Imperfectpictures

6/11/2019

Episode Fifty-eight: Grands

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Episode Fifty-Eight: Grands

"Have a good day, pretty girl," I heard Jasper whisper in my ear, my face pressed into Edward's bare chest not too far from his tattoo. He pressed a kiss on my cheek, but I wasn't awake enough to fully enjoy it.

“Mm,” I mumbled, turning my face quickly towards his with my eyes still closed. I stroked at his stomach, feeling the polo work shirt underneath my fingers.

Jasper pressed a kiss to Edward’s forehead. He brought his hand sleepily up and brought him in for a gentle kiss on the lips, their noses brushing against one another for a moment. It was slow, sleepy, and very sweet.

“Come back tonight?” Edward asked in a tired mumble.

“You have your grandparents tonight,” Jasper whispered back. “And I need to do laundry. I’ve been here for days.”

“When?” He was too sleepy to form a full question. Jasper understood anyway.

"I'll come back after work tomorrow, and I'll bring enough clothes for a couple of days. I have to work tomorrow and the next day but then I have two days off in a row, and we can spend it together if you'd like."

"Tomorrow is the stupid interview day," Edward muttered sleepily. He couldn't get out of it, even if he wanted to. He would be spending all day with the press and getting his picture taken by someone other than me. He hated it, but I didn't mind that I was going to get a few minutes alone. "Let's go out tomorrow night. I'll take you both out."

“Aw, you gonna take us on a date?” Jasper teased in his funny high pitched way.

"Yeah, I am," Edward said so warmly that it made his friend stop. He leaned up and captured his mouth again. "Bella can wear that red dress I got her and put on her makeup. We'll go out dancing, and I'll take you to a nice dinner."

“I’ll do your eyebrows,” I mumbled jokingly. His arm that was around my waist tightened, kissing the top of my head with a chuckle.

“That sounds wonderful, darling.” He ran his thumb tenderly over his chin. “Have a good day.”

“I’ll miss you,” Edward replied.

“I will, too,” he said as he pulled away.

“Hey, wait,” I complained, grabbing his shirt before he could pull away from the bed. I sat up a little bit, the blanket sliding down to reveal my bare chest. I gave him a proper goodbye kiss, fisting his polo shirt as I held him in place. Jasper’s fingers twisted with my hair, his lips smiling against mine.

“And, I’ll miss you, too.” Jasper tweaked my nipple as he pulled away, making me giggle. I pulled the blanket up to my chest. “Bye, dove.”

“Bye,” I said in a little pout.

I slid down on the bed beside Edward, rolling over to my side. He pressed his body against mine, pulling me snug to his bare chest.

“If I asked you nicely would you wear those heels and a certain lipstick for me tomorrow?” He questioned quietly into my hair.

“Have a fantasy?”

“Yes,” he said against my shoulder as he moved in to kiss it. “Those heels from my birthday, that red dress, lipstick to match.”

“To match the red dress or the black shoes?”

“Oh, black?" He seemed delighted by the idea. "I was actually thinking red, but I'm not sure I've seen you in black before."

“Make it match my underthings,” I breathed as I closed my eyes, wiggling my ass into him. I was still sleepy.

“Oh, yes.”

“How would you like my hair?”

“You are so indulgent,” Edward said with mild amusement.

"I've been telling you to tell me your fantasies for months, idiot. There is a reason for that. I want to do them too. Tell me what you want, and I'll give it to you. Seriously, this is easy stuff." I yawned again. "I mean," I pointed towards the door, referencing Jasper. "A simple hairstyle after that?”

He paused for a second to consider it before giving me a quick but confident answer, “I like when your hair is down, all big and curly. I like to tangle my fingers into it when I kiss you.”

“Mm.” I wiggled into him, tugging his arm into place around me. I turned my face to him and lightly kissed his lips. “I can do that. But, the shoes don’t go with the dress,” I giggled playfully.

“I just like you in heels. They make your ass and legs look good. And, I have a special attachment to my birthday shoes.”

“Oh, they have a name now,” I giggled again. “You’re so cute. We’ll have to pick out a new pair soon.”

“Some to go with that red dress,” Edward agreed in a yawn.

