Endless Night: Chapter 6 - Beginnings

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CHAPTER 6 – BEGINNINGS

His lips had met every part of my body more than once throughout the night. I lay tangled in his arms, my ear against his chest, listening to the slow dum-dum-dum of his heart. He ran his fingers through my hair and down my arm, sending chills up my spine. I sighed and looked up at him.

"Edward…" My words were lost as he covered my mouth with his. He deepened his kiss, rolling us over so his body rested on top of mine. I wrapped my legs around his waist, trapping him above me.

"I want you so bad Bella. I want to love you." He breathed. He kissed the tip of my nose and I could feel him harden against me, ready for another round of fun.

"Love me Edward…"I squeaked.

BUUUUUUUUUUUZZZZZ! My cell phone danced across the nightstand. I rolled over reluctantly and looked at the screen.

Why aren't you answering? We have a party to set up for! CALL ME!

Oh shit. I sat up and rubbed my eyes. It was almost noon. It was New Years Eve. Alice was going to kill me.

"BELLA! Where have you been?" In the interest of saving my eardrum, I held the phone a good three inches away from my face.

"I'm so sorry Alice! I overslept!" I crawled out of bed and danced into the first pair of jeans I found. I slipped on a sweater and grabbed my purse. "I'm on my way!"

"Let me guess, you and Jacob were out all hours of the night?" The irritation in Alice's voice was plain as day. "Just hurry up and get here! We have a lot to do." I scrawled a note telling Charlie I was spending the night at the Cullens and slid my coat on. I ran out the door (literally) and sped across town.

"Rough night?" Of course he'd be the one to answer the door.

"Wouldn't you like to know?" I snapped. I took the steps two at a time until I reached Alice's room.

"Bella! You look like hell! Take a shower, for gods sakes!" For once I was more than happy to do what Alice said. I cleaned myself up and met her in the kitchen.

"Much better!" Alice was sitting at the counter with a mile-long list in front of her. I chuckled to myself. One couldn't help but love her for her Type A tendencies.

"What's the pressing matter here? I thought you hired a DJ and a caterer for tonight?" Alice rolled her eyes in exasperation.

"We have to get ready! And the caterer won't handle the decorations." She gestured to the list and started reading items off. "Emmett can hang the disco ball, Rosalie is taking care of the streamers and balloons, and Edward can handle the lights in the outside trees. That leaves you and me to deal with the fog machine, inside lights, and party favors!"

Alice pushed a stack of pearl white Chinese takeout boxes in front of me. Each one had "2011" painted on it in sparkly black letters. I got busy stuffing the boxes with noisemakers, chocolate truffles, black, white, and silver Mardi Gras beads, and miniature champagne bottle shaped containers of bubbles. Alice and I had spent the day before dipping handmade chocolate-covered fortune cookies. According to her, the only way to ring in the New Year was with a good fortune. I put one of those in each box as well, wondering what people would think of our cheesy, handwritten New Years wishes.

"The party has arrived, bitches!" Rosalie dropped three giant bags full of decorations on the table. 

Emmett followed close behind carrying several bundles of clear balloons that were filled with sparkly confetti.

For the next two hours Rose hung streamers, Emmett handled the disco ball, and Edward busied himself with the trees in the back yard. I hung lights inside and arranged the gift boxes on the kitchen counter. Alice was busy trying to get the fog machine to work, and I saw this as my opportunity to sneak outside for a smoke.

"Mind if I bum one of those?" Edward sat next to me on the steps of the gazebo. I handed him my cigarettes and lighter. He lit the cigarette, took a long drag, and blew out a series of perfectly shaped smoke rings. "Ready to ring in a new year?"

"If I can stay awake for it." I yawned and stretched my arms above my head. Alice was right, Jake and I had been up until all hours of the night.

"I'll make sure you make it to midnight." Edward grinned sheepishly at me. "You can't miss your first new year in Washington."

"I'll hold you to that Cullen." I butted my cigarette and stood up. "I better get inside or your sister will have my head." Edward chuckled softly and nodded knowingly at me. I went up to Alice's room where she and Rosalie had set up what resembled a small salon.

