PicTease: Chapter 18

Secret Life Chapter 17 Teaser

My paintings were gone. Everything I’d worked for was gone. I didn’t care about any of it. I just stood and watched it burn.

So I know that's a really small teaser, but as I was going through the chapter it was hard for me to find one that didn't give away everything in this chapter and its important that you read this chapter without knowing it.

PicTease

Chapter 16 Teaser

“It’s bad isn’t it?” I asked. I didn’t want to bring it up, it was the last thing I fucking wanted but it just slipped out.

“I almost died Edward…” She mumbled into my chest.

“Christ…” I kissed the top of her head and started rubbing her back furiously, like I could make it go away that way. She didn’t give me much but it was more than she’d told me before. And it scared the shit out of me.

I couldn’t imagine her not being here. Not having her with me. I wouldn’t be able to kiss her or taste her skin or tell her how beautiful she is. I wouldn’t be able to tell her that I love her or feel…anything. I wouldn’t be here now. I wouldn’t be.

New PicTease!

Chapter 15 Teaser!

We ordered takeout on the way back from the beach and all ate at Jasper’s place. They were all planning on going out to the bar later but I had other plans. I wanted to see where it all started. He promised me he’d show me and I was going to take him up on it.

“I’m actually kind of tired.” I exaggerated a yawn as I stretched my arms above my head.

“Yeah me too.” Edward did the same thing, even though I didn’t really understand why. I knew he’d stay in with me, but I hoped he really wasn’t tired. I had plans for us.

“I’m sure you are.” Rose laughed and grabbed her jacket.

“You guys suck. You’re in Los Angeles Bella!” Alice scolded. “You have to experience its greatness.”

“I don’t think she’ll have a problem experiencing its greatness Alice,” Rose said. She winked at me and pulled the rest of them out of the door.

As soon as the door closed Edward plopped down on the couch beside me and smiled.

“What?” I asked.
“Nothing.” He started twiddling his thumbs and smiled wider.

“God! Does everyone think we’re having sex right now?” I crossed my arms in front of me.

“We’re not?” His smile fell.

“No!”

Chapter 14 Teaser!

It was morning, that much I knew. The curtains couldn’t even block out the bright sunshine coming from outside. The dreary days of winter were starting to fade away. The snow was still heavy on the ground, but the edge of spring was almost here.

I debated getting up and making us breakfast but I was a little stuck to say the least. I bit my lip and contemplated ways to get up.

“Don’t even fucking think about it…” Edward mumbled.

“What was I thinking?”

“That your beautiful body was going to be leaving this couch anytime soon…” He slowly opened his eyes and glanced up at me. He sat up and stretched his arms over his head as a long yawn escaped his lips.

I blushed a little at the sight of him, still completely naked and draped in nothing but a blanket.

“See something you like?” He cocked his eyebrow and smirked. He stretched his arms across the back of the couch and leaned back. “I’m so exhausted,” he mumbled.

I smiled and pulled myself onto his lap. His smile fell into a lazy grin as his fingers found rest on my hip bones.

“What are you doing?” He asked. I bent down and started kissing his neck, laughing a little when his stubble tickled my lips.

“Don’t worry about it,” I mumbled against his skin.

PicTease!

Hey everyone. I'm so sorry about the long wait but I have started on the next chapter. I've been extremely overloaded with work and life lately so thank you for being patient. Here's a pictease to hold you over : )

PicTease

Here's ONE more PicTease for this chapter. I finished it last night and it's with the beta so should be updated later today or tomorrow : )

Chapter 13 Teaser

Edward was just walking in the door and I almost ran right into him. The moment I smelled him I wrapped my arms around him and buried my head into his chest.

“Hey,” he laughed. “How’d it go?”

I felt the warm tears start to slip down my cheeks and onto his shirt.

“That good huh?” His voice turned serious as he pulled me out the door.

We walked in silence back to his studio.

“She said I sucked,” I whispered.

“I doubt she said that Bella.” He sat down on the futon and pulled me down beside him.

