Thank you for giving my story a shot! This is my first so be kind.
Thank you to my friend (you know who you are) for encouraging me to finally free myself.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters or proper names nor endorse anything I mention, just my plot.
Bella is smart, accomplished, and just recently moved into town. She meets her past and a wild man in one night, but there may already be someone in her present. What will Bella do when she's at the crossroad of the heart? Edward, content to be alone and not looking for love... at all, finds himself drawn to the brunette beauty and struggles to stay away.
Crossroads of the Heart
Chapter 1
A loud beep sounded overhead in the airplane, and with a start, Bella woke up as and the captain's voice announced their final descent.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking, welcome to Sea-Tac Airport, the weather in Seattle is..."
Bella rubbed her eyes and tuned out the voice while she looked out of the rain splattered window. Dark looking puffs of clouds with wispy tendrils cast a gray and dreary shadow over the city. She hadn't seen weather like this in a while. A sudden visage of Kenya's magnificent sunset materialized before her, stirring a wistful absence inside her that she couldn't put into words. Africa had captured her heart in the short year she'd spent there.
Working as an international relief aid in Kenya, as a Pediatric Surgical Physician's Assistant, for the past year had been a life changing and humbling experience. The remote hospital and the many faces of her patients (and friends) floated through her mind bringing a smile to her face. However, as much as she would miss her adventurous time there, it had been time to come home.
A new job awaited her in Seattle and if she was being truthful, she was also glad that coming back home would take her mind off Garrett.
She let her mind drift to him while the plane landed and rolled onto the runway.
He was tall and lean with a slightly muscular built. His long, shaggy hair was dark blonde, which he mostly kept held back with a white bandana. He had compassionate, brown eyes and usually wore a scruffy beard even in the hot, dry heat of Africa. Only in his early 30's he was a surgical doctor volunteering with Doctors Without Borders (MSF); and after completing his residency in the states, knew that he had a desire to do some humanitarian work.
They met a few weeks after Bella arrived. She was working in the ER when the mobile clinic brought back civilians that had been hurt. Garrett had been a part of that medical team, and the mobile clinic did not have the necessary equipment for him to perform the major surgeries. Since some of the injured were children, Bella found herself working alongside Garrett throughout the night until the next day.
Afterwards, both drained and in need of substance and sleep, Garrett finally looked over to Bella and asked if she was the new aid worker they were expecting. They would spent the majority of their time, after that, traveling together with the mobile medical clinic. He taught her how to care for the patients using what little resources they had, and how to navigate through the tough and sometime scary situations they were faced with.
There were lives they couldn't save and it was during those times they relied on each other for support. They became close friends and Bella was aware that Garrett was hoping their relationship would grow into something more, but they never crossed that line.
That was until the last month before she came home. Garret confessed his feelings for her; and although they spoke about her leaving soon, Garrett said he just wanted to spend whatever time they still had together. He would be staying on until a replacement arrived.
They had their first kiss that night and many more kisses after that. She forgot how good it felt to kiss (not that she had been kissed by that many) and be held by someone after such a long time. As her experience was ending, she began to develop more feelings for him, but kept it to herself. She struggled with her thoughts... she was leaving, it wouldn't be fair to either of them when they couldn't be together because of the distance. She was unsure if she was ever going to see him again.
When the time came for her to leave, Garrett, in his easy-going way, simply kissed her and said he was proud to know her. She could tell it wasn't an easy good-bye for him, but she also knew he wasn't going to persuade her to stay either.
As the plane slowly rolled to a stop on the tarmac, Bella blinked several times to clear the images in her head. She missed Garrett, she missed the patients that were in her care, she missed the families that hosted and treated her as one of their own, she simply missed her time spent in Kenya.
Taking a deep breath, Bella stood up to collect her carry-on bag and slowly followed the other passengers off the plane. Home sweet home.
Charlie was waiting for her in the airport. With balloons and flowers. It was so unlike Charlie, but seeing his huge smile peeking from underneath his bushy 70's mustache finally pushed all thoughts of Garrett and Kenya from her mind.
Father and daughter were bursting with excitement to see each other and Bella ran to her father's crushing embrace.
