"Devils & Angels on my shoulders!"
BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ! "Oh, please make it stop!" Is Monday here already? I just got in bed didn't I? Why is it weekends fly by so quickly, and the weekdays last forever? Okay…I hit the snooze 3 times so I guess I better get up! Its 04:30 and I really need to get my 2 miles in on the treadmill. I will be so glad when I get my own place. Hotels are nice for a while but eventually they get tiring. No family atmosphere in a hotel room.
After my shower, I went downstairs to eat my daily English muffin with honey and café latte! I ran back upstairs to throw my hair in a ponytail, put my makeup on and get dressed in my "Monday" scrubs…Black! But to make it fun I do wear a zebra print surgery hat that is tied together with a pretty pink bow! Very cute!
Oh good Lord…was that Thunder? I grabbed an umbrella and ran to my new "baby"… a 2011 Passion Red Volvo C-30. I named her…Venus! Nobody better hurt her or there will be hell to pay, I kid you not. It's a short drive to the hospital thank goodness, since I am running a tad late.
I put my stuff in the surgery lounge and go check my case load for the day. I am a Registered Nurse/Certified Surgical First Assistant, and a damn good one I might add. I specialized in OB/GYN surgery…love the blood, guts & babies! Not the babies guts though that's a sick thought!
I get along with all the surgery staff…treat everybody with respect. And do the job to the best of my ability, be a team player and blah blah!
"Hey Bella!" said Kay our surgery director. "I have a huge favor to ask you." She says, but has a look in her eyes that concerns me. Of course I say what is it? Instead of working with Dr. Landon as you were assigned would you mind assisting our new doc? uh oh, I fear change. "Okay…who is it and what are we doing?" She proceeds to tell me that he just moved here, and we will be doing a hysterectomy. No problem I thought! I've done too many too count! Surgeries not doctors! "Oh, Kay…what is the new doctors' name?"…before she could answer I heard this voice that was probably the most beautiful voice I have ever heard. No lie! It would give that Robert Pattinson dude a run for his money. I turned around and there stood the most beautiful man that God ever put on this earth standing right behind me. This man stood all of 6'2, bronze, crazy sex hair…and then as he looked up from the chart he was reading my heart skipped a beat (or twenty) because looking back at me were the most perfect pair of green eyes. He looked up and smiled at me, I turned quickly with a full blush going all over my cheeks and walked away. I go to the surgery room where the operation will take place to check on the scrub tech Meredith and see if she needs any help. She asks me if I have seen the new doctor, but since I was running late I haven't had the chance to meet him. Or so I thought. Guess I better go introduce myself to him.
The "surgeons" lounge is right down the hall so I walked in there to introduce myself and fix myself a much needed cup of coffee. As I walked over to the Kuerig coffee maker I tripped over something on the floor…and before my face smacks the floor, 2 arms catch me and save me from total embarrassment and I guess some kind of injury! Bruises, cuts and scrapes are a way of life for me! I look to see who caught me…and good Lord there he was! Grinning down at me with the most beautiful crooked smile! I know that I turned completely red! He was holding me up off the floor and totally against his chest. I am sure it looked funny with my feet dangling in the air. He said, "Hi there, nice of you to drop in!"…are you alright? "Yes…thank you for catching me!" I said. "What did I trip over?" "Oh ummmm….it was a gym bag he said quietly." "Well who in the hell keeps a gym bag in the middle of the floor?" "Sorry, it was mine." He said quietly ducking his head. Neither one of us realized that he still held me against him. I certainly didn't mind…maybe he didn't either. (The devil on my shoulder was doing a happy dance). "I guess you can put me down, I said", "Are you sure it's safe? He grinned. "yesssss….very funny!" He must think I am a total klutz, wait till he finds out I am the first assistant assigned for him today. Well not assigned "for" him, you know what I mean. Although….that sounds pretty good too! Okay, time for lusting brain to shut up. "You do realize that you are still holding me up don't you?"….again not really minding, but probably has already spread through the OR that we were doing it or something. Hmmmmmm…oh shut up! "Well, I guess as long as you promise not to trip, I will put you down?"….I slowly slid down his body. Yea…devil on my shoulder is again dancing. Wow, I thought to myself… I could do that all day long….