“She might as well have.” I leaned into his shoulder and closed my eyes.

He turned his head and kissed my cheek. “Will you dance for me?”

I shook my head. The last thing I wanted to do right now is dance. I would feel like the person who keeps bringing over food after they tell you you’re the worst cook in the world.

“Please?” He brushed his lips just below my ear and trailed down to my neck. “Please Bella…” He swiped his tongue across my skin and I shivered.

“Okay,” I stuttered. “Only if you do.”

“You want me to dance?” He pulled back and laughed. I nodded and stood up. “Bella I don’t fucking dance.”

“Please?” I leaned down and kissed him. “Please Edward…”

Do you think we'll see Graffitiward attempt some ballet? Would be verah interesting ; )

PicTease!

Here's a little PicTease for the next chapter of Secret Life! Enjoy

Chapter 12 Teaser

I can’t believe I just said that. If the look on Edward’s face was any indication of how flustered he was, my insides were about a thousand times worse. What the fuck? That just wasn’t really like me. I wonder where the hell it came from.

I tugged him down the alley, giving my beet red face some time to recover. He pulled at his tie, loosening it up enough that he hung limply against his chest.

He stopped us about halfway down the alley and nodded towards the building. It was fairly simple. Just ‘AM’ painted in block letters, but there was still something exquisitely beautiful about it. I cocked my head to the side and took it all in. I’d seen plenty of graffiti before but there was something about Edward’s work that always had that extra something. Almost like you could feel what he was feeling when he did it, or at least what he wanted you to believe he was feeling.

“This was the first one I did in New York…” He mumbled. “I was so used to doing mostly tags back in L.A. that it just felt comfortable to do it.”

“Tags?” I turned towards him.

“Yeah it’s kind of like…a signature for a graffiti artist. Sometimes like you’re claiming it, identifying yourself to the world. It’s called a tag or tagging.”

“Interesting. How did you get started? I mean…the first night you ever painted. Why’d you do it?”

His brow furrowed for a long time before he answered. “I don’t know…I mean I’d gotten in a huge fight with my dad over med school and the fact that I wasn’t going. I went for a walk to blow off some steam and ended up in what I thought was the wrong side of town at the time.” He leaned back against the building. “I saw a guy painting down by the train tracks and for some reason I just sat and watched him for the rest of the night. He knew I was there, but he didn’t say a word. He just painted and I watched. The next night I showed up and he offered me a can.” He shrugged. “I guess it just provided some kind of release for me. I never thought my life would turn out like this. Just…wandering around clueless without any direction”

“This doesn’t look like wandering around clueless to me. This looks like you know what you want. And not all who wander are lost.”

“You stole that from J.R. Tolkien,” he said, laughing a little under his breath. “I didn’t take you for a Lord of the Rings person.”

“I’m not. My dad is. I was hoping you wouldn’t notice and just think I’m brilliant.”

Chapter 11 Teaser: Bella

I slowly shuffled across the floor and cocked my head to the side when I saw the painting. Edward was a master of capturing the moment, even if I was a little embarrassed he painted me sleeping. My arm was tucked lazily behind my head, almost completely sheathed by my dark hair. My shirt had ridden up a little bit, just barely exposing some skin. I looked serene, like everything in my life was perfectly falling into place. Like I didn’t have a damn care in the world. What a fucking sham.

I stared at the painting, almost becoming lost inside it. Drowning in the mix of colors and lines across the canvas. My eyes focused on the one spot on my shoulder. Even though he didn’t paint it, I knew what was hiding underneath the fabric. It was like this little monster threatening to expose the darkest parts of me. The parts I keep hidden. I never wanted any of it, I never asked for it. I know no one ever does but why does life have to be so unfair? What the hell did I do to deserve this symbol of my pain engraved in my skin? I know what happened to me, I don’t need a reminder everyday when I look in the mirror.

I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn’t even register Edward sneaking up behind me. I didn’t flinch when he wrapped his arms around my waist. I didn’t even blink when he kissed my neck.

“I know that look baby. Where are you at?” He whispered.