“Hm, later though. Sleep now.”

I certainly wasn’t clothed in that revealing red dress when Edward’s grandparents arrived at the seaside cabin. Instead, I was practically dressed as a fifties housewife. It was a modest dress that went past knees, flaring out at my hips, that was a light robin egg blue. I even wore a long pearl necklace, my hair was pulled up onto the top of my head to reveal all of my neck for once. I was covered in so much makeup.

George and Elizabeth Everson arrived first. They were posh English, and everything about their appearance was perfect. But, unlike their daughter, they were very relaxed. George was a lanky man like Edward, but not nearly as tall. It was amazing how much their grandson looked like all of them.

“Oh, look at you! You are such a pretty little doll,” George said as he pulled me into a warm hug as soon as he came through the door. His hands were soft on my shoulders, warm and comforting. He brought a finger to my chin when I tried to avert my shy eyes. “Oh, and you’re even cuter when you blush!”

“Pops, let her go,” Edward said in a chuckle. “How are you, old man?” He asked as he brought him into a hug.

“I can’t complain about anything but missing my babies.”

“Well, we’ll be seeing you in June,” I promised them. “I can’t wait to go to Ireland.”

Elizabeth brought me into a hug next. “I know! We can’t wait to have you! It’s going to be so much fun.” She touched my cheek and looked at me with so much longing. “Oh, your babies are going to be so beautiful.”

“Oh, Nana, please,” Edward complained in embarrassment, hugging the old woman to him gently. “I agree. But don’t.”

"I'm kind of scared to have his babies," I admitted playfully. "I'm so tiny, and he's so tall, that I have a hard time imagining it. Like a Chihuahua trying to give birth to Great Dane puppies."

“Oh no,” Edward laughed, pinching the bridge of his nose while his pale cheeks flamed red. “That’s terrible.”

“Don’t worry, dear. Edward was a small baby. He was just six pounds, I think,” his grandmother said comfortingly.

"I think if you ever get pregnant, you'll look like you're trying to smuggle a beach ball under your shirt no matter the size of the baby. Poor thing has nowhere to go but out." George patted my shoulder. Edward pursed his lips together and looked away to keep from laughing. "Oh, I do love a pretty pregnant woman."

“Oh, you don’t say, Pops?” He led his grandfather into the living room. “You have six kids. I’m shocked,” his grandson replied dryly.

“Eddie, we’re not having six no matter how cute you think I am pregnant,” I told him as I went towards the kitchen to check on the rack of lamb I was making for dinner.

“Well, yeah. That’s probably too much. I was thinking probably half that,” he said jokingly.

“Mm, make it a third.”

Edward paused a second, realizing it was my serious answer. “Two?”

“Yeah, seems like a reasonable number,” I replied as I put on an apron from the kitchen. I stepped into the doorway. “Why do we keep having these conversations while your family is around? Stop it.”

“It’s not me! It’s because they’re nosy. And you don’t have to keep answering questions,” Edward teased me with a smirk. “Two works for me though. It is reasonable,” he agreed with me, giving me a little wink.

"Stop trying to make me want to have your babies. It's working, and I find it annoying," I said dryly before turning to go back into the kitchen.

He followed behind after asking if his grandparents wanted a drink, closing the door behind him. Edward cornered me, his hands on his side of the counter as I turned to face him. He was looking down at me with amusement.

“I think you like it,” he whispered.

“I don’t see no ring on this hand,” I lifted my left hand up, my accent thick.

“I can fix that.” He was enjoying messing with me. It’s all it was, flirting in a way that he knew would leave me flustered.

“Shut up,” I whispered as I pulled him down for a kiss. He chuckled against my lips, pulling me closer to him as we made out.

“Do you want me to ask them to stop?” He asked, gazing down at me lovingly. “Seriously?”

“No,” I shook my head and smiled. He smiled brilliantly, kissing the top of my head. The doorbell rang. “Go get the door. I’ll be out in a second.”

Edward pulled away. “By the way, I think you’re going to look like a goddess when you’re pregnant.”

“Shut up,” I laughed, pushing him out of the kitchen. He laughed as well, reaching behind him for a moment to tickle my stomach before I literally slammed the kitchen door on him.