"Dad! I've missed so you much! You look wonderful!"
"Bells! Welcome home, sweetie. About time you came home, I didn't know if it was going to be another year before I get to see you again." Charlie chuckled.
Bella hugged her dad again and they turned to collect her all her luggage. She couldn't wait to get back home. She was going to soak in the tub until she turned pruny!
She would be staying with Charlie while she looked for an apartment in Seattle. Her job didn't start for another month and that would give her time to recuperate, move, and generally get settled down.
It had been years since she lived at home with Charlie. Her bedroom was still the same, except there were a ton of boxes stacked against one wall when she had her clothes and books sent back home. Looks like they'll be staying in there for a while, she mused.
After high school, Bella had been accepted on a full scholarship to a college out east in North Carolina. She wanted to become a doctor, but soon realized that pre-med wasn't her calling and changed her major to Biology instead. Once she completed her undergrad, she applied to East Carolina University and received her Physician's Assistant degree a year and a half later.
She stayed in North Carolina doing her residency in pediatric surgery as a PA in Chapel Hill. For almost two years Charlie repeatedly pleaded for her to come back home and she finally relented. She sold or gave away all her furniture and sent the rest to Charlie's.
However, it was Dr. Sharpe, whom she worked closely with and admired, who gave Bella the idea of volunteering overseas. Dr. Sharpe was a surgical pediatrician at the children's hospital where Bella worked and she had the kindest heart Bella had ever known. She was taking a sabbatical and signing up with Doctors Without Borders (MSF).
Bella had never considered working as an international medical relief aid before, although she did served her community by helping at the women's shelter. She found an organization in her area that accepted her application. She carefully considered it, and after a lengthy talk with Charlie, she decided volunteering would be the right step for her. She was young, educated, and had the financial resource. If she was ever hoping to put all her hard work and studies to use, this would be it. She made the call to the organization after hanging up with Charlie.
As her time in Africa was ending, she sent out her resumes from overseas to Forks General Hospital, the Port Angeles area, and Seattle. She had a few responses, but it was Harborview Medical in Seattle that offered her a position with their Pediatrics Center.
After a week of sleep and more sleep, and long baths she was ready to start making preparations for her move.
Bella knew she could afford to buy a property instead of renting, but she didn't have the time for house hunting . She wasn't, by any means, wealthy but she had some money. Grandma Marie left her a small fortune when she passed years ago.
The funds were suppose to be for her education; however, since Bella was able to get a full scholarship to college she didn't have to touch those funds. She used a little of it to pay for PA school and moving expenses, but she was a hard worker and got by with her part time job during school. Plus, she had a job that paid well and she was a good saver so she had a sizeable amount in the bank.
She thought about the trendy new lofts close to downtown with the huge windows and exposed brick walls, but also knew she needed a little privacy. She had been living in close quarters with too many people for a long time and needed a space of her own.
She settled on a townhouse not too far from downtown and the hospital. She would have all the access to shops and cafes, and a privately fenced yard for peace and quiet.
It had an opened floor plan on the first floor with hardwood all throughout the entryway, living area, dining, and kitchen. A patio with French doors opened out onto a nicely landscaped yard with lots of shrubs and a few trees. Upstairs had a guest bedroom and bath; and the master bedroom was a dream with huge windows, a walk-in closet, and an en suite.
She fell in love with the place at first glance and was glad she took it even with the high rental fee. There was an option to purchase the property and she told her real estate agent she would consider it after she started work and settled into the neighborhood. What the place needed now was furniture and some decorations.
Bella was shopping in an elegant furniture store the next day when an impeccably dressed lady came up to ask if she needed any help. The lady had caramel colored hair, light green eyes, and a face that refused to tell her age.
"Hello, and welcome to Dreamscape, my name is Esme. Could I assist you in finding what you're looking for?" The lady reached out her perfectly manicured fingers to Bella. She shook the lady's hand and looked into her kind eyes.
"Yes, please. My name is Isabella and I just moved into my new townhouse. I'm hoping you could help me choose some furniture immediately and then help me to design the place to make it more... me."
"It would be my pleasure, dear. And what a lovely name Isabella is! Come with me and let's get started."
Esme led them into a seating area with books and books of samples and colors.
"Now, Isabella, tell me what your place looks like and a little about yourself."
She talked about falling in love with her new place, Africa, and starting her new job in the Pediatrics' unit at Harborview Medical.
Esme smiled brightly at that.
"That's wonderful, Isabella! Congratulations. It seems like you've had quite an adventure and now embarking on new ones as well. You should be very proud of yourself! And speaking of Harborview, perhaps you've had the chance to meet my husband, Dr. Carlisle Cullen? He's..."
"Head of Pediatrics," they both said at the same time.
Bella could hardly believe it, she was sitting with her boss's boss's wife... who would be decorating her house... !
"What a small world," Bella exclaimed.
"I haven't met with him yet, but I do know who he is. My interviews were done with HR and two of the surgical doctors. "
"Well," Esme said, "I'm certain my husband will find you as delightful as I have. Now let's get back to styles and fabrics. What do you think about...?"
They spent the entire afternoon going through the details of the house. Esme would be working directly with Bella and meeting with her in a few days at the townhouse to get exact measurements plus get a feel of the place for herself.
Everything soon fell into order, and Bella was finally able to call her new place home. The furniture and design suited her to perfection. The neutral palette with soft greens and blues made the place seem calm and elegant. Her furniture were sleek and modern, but still comfortable. They also added bold pieces like some African art to remind Bella of her trip. She could see why Esme was so successful, she was a design genius.
Work started and she kept herself busy. She'd briefly met Dr. Cullen during her first day of work, and found that he was a gorgeous older man. She couldn't help but appreciate what a lovely couple Esme and Dr. Cullen made. They must have some beautiful children!
As the days passed, some of her colleagues invited her out for some drinks after work. Bella knew she needed to get out. She had been avoiding meeting anyone new. Most of her friends were so far away. Jess was the only friend back in Forks that she kept in touch with, she was married to her high school sweetheart, Mike. She had a few friends in North Carolina. And then Garrett was on the other side of the world.
One of the pediatric nurses, Angela, told her about a brewery and pub not too far from the hospital where most of them would go after work.
"Come with us, Bella, it's a great atmosphere and we definitely get our drinks on! Let's go have some fun and get to know each other."
"Alright, sounds like fun, Angela. I just hope I'm dressed okay." Bella said, looking down at her gray dress pants, sleeveless green silk top, and black heels.
"Well, maybe take off the lab coat before we head out, but other than that, you're smoking hot girl," laughed Angela.
After getting her evening rounds done and making sure the nurses were given instructions, Bella headed over to where Angela and a few other people were gathering.
The brewery was about three blocks away and Bella could see why it was such a popular hangout.
There were outside seating around the entrance, which was decorated with potted trees and flowers. The exterior was painted a dark red color with wide dark glass windows stretching around the entire building. The name of the place was spelled out in giant gold letters. Music and people were spilling out onto the patio.
"This place looks awesome, Angela, thanks for inviting me," Bella said as the group arrived at the bar and orders were placed. As she stood there admiring the design and decorations surrounding her, her eyes suddenly fell upon a man sitting in the darken corner of the bar. His back was against the wooden panels and his intense stare was directed straight at her.
Not knowing who he was and not really looking for any attention, she quickly adverted her eyes and turned around. However, she was still able to capture a quick glimpse of the man.
He wore a black jacket that hugged his broad shoulders, and his slightly long hair was a mix of brown and copper red. It was slicked back as if he'd ran his hand through it a couple of times. His thick beard made him look quite fierce, but it was his eyes that caught her attention. They looked dark and heated as his gaze was fixed on her.
She felt a thrill of something go through her at being noticed, but wasn't sure it was a warning or not. She felt little tingles going up her neck and knew the man was still staring at her.
She quickly turned her attention back to the group she was with. She maneuvered around them as if trying hear the conversations clearer so she wouldn't be so visible to that... that... wild man. That was the only thing she could think of to call him.
There were loud conversations all over the pub with bursts of laughter here and there mixed in with the beat of the music pumping through the speakers. A giant of a man was making loud noises turning heads his way including Bella. She saw a tall, gorgeous blonde quickly smacking the side of his head. Bella giggled quietly to herself.