“Why do you think bad things happen to good people?” I reached out, almost like I was going to touch the painting. I stopped just before my fingers brushed against the rough canvas, allowing them to linger over my painted shoulder.

“Bad things happen to everyone Bella,” he mumbled against my skin. “It doesn’t matter if you’re good, bad or ugly, they’ll happen.”

“So it doesn’t matter then?” I said softly.

“What?”

“Anything.”

Important Announcement

Sorry, this is not a Secret Life post but it is just as important.

As a lot of you probably know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. My life has been affected by breast cancer and I'm sure almost all of you know of someone who has suffered through this terrible disease. And if for some reason you haven't...Singer Melissa Etheridge. Actress Edie Falco. Golden Girl Rue McClanahan. Singer Sheryl Crow. Actress Christina Applegate. News Anchor Robin Roberts. Now you know someone. Please help me spread awareness by using this blinkie or button. Use it as your Twitter avi, use it on your blog, use it on Twilighted, use it anywhere. Early detection is our best weapon and can SAVE YOUR LIFE! And plus, we're fanfiction people, we're all about groping, so let's do it when it really matters. GROPE FOR LIFE!

CODE FOR TWILIGHTED= [url=http://ww5.komen.org/][img]http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k325/MandyLeigh010/gickrcom_b1a08415-026e-5284-693b-f692ff28a4f3.gif[/img][/url]

If you'd like an avi, please check out my photobucket.

“I think I could go for a little more spoiling…” she whispered. She leaned in close and sighed.

“I don’t know. I don’t want to go overboard or anything.” I laughed under my breath and grabbed her hips as I slowly backed us up towards the futon.

“I’m definitely okay with going a little overboard,” she said softly. “Just a little.”

“Just a little?” I cocked my eyebrow and gently pushed her down on the cushion.

“Yep.” She bit down on her lip and propped herself up on her elbows.

I crouched down and knelt futon, crawling up until I straddled her waist. She reached up and grabbed my shirt, fisting and twisting the fabric as she pulled me down to her.

I growled the moment her lips pressed against mine and I allowed my body to collapse on top of hers, allowing her just enough room to breathe. It felt like our bodies were almost magnetic, undeniably pulled to one another. Needing to be close. Needing the connection. Almost like needing oxygen. Almost like it was becoming essential to my survival. I needed her.

“God you set me on fire,” she mumbled against my lips. I smiled and forced my hips against hers. She surprised me when she met my movements, sending a shiver through my entire body. My hands traveled up her body and found the peak of her breast. She froze for the slightest moment before I felt her relax again under my touch. I cursed beneath my breath, trying to remember to control myself.

Chapter 10 Teaser

I pulled my shirt over my head and slinked out of my pajama pants. I squinted into the darkness, looking for any of my clothes laying around. I glanced up and saw Bella biting her lip as she took in my bare flesh. Damn she was cute.

I smirked and took a step towards her. “Do I make you nervous?”

“No,” she stammered.

“No?”

She shook her head and took a step backwards. She stopped instantly when her back hit the door.

“I think I make you nervous,” I teased. I took a few more steps until I was close enough to touch her.

Chapter 9 Teaser: Bella

For those of you who didn't receive this special teaser a couple of days ago, here is the chapter 9 teaser. And for those that RT'd for Stand Up 2 Cancer, thank you again so much.

"Edward you don't understand...everything. Just go to sleep." I turned back towards my computer.

"I don't understand? What the fuck don't I understand?" He scooted to the edge of the bed. "Please enlighten me."

I couldn't believe he had the audacity to talk to me like that. We've been going out...or whatever the hell it is, a few weeks and he thinks he has the right to tell me how to live my life. He has no fucking idea about anything.

"It doesn't matter." I shook my head. I wasn't ready yet.

"God you are just so...infuriating sometimes!" He yelled. "Do you know that? If this is about your little secret I know. Okay? I fucking know you sneak off and do your little dance shit every night!"

Fandom for Preemies!