“Oh, you love it,” he said loudly to the closed kitchen door before he went off to open the front door.

I came out with a large hot, covered dish and placed it on the pretty table I had partially already put together. All the plates and silverware were arranged, the wine glasses already on the table as well besides a couple of bottles of wine.

Jane and Allister Cullen were Edward's Father's parents, and they were loud and Scottish and let everyone know as soon as they entered the room. Both of them were rather shouty and cheerful, cooing proudly over their baby grandson.

“Oh, my lovely darling,” Jane said as he rubbed her fingers over his beard. “You look so grown up.”

“Um, I think might actually be a grown-up,” he teased her lightly.

“I know. But, I miss my wee babe.” She straightened his collar for him lovingly before turning her attention to me. “Bella, hello!”

“Mrs. Cullen, it’s so good to see you again.” I came to hug her and then Allister.

“Son, you do pick them tidy! She is a bonnie one.” He put his arm over my shoulder, hugging me to his side. Allister was as tall as Edward. His whole family made me feel so petite.

"Oh, so it skipped a generation, and you got it all from your grandparents," I told Edward with a smirk, my arm around his grandpa as I leaned into him.

“Do you mean our good looks or charm?” Allister questioned.

“Mm, both.”

“Anthony, do keep this one.” He patted the top of my head, making me laugh.

“I swear, I’m working on it,” Edward laughed as well, pulling me out of his grandfather’s grip. “Old men trying to flirt with my woman. I swear, your wives are right here. You’re both filthy bastards.”

“They’re both harmless,” Jane said with her own laugh, patting her grandson’s shoulder before going towards the kitchen.

“I’m not harmless,” George smirked from his spot on the couch.

“Yes, you are.” Elizabeth got up from beside him and followed Jane into the kitchen. I looked at my boyfriend with wide eyes.

“I think I should get in there before they finish cooking dinner.”

“I think you’re right,” Edward chuckled. “Here. Let me help you.”

“Young lady, that meal was by far the best I’ve had the entire time we’ve been in Australia,” Grandpa George took my hand from beside him and gave it a light squeeze after we had finished eating an hour and a half later.

I had served roasted lamb done perfectly medium rare with the roasted potatoes that Edward liked but seasoned differently, au gratin zucchini, spicy garlic green beans, served with delicate little cheesy Brazilian rolls. I made an impressive looking pavlova topped with strawberries and blueberries in a thick syrup. Both grandfathers went back for seconds of the dessert, and Edward kept popping the cheese bread into his mouth. He had eaten perhaps a dozen of the small bite-sized baked good.

"That was lovely, dear," Jane said to me, smiling at me from across the table.

All during dinner, they asked questions about me and about my life in New York. Edward was concerned that they were overwhelming me, but I liked their questions. I enjoyed their curiosity. He was always so scared he would stumble into a sad topic. I didn't want him to feel that way. I wasn't an open person naturally, but I didn't want to keep anything from him either.

"How did you decide to become a photographer?" Elizabeth asked, pouring both of us more wine. She passed the empty bottle to Edward, and he made a little face when he realized he was being silently told to throw something away like a child.

“Well, it was my second choice, to be honest. I minored in it at NYU.”

“What was your first choice?” She asked with a smile.

“Um, I actually moved to New York in the hopes of being a star," I laughed at the last word. "I couldn't get enough attention as a child. I had all these big plans to be on Broadway. I wanted to do it all. Sing, dance, play instruments, and act. And it turns out I can do like three of the four only kinda okay, and I cannot act at all. I was never anything more than bit parts and a chorus girl. And then my dance partner I was taking lessons with at the time broke his back and… I just didn't want to do it anymore after that. Any of it. I find it all really embarrassing now. Lucky for me, it was there as the perfect backup."

“What made you decide to minor in it?” Grandpa George asked curiously.

"Photography has been my hobby since I was about sixteen. After my Mamaw died, I realized that I have almost no pictures of me as a baby. Or, of my mom. I have like maybe thirty pictures of my family total. Maybe. A few of me, a few of my mom. A couple of my uncle Charlie who died before I was even born. My guardian was great though and got me a camera when I got upset about it."