"Bella! Honestly, the smoking thing, not cool. That should be your New Years Resolution." Rosalie shook her finger at me in disapproval. I slipped on my black Betsey Johnson dress and looked at my reflection in the mirror. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my hair, so I simply sprayed it with some volumizer, fluffed it with my hands, and decided to let it go au natural. I went light on the makeup, putting on only eyeliner and a red, shimmery lip-gloss. Classy but simple was the look I was going for tonight. A New Year is a time for new beginnings. I had a good feeling about the upcoming year. I was determined not to let anything or anyone (ahem, Tanya!) ruin my spirits when we returned to school.

And, in the back of my mind, I secretly hoped that I could somehow manage to snag a certain Cullen man for part of my new beginning.

---

"Bella Swan, you light up the room!" Jacob threw his arms around me in a hug. I hugged him back before making a beeline for the champagne.

"Pace yourself, we have to get you to midnight, remember?" Edward laid his hand on the small of my back and winked at me. We'd been friendly since Christmas, and even though I knew I should continue my avoidant ways if I wanted to keep my heart safe, I just couldn't do it any longer. The temptation outweighed my good judgment.

I drained my glass of champagne and smirked at him. "Guess you'll just have to find a creative way to keep me up." Jacob looked back and fourth between Edward I in confusion. I shrugged at him and he smiled back knowingly.

"If anyone is looking for me, I'll be on the dance floor showing off my moves." Jacob sauntered across the room grabbing Leah and twirling her to the middle of the living room.

"He's not pissed is he?" Edward ran a hand through his hair, tousling it even more. "I know you've been spending a lot of time together. I wouldn't want to step on anyone's toes." Oh Edward, always the gentleman.

"Jacob and I are just friends." I swear I saw him breathe a sigh of relief. Before I could say any more, 

Alice and Rose drug me to the kitchen to take a shot. One shot turned to four, which led to Alice confessing she was planning on consummating her relationship with Jasper that night, which led to a teary group hug, which finally turned to a fifth shot and a reckless dancing session on the countertop. Alice promised to tell Rose and I everything over brunch the next day and I gave Alice some drunken first-time sex advice.

"SWAN!" Jacob tossed me over his shoulder and slapped my ass. He was obviously drunk and the motion made me queasy.

"Jake, put me down please." I pounded my fist on his back, which he took as a sign of encouragement. He tightened his grip on my waist and began to spin us around in circles.

"Honestly Jacob, stop, right now! I'm gonna be sick." I slapped his back harder and he just laughed and spun us faster. I was about to blow chunks all over his Tommy jeans when he stopped abruptly.

"I believe she asked you to stop." Edward grabbed my waist and lifted me off Jake's shoulder gently.

"I was just playing around Cullen. Chill the fuck out." Jacob walked away, mumbling a string of profanities under his breath. I closed my eyes and put my head down, but the room wouldn't stop spinning.

"I think I need to get some fresh air or you'll find me praying to the porcelain god in a minute." 

Edward nodded and grabbed my hand. He led me up the stairs to his room, grabbing both our coats on the way. He helped me get my coat and hat on as I swayed unsteadily in my heels.

"Be right back." He ran down the hall, returning a minute later with my boots. Once I had them on he took my hand again, this time leading me out on his balcony. He directed me towards a small stepladder at the far end.

"Ladies first."

"Edward, I can't go up there, I'm too drunk." I whined. He smiled and squeezed my hand reassuringly.

"Trust me. Besides, the roof is low and flat."

I took a deep breath and climbed the three steps and before I knew it I was laying next to him on the porch roof.

"It's beautiful out here." I breathed. The stars above us resembled a carefully placed collection of jewels, standing out against the darkness of the night sky. The moon was almost full and it's glow illuminated the yard beneath us. I closed my eyes and lay still for a few moments as the spins and stomach pains subsided.

"This is my happy place." Edward smiled. "I come out here when I need to think or clear my head. Sometimes I write. It just depends on my mood when I visit Forks."

"I can see why. It's so peaceful." I shivered involuntarily. Edward sat up a little and motioned for me to scoot closer.

"Come here." He wrapped his arm around me and pulled me close to him. My body automatically molded itself against his side and I laid my head on his chest. He rested his chin on the top of my head and wrapped his other arm around me, hugging me close to him.

"I've been thinking a lot lately." His voice was soft and filled with emotion.

"About what?" I swallowed nervously.

"You and me." His fingers caressed my palm, sending shivers down my spine. "I think you'd agree that there's been something between us ever since I first saw you in the dorm."

"Yes…"

"I think you'd agree that it only got stronger as the semester went by."

"Yes…"

"I think you'd agree that we've reached a fork in the road. We can go forward and say 'fuck it' to what everyone thinks or we can go our separate ways and never look back." His eyes bored into mine sobering me up and bringing me into the moment. It took all my strength not to grab him and have my way with him right there on the roof.

"Yes…" My voice was barely a whisper. We both sat up and he turned my body so I was facing him. He rested his forehead against mine and took a deep breath.

"I want to be with you Bella." I wasn't sure if I heard him right. "I need to be with you. I can't run from this anymore."

"What about Tanya?" I hated to say her name but I had to ask. His jaw clenched at the mention of her.

"Tanya means nothing, Bella. That's been over since before you moved here." He cupped my cheek with his hand, running his thumb gently along my jaw.

"Then why-"

"It's a long story. I'll tell you everything, I promise. Right now I just need to know how you feel Bella. Will you be with me?" The sounds of excited laughter floated up from the house and I heard Emmett start the countdown to the end of 2010.

"Ten … Nine … Eight."

"Bella. I have so much love to give you…" His lips were just a few centimeters from mine and his eyes were on fire. My head told me to run away from this man.

"Seven … Six … Five."

How did I know he wouldn't leave me in six months in the same way he was leaving Tanya now? 

What if his family got upset and thought I was a home wrecker? What would happen to Jacob and his friendship with us both?

"Four…"

"Bella." He moaned. He smelled like a combination of cigarettes, whiskey, and some cologne I didn't recognize. My heart fluttered in my chest, preparing to kick my common sense's ass. His ran down my jaw again and he tucked it beneath my chin.

"Three…"

The connection we shared was undeniable. All I had to do was think about him and my day was better. My body reacted in ways I'd never experienced when I saw him, and his touch … It was enough to leave me breathless. As cheesy as it sounded, I knew what we shared ran far below the surface. I knew Tanya would be upset, but I didn't care. I had wanted this man since the first day I laid eyes on and I knew I was never going to stop wanting him. Up until now he'd always been off-limits. In fact, he was still off-limits … to everyone but me. I wrapped my arms around his neck, closed my eyes and smiled.

"Two…"

"I want nothing more than to be with you Edward. In fact, I've wanted nothing more than to be with you since you showed up outside my door." His eyes lit up and he laughed, a heartfelt laugh that shook his entire body.

"One…"

"Happy New Year Bella." His lips met mine in a soft, sensual kiss. His hands moved down my back, pulling me closer to him. Our tongues danced with one another, exploring the foreign and seemingly forbidden territory of our mouths. As the kiss deepened, I tangled my fingers in his hair. When he pulled away, I gently tugged on his bottom lip with my teeth.

"Happy New Year." I leaned in for another kiss. I was freezing but I had no desire to go back inside. 

I'd been waiting for four long months for this moment and I was going to savor every second of it. 

Edward pulled me on his lap and I wrapped my legs around his waist. Here's to 2011, I thought, leaning into his arms and losing myself in the kiss. And to long-awaited new beginnings.

---

"Ouch!"

"Do you always fall out of bed in the morning?" Edward was peering over the edge of the mattress with a smirk on his face. Half his hair was mashed against his head and the rest was sticking out in all directions. He had on nothing but a pair of Calvin Kline boxer briefs and damn did he look good. 

I should probably start carrying a spare pair of panties in my purse if we're going to spend so much time together, I thought distractedly. My blush gave away the dirty thoughts and Edward cleared his throat and eyed me suggestively. Compose yourself, Bella. When did you turn into such a fucking perv?

Oh who was I kidding? The day this gorgeous man – my gorgeous man – knocked on our door, my fantasy reel exploded.

"Only when I sleep in unfamiliar territory." I teased. I kneeled in front of him and pressed my lips against his softly. He chuckled and tangled his fingers in my hair.

"Does this mean I need to put in a request for padding on the floor of my dorm?" He lifted the covers and I crawled back in next to him. I wrapped myself around him, tracing the outline of his stomach muscles with my pinky finger.

"Not if I sweet talk you into staying in my room." He smiled down at me and kissed the tip of my nose.