As more people came in, the place became crowded and the group decided to head out onto the patio for some fresh air.
"Bella? Is that you?" She felt a hand at her elbow.
She turned around and her eyes widen. She felt a sudden ache in her heart as she looked up at the once familiar face.
Bella found herself face to face with the boy who broke her heart. Riley Biers.
Riley had been a few years older than her. They were both from Forks and she knew Riley was going to leave that little town as soon as he was done with school.
They lived on the same street with several houses between, and on opposite sides of the street. But Bella remember Riley as the handsomest boy she ever saw as soon as she started noticing boys at 15.
She was just starting her freshman year and he was already a senior... with a steady girlfriend. He was definitely out of her league and she kept her crush on him to herself.
She stared at him whenever she had the chance; sometime she would see him pull into his drive way after soccer practice or out with his friends or girlfriend. Then she'd write about him in her girly journal every night.
Every once in a while when they accidentally bumped into each other at school, he'd ruffle her hair and say hi. It annoyed her that Riley didn't see her a woman, just a little kid.
Then, one day, before his graduation, there was a terrible accident on the highway and his father was killed. It broke her heart to see Riley so devastated. It was Charlie who had delivered the news to Riley and his mother.
Bella would often take over baked goods or a pan of lasagna to the Biers afterward. She'd never lost a parent before, but the emptiness of not having another parent around she knew well so she'd offer her comfort to Mrs. Biers and Allison, his little sister.
After the funeral, Riley changed and wasn't as outgoing anymore. That summer he avoided most people, including her. He actually never left to college as planned. His girlfriend and friends were gone after graduation. He went to work at the mill to help pay the bills and attended classes at the community college later that fall.
It was when Bella was in her sophomore year and turned 16 that things began to change, she started talking to Riley again.
She'd taken a plate of brownies over to his house when he unexpectedly opened the door at her knocking. She hadn't spoken to him in over a year and suddenly he was there looking cute and sleepy in just his pajama bottoms.
She gulped, blushed, and stammered out, "hi-here-are-some-cookies-for-your-little-sister-and-mom-okay-bye-see-you."
She ran back to her house not looking back until she was inside the door. She leaned back against the kitchen door for support as her knees were shaking.
Her heart was racing!
Riley... shirtless, abs, sleepy, bedhead, handsome, sexy... Bella could hardly get her thoughts straight.
A few days later, she was laying on the couch reading when a knock came at the door. She opened the door, and there stood Riley, leaning against the doorframe with her plate in his hand and a daisy on top of it.
He wanted to thank her for the brownies, he pretty much ate it all as he had been working back to back shifts and hadn't had anything to eat after coming home and crashing.
Bella took the plate blushing and tongue-tied; he winked at her and left.
After that encounter, they would find excuses to say hi and talk. When he had a free evening, they'd somehow find themselves walking in the street between their homes talking about anything.
They never stayed out too late, and Bella, having no experience with boys, didn't know how to make her feelings known to him. She was still carrying her secret crush on him.
She was 16 and had never dated before, she kept hoping Riley would notice her as more than a friend.
Another year passed, she was a junior and turned 17. Riley, now 20, was finishing up his last year of community college.
One day, as she passed his house coming home from school, Riley met her outside. He asked if she wanted to get something to eat at the cafe.
Bella couldn't believe it! She'd never been asked out on a date before. She thought "wait, was this a date?"
She didn't care, she wanted to spend time with him.
They began dating, and Bella remembered that year vividly in her mind. That was the year she fell in love with Riley.
She was dating an older man, but this was Riley, he didn't seem older to her just because she was still in high school. They've known each other, and lived on the same street, since she could remember.
Charlie was a little skeptic about it, but he also knew that Riley was a good kid and he had sacrificed his college career to support his mother and sister. He just warned Bella not to stay out too late on weekends and be home by 10 on weeknights. Since Riley was taking classes and working, it wasn't something they had to worry about.
He still had to work and study and she still had homework, but they were pretty much inseparable.
He'd pick her up from school after his classes and they'd hang out until it was time for him to go to work, they'd take long drives and walks out to First Beach on the weekends, then stay up late to look at the stars from either of their porches.