Hey everyone! I just wanted to remind you guys that I have submitted an original one shot for the Fandom for Preemies compilation and I really hope you will consider making a donation and buying one. It's going to have some good stuff in it and it's going for a good cause!

Chapter 9 PicTease

Artwork is property of respective owner. It's not mine.

So what do you think of this newest artwork?

Chapter 8 Teaser: Edward

“Christ,” I muttered under my breath. “What the fuck am I doing?” I sighed started tapping my foot. This is ridiculous. I don’t want to be here. I don’t want to be with this person who smells like perfume and vomit. I don’t want to stand here and watch people making out in front of me. In that moment I knew exactly where I wanted to be, who I wanted to be with, and what I wanted to be doing.

Chapter 7 Teaser: Bella

“Take a shot with me,” I said.

“Are you sure?” He laughed and shook his head.

“Yep. Give it to me.”

He grabbed two shot glasses and poured the liquid in both. He handed one to me and raised his in a toast.

“Merry Christmas,” he mumbled.

“Merry Christmas.”

We both threw the shots back and I winced at the intense burn in my chest.

Edward set his shot glass down beside me and rested his hand on the counter, trapping me between. I didn’t really feel trapped though. I felt…safe.

“So. What do you think of the party?” He asked, taking a sip of his drink.

“It’s nice.”

“Bullshit,” he laughed. “It’s boring.”

“Not anymore.” I smiled and diverted my eyes to the floor.

“Why not?”

“Because I like hanging out with you. You make it…not boring.”

“So I should put that on my resume? I make it not boring?”

“Definitely.” I reached up and ran my fingers through his hair, not liking how it was so done up. It wasn’t that it looked bad; I don’t think Edward could ever look bad, but it just didn’t seem like him. “That’s better.”

He closed his eyes and inched forward a little, almost between my knees. I bit down on my lip and let my hands fall to his shoulders.

“Tell me a secret,” he whispered, echoing my words from the other night.

I pushed myself off the counter and wedged myself next to him. I smiled and perked up on my tiptoes. “I think you have a nice ass too,” I whispered into his ear. I stepped to the side and walked away.

Chapter 6 Teaser

“Why don’t you read me some of that book of yours?” He flopped down on the bed and rested his arms behind his head.

“I don’t think you’ll like it.” I laid down beside him and grabbed the book.

“Try me.” He smiled and turned towards me.

I sighed and opened to the first page. “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of good fortune must be in want of a good wife…”

I read for what seemed like hours and he seemed like he was generally interested. Or maybe he was just really good at pretending but I could have sworn he was hanging on every word I said.

I found myself stealing glances at him and smiling. His eyes were slightly glazed over, his lips parted. It was the type of expression I could melt into and float away in. It made you feel like you’re the only one he’s ever looked at that way, like it was stored away and pulled out just for you.

I set the book down and turned towards him. “Tell me a secret.”

“Like what?” He murmured.

I scooted closer to him. “Tell me your secret Edward.”

He smiled and I knew he wasn’t going to give in. “I’ll tell you a secret.” He lowered his voice. “When I was ten Alice dressed me up in girl clothes and makeup.”

“Why?” I laughed.

“Because she was like eight and super annoying.”

“Yeah. Hard to imagine huh?” I smiled and looked down at his lips. I inched forward, listening to his breathing. I’d told myself to leave it alone, that he didn’t deserve to deal with all my baggage, but every time I was near him I felt pulled to him. Like gravity. I found myself wanting to reach out and touch his lips, just to see if they were as soft as they looked.

Chapter 6 PicTease!

Eek! : D Edward wanted me to tell you that if you have friends who aren't reading about him make sure to tell them about him. You know his ego is about to take a beating because he's taking his work off the streets. Help a guy out. Leave him some love.

Chapter 5 Teaser: Bella

I turned on the ice-cold water and stuck my feet under it, gasping at the temperature. My toenails were shot to Hell, bloody and bandaged from all the trauma. I’d have to try and wrap them better.

I winced as I reached down and started massaging my feet.

“Bella?”