Okay so back to the business at hand. "Are you Dr. Cullen?" I said. Well, I am a doctor, but please call me Edward. Dr. Cullen is my father." Wait; are you Carlisle Cullen's son? I asked. "Yes, I am. Do you know him?" …"oh my gosh I love your dad! He is so much fun to work with. I worked with him at Seattle Regional Hospital last summer and then started full time here when he started working here. I forgot he said he had a son in medicine." Small world! "It really is a small world after all...Disney had it right!" "I can't believe you just said the one song that will stick in my head all day long…he sighed". (You will too now…hehehehe, remember I have a devil) "Oh noooo, there are worse songs to have replayed in your head", I said. "Do you want me to list them? Before he could answer I continued. Let's see…..there is the "Oompaloompa song". "Oh my gosh" he said. I then continued…"how about the Barney song?" I teased! (Or flirted) and my personal favorite is "Living la vita loca"…I looked over at him and he had his hands covering his ears. I laughed at him. "Ok, O.K. will stop!"…anyway, sticking my hand out to introduce myself. I'm Bella Swan, first assistant extraordinaire. Nice to meet you." He then in a very gentlemanly way took my hand and kissed the top of it. "Hi Bella…it is very nice to meet you! Kay said that my assist for the day was top notch. Is she right?" (silence for about 10 seconds…) He raised his eyebrows at me, and waved his hand in front of my face…"Bella…Bella…, woo- who are you with me?"
Well, still in a daze form the hand kissing thing, I then blinked and came back to real world time. Taking a deep breath in…"oh sorry, um. Yes I have skills!" He laughed and said "I bet you do! again with the blushing. Is it hot in here?
About that time a voice came over the intercom and paged both Dr. Cullen & Bella to room 7. I guess they were ready for us. Here we go!
"So what's Mrs. Brown's preop diagnosis?" I thought I should have a little history on why we were doing a hysterectomy since I didn't take the time to read his history & physical on her.
"Mrs. Brown is a 45 year old woman with increasing uterine fibroids, heavy bleeding and dyspareunia." … Being the smart ass that I am, I repeated what another doctor had said to me regarding dyspareunia. "You know? They say dyspareunia is better than no "paurunia" at all…" He looked at me with a funny look on his face, turned to me…and said, "that's what my dad says.", "I know!...that's where I heard it"….He laughed and said "I don't want to think about my dad & paurunia!" I am nauseous now!" He said. "It could be worse" I said. "How?" "Well you could have the "oompaloompa song" going through your head!" While putting on his mask, he turned and said "thanks a lot Swan!" I giggled and said, "Your welcome, Cullen!"
After scrubbing our hands, we went into the OR room, he of course let me enter first. Such a gentleman. After donning our gown & gloves we approached the draped patient. Meredith was all ready for us to start.
"Knife!" said Dr. Cullen
Not realizing it, I was humming "oompalompa"!
"Bella…please stop humming that song!"
"What song?" (I really didn't know I was doing that...remember devil!)
…and we're off. Clamp, cut, tie…clamp, cut, tie…and so on and so on.
The surgery went fine. Mrs. Brown will be so happy once she is healed. Edward did a great job. It was like we have been working together for a while. I got to show him my skills.
As I was cleaning up the patient and applying the dressing; Edward grabbed the chart and on his way out to the recovering room, he stopped at the door and said, "Bella…you do have skills!" Everybody in the room looked at him and then back to me, and then back to him. (Sounded like that Old spice commercial didn't it?) Now back to me! Hehehehe
I ducked my head and blushed. He smiled and left the room.
He turned around and came back in. "Oh uh Bella, can you help me do a C-section around 1?"
"Sure, great…see you then!"
"Bye!"
"Thanks everybody…great job!" he said
"See you later Bella." Yes you will…I thought to myself. The devil snickered at me.
Notes:
Dyspareunia: painful vaginal intercourse
After taking the patient to recovery, I was giving the RR nurse report on Mrs. Brown. I could see Edward at the desk dictating. I noticed he was looking at me…he smiled and waved me over to him. I sat there while he finished his dictation and paper work. He also wore black scrubs. We matched…how cute! Although he was not wearing a zebra hat. He was leaning back in his chair and his scrub top crept up his very beautiful tummy. What is it about that little trail of hair connecting his belly button to the great unknown that is so fascinating? He was absolutely beautiful and I bet he tasted good. Oh sorry…devil devil devil!
I noticed while we were operating that he had long beautiful fingers. His hair was in complete disarray after he removed his surgery hat. I just wanted to run my fingers through it. I tried not to oogle him where people noticed, but I was in good company. Every female in that room was oogling him. Do you think he realized how absolutely beautiful he is? Of course he does! But I don't think he is a macho jerk that thinks too highly of himself…like some of the doctor's around here! Good grief…I will never work with Dr. "watch your hands" Smith ever again. If I wanted a back massage believe me I know where to go for one. I remember feeling some great hands rubbing my shoulders, so being funny I said, "my strong thumbs you have"…and (vomit in my mouth)…Dr. Smith said "how do you know that's just my thumbs!" I immediately went to Kay and begged her not to ever assign me to his cases ever again. Now don't get me wrong, we are all a little playful with one another…but jeesh! That grossed me out! If Edward wanted to rub my shoulders however; he could use his thumbs, toes or whatever he felt necessary. (Devil!) I am absolutely nuts, is he married? Someone that beautiful has to have a wife or girlfriend. Can't you just picture walking into a ballroom with him in a black tux and you on his arm? Swoon…and bring out the smelling salts.