And they would kiss every chance they got. God, he was a good kisser. Probably because he was her first kiss, but she never experienced kisses like his afterward.
She remembered making out hot and heavy in his car. Roaming hands, her inexperienced fingers being taught by his, mouth and tongues on different body places, new sensations she had never experienced before.
Sometime she thought about giving Riley her virginity, but Riley always stopped them before things got too far.
Not only was she was the Chief of Police's daughter and still underage, but Riley knew he had a lot of responsibilities and being stupid enough to get Bella pregnant was not something he needed right now.
"Bella? Bella Swan?" Riley asked again, zapping her back to reality.
"Remember me?" He said with a smile, still holding onto her elbow.
"Riley... h..hello," Bella stuttered.
She gave herself a mental shake, it felt surreal to see Riley after so long. How many years had it been? Eight? Nine?
"It's so wonderful to see..."
"You look amazing..."
They both said at the same time and chuckled.
With a gesture, Riley allowed her to go first.
"Wow, I can't believe it's you, Riley. I didn't realize you were still in this area. The last time I saw you, your family was moving to Texas. I've wondered how you were doing and your mother and sister. How are they?"
"I actually move back about a year ago. My family's doing just great, Bella, thanks for asking. My mom remarried a few years ago and Allison is in her second year of college."
"I'm so glad they are doing well, how are you doing, Riley?"
Before he could answer, one of Riley's friend tapped him on the shoulder.
"Dude, we're up next for the pool table, you in? Who's your friend? She's hot."
Riley jokingly pushed his friend away. "Don't mind Jared, Bella. He's an ass all the time."
Bella just smiled and did a quick hello wave to Jared before turning her attention back to a smiling Riley.
"Anyway, Bella, I know we just met each other again, but would you want to meet up to catch up? Are you living in Seattle now, by the way?"
Bella couldn't help, but feel a flash of annoyance at Riley. How could he be so friendly and cheerful, as if their last goodbye hadn't happened? Did he not remember leaving her crying on her porch the night he told her they couldn't see each other anymore?
Riley had been acting distant lately. When she asked him what was wrong, he had laughed sarcastically and said what wasn't wrong in the last two years? He had gone from carefree teenager ready to start college to working at the mill and taking classes to support his family.
He lashed out in frustration, telling Bella she would be better off not being with him. Shouldn't she be with boys her age who could do high school stuff with her? She was naive to think anything could ever be more for them. He was leaving. His mother and sister were moving to be closer to family, and he didn't plan to stay in Forks for the rest of his life. He didn't want to be stuck in Forks.
Bella cried herself to sleep every night after that. How naive she was to think there might be a possibility that Riley would wait for her to finish high school. Then they would go off to college together. Sometime, she even imaged they'd marry after she graduated.
In her young inexperienced mind, she actually never thought that Riley would still want to leave. She still had another year of school. Riley didn't want to be tied down and especially not to a high schooler who still needed to complete her senior year!
Bella glanced up at Riley while tucking a piece of hair behind her ear.
"Um, yes, I just recently moved to Seattle and started a new job. I'm still trying to get used to the big city and navigate around."
She wasn't sure about agreeing to see Riley again. He had been her crush and an important part of her teenage years, gave her her first heartbreak, but never kept in touch with her again after his family left town.
Before she could think of a polite way to turn him down, Angela bounced over to them and placed her arm around Bella's shoulders.
She may have been a little tipsy.
"Bella! Are you having fun? Who's your nice friend here?" She giggled.
"Angela, this is Riley, he's an old friend from back home. Riley, Angela works with me at the hospital."
"Oooh, just an old friend, Bella? Looks like you two were in your own world!" Angela grinned stupidly at them.
Okay, maybe she is full on drunk.
Bella took a hold of Angela's arm to keep her steady,"Okay, let's get you some water and a seat before you tip over."
She looked over to Riley.
"Good seeing you again, Riley. I better go take care of her before she falls flat on her face."
Bella turned to the ladies room keeping an arm around Angela. Phew, she breathed. Thank goodness for Angela's drunk ass.
