Chapter 3 - Announcing Our Engagement

Chapter 3 - Announcing Our Engagment

Kristen POV

It hadn’t taken us long to drive to my parents’ house in Sherman Oaks, it felt really strange to be back here, yet comforting at the same time. I was hoping while we were here, the subject of Rupert wouldn’t be mentioned, however somehow I didn’t think that was possible, Rob would insist I told my mom and dad. I knew he was right; however I wanted to tell them about our engagement before we dropped that bombshell on them. Taking a deep breath, I rested my head against Rob’s lap as we relaxed on the couch watching Cam and Taylor arguing over the games console. I’d forgotten how annoying they could be. Taking deep breaths, I somehow managed to reign in my temper, marginally because I was in Rob’s arms, it didn’t get to me as much when I was in his arms. Just as I regained my composure, I noticed my parents walking in the room; obviously wondering why we had decided to stop by when work was so busy. The minute they sat down opposite us, I knew mom meant business.

“So what brings you two home? I didn’t expect a visit until after your promotional commitments.”

“Well, we have some news for you. Good new.”

“Oh. What would that be? Are you pregnant?”

“Not yet.”

“Come on sis; spill the beans already so we can get back to our game.”

“Alright, jeez your such a girl at times Cam. You think that’s important you should try living our life for a day. Then you’ll know what hard work is.”

“Sorry, I was just trying to lighten the mood,”

“Well don’t.”

“Fine.”

“Cam stop winding up your sister.”

“Sorry Dad.”

“The good news?”

“Well, while we were in San Diego. Rob asked me to marry him. And I said yes.”

“That’s wonderful news. Congratulations.”

“Thanks Mom. Everything is finally slotting into place.”

“There’s something you’re not telling me.”

“Mm.”

“Out with it.”

“Not in front of Cam and Tay, it was hard enough telling Rob what happened.”

“Cam, Taylor out now.”

“She comes home for the first time in months and we’re the ones that have to go somewhere else.”

“Yes, now out. I’m sure you can find something to do.”

“Fine.”

Taking hold of Rob’s hand I waited until my annoying brothers were out of ear shot before I prepared myself to tell my parents, I thought I knew how my mom would react, my dad on the other hand I wasn’t too sure about, however one thing I was sure of, I’d be dragged onto the golf course so dad could interrogate me on it, making sure he had ever little last morsel of information. Taking a deep breath I squeezed Rob’s hand tightly feeling my emotions calming down. Taking my eyes away from Rob’s I turned my attention back toward my mother determined to get this out there, I’d rather it came from me rather than someone else, or worse the papers.

“Kristen, remember what I said. I’m not going anywhere.”

“I know.”

“It’s bad?”

“Mm.”

“Stop stalling Kristen. What’s wrong?”

“Rupert Sanders. Last year, when we were promoting, he got a little too close for comfort. Trying to touch me at every given opportunity, he became infatuated with me, following me wherever I went. There was a reason I turned my back on him in those promo shots, I was trying my hardest not to get on the next plane back to Rob. The premiere was the worst, I practically had to shove him off me and that was with nearly 11,000 fans there.”

“How long did this go on?”

“From the time we finished filming, to the premiere. Toward the end I ended up staying close to Chris so that I wouldn’t have to be anywhere near him. It’s the first time I’ve actually been relieved to leave a movie.”

“Are you going to report him?”

“Oh I can see how that would go. Somehow he’d find a way to blame me.”

“Then what are you going to do?”

“I’m going to get on with my life. I’m not letting him wreck everything. JB and Dean are going to help with security, make sure we have back up security if one of them can’t be with us. I wouldn’t even know where to start.”

“Leave it to me.”

“What are you going to do?”

“Research.”

“Oh.”

“All you need to do is relax and allow Rob to take care of you.”

“He said that.”

“Then listen to him.”

“Yes, mom. We’ll be here a few days if you don’t mind having us that is.”

“Of course we don’t mind. We love having you and Rob to stay.”