I panicked and tried to pull my damaged feet out of plain sight.

“What the hell did you do to your feet?” Edward was suddenly beside me, his hair sticking out in all directions. He bent down and brushed my pajama pants back, uncovering my feet. “Jesus…”

“They’re fine.”

“They’re not fine. What the fuck are you doing that’s causing this?” He glared up at me, almost like he was genuinely pissed.

“It’s none of your business.”

“None of my business? You’re hurting yourself Bella.”

“It’s not like that.”

“Then what’s it like? Tell me.” He ran his fingers gently across my feet, tenderly caressing the skin.

“I thought you all left,” I said, chewing anxiously on my lip.

“They were going too fucking early for me. I wanted to sleep a little more. I’m meeting up with them.”
I stood up and tried to avoid letting the pain show in my face.

“What’d you do, tell Alice you were going to the museum again to get out of it?” He asked.

“So what if I did?”

“You know all this lying is going to blow up in your face eventually.”

“Why do you care?” I spun around. “Why does any of this matter to you?” He was starting to piss me off with his interrogation. I didn’t owe him anything. I barely knew him.

“No fucking clue.” He walked back in the bathroom and closed the door. I heard the shower start and I went back into my room, not bothering to close the door.

Chapter 4 PicTease

(Note: Please ignore the ring on his finger, this picture was just too perfect besides that to pass up. There are no nuptials happening haha)

Chapter 4 Teaser

“Let me get you some blankets,” Bella said softly, opening the hallway closet. She pulled out some more pillows and a few blankets. “You could always use the couch cushions for a bed,” she shrugged.

“I’ll try that. Thanks.” I smiled as she disappeared into her room and closed the door.

I attempted to make myself a make-shift bed out of the cushions, just like Bella had suggested. I guess it was alright. Emmett and Rose were already settled in on the couch so I turned off the light, pulled my shirt off and tried to get comfortable on my shitty bed. It was kind of ridiculous when you thought about it. I was the original guest here and somehow I ended up on the damn floor.

“Come on baby,” Emmett purred. “Edward’s asleep.”

“No I’m not!” I yelled. “I’m not asleep.”

“Okay well he won’t listen.”

I grabbed my pillow and held it around my head, trying to block out the sounds I knew were about to happen. They were like fucking animals.

“For fucks sake!” I sighed. I got up and pulled a blanket and pillow with me as I started towards the hallway. I knew better than to knock on Alice’s door. Even though I was pissed it was happening, I knew they were probably doing the same thing I was trying to get away from.

I took a tentative step towards Bella’s door and knocked.

“Uh…come in,” she said softly.

I opened the door and peeked my head inside. She was sitting on the edge of the bed, her backpack sitting by her feet. She was going to sneak out again.

“Going somewhere?” I asked, cocking my eyebrow.

“No,” she lied.

“Listen I know you said you wanted your space and I get that, but everyone else in this apartment is having sex and I really don’t want to be in the room while that’s happening.”

“Oh.”

“Can I sleep on your floor?”

“Of course.” She sighed and laid back in her bed.

I smiled and closed the door behind me. I didn’t bother bringing the couch cushions because I just wanted to get the fuck out of there. I stumbled a little as I walked over to the empty space beside her bed.

“Sorry I’m a little drunk,” I laughed.

Chapter 3 Teaser

I waited until her room was silent before I grabbed my bag and slipped out again. I needed to hit the store before it closed to buy some more brown. I couldn’t get her damn eyes out of my head and I knew that’s what would come out once I started working.

I grabbed a few different cans and set them up on the counter. The clerk looked at me a little weird, probably suspicious that I was making frequent visits to his store late at night.

I paid for the merchandise and headed outside, slipping it in my backpack as soon as I left. I bypassed the street I’d taken last time and kept walking, hoping to find somewhere else.

It was dark. You would have expected the streets to be less chaotic than they were during the day, but its all bullshit. This is the New York most tourists don’t see, the part that they don’t want to see. It wasn’t necessarily terrible, but it wasn’t glamorous either.