She wasn't sure meeting with Riley would be such a good idea. So many years had passed, they were both adults now and if she was still reacting like this when he was around... she felt the slight ache in her heart again thinking how he'd left. She'd dated a few times, however never had a serious boyfriend since Riley.
Lauren, Angela's roommate and another nurse at the hospital, came over to them as Bella was leading Angela out of the restroom. She was heading out and would take Angela with her.
Bella decided it was probably time for her to head out too. The group she came with seem to have scattered or disappeared over the last hour.
As she turned the corner to the main pub area, she saw Riley searching for someone. He was by the pool tables on the opposite end of the room. She immediately knew he was looking for her. She never did give Riley an answer.
Seeing him again after all these years brought back emotions that she had buried deep away. He had been important to her, but now he was little more than just a stranger.
To keep Riley was seeing her, she quickly slipped behind a large group of people gathered by the bar. Needing a drink and a moment to think she took a seat at the end of the bar and ordered a beer.
There was a slight delicious scent she couldn't pinpoint. It smelled clean yet woodsy and a bit... manly?
Bella casually looked to her left and did a quiet gasp. It was Wild Man! She'd forgotten about him! He was still sitting where she last saw him and now she was sitting next to him. Was he the source of that delightful scent? She turned her head back to face the drink in front of her.
Wild Man was facing forward and he looked up straight to the glass behind the bar to stare at her. He didn't say anything to her, just looked at her with this intense stare.
"Um, hi."
Bella said uncertainly. She was still intimidate by his appearance.
Wild Man still didn't respond, just took a drink of his beer. He made her nervous and when she was nervous she tended to babble.
"Hey, sorry for stealing this chair. I hope the seat wasn't taken. You know, I mean by your girlfriend or friend or whoever. I just needed a moment to think and this was the most secluded area I could find, you know, at such a short notice."
"Seat's not taken, suit yourself" came the gruff reply.
Wow, Bella thought, that was one of the sexiest voice she had ever heard. And the voice certainly did not match the appearance! She could feel goose bumps forming along her arms. What the heck?
She dropped her arms into her lap and tried to rub them away.
"Seclusion to think, you won't find that in a pub like this," came the voice again.
She turned to look at Wild Man. He was looking straight ahead, but she could feel his eyes on her.
"Pardon?" Bella asked.
She looked a little more closely this time and saw that he wasn't nearly as old as she first thought him to be. With the whole Duck Dynasty look going on, she thought he was nearing "old man" status.
He turned his eyes to her, and she had to suck in a quiet breath. His eyes were amazing! She had seen them briefly across the bar earlier, but it was not nearly as mesmerizing as it was now.
Green eyes with flecks of gray and gold in them and he had the thickest lashes she'd ever seen on a man. His nose wasn't straight with just a slight crook at the bridge. And the hair! Up close, it was thick and messy like he'd had sex straight up for days. She felt her fingers itch to run them through the copper colored strands.
"You said you needed a secluded place to think, you won't find it here in this pub."
"Oh." Bella said lamely, she had lost her track of thoughts completely. What were they talking about anyway?
"You mind me asking what you're thinking so hard about?"
All Bella could think of at that moment was how gorgeous Wild Man really was up close. He could do with a shave and a haircut however.
She couldn't confess what she was actually thinking, and began to babble again. He was making her flustered and now she couldn't stop looking at him!
"Uh, well, I just ran into an old boyfriend. We were together a long time ago. Anyway, it's been years, but he asked if we could get together to catch up and I didn't want to so I'm just trying to avoid him. He's by the pool table next to the entrance and I can't leave without him seeing me."
Ugh... Bella mentally slapped her forehead. Did she really just vomited that out?
"What's there to think about? Just tell the fucker no and move on."
Wild Man continued to look at her, capturing her gaze and holding it. She could get lost in those eyes and they seem to be drawing her in. The background noise seem to be fading away...
Just as she was about to open her mouth to reply, a sudden high pitch squeal came from out of nowhere, making her jump and sloshing the beer she was holding onto the floor.
"OH MY GOD, EDWARD!"
I would love to hear your thoughts! Please review and let me know if I should continue... Thank you!