Title: There's One Place to Call Home
Summary: Sequel to 'There's Only One Forks High'. Edward and Bella have been married for 4 years now, with a few additions to their family. Cue the crazy nanny, struggles with careers and sex and rambunctious kids. It's going to be a bumpy road!
AN: Welcome Back! I didn't keep you waiting long to post the sequel! I was really excited to post it! I already had the ideas for it and I was going to just post it in the original story but I decided to separate it into two stories!
So, sit back and enjoy!
Just like the other story, I will alternate between Bella and Edward POV. I'm going to start out with EPOV.
Chapter 1- EPOV- 4 Years, 6 Months, 2 Days
Kids are crazy. Especially when you have three of them.
4 and a half years ago, it was just Bella and I, living simple lives in Port Angeles.
Then, we moved down to the sunny, busy streets of Los Angeles. From there, changes were endless.
The Christmas before we moved, Bella told me that she was pregnant. Of course, she tried to keep it a secret, but only from me. Her mistake, telling EVERYONE else. Someone was bound to leak it to me.
It happened to be Rose. She asked me if I thought that Bella would enjoy a handmade quilt to swaddle the baby. She went on to explain that she was very into quilting and knitting since she found out she was pregnant and would be happy to get Bella into it as well… That's when she clapped her hand over her mouth and ran away. She begged me not to say anything and act surprised. I did what she asked, but I just coordinated my gift to hers.
To this day, she still wears her charm bracelet, with the diamond encrusted baby bottle on it.
On June 1st, almost a month early, Bella went into labor. We weren't worried that it was so early. The doctors warned us that might happen. It was her first pregnancy, coupled with the fact that she was carrying twins, it was most likely she would deliver early.
Yep, twins. Guess it's true that they run in families. Because Rose had twins as well a few months back. Them Cullen genes are strong as fudge. Yeah, I had to cut back on the 'F' word with the kids around now.
I never realized how evil Emmett and I must have been for my mother. It's like they plotted together. One would start crying, get tired out and go to sleep. But then the other one would just start up again. It was a terrible cycle.
I swear Bella and I went 6 straight months on zero sleep. Finally, around 7 months they started to sleep through the night.
But we loved them with all our hearts, despite how insane they drove us. Edward Anthony Cullen Jr. and Carlie Rose Cullen were the only twinkle in our eyes. That was until we were surprised with the arrival of Katie Elizabeth Cullen, about a year ago. She was not planned, especially since we were just getting the twins to be potty trained and they were in their terrible toddler stage. But with tons of coffee, we managed to do just fine.
We were a pretty happy family, Myself, Bella, Little Edward, Carlie and Katie. Getting pictures might be a pain, trying to get 3 kids under the age of 5 to smile and look in the same place at the same time was nearly impossible. Taking trips anywhere was a project, even to the supermarket. Between diaper bags, this one's toys, where's that one's shoes and which child was crying, times were a bit chaotic. But somehow, we got through each day, with every child accounted for.
Some days, I really wished we could have some sort of help around the house.
The D-Fenders paid a decent salary and Bella made good money at the nearby hospital as a physician's assistant. So, money was certainly not issue. As it turned out for Bella, a lot of schools near us in Los Angeles had more programs designed for physician's assistant rather than nursing. She was lucky enough, with her excellent grades to make an accelerated program that had her graduated with her PA license in 4 years. So, for the last half year she has been working in the NICU at the hospital down the block from us.
She worked during the day, from 5am to 3pm most days. Then, when she got home, I went to practice, 5 days a week, from 5pm to 9pm. It was the road trips that were the hardest. Between November and April, half the time I was gone. It sucked being away from my kids, and Bella. Not to mention that it was tough on Bella to deal with everything on her own.
It was June now, so I only did slight conditioning a few days a week to stay in shape, but that I could do from home. These times were easier, especially on Bella and I. More time together, as a family and a couple.
But as the next season approached, I knew that we were going to need some help. I just had to convince Bella.
Today was Katie's first birthday. So, everyone flew down and our 3 bedroom house was stuffed with our family. All the kids crammed in Bella and mine's bed, not that it was much different than other days. My parents were in one bedroom and Bella's dad and new wife, Sue, were in the other. Alice and Jasper decided to stay at a hotel, while Emmett and Rose and their 2 kids stayed in the living room on air mattresses.
She was too young to have met any friends, so Katie's birthday party was filled was just our immediate family.
I loved Los Angeles. Seeing the sun everyday when I wake up was refreshing. I loved living in the cozy 2 level house, with the wraparound porch that went along the entire house, even with a balcony outside our bedroom. Bella and I loved sitting out there at night, once the kids were asleep and watch the sun set while we sip on a glass of wine.
I also loved having the freedom. Away from parents and their nosy tendencies. And their opinions.
But I never realize how much I miss our parents and my brother until I see them. It these times, especially as they're about to leave after the party, that I think about moving back home.
"Daa," Katie mumbled from the swing she was sitting in.
"Come here, munchkin," I said, as I picked her up into my arms. "Do you know what today is? Today is your birthday, baby girl. You are one year old today," I told her, sticking one of her chubby fingers out. "See, one. That's how old you are today. And everyone is here to celebrate!"
I couldn't help but giggle along with Katie as she giggled at her fingers; her laugh was infectious.
Emmett joined me in the living room. Everyone else was outside setting up for the party. I had no idea what stupid theme it was, I didn't really see a point. Katie wouldn't have any idea what the theme was.
"Hey there, little girl," Emmett said as he as sat down next to me, reaching over to take her from me. I allowed her to go to her Uncle and he immediately had her in a fit of giggles.
"How you feeling man?" I asked. He was looking better. His hair was growing back a bit and he had gained back some weight.
About a year ago, it was finally to the point where Emmett needed the bone marrow transplant. I missed about half a season to stay up in Forks for the procedure and the down time that was necessary afterwards. He continued to receive treatment and now his numbers was stabilizing. The doctors were confident in a few weeks he would move onto a month of radiation and then they could declare him in remission, finally.
"I'm doing okay. The Kids keep my spirits up. It's tough to sit on the couch and sulk when Alex and Samantha are around being adorable. I don't want them to worry. It's better for me that way, anyways," he explained.
I was about to tell him good when the door flies open and all the kids ran inside, covered in dirt. Bella and Rose were quick behind them.
"Alex! Samantha!" Rose Yelled.
"Edward! Carlie! You guys need to get dressed!" Bella yelled as well.
Emmett and I just shook our heads and laughed, continuing to play with Katie, ignoring the ruckus coming from the bedroom. The girls had it under control.
"Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday dear Katie! Happy Birthday to you!" the family serenaded her. She was sitting in Bella's lap, face lit up at the sight of cake. Her and Bella blew out the candle and as soon as the cake was put in front of Katie, it was mashed across her face. She ended up with more on her face and clothes than in her mouth.
The pictures were priceless.
The kids played in the sandbox and swing set that we had. While the adults mingled between the table where the food was and the pool. It was a typical sunny, warm June day in Los Angeles, everyone was thankful for the pool.
"Daddy?" I heard from a voice coming towards me. It was Edward.
"Yeah, bud?"
"Can Carlie and I go in da pool wif Uncle Em?" he asked in his child English.
"Did you ask Momma?"
"No, she's inside wif Katie," he told me.
"Did Uncle Em say it was okay that you guys went with him?"
"Yeah. Alex and Sam are going in," he informed me.
"Alright. I'll bring you over there. You both need to put your floaty wings on," I told him. He jumped up and down before hugging my leg and running off to tell Carlie.
I blew air into the floaties while my kids were squirming at the edge of the pool, splashing Alex and Sam who were already in the pool. Then, I had to put them on. The hole to slide these things up their arms was really freaking tiny. I kept pushing them up, while trying to pull their arm down and they wouldn't budge. I tried adding water and it just kept slipping out of my hands. Emmett was hysterical as he watched me struggle.
"Hold your daughter," said the voice of an angel; my wife. I took Katie into my arms and looked on as my wife slid the floaties up their arms in one swift motion. She did it as effortlessly all four times and helped the kids down into the water.
I moved Katie over to my hip, to let Bella snuggle into my other side as I wrapped my arms around her shoulders. "How did you do that?" I asked her.
"Practice," she told me, kissing me on my cheek before skipping off to sit with Rose and Alice.