“I’d like to see those pictures.” Edward squeezed my hand under the table. I smiled at him. I wanted to kiss him for his sweetness.

"Luckily for me, Mrs. Lettie is an obsessive photographer, despite being color blind. She has a wall of photo albums and starting around age six or seven there is a photo book every year for me too. So, when you come to Texas with me, you get to enjoy all of that cuteness," I laughed. "Though, I bet Alice has already sent you some good ones."

“Mm,” he hummed innocently.

I laughed quietly, "oh, I know she's sending you shit now. You can't hide it. You told me about the music videos she sent. Don't pretend like she's probably not sending you an embarrassing picture of me a day from like when I had braces and a retainer."

“You didn’t need braces. That gap was adorable,” he mumbled under his breath. I looked over at him with a raised eyebrow. “She sent me like fifty of them just the other day. She found a fun shoebox full, apparently. She sent them to me for like three hours solid. It was great.”

“What did she send you?” I asked in shock.

“I saved them. I’ll show you later.” He smiled at me widely. “I’ve got a folder full of goodies.”

“Oh, that reminds me,” Jane said to me. “Allister, get me my purse. I’ve got a gift for you, dear.”

I looked over to Edward who just shrugged. The old man got up and fetched his wife her purse. Quickly she fished out something small and passed it over to me. It was a flash drive.

"I found all of Anthony’s old videos he made when he first started, and I put them on there for you!" She said cheerfully. My boyfriend's eyes grew wide with horror as I began to grin wickedly.

“Oh, no. Why?” Edward began to whine.

“You were the cutest! Darling, after hearing that conversation she’s going to love these,” his sweet little Scottish grandma told him kindly.

“Yes, Eddie. I’m going to love these.” I held the drive in my palm to my chest, smiling at him evilly. “How much is Jasper in here, I wonder,” I mused.

“Oh so much,” my boyfriend sighed. His cheeks were red again. “There are so many stupid things in there that no one should see.”

“Mrs. Cullen, this is the best gift. Thank you,” I said to her warmly. Edward scrunched up his nose at me, making me finally giggle. “Aw! Am I going to get to see cute chubby baby Tony?”

“I was like fourteen,” he pouted.

“It’s as embarrassing as he’s acting like,” Allister snickered. His grandson shot him a look. “You’re the one that made them.”

“And look where they got you!” George encouraged. “It was good that you were such an imaginative child.”

“Oh,” I giggled. “Imaginative. That is probably a good word for it. I know how imaginative he is now.”

Alistar smirked. “It’s code for pain in the arse.”

I loved his grandparents so much.

“Why Grandma!” Edward looked over at his grandmother Jane.

“I made a copy for everyone! I’ve been converting all our all family movies.” She smiled at him proudly.

“Oh, god! Why?!" He half laughed, half cried before he scrubbed his hands over his face. I cackled at his discomfort joyously. "Oh, shut it you."

“Nah,” I snorted, taking a sip of wine.

“You, of all people, don’t like videos of yourself,” he pointed out to me.

“Mm, but I’m not a celebrity who puts their entire life online for everyone to see,” I replied coolly.

“Hm well, you’ve been in my videos for a few months now, baby. It’s not like you’re totally unknown now. So,” he drew out the word in a challenging way.

“I’m not a celebrity,” I repeated.

“Okay, you say that, but your videos are getting millions of views.”

“Your videos.”

"Your cooking videos," Edward replied. "You know what I think? I think you're absolutely a star. Maybe you got unlucky before, but I think you were just doing the wrong things for you. You're not someone who is going to follow a traditional path. But, I bet if a single person took a chance you'd be a Hollywood starlet that I'd be hoping to work with right now."

I leaned my head on his shoulder, squeezing his hand tightly. I was probably a shade of rose I was blushing so hard at his words.

“In some alternative universe.”

“It could have easily been this one, Bella,” he whispered.

I pressed my face into his shoulder. “Try hard.” He shook his head, leaning his cheek against the top of my head. “I love you,” I whispered just so he could hear. I could feel his smile. “So,” I cleared my throat. We were being rude for not involving his grandparents more in the conversation. “Can I make anyone some coffee?”

Back: Episode 57

Next: Episode 59