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AN: I want to apologize for the lack of updates this week. Basically, I had a horrible cold and I hit a wall writing. I think I'm past my little block, and I can breathe again, so I'll get this story caught up this weekend. Thank you for being patient with me

Again, thank you very much for the kind reviews!

August 6, 2012

Prompt: Collide

NO BETA

Sitting on a loveseat with Edward's mother, only hours after he fucked me silly was a little bit uncomfortable. It was stupid, honestly, but I just felt so paranoid that she could tell that I did dirty, dirty things with her son.

She probably had no idea, but I couldn't help but feel guilty. It was weird, and I wondered if Edward ever felt that way when he sat with my dad. Probably not, knowing Edward. He had an uncanny ability to blow everything off—like he was just entitled. I wished I could've felt the same, but no. I was clammy and shaky and nervous and goofy.

Figures.

Thankfully, Esme was one of the nicest ladies I'd ever met. She was totally mom material, but also very cool. I loved how close she and Rosalie were—almost like sisters. It totally resembled the relationship I had with Rosalie, and I wondered if Rose took my under her wing—kind of to pay it forward.

The house smelled delicious. I couldn't wait to dig in. Thanksgiving was always a flavorful event with my mom, and I missed it. I just hoped I wouldn't make a pig out of myself.

The men were all in the den watching sports—surprise, surprise, so me, Rosalie, Esme, and the kids were in the living room so we could keep our eye and noses on dinner. Everything was mostly done; we were just waiting on the bird.

Esme was having fun sharing funny stories about Edward again, and she'd even come armed with photographic evidence. Priceless—pictures of Edward at three years old, dressed up for Halloween as Elvis, white jumpsuit and all. Apparently, he was a little obsessed with the king of rock as a child. I was never going to let him live it down. There were pictures of him in the bathtub, covered in mud in the backyard, all dressed up in his Cub Scout uniform, proudly displaying his badges and a toothless grin. He was the most beautifully rumpled little boy, and the most devastatingly handsome man I'd ever seen in my life.

That was until I met his father. Hubba-bubba. Edward definitely got his swagger and good looks from dear old dad. Emmett wasn't something t o shake a stick at, either, but dang… Mr. Cullen was a damn good looking man. He was also dangerously charming—something his son had definitely inherited.

He had a lot in common with my dad, surprisingly, and they hit it off like gang-busters. I was really relieved that my dad fit in, and I think he was, too. He was having so much fun, and he adored Rosalie. She'd invited him over for dinner from time to time, and I was glad she was including him while I was away. I hated thinking about him being all alone at home all the time. It made me sad.

"I'm going to check on the turkey," Esme said, patting me on the knee. "You want to give me a hand, Bella?"

I smiled and nodded before following her into the kitchen. She grabbed some pot-holders, and opened the oven, checking the poultry thermometer. "Looks like it's done. Grab that skillet for me, and run some hot water for me so I can start the gravy, please."

I did as she asked, and watched in amazement as she lugged that enormous thing out of the oven and placed it on the counter.

"Not bad, huh?" she asked, smiling back at me.

I nodded. "That thing's huge… how'd you do that without dumping it? I would've dumped it."

She winked. "Years of practice, darling. I've been making Thanksgiving turkey for thirty-two years. I'm an old pro now."

I giggled. She was so cute. I watched her spoon the whatever… juice from the pan into a measuring cup, grabbed some flour, and started mixing them in the pan. From there, I sort of zoned out. She was so quick-fast about everything, salting and peppering and stirring and spooning. I was dizzy.

"So, I take it that things are better between the two of you," she commented, turning her head and smirking.

"How'd you know?"

I felt my whole face warm up. I really didn't want his mother to know we were fighting. It was weird.

"Well, Rosalie and I talk, you know how we get. She was really worried about you, and Edward was terribly upset. I'm just really glad you're working through it."

I sighed. "Me, too. I mean, it's normal to have fights, right?"

She wiped her hands on her apron and turned off the stove. "Of course. You just have to be careful, and not let things get out of hand. You know, Edward has never been in love before." I blushed.

"Neither have I," I admitted. "I just really miss him when he doesn't visit. I'm going to try better."

She smiled. "Good. Now, go get those boys and tell them I need some help getting this on the table."

I nodded and turned on my heels, colliding with Edward as I stepped out of the room.

He caught me by my shoulders and I looked up at his smiling face. "What are you doing? Were you spying on us?" I teased.

He laughed. "Maybe. Are you having fun with my mother and her humiliation?"

I shook my head. "I think it's sweet. She just loves you."

He nodded, his smile crooked and his eyes intense. "She's right, you know."

I titled my head, wondering what he was talking about. "What do you mean?"

He leaned down and kissed me softly. "I've never been in love before. That's true."

I wrapped my arms around his neck and stood on my toes to kiss him harder. "You love me?" I mumbled against his lips.

"Yup."

"That was quick!" his mother said from behind us.

Edward chuckled and gave me one more peck before turning to his mom. "What'd you need me to do, mom?"

I hid my face in Edward's chest, totally humiliated that she'd caught us kissing. "Help me carry these dishes in. Bella, go let everyone know dinner is ready."

My dad, Carlisle and Emmett were glued to the screen when I walked in. "Dinner's ready," I announced.

Emmett jumped up and rubbed his hands together. "Finally! I was starving."

My dad looked over and gave me a warm smile. "Thanks, honey."

I smiled and turned on my heels to finish helping Esme set the table. Edward had just placed the turkey in the center of the table, and Esme was just finishing with the side dishes, and the table looked amazing.

"Everything looks incredible, Esme."

She smiled and tapped my nose when she turned around. "Thank you, sweetheart. Go on ahead and take a seat."

I did as she asked; joining my dad, Carlisle, Emmett and Rosalie once she fastened Riley into his booster seat. Edward pulled Bree's highchair over and grabbed her from Rosalie's arms and got her settled in.

"Dig in!" Esme said, clapping her hands and smiling. "Carlisle, darling, can you carve the turkey?"

He smiled sweetly and stood, grabbing the carving knife and digging into the giant bird.

Plates and forks and knives clanked around nosily as we fixed our plates and passed the food around. Once we'd all settled in, conversation took over.

"So," Carlisle started. "Tell me a little bit about school, Bella. I understand you're a nursing student."

I smiled, swallowing the bite I'd just taken and wiped my mouth with my napkin, placing it in my lap. "I am," I nodded. "So far it's mostly practical, but I can't wait to start the clinical side of things… you know, get in there and actually interact with patients."

He smiled warmly and nodded. "That's a very admirable and respectable profession. The world is in need of nurses. It's a very important job."

I agreed. "Thank you. I've always wanted to be a nurse."

I took a peek at my dad and he was practically beaming with pride. It made my heart swell. I was glad I was making my dad happy. I wanted his approval and support.

After we'd finished dinner, we all sat around the family room talking, sharing stories and getting to know each other. My dad had to leave early, unfortunately, to go back to work. Just before he was ready to walk out, Edward pulled my back and whispered in my ear.

"Tell your dad you're going to stay with me for the weekend."

I turned to him with wide eyes.

"Are you nuts? No!"

He nodded. "Yes. Tell him. I want you to spend the weekend with me, so we have as much time as possible to spend together before you go back."

I bit my lip. The thought was tantalizing, definitely, but telling my dad that I was going to stay at my boyfriend's house for the weekend was less than exciting.

"He'll flip out!"

The look on Edward's face was severe. He wasn't taking no for an answer.

"Fine," I huffed. "You owe me for this."

He smiled. "I plan on paying up. Believe me."

A warm buzz flooded my body. It was all the convincing I needed.

"Dad," I called as he got to the car.

He turned and smiled. "What's up, kiddo?"

I fiddled around with my fingers and looked at the ground, trying to figure out how to word things. "Um… I think I'm going to stay at Edward's house for the weekend. Is that… is that okay?"

Nervous didn't even begin to describe how I felt. My face burned red, my hands shook and my heart was thundering in my chest. He stood there, quietly thinking while I internally cringed.

"That's fine," he finally said. "Just… Bella, be careful… I mean, safe. Okay? I trust you, but I just worry."

I smiled and leapt at him, hugging him tightly. "Thank you, Daddy! You're the best!"

He grunted. "Can you at least come see me before you go? I've missed you, too, ya know?"

I promised, and with one last kiss to his cheek, I ran toward Edward, giving him the thumbs up sign. It was on.

End Note:

I hope to update at least once more today!

Thank you so much for reading! XO

Happy freaking Friday!

Loves to you all,

J'me