She missed them terribly. It was tough on her. She didn't make many friends at her school. And she didn't have many friends at the hospital. The only girl that I had met was a shy girl named Jane that she went to school with and now worked with at the hospital. Other than that, she was lonely. The kids and I were all she had. She missed having her friends around all the time.
Every Wednesday, they would all video chat. It was a tradition they never strayed from because they never wanted to drift apart. They all looked forward to the family events held when they got to see each other in person.
Jasper and Emmett were taking turns tossing the kids into the water and giggles were erupting all around; the kids in the pool; Jasper and Emmett and even Katie from the occasional splash of water that touched her skin.
I was bouncing Katie on my knee, flicking my water dripping fingers at her, since she loved the water. Usually in the morning, I would take her out in the pool; she had a baby float tube that she sat in and just floated around. I would splash her gently and she would soak it all up.
All my attention was focused on Katie. I didn't notice until I heard the big splash and Carlie and Sam screaming.
Emmett was about to throw Sam into the water; he had her lifted up in the air. Then, the splash came.
Emmett just collapsed. His knee buckled under him and he fell down, just sunk under water. I didn't know what to do. I had Katie in my arms and all I wanted to do was jump in and save my brother. But I had to trust Jasper to do it. All the kids were rushing towards me as Jasper was pulling Emmett up. I was pulling the kids out of the water, one by one when everyone else started rushing towards the water.
Rose jumped in, fully clothed and started smacking Emmett in the face. Bella took Katie immediately and I was next to jump in, followed by my dad.
"Emmett, Emmett! Do you hear me?" My dad asked him, while lifting his eye lids open and trying to gage his eye moments.
Jasper splashed water in his face and finally Emmett's eyes fluttered open and he started coughing up water, which he must have swallowed when he collapsed. We all sighed collectively in relief to see him open his eyes.
"Emmett Cullen, if you ever scare me like that again, I will kick your ass," Rose told him, through stifled tears.
Jasper, Dad and I pulled Emmett out of the water and laid him down on a lounge chair on the deck. He continued to cough, gaining the breath back into his lungs and pushing water out. Rose threw her arms around him, kissing the side of his face and whispering things in his ears. Alice and Bella had the kids by the table, trying to get them to eat but I could see their scared eyes looking at the deck.
I knew I had to go and say something to them. Dad was looking over Emmett and Rose was right as his side, I figured it was okay if I left and let them deal with it.
As soon as I stumbled down the stairs, half in a daze, Edward and Carlie were attached to my legs, tears streaming down their faces.
"Alex and Sam are worried, Daddy," Carlie told me.
"Sam tinks that she hurt him," Edward added.
As heavy as they have gotten, I managed to pick them both up into my arms; having twins, I quickly learned how to manage picking them up at the same time.
I brought them over towards my wife, who had Sam on her lap, sniffling against her shirt. Bella was running fingers through her hair, trying to soothe her but she wasn't listening. Alex was right next to Bella, trying to help his sister but tears were down his face too. He was just as scared.
I put Carlie and Edward down, motioning for Alice to go near them. Jasper had followed me and thankfully they were talking to them, and soothing them.
I picked Sam up off Bella's lap and brought her in my arms. Sam happened to be my Godchild.
"I hurt Daddy," she sobbed to me.
"No, sweetie. Look at me," I told her, lifting her chin up. She had the same icy blue eyes that Rose had, except they were the shape of Emmett's, big and wide open. She was the perfect mix of her parents. "You know that Daddy is sick, and he just got weak. He just needs to rest. You didn't do anything wrong. It's Daddy's sickness. Grandpa is going to look after him and make him as good as new," I assured her.
"He's not going to be sick anymore?" she asked, sounding hopeful that her Grandpa could fix all Emmett's problems. I wish, kiddo.
"I'm sorry. He's still going to be sick. But, he's going to get better really soon, okay? You believe me?" I asked her. She sniffled a bit before lightly nodding her head. I moved her head over to my shoulder and let her cry on my shoulder.
Rose, with red, puffy eyes, came over after about 10 minutes.