"No sweet talking is needed Bella, I would do anything you asked." He pulled me closer to him and nuzzled my neck. The stubble on his chin tickled and I giggled foolishly. "You might have to sweet talk my sister, however."

"Sweet talk me into what?" Alice skipped into the room happily. She came to an abrupt stop when she saw us together in the bed. "On second thought, don't answer that."

"Don't worry, I'm fully clothed." I sat up and looked down at my now rumpled party dress.

"Did you forget about our brunch date?" Alice crossed her arms over her chest and raised an eyebrow at me. "Don't tell me you're thinking of ditching us for my brother."

"And miss out on all the Forks New Years Eve gossip? Never! Give me ten minutes to freshen up and I'll meet you in the car!" I stood up and turned to Edward. "You'll be here when I get back?"

"Well, I might be in the living room. Or perhaps out on the gazebo. Or…" I picked up a pillow and tossed it at his head. He caught it, peeking around the side and laughing. "I'll be right here waiting for you sweetheart."

Sweetheart. Just hearing it made me weak in the knees.

I brushed my hair and ran a washcloth over my face before slipping on my jeans and sweater from the day before. I didn't even have a chance to buckle my seatbelt before Alice and Rose started grilling me with questions.

"Where were you for the countdown last night?"

"What's going on with you and Edward?"

"Did you guys … Well, you know, do it?"

"What is this, the Spanish Inquisition?" I followed them to a table in the far corner of the diner. 

Clearly our brunch talk would be too mature for outside ears.

Rose glanced at me over the top of her menu. "Don't try and dodge the questions, Bella! We want details!"

"Why aren't we starting with Alice's nighttime adventures? I think they far outweighs the importance of anything that took place for me between about ten o'clock last night and now." The waitress brought our coffee and took our orders, buying me a few extra minutes before the real interrogation started.

"Jasper was a gentleman and our evening was wonderful." Alice sighed against her coffee mug. 

"Now if you want details you'll have to spill them too! So tell us, what the hell happened last night?"

I took a deep breath and relayed the entire evening, starting with Jacob refusing to put me down and ending with Edward and I talking until four in the morning, when we finally fell asleep in one another's arms. Alice and Rose shared a collective "aww" when I told them that Edward and I had officially become an item at the stroke of midnight.

"So you didn't actually do 'it' then?" I rolled my eyes at Alice's choice of words.

"What are we, sixteen? Bella, did you fuck Edward or not?" Leave it to Rose to be brash.

"I didn't fuck anyone, thank you very much. And I don't know why we're even discussing this, he's your brother for gods sakes!"

"I wonder what Tanya is going to say." Alice popped a slice of cantaloupe in her mouth and wiggled her eyebrows mischievously. "I would love to be a fly on the wall for that conversation."

"Oh who cares what that bitch thinks. She's been up in his business for long enough, it's about time he grew a pair and kicked her to the curb." Rosalie looked at me apologetically. "I love Edward and all but Tanya had him whipped. I know he'll be so much happier with you, Bell."

"Enough about me already! Alice, details, now." I stuffed my English muffin in my mouth in hopes that it would prevent the girls from asking anything else.

Alice shared every last detail of her evening with Jasper, which seemed to satisfy Rose's appetite for gossip. When she told us he cried at the end, Rose and I erupted in a loud fit of laughter. Some of the other diner patrons glared at us, and that was our cue to go.

We paid our check and stopped by Charlie's so I could pick up fresh clothes and let him know I'd be spending another night at the Cullen's. I was an adult and I didn't need to check in with him, but I respected Charlie and it didn't feel right to not let him know I was safe.

I showered and changed, meeting Edward in the living room to watch a movie and snuggle. Esme stopped me on the landing, giving me a big hug and kiss on the forehead, and whispering, "Welcome to the family" in my ear with a wink. News sure traveled fast in the Cullen house.

Edward was busy paving a trail of kisses down my jaw when we heard a loud throat clear. When I looked up all the blood drained from my face. Edward's body became rigid next to mine and I heard him suck in a breath of air.

"Edward, you have company." Carlisle stood in the doorway but he wasn't alone. Tanya stood next to him with a mixture of shock and fury on her face. Carlisle was visibly uncomfortable, throwing me a sympathetic glance before leaving the room.

Oh shit, I thought. What the hell are we supposed to do now?