; I have other gifts for you at home... I just wanted to wait-"  He started but I cut him off. 

"No... You were wrong."  I said and he just stared at me in deep confusion.  "I love it."  I said honestly.

"Oh thank god..."  He breathed as I hugged him like my life depended on it. 

"Alright cake cake time!"  Alice shouted, then disappeared in to the kitchen.

Once again we found ourselves in her dining room.  I was starting to wonder if she was trying to fix me by feeding me.  Some kind of love potion in the food?  Is fat lovable?  I mused while I sat at the head of the table. 

She clacked in with her four inch heels carting the largest birthday cake I had ever witnessed.  I three tier deal that resembled more of a wedding cake than a birthday cake.  It looked like some pink monster had puked on it.  Covered from top to bottom in variations of pink from cotton candy to fuchsia with flowers, garlands and spikes.  It was quite the creation.  And in the top was twenty two sparklers all ready to be lit.  I gulped wondering for a moment if the smoke from them would set off the sprinklers.  I hoped not, then Emmett pulled out his lighter and ignited them all.  They whizzed and whirled around.  I took a deep breath and as if in slow motion I could hear everyone shout 'Make a wish'.  Still in slow motion I blew out all of my candles and made my wish... Edward.  The only thing I had been wishing for, for the last two years.

Everyone happily cheered from behind me while I stood for a moment really wishing hard.  Hoping that whoever took care of birthday wishes heard me.  Please birthday wish god... let it be more than just this weekend.  I begged in my head. 

We all ate our cake and ice cream then it was time to leave.  Edward said he wanted to make it home in time for the reveal on Extreme Home Makeover so we packed the car and said our good byes.  Alice held me tight and offered a somewhat apology for the Riley incident.  Claiming that it was her way of showing me that I had options.  I nodded and let it go.  Rose squeezed me tight and wished me a happy birthday again.   Next was Jaz, giving me a hug and wishing me luck with the whole situation, I think that was his way of saying that he doesn't approve but he loves us.  Last was Emmett, who lifted me in to a lung crushing bear hug.  Hence the nickname Emmy bear.  I love him, but my bones don't.  I promised him Ii would be home for at least one of his games.   

After that Edward kindly opened my door and helped me.  Once I was settled he slid himself in and we began our long trip home.            

"So... Did you have fun this weekend?"  He asked after twenty minutes of silence. 

"Yea.." I said, softy. 

"Your gifts were nice."  He commented, obviously trying to keep the conversation going. 

"Yeah.. they always do too much."

"So have you thought about grad schools?"  He asked. 

"Oh.. Umm... not really."  I said, wondering if he knew I didn't really plan to go back after graduation.  I mean I would love to get my masters in literature and writing but right now I just wanted to get a job.

"I was just wondering because you know... next year I start my residency... and I need to give a final answer to one of the offers soon..."  He said, stumbling over his words. 

Why does it matter?  What does he want me to go with him?  I don't get it...

"I don't follow you, I guess..."  I said, confused.

"What I'm trying to say is when you make up your mind about grad school, could you let me know so I can accept the offer closest to the school you choose?"  He said, turning to look at me. 

I was silent again for a moment mulling over what that meant.

"Oh so you're waiting for me again..."  I said, remembering how he waited for me to graduate from high school.

"Like always."  He answered.

"Well you don't have too."  I said defensively.  "I mean don't put your life on hold, waiting around for me." 

"Bella, I can't do it without you.  You don't seem to get that do you?  I didn't wait for you last time because I was simply being a good friend, I waited because I knew I couldn't be that far away from you."  He said getting angry.

"Well I haven't thought about grad schools yet, soo..." 

"Why not?"  He asked.

"Because I thought I would get a job first.  I would like a way to pay for all of these school loans I've managed to rack up."

"Bella, I don't like that talk!  Either I myself will pay for your school or my father will.  You know that.  I won't have you putting your dreams on hold because of the expense."  He said angrily. 