"Hey, baby," she said to Sam. She looked over at Rose, her long blonde hair covering most of her face. Rose took her from my arms and snuggled her tightly in her embrace. She rocked back and forth with Sam, while gently rubbing the top of Alex's head, who was clinging onto Rose's other side.
"He's okay," she told me, relief across her face. "Your Dad wants to take him to the hospital, just to get a blood work up and check things out. He thinks he is going to need more treatments."
I nodded my head at her, as Bella came and wrapped her arms around my waist. Our kids were being kept occupied with Alice and Jasper, while my parents were alongside Emmett, still by the pool.
"Do you want us to watch Alex and Sam?" Bella asked her.
She shook her head no. "I was actually wondering…" she paused, looking down at her kids "…if Edward, you would go. I trust that he's okay, since your Dad said so. I think that my kids need me more than Em right now. I know he'd feel better having you around, though."
"Of course, Bella are you okay here?" I asked, I never liked assuming that she was fine handling 3 kids by herself. Although I knew she could, and Alice and Jasper were here to help.
"Yes, baby. Now go, Em needs you," she told me.
I gave all my girls, the mass amount of amount of them now, a kiss on their head before going over to Emmett. He looked like hell. His clothes were soaked, and although it was near 85, his lips were blue and his body was freezing. Not to mention, he was as white as a ghost.
"Hey buddy. Why don't we get you into some dry clothes before we head off to the hospital?" I suggested.
Emmett slowly nodded his head and my father agreed. Emmett was told to sit up slowly, fast movements could cause him to blackout again, and once he was up, he wrapped his arms around my dad and mine's shoulders. We helped him into the house, get changed and into the car. I drove, since I knew the streets. My mother and father sat in the back with Emmett.
My dad pulled strings to be able to help treat Em once we got into the hospital. They took about 8 tubes of blood; my dad wanted all of his levels tested. Then, he was hooked up to fluids and told to sit back and relax while the tests were being run.
It took about 3 hours of waiting around, pretending to watch TV while we really all watched Emmett and jumping at the sight of every doctor, hoping it was Emmett's results.
When the results came back, his cancer levels had spiked. His blood sugar was low as well, too low and that's why he blacked out. The doctor explained that between the chemo and the cancer cells multiplying, it was normal for his sugar levels to drop and if was over exerting himself, he could pass out.
The hopes of the chemo treatments stopping soon, vanished. Remission was still a far ways away. My dad had explained from the beginning that this would be a long battle. With his type of leukemia, patients average 3 and half years on chemo, longer for males due to our junk apparently. Emmett happened to be on it longer because his cancer was wider spread, and because he needed to stop for a while due to the bone marrow transplant. They didn't want the chemo to affect the transplant and allowing it to work.
My dad seemed relieved that Em hadn't passed out from something more complicated, that it was just his sugar levels. Although his levels were elevated, everything else seemed fine.
His doctor did say however that Emmett would have to stay in California for another week or so. His body was weak and shouldn't sustain the stress of travel.
Emmett seemed thrilled at this, that he would be able to stay longer. For once, he wasn't cursing himself for being sick, but happy that something good came out of it.
I was silently cursing myself.
I was supposed to be his savior. I was his perfect genetic match; we were identical twins. You can't get a closer match that the two of us.
When he got the bone marrow transplant, I thought that was his ticket to a clean bill of health. His bone marrow would start producing enough healthy cells while the chemo would wipe out all the cancerous cells, and he would be in remission.
It didn't work that way. At this point, I was questioning if my marrow did any good to him at all.
I hated hearing him weak and so down on the phone. I hated hearing my mom cry on the phone how she can't take much more of the bad news. She was scared she was losing her son. Even my dad sounded tired on the phone lately, worry was affecting him too.
I was the one person who was supposed to be able to cure my brother. But I didn't. Shit, I barely even helped him.
Emmett was allowed to go home right after we got the results. He was told to take it easy and perhaps have some candy on him, in case he feels light headed.
Everyone seemed fine and dandy, like nothing was wrong as we left the hospital. Dad had his arm around my mom, who was humming to herself. And Emmett just walked along like he didn't just pass out in my pool and almost drown.
I wasn't fine. I was far from fine. I don't know why everyone was acting like everything is normal. It's not. Emmett's sick and he's obviously not getting any better.