“Don’t think Cam thinks so. I know I’m hard on him, I just. Work is a bitch right now.”

“He understands.”

“Kris, what’s on your mind?”

“Something is going to happen. I don’t know what, but he’s not going to leave it alone.”

“What do you think he’s going to try and do?”

“What’s the one thing the both of us don’t understand in a relationship?”

“Wait, you think he’ll try and set us up?”

“Mm, what better way to make my life hell for saying no by setting up some sort of incriminating photographs?”

“Who would help him?”

“Liberty. From what I witnessed, he says jump, she says how high.”

“Ssh, we’re stronger than he thinks. I’m not going anywhere. Sleep, you need to rest.”

“Okay. Rob?”

“Yeah.”

“When we’re in New York, do I have to stay at the hotel the whole time or.”

“Only if you want to, I know you don’t want to be far away from me right now.”

“It’s about you this time though, not me.”

“We’ll figure it out closer to the time.”

“Okay.”

Reaching for Rob’s hand I clutched onto it as my heavy eyes started to close. He was right, the past few days had taken their toll on me, and suddenly I was grateful we were away from the glare of the cameras, at least for a little while. Feeling safe in Rob’s arms, it didn’t take me long to fall asleep again. For the next three days we were going to enjoy family time, away from the media, away from promo commitments, but most of all, away from the bad memories. Taking a deep breath out, for the first time I allowed myself to fall into a deep sleep snuggling closer to Rob as I felt his hand trailing up my arm. I was safe. I was home.

Rob POV      

As I watched Kristen sleep I couldn’t help but feel useless, how had I not recognised that something was bothering her. I knew her better than she did herself sometimes. Taking a deep breath, I absentmindedly ran my fingers through her hair trying to get my own emotions under control. My actions didn’t go unnoticed by Jules, before I could properly compose myself she was crouching in front of me. Reluctantly I lifted my head slightly looking into her eyes, all I saw there was concern. I knew I could always come talk to Jules if there was something on my mind, but this time I didn’t know what would come out of my mouth I was still so angry at him.

“It’s not your fault either you know.”     

“I feel like I’ve let her down.”

“You haven’t. She loves you. We’ve been able to see that since she fought for you to become Edward.”

I couldn’t help but laugh, looking back on that first audition, I don’t know why I’d been so scared, the minute I looked into Kristen’s eyes, I saw inside her heart, I knew instantly that she felt the same way about me. Throughout the past five years we have grown together, our bond strengthening. The media paint the picture that we hide our relationship from everyone, yet in truth, we’ve never hidden it, we just prefer to keep what’s our private. The cast knew we were an item, the fans knew, all they have to do is Google our names. We’ve always been open in our feelings in interview junkets, even if the interviewer hasn’t picked up on it, just yesterday, Kristen touched my arm as we were being interviewed by Josh, and there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for it.

“What do we do if he does try to set us up? Kristen seems pretty certain.”

“We talk to lawyers; we get everything in place to file a law suit on him.”

“The hard part is convincing Kristen.”

“Leave her to John. If anyone can convince her he can.”

“Let me guess, golf?”

“What else. How long do you have until your promo tour?”

“A few weeks. We do the Teen Choice Awards and then I need to be in New York.”

“Kristen going with you?”

“Yes, I wouldn’t leave her at home alone now. We’d already arranged to go together, however now, I need her with me. I’d just be distracted if we were apart.”

“I can see how much you worry about her.”

“I always will. I know she says I fuss too much, but I can’t help it.”

“It’s understandable given what’s happened.”

“Jules?”

“Yeah.”

“Thank you.”

“For what?”

“Listening, making me see that I didn’t fail her. For the past two days I’ve been so angry. I’m amazed I managed to get through the interviews without snapping.”

“Do any of the cast know?”

“Ashlee knows, she managed to calm Kris down the first night we were in San Diego. Taylor suspects there is something up but he’d never ask unless it was mentioned.”

“Alright. I’ll leave you two alone for now. If you need anything I’ll be in the garden.”

Taking another deep breath, I nodded as Jules made her way toward the huge back garden. Leaning back against the couch I closed my eyes, relaxing for the first time in two days. Suddenly I was thankful Kristen had asked to visit her parents, if there was one thing you could guarantee about Jules and John it was their advice, always managing to put your mind at rest, even if it was just for a few hours. I could vaguely here the noise coming from Cam, Dana and Taylor’s rooms, somehow I managed to block out all the noises falling into a peaceful sleep. After talking to Jules, I knew whatever Rupert Sanders had to throw at us, we would get through it together.

Kristen POV

The minute I opened my eyes after my nap, everything started to run through my mind again, all the insecurities and worries over when Rupert was going to do now. The only thing I was certain of is, I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to be a part of Snow White & The Huntsman 2. Sitting up, I noticed Rob had fallen asleep, and seemed to be sitting in a really awkward position, standing up slowly, I gently moved his body so he was laying down with his head on the pillow laying down next to him, rubbing his side slowly, smiling as the apparent tension leave his body. Although I had my back to them, I knew my brothers had reappeared again.

“Kris.”

“What’s on your mind Cam? Just ask.”

“Why did you send us out of the room when you were talking to Mom?”

“Because what I had to say wasn’t something I want to broadcast.”

“You can trust us you know.”

“I know.”

“Then why won’t you tell us?”

“I don’t want the media hounding you. It’s bad enough I go through all that without bringing my family into it.”

“But we want to help.”

“Fine, but this goes no further I mean it. Not even your friends got it?”

“I promise.”

“My director on the film I finished last year, became overfriendly, he’s not going to give up and I think he’s going to try and set us up. I can’t get the feeling out of the pit of my stomach no matter how much Rob reassures me.”

“Why didn’t you tell anyone?”

“I was terrified of losing Rob mostly, but I also didn’t want to make a fuss you know what I’m like. I honestly thought he would stop.”

“But he didn’t?”

“Let’s put it this way, I was close to walking off the promotional tour. I threw myself into work afterwards to forget, but a few days ago I couldn’t hide it anymore. Just be on your guard alright, if someone looks out of place they’re probably reporters.”

“We’ll be here for you sis.”

“I know you will. And I’m sorry for snapping at you.”

“It’s okay, you’re forgiven.”

“Are you going out?”

“Mm. I was going to ask if you and Rob wanted to come with me, but I think he’s out for a while yet.”

“It’s been a hectic two days, and it’s only going to get busier. We’re here for a few days though.”

“It’s good to have you home for a while.”

“Thanks Cam.”

“Anytime.”

“Go on, go enjoy yourself I’ll still be here tomorrow.”

“Bye sis.”

“Bye Cam.”

Turning my attention back to Rob, I slid my hand up his t shirt finding that the skin to skin contact calmed my frazzled nerves quite quickly. I was still amazed at how I’d been able to get through the Comic Con panel without breaking down, but I wasn’t stupid I knew this was hurting Rob just as much as it was hurting me, no one ever wants to hear that the love of their love has been harassed to the point of running away from a film they’re proud of. I was brought out of my thoughts by my dad coming back into the living room from the kitchen. Sighting, I reluctantly turned to face my dad, smiling slightly as I maintained skin to skin contact with Ro. I knew he’d want to talk about what I’d been through.

“Kris, you don’t have to hide how you’re feeling. Rob’s not the only one who can see right through you.”

“Why do you want me to say, that I’m terrified, every time I think about having to go back there and do the sequel with Rupert there, makes my skin crawl. I’ve never been scared to leave Rob’s side before but now I am. And I can’t kick the feeling that something is going to happen, he didn’t get what he wanted, he’ll try and split us up.”

“That won’t happen. He’d be a fool to try and break you two up, anyone who sees you know how in love you two are.”

“I know. He’s got influence though, who are the press going to hound the most if something does happen.”