I simply scoffed at him and he grabbed my wrist as it was in mid air. 

"You listen to me Bella, one day when you're on New York Times Best Seller's list.  I wanna be able to say that I knew you and that I was the one who pushed you."  He smirked.

"Okay... fine I guess I was thinking of going somewhere closer to home."  I admitted.

"Good..."  He breathed.

"Thank you."  I said softly. 

"For what?"  He asked, perplexed.

"For wanting to go with me..." 

"I wouldn't be anywhere or anyone with out you." 

The rest of the drive was a comfortable silence.  We got home around eight thirty and after Edward brought our bags up we plopped in front of the tv to watch his show.  Afterwards I unpacked our bags and my gifts.  I started a load of laundry and made a cu of tea.  I needed something to relax, the day had been exhausting with the long drive back but overall the weekend was nice.  It was certainly needed.  Eventually we made it to his bed where we slept soundly.  There was nothing sexual about it, just his reassuring arms wrapped around me while we slept.  He kept me in his warm prison throughout the night and I didn’t mind one bit.  I almost needed it.  I needed to feel any piece of his skin against mine.  Although he had only agreed to be together for the weekend I went to bed that night dreaming of much more.  I wanted so much more.  I never wanted that night to end. The next day was my real birthday and I hoped beyond belief we could keep the blurred sense of reality for another night. 

He sighed happily in his contented sleep and it made me smile to know that just me laying in his arms could make him do that.  I wanted this… now it was time to figure out how to tell him… I just wanted to wait until after our first time.  I was afraid that if I told him now and he really didn’t feel the same way I may loose my chance at ever getting to be with him.  Love is cruel. 

Just as the clock turned 12:01 I heard his phone buzz… I reached over him and grabbed it.  ‘Bella Babe’s Birthday’ splattered across the screen.  My heart soared and pounded in my ears.  It was stuff like this that led me to believe I was not alone in this.  I set his phone back down but before I did I noticed the text indicaor light flashing.  I was being nosy but hell he looked at my hone from time to time.  I opened it up and there was a new one from Emmett. 

Hey man… hope u 2 made it home ok… had fun.  Hope all goes well when u tell her. –EM

What the fuck?  I thought to myself.  What was he going to tell me?  I was about to shut off his phone when I saw another new one from Mike Newton… he was a guy we knew from home. 

You better treat her right 2morrow u lucky bastard!  It should be me there with her. –Mike

Mike had always had an unhealthy crush on me growing up.  I was lucky enough to have Edward around to fight him off. 

I pulled out my new laptop, now not being able to sleep while my mind was racing a thousand miles an hour.  I opened up a new one to my mom.

Hey Mom!

Well I can’t sleep and it’s officially my birthday so I thought I’d drop you a line real quick.  I spent the entire weekend at Alice and Jas’ with Rose and Emmett.  Edward drove of course.  It was really great.  Emmett got me a new laptop to replace my dinosaur.  Alice got me clothes of course!  And Jas got me tickets to come visit you guys with.  They are planning on making a trip back home soon too.  I guess I might have mentioned how home sick I was.  But good news!  Edward and I are thinking about moving back after we graduate in the spring.  He wants to do his residency there and he really wants me to go for my masters so I guess I’ll be enrolling at WSU next year.  Well I guess I better get going, Edward says he’s taking me somewhere special but it’s a surprise… Oh lordie!  So I suppose I should get some sleep.  Say hi to dad!  Love ya both! 

Bella

I finished and hit send before closing my new machine.  I rested it on the nightstand before shutting off my bed stand light and snuggling in close to him.  The rest of the night was a peaceful dreamless sleep.

A/N  There you have yet another chapter in Edward and Bella’s life!  Where do you think he’s taking her?  Oh god!  I love this story!   Please feel free to leave thoughts and comments!  I love you all for reading my stories!  See ya next Friday!