The ride home was quiet; I didn't offer out any conversation, but neither did anyone else.
When we got home, we were bombarded by everyone; questions, tears and hugs flew around.
I skipped past everyone and slipped into the backyard. I just wanted to be alone.
But, in a full house, that never lasts for long.
"Hey man," I heard Jasper say, as he sat down beside me on the porch. He offered me a beer, which I greedily accepted. I need something to calm my nerves a bit. "What's going on?"
"Nothing," I muttered. I wasn't in the mood for Jasper to psychoanalyze me.
"It doesn't seem like nothing."
"Well, it is. I don't need a therapist, Jazz" I snapped.
He put his hands up in defense and I instantly felt guilty. "Dude, I'm just trying to find out what's got you so bummed. I'm not trying to be your therapist. Shit, I don't want to be your therapist. I'm off duty," he tried to joke to lighten the mood. But not even a sympathy laugh passed my lips.
"Everyone acts like shit is normal. Emmett's sick, man. Not like a fucking cold, where he takes some Nyquil, goes to sleep and wakes up the next morning fine. He has cancer. And it's not going away."
"That doesn't mean it's not going to ever. Besides, this is normal for them. Hospital trips and dealing with the side effects of his treatment. He goes through this all the time. You know sometimes he has to go to the hospital to get medicine to stop puking and rehydrated. It's just another day for them, man. He can't act like he's sick all the time; otherwise imagine the state he would be in then."
I just nodded my head. Somewhere inside me, I knew what Jasper was telling me was right. This was just a bump in the road and one day, hopefully soon, it would all be over. I also knew that Emmett couldn't walk around day in and day out acting like he's sick and feeling sorry for himself. That wasn't who he was, he had kids to worry about and that would only stunt his progress.
I knew all this.
Yet, I couldn't shake the nagging I felt in my stomach. The feeling like I should be doing more to help him. The feeling like everyone needs to be doing something more. Because having Emmett sick like this wasn't fair and I was tired of it.
"You just have to have faith, Edward. That everything is going to be okay," Jasper told me, patting me on the back. I gave him a nod, gesturing my thank you and he went back inside.
I leaned my head back against the house and I embrace the silence.
I don't know how long I was staring at the unfinished wood that is above my head, but I'm snapped out of my thoughts as I hear the tiny pitter-patter of feet.
"Hi, Dad," Little Edward tells me.
I motion to my lap and he hops up and leans his head back against my chest.
You'd think because we named him after me that he would have my looks. But, nope. The twins look like Bella. Brown hair and big chocolate brown eyes, like their mother. I'm terrified for when Carlie grows up, especially if she's only half as beautiful as her mother. Katie is the one that looks like me, sort of. Her hair isn't as coppery and weird looking as mine. Most times, it looks to be like a strawberry blonde. Unfortunately for her, she did get the style of my hair. Her hair was often in disarray; curls going every which way atop her head. But her eyes are the same emerald color as mine. They all have Bella's lips, full with that especially pouty bottom lip. Their pouty face turns everyone into suckers.
"Why are you sad?" he asked me, looking up at with his wide eyes.
"I'm not sad, buddy. I'm just thinking."
"What are you thinking about?"
"Uncle Emmett," I told him honestly.
"'Cause he fell today," he said to me; he didn't ask me, he told me.
"Yeah, buddy. Emmett's my twin brother, like Carlie is to you. I miss him a lot. And I don't like to see him sick."
"I know, Daddy. But it's gonna be otay, I just know it," he told me, wrapping his miniature arms around my torso.
Tears pricked at the corner of my eyes as my son sat in my lap comforting me. It's amazing how simple it was for him to calm me down. Most people think that parents are supposed to be the ones to calm their children down. But everyday my kids prove that they're the ones that calm me down and settle my fears.
I stayed outside with Edward for a while, rocking back and forth on the porch. Watching the colors of the sky change like a watercolor painting. The sky turned dark and Edward was fast asleep in my arms. I adjusted him carefully in my arms and carried him inside.
I motioned to the girls as I walked in to be quiet, as I walked past them and towards his room. Charlie and Sue had left while we were at the hospital, and my parents were set to leave in about a half hour. Normalcy was returning to my house at the very least.