“You trust your mom right?”

“Of course I do.”

“Then let her handle it, and you focus on these promo commitments. Do Ruth and Nick know?”

“Not yet. I expect JB will tell them. We’ve asked for extra security.”

“That sounds like a sensible idea.”

“I didn’t want to bring you guys into it. You didn’t ask for the media intrusion.”

“Kristen, you’re our daughter, we’ll always support you.”

“Thanks Dad.”

“Your welcome, how would you like to play golf with your old man?”

“Sure when?”

“Well if you want to rest for a few days we can leave it.”

“I’d rather not spend too much time indoors, I’ll drive myself nuts.”

“Alright how about you and Rob relax today and we can play golf tomorrow?”

“Sounds like a good idea to me. I have a feeling the paps will follow us.”

“They don’t bother me; they won’t stop me spending time with my daughter.”

“Thanks Dad. I’m alright here for a while if you want to go back to mom.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah, I’m in Rob’s arms, I’m always relaxed then.”

“Alright. I’ll see you later.”

“Okay. Oh and Dad.”

“Yeah.”

I love you.”

“Love you too Kris.”

Resting my head against the pillow again, I continued to rub Rob’s side gently snuggling into his chest, allowing my eyes to close again, suddenly I realised just how exhausted I actually was. The next few days would be the relaxation both of us needed before we had to deal with the mayhem that awaited us. Rob and my mom were right, as long as we stayed strong, we would be able to get through anything. I wasn’t going to let him bring us down. Feeling Rob’s arm subtly wrap around my waist I settled down altogether falling back into a deep sleep in my fiancée’s arms, I couldn’t wait until the day I became Mrs Pattinson.

Jules POV

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing when Kristen revealed what Rupert Sanders had put her through, no one should have to deal with that and I was determined to make sure everything was in place, just in case as Kristen was sure of, he decided to try and tear them apart, after grabbing my laptop from the dining room table I made my way out into the garden immediately contacting our family lawyer, explaining what I needed and how fast. Along with a restraining order, I also ordered a law suit against him. I’ve never been so thankful that Rob was taking her on one of his promotional tours than I was tonight. With him, I knew she was safe, I only had to look at the way they looked at each other to see that.

“Jules, have you thought about calling Gio?”

“No, why do you ask?”

“Well, he’s one of Kristen’s friends, when they return from New York they’ll need a backup plan in case their house is hounded by press.”

“I never thought about that. We can talk to them about it. What would your suggestion be?”

“Well they are less likely to look in Malibu for them, and they do have their house there.”

“That’s true. We can suggest it tomorrow.”

“No matter what happens, they’ll get through it.”

“I know. How does she seem to you?”

“Terrified. She doesn’t want to do the Snow White & The Huntsman sequel anymore.”

“I can understand that. We just have to be there for her when she needs us.”

“I’m taking her to play golf tomorrow.”

“That should take their mind off things.”  

“That’s what I thought. Are you going to call Gio now or tomorrow?”

“I think tomorrow, they deserve a few days to themselves, it’ll be better to talk to him when they aren’t in hearing range.”

“Alright. Looks like they’re out for the rest of the night.”

“They deserve it.”

Shutting down the laptop, I stood up sliding it underneath my arm walking back into the living room placing it gently into its protective case. Looking across at Kristen and Rob I pulled a blanket out of the closet placing it over them gently, so not to wake them. Whatever happened from here, I knew that their love would survive. They were stronger than they knew; we could see that, Rob’s family knew that, even their fans could see it. Flipping the TV off, I walked slowly upstairs into our bedroom sitting on the bottom of the bed formulating a plan. Tomorrow I would call Gio and ask for his advice; maybe he could find them a place to stay while we waited to see what would happen. For now, I was going to be there for my daughter and son in law no matter what. This family stands together when one of us is in trouble. With that settled, it wasn’t long before sleep overtook me and all the worries melted away, at least until I woke up. Then it would no doubt return.