I passed what I was sure was a drug deal happening and turned down the next street. It was a small alley between two buildings and seemed to be perfect for what I needed. I wasn’t planning on doing this outside much more. I was going to try something a little different, but this would always be my home. The alleys, deserted streets, roofs of abandoned buildings. It’s where it all started.

I pulled my hood up and threw my headphones in as I set my bag down. I unzipped it and pulled out all of my cans, lining them all up in a row. I grabbed the brown, just like I knew I would and started working. It was almost like her stare was completely engrained in my brain. When I shut my eyes, hers were all I could see and it scared me. I didn’t know what it meant but I was hoping by getting it out I would get her out of my system.

Chapter 3 PicTease

Blinkie Issue

It's come to my attention that some of you can't see the Blinkie. I'm not sure what's going on with that, it works fine for me on both the blog and thread but there is something obviously not right. Sorry about that, I had no idea. Try this one and see if this works for you so you can at least see it.

Want a little visual?

Here's the new blinkie for Secret Life! Visit the new Twilighted Forum for the code or to chat about SL.

Code:[url=http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5251499/1/Secret_Life][img]http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k325/MandyLeigh010/Fanfiction/SecretLifeBlinkie.gif[/img][/url]

Teaser

As I celebrate the grand opening of this blog I'd like to share with you a teaser as a gift from me to you. If you still haven't read the first chapter it is posted in its entirety here. Enjoy this little teaser from Edward!

“You ate my bacon!” She stared down at her empty plate.

“Yeah it was really good. Thanks.” I smiled and leaned against the counter.

“Alice!” Bella screamed.

Alice was completely oblivious to our exchange since she was throwing mounds and mounds of clothes into her suitcases. Apparently she’s either taking a trip or donating her wardrobe to charity. I’m going to go with the first one.

“Listen I have a last minute photo shoot down in Aruba. My plane leaves later today and I’ll be back next week.” She sat down on her suitcase to close it. “Bella you should really show Edward around the city, he’s never been here.”

“You are not leaving me here with him!” Bella complained.

“Do I get one of those foam Statue of Liberty hats with the Bella Tour?” I asked.

“Alice!”

“You’ll do fine,” Alice said, pulling her stuff towards the door. “Please. As a favor to me. Please.” She slammed the door shut and we were alone in the apartment.

“This should be fun,” I smiled at Bella.

“I’m doing this for Alice and Alice only. If you piss me off, I will push you into the Hudson.” She started towards her bedroom. “And you’re buying me breakfast since you ate mine. Be ready to go in a half hour.” She slammed her door.

I started towards the bathroom to take a shower. Bella’s door whipped open right as I reached it, towel and clothes in her hands. Polka dotted underwear. Nice.

“Where are you going?” She asked.

“I need to take a shower dear.”

“No you can’t. I need to take a shower.”

“We could always shower together,” I teased.

“Fine you can go first.” She disappeared back into her bedroom.

I took a quick shower and wrapped a towel around my waist as I left the bathroom. I wasn’t a conceited guy but I wasn’t shy either. I didn’t give a shit what she saw. I wasn’t one to get embarrassed as far as this goes.

Her door opened and she quickly went into the bathroom. I heard the shower running a few minutes later. I grabbed some clothes and slipped them on before starting back towards the bathroom. I slipped inside and started hanging my towel up.

“Excuse me!” Bella’s head peeked out from behind the shower.

“What? Would you rather me leave it on the floor? Relax. I’m not checking you out or anything.”

She pulled the shower curtain back as I slipped back out.

I waited out in the living room for her, running my fingers through my damp hair. She took less time than most girls I knew to get ready, which was refreshing. Most girls I knew from L.A. spent at least an hour caking on their makeup only to have it look like shit.

She emerged from the bathroom wearing a simple t-shirt and jeans, her hair pulled into a loose ponytail. I was a little disappointed about that. I thought her hair was fucking gorgeous and I wanted to see it.

“Are you ready?” She asked.

“Yep.”

Oh I do love the interaction between these two.