I was about to cross the threshold into his room, when I felt a tiny tug at my shirt. I saw that it was Alex.
"What's up, buddy?" I whispered to him.
"Mommy and Daddy are staying in there. Aunt Bella said all us kids could stay in Carlie's room," he quietly informed me.
I nodded to him and brushed past him to get to Carlie's room, where Edward's bed had been dragged into. I set him down on the bed and kissed his forehead. I stared at him as he snuggled into his bed and watch his chest rise and fall slower and slower as his sleep became deeper.
When I got back outside, my parents were set to leave. I gave my mother a long, tight hug and a kiss on the cheek. I actually gave my father a full hug, not the one armed kind I normally gave him. They both asked me to watch over Emmett and I assured them I would.
I was happy to see them off in the end because I was tired of all the tears being shed. I didn't want to see anymore tears.
I collapsed onto the couch and found myself exhausted at 9 pm. How parenthood changes you, I thought to myself.
I felt the couch dip down beside me and I opened up my arms, instinctively knowing it was my wife.
Sure enough as she snuggled into me, her familiar coconut smell with the fruitiness that came from her hair attacked my senses. I nuzzled my face against her hair, causing her to giggle.
"Katie's asleep. Carlie and Sam are sharing Carlie's bed. And Alex and Edward are sharing Edward's bed. I set up the big, double air mattress in Edward's room for Rose and Em. I feel bad that they have to sleep on that air mattress for a week. It's got to be killer on their backs," she told me.
"Yeah."
"How was the hospital?"
"Honestly?"
"Um-hmm," she answered.
"Terrible. I can't stand seeing him continue to get sicker and sicker. It seems like nothing they do is working. Not even the transplant. Why can't they figure out what the fuck kind of medicine he needs to get better and give it to him?"
She gave me those all knowing, motherly eyes that she's adopted since having kids. It's that look that says, everything is going to be fine and to just relax, take a deep breath. But, I wasn't her child. I wasn't that naïve. Things were more complex than my brother stole my toy.
"Baby… Look at me," she told me, forcing my chin down to look at her. She puckered her lips and locked them against mine. "I know it's hard. It's hard on everyone, but especially you because you're so connected to him. But, you know that it's not easy to find the right cocktail and this takes time…"
"But how much time?" I demanded, interrupting her. "It's been almost 5 years, Bella. 5 years of his life he will never get back! How much more can his body take!"
"His body will take as much more as it needs to take in order to get better. I know you're upset right now but stop talking like he is going to die. He will get better and that's the end," she told me and started to get up.
I grabbed her arm, pulling her backwards and right onto my lap. I kissed her neck, behind her ear and settled my head into the crook of her neck. She turned on me, so that we were face to face, with her straddling me. I tightly wove my arms around her still slim body and she did the same to me. Our foreheads touched as I took deep breaths.
"I'm sorry, baby. I know he's important to you too and I shouldn't be getting negative. I guess I'm just really tired," I explained, although I could feel this went deeper.
"Then, let's get to bed baby. Lord only knows how long Katie is going to sleep for. Plus, we have a long week of 5 screaming kids around the house. We will need our sleep," she reminded me.
I nodded and allowed her to pull me into bed.
As Bella got ready, I found myself staring at my baby girl, sound asleep. I envied her innocence and her unknowing mind, a mind that didn't know of the malicious things in life, like cancer. I was grateful that she didn't know, that she couldn't feel the pain we all felt. I kissed her head before climbing into bed.
Bella's warm body filled the space next to me. I wrapped my arms around her, her back pressing firmly against my body. There was nothing more that I wanted at that point other than to feel the closeness of my wife's body against me.
Other than my brother being healthy.
AN: So, a kind of heavy first chapter. But that gives a slight view into the grown lives of Edward and Bella.
Emmett and Rose will play a bigger part in this story and help take the story into the direction I want it to go.
There will be several flashbacks into the past, to show things that occurred over the 4 years that passed.
I do promise that Edward and Bella do have a happily ever after, as do the rest of the characters. But they will have struggles along the way, Edward especially in the beginning, as you can already tell.
But, I hope that everyone enjoys this and will continue to read.
Please review and Happy Reading!