Edward finally finished his paperwork. He looked at me and invited me to go talk to the family with him. They will be so relieved to know their loved one is on the road to recover. I stood to the side and slightly behind Edward as he explained everything to the family. He has a way with people just like his dad. Both men are charming, confident and competent. Triple "C" threat! He turned slightly and moved me up to his side. He introduced me to them as the "best assistant in the world"! Again with the smiling and blushing!
I really needed to go to my office and do some paperwork but Edward asked me to go grab a cup of coffee. I am so thankful there is a Starbucks right across the street from the surgery center. He grabbed my hand and pulled us across the street. I can already smell the coffee…yummy! We walked up to the counter and I reached in my pocket to get my money but he stepped in and said it was his treat. Could this count as a date? Shut up Bella…he is just being nice, right? I have Starbucks lingo down pat. I ordered a Venti Cafe latte, double-shot, skinny, 1 raw sugar at 150 degrees. He looked down at me and said "make that 2!" The lady at the counter huffed at me and said, "That's a really complicated order and I am training her!" Pointing to the girl beside her. Well what a lucky day for her I stated, she gets to watch you make 2 of the very complicated order. Gurrllllllll….if I was PMS'ing I would have been over that counter, showing her what's complicated. I smiled at her, rolled my eyes and went to find us a place to sit. The devil on my shoulder was sharpening his pitchfork to jab at her.
Edward sat down beside me and said, "Here is your complicated order, my Bella!" I said thanks…wait, what? His Bella…oh how I wish. I usually don't have a shy bone in my body, but that made me feel week in the knees and all gooshy inside. Yes, gooshy…you know what that means!
We just talked the usual stuff. Where are you from? What school did you go to? He was surprised I was from Texas. He wondered what my accent was. I don't have an accent…WTF! Or do I? Ya, I probably do. Yeehaw and howdy there Dr. Cullen. He told me he was from Washington State, and grew up in a little town called Forks. I told him I heard of it…he looked at me surprised! I told him it was right next to "spoons". He laughed.
He graduated high school when he was 16, attended WSU and then to Dartmouth. Not too shabby! Being that young when he graduated I wondered if he missed out on a lot of high school experiences. Like prom, homecoming dances, girlfriends….kind of sad. Till he told me he was "Mr. Fork's high school, Homecoming King, Prom King both his Jr & Sr. year and all-star pitcher. He got a baseball scholarship to play for WSU. He started his freshman year even. Wow…could I get any gooshier? I bet the women just hung all over him! Ooooooo…sweaty Edward in tight baseball pants. Yummy! There I go again off to my "Edward dreamland". I could hear him talking, but I was too engrossed in my mind with all the images of him. He tapped me on the shoulder, "uh Bella…where did you go?" yikes, how embarrassing. He is going to run a CT of my head, thinking I have some seizure disorder. "Sorry, I was deep in thought." I answered.
The bitch at the counter made the coffees NOT at 150 degrees but probably 190 degrees just to spite me. I burned my tongue…Edward almost ended up covered in hot coffee. I looked over his shoulder to the girl at the counter! The trainee saw me look, and pointed at her! "She did it!" I had to laugh…yep just throw your trainer under the bus. I smiled at her and nodded.
All of a sudden Edward's beeper went off…911 labor & delivery! We both chucked our coffees and ran out of Starbucks to get to the hospital. It turns out his patient that was due for a C-section was a repeat C-section and was in labor with decreased fetal heart tones. Now days…once you've had a C-section that is what you will get for any other babies you have. The nurses were giving her meds to try and stop the contractions without success. Once he called the stat C-section I took off to help the L&D scrub tech open and organize the supplies we need. Unfortunately the daddy of the baby couldn't come with us since we had to put mommy asleep. Edward & I scrubbed in once the patient was draped. She wasn't put under anesthesia till we were prepped and draped. Although we can get babies out
rather quickly we want everything ready once she has been put under. Dr. Berg gave us the go ahead to start. Mommy was asleep and we were on our way to the baby. Once through the peritoneum we noticed what we thought was amniotic fluid and vertex floating in the abdomen. "Oh shit!" Edward said. The uterine incision from her prior C-sections has started to open up due to the hard contractions she was having. We extended the uterine incision and Edward reached in to gently pull the baby out. From a novice that probably looks like we are going to pull the baby's head off. Edward suctioned the baby, I clamped and cut the umbilical cord and handed the baