Wow guys! I'm really glad that so many people like this story. Over 25 reviews for the first three chapters? This is just lovely. Keep them coming:)
Disclaimer: -sigh- No, I don't own Twilight. Or the YMCA. Just work with me here, people.
Chapter Four – My Bella
Bella's POV
I found myself looking down at a cute brown-haired male. He didn't look much older than me. The front of his brown hair was slightly gelled upward, giving him the appearance of a college boy. His face looked worn from judging so many girls, but his chocolate eyes still glowed with genuine friendliness. Seems nice enough, I thought to myself.
The judge caught me staring at him and he chuckled, holding out his hand. "Hi, my name is Joshua, and I'm one of the official judges for the competition. Pleasure to meet you…" he trailed off, his eyes searching my face, waiting for a name.
"Oh, I'm Bella Swan," I finished for him. As I shook his hand, I realized it was really wet. He seemed to realize the same thing and he looked down at our joined hands with an odd expression on his face. The sudden realization hit me like a brick wall. Damn, who knew my hands could sweat so much…well, this is slightly embarrassing…
Joshua realized the reason for perspiration at the same time I did and smiled. He chuckled again and his eyes met mine, gleaming with understanding. "Nervous about stripping down in front of me?"
The way he asked the question caught me off guard, but I nodded, smiling weakly. "I've never really been one to… be so… uncovered, in such a… public place… in front of… so many… guys…" I gestured toward the rows of men standing against the walls.
He nodded and took his hand away from mine, trying to discreetly wipe it on the thigh of his blue jeans. "Don't be. I would also rather not put ladies in a nervous position, but it's honestly just to take measurements for the outfits, and also to see the applicant's body shape." The fact that he was so professional about it made the anxiety in my stomach turn into relief. But a part of me still knew that when it came time to strip down, I would not be feeling this relieved…
I sighed. "Thanks, good to know. I was getting pretty nervous about it when I was waiting in line…" I admitted, feeling my face flush.
Again, he chuckled goodheartedly. "Really, I get it all the time; don't sweat it." He winked at me. "Literally, don't sweat it." I giggled at his lame joke. He looked down at his clipboard and then back up at me. "Ready to begin?"
"Yes," I answered.
"Okay… your name? Oh, that's right… Bella Swan…" he answered himself, writing my name down on a blank line. "Your age?"
"Eighteen," I answered.
I granted myself a peek at Alice and Rosalie to see how they were holding up. Looking to my right, I found Alice in a happy conversation with her judge, who looked interested but also slightly taken aback by her applicant's extreme happiness.
I giggled silently to myself and looked over at Rosalie. She seemed all business as she answered her judge's questioning. Her form was almost entirely filled, so I knew her stripping was about to begin. Though, knowing Rosalie, there's no way she would be nervous about that.
I continued answering Joshua's questions and made some small talk along the way. He seemed surprised that my father was, in fact, Chief Swan of Forks. He asked me questions about growing up in Phoenix with my mother. His friendliness overall made me extremely comfortable and I was happy about the entire situation.
Joshua resumed to his contest form questions, and as he began asking me what my preferred color for the swimsuit was, I heard several moans and whistles coming from around me. I felt my brow furrow as I looked around to see where they were coming from.
The men standing against the walls were all looking toward the judging table. Some eyes were outrageously wide; some jaws were dropped to the floor. A few guys were smiling, obviously taking in the sight before them with extreme pleasure.
But what sight? I thought to myself. What sight would make guys go this crazy… oh. Right. I turned my attention over to Rosalie, who was standing with one hand on her hip, clad in only a bra and panties. I quickly backtracked myself; they weren't panties – she was wearing a thong. And the push-up bra made her breasts look even more fabulous than they already were.
Rosalie's eyes were dead-set on her judge, who was quite blown away at her applicant's perfect body. Rose didn't seem to have a care in the world that all of the waiting men were looking at her, lust glazing their eyes. She put her arms out to her side and kept her eyes on the judge as she was measured. The guys went crazy when Rosalie's judge measured her chest. I wonder what Emmett thinks of this sight…
Oh man! I had forgotten all about our men! I looked toward their standing position to see how they were holding up, and boy, were they a funny sight to see.
Emmett's eyes were set on Rosalie, full of passion and love. His gaze only wavered when he would hear another man yell out something sexual at Rosalie; when that happened, Emmett's eyes bore a hole into that man's head until the recipient of his hatred would lower their head in shame.
Poor Jasper was physically shaking. I snuck a quick peek at Alice to see that she, too, was standing in her undies and bra, arms out to the side, being measured as well. I could only imagine what kind of feelings were running through him… lust, passion, pleasure, anger – from Emmett, mainly… not to mention everything that he himself was feeling…
But I felt worst for Edward. He was absolutely still – too still. I could see his jaw was clenching and unclenching; his left hand was placed on Emmett's shoulder, the knuckles white from grasping it so hard. And his right hand was up at his head, thumb and forefinger pinching the bridge of his nose. I could only imagine what kind of thoughts he was receiving; gruesome words, unpleasant fantasies… I shivered just thinking about it.
My mind was dragged back to my situation as I felt a tap on my wrist. I looked at Joshua to see he was staring at me with an unfathomable expression in his eyes. "Bella, I'm ready to measure you… so whenever you're ready and you feel comfortable, just take off your top and bottoms…" he said softly.
Embarrassingly enough, my cheeks flushed red once again. I knew that there would never be any time when I would feel comfortable about doing this, so I might as well just do it now.
My shaking hands made their way to the hem of my top and I lifted it over my head as steadily as I could. After taking off my undershirt, I quickly undid the button and zipper on my jeans and thrust the waistband toward the floor. I stepped out of my pant legs and placed all of my clothing in a pile.
I put my arms out to my side, squeezing my eyes shut, trying to block out the whistles and whoops that were now being directed my way… Poor Edward, was all I could think to myself…
Edward's POV
Images of Rosalie's scantily-clad body swam through my mind.
Damn, that woman's hot. I'd like to take her home and…
…incredibly body, I wonder what she'd be like in bed… regardless, she looks like she'd be good at…
Wow, she's gorgeous. Creamy legs, thin torso, amazing chest… holy shit…
Oh God, my Rosalie. Look how outstanding she looks. I heard a voice call out, "Damn woman, you are fine!" Oh, hell no, he did not just say that to my Rosalie… I'll hurt him, I swear to God I will…
A vision flashed through my head of Emmett running across the lobby of the YMCA, grabbing a man's shirt collar, and punching him several times before kneeing him roughly in the groin.
Edward, please try to keep Emmett under control, please… I don't want to get kicked out of her for starting a riot… Alice's thoughts said to me.
I placed a firm hand on Emmett's shoulder; he didn't look toward me.
"Alice just saw you becoming violent with one of the male applicants… she told me to keep you under control… please, just stay calm… only for a little longer…"
I opened my eyes to see Emmett vaguely nod, but kept my hand on his shoulder, just in case.
That's right, boys, keep looking, because this is the most of me that any of you dogs will ever get to see… Rosalie's thoughts rang out.
Attempting to keep the thoughts out of my head truly was not working.
Aw, what a sweet girl… look how red her cheeks are… I hope she doesn't die from embarrassment…
Suddenly, an image passed through my head of Bella in a navy blue brassiere and underwear. I groaned inwardly. My word, she truly was exquisite… her cheeks were stained red and her eyes were shut tight. Even completely embarrassed, she looked breathtaking…
And then the thoughts started.
Damn, that brunette has got it going on! She looks so innocent and pure… I could definitely change that…
A picture ran through my head of an unknown man taking Bella by hand into a room… and then laying her on the bed…
… sexy, sexy body… want her to want me…
Oh, dear God! Why must these men be such animals?! I strongly fought all of the images sweeping through my head as best as I could… images of Bella and a man kissing… Bella in the shower with a man…
I let go of Emmett's shoulder and sunk to the floor with my back still pressed against the wall. I pressed my fingers roughly to my eyes, hoping that that would somehow shove the fantasies away… the words still ran through my head… only now, it was as though the worst words would ring out the most… and no matter what I did, I couldn't stop it…
Visions of Bella holding a man's hand and walking through downtown Port Angeles…
Bella lying on a picnic blanket with a guy, watching the sun set over First Beach…
A man and Bella climbing into bed together, both in their underwear and nothing else…
Bella sitting across from a man at a romantic restaurant, her face smiling in the candlelight…
Bella and a man kissing passionately on a couch…
I groaned in exasperation and smacked the palms of my hands to my forehead, hoping to beat away the fantasies… the visions… the words…
Bella looking down at a man who was balancing on one knee and opening a ring box…
Bella being fed a chocolate-covered strawberry…
Bella sighing with pleasure as a man kisses her stomach on his bed…
I was scared, terrified of what some of these men wanted to do to Bella… my Bella… they wanted all the things I've wanted to do with her but haven't been able to… fearing for my self-control…
If the females won this bet, then she could make me do these things to her… she alreadywanted me to do these things to her… these things I've never dreamed of doing to anyone before I met her… and I wanted to do them, so badly… but I didn't want to hurt Bella… not my Bella…
Bella lying in a field of long grass with a man, kissing him lovingly…
A man showing up at Bella's doorstep with a single red rose for her…
I kept thumping my forehead harder, more violently, trying to shove these fantasies of other men out of my mind…
Suddenly, I felt two warm hands softly grip my wrists. I opened my eyes only to meet Bella's brown ones. Here she was, crouching in front of me; the source of all my happiness, but also all of my internal confliction…
Her forehead and lips were twisted in ways that conveyed her worry for me. I couldn't imagine that my face looked any more comforting.
Bella leaned forward warily and softly pressed her lips to mine.
"It's over," she whispered to me. "Let's go back to your house until it is time for you men to sign up." She smiled weakly and stood up, gently tugging on my wrists, urging me to follow her.
I stood up and wrapped my arm around her waist, feeling her abdomen's warm skin radiating through her thin top. Sighing, glad that the thoughts of those vile men were fading, I kissed the top of her head.
"I love you," my lips whispered against her hair. I said it so silently, I was unsure if she heard me or not.
Her head twisted upward so her face was looking up into mine. A loving smile was playing around the corners of her lips. "I love you, too," she whispered back.
She would always understand. My loving Bella. My angel.
Thoughts? Critique? Review? I wasn't sure about how much pain I should put Edward in... I just wanted to convey how much he wants Bella, but how difficult it is for him to keep himself under control... Any suggestions for upcoming chapters? Please, review and let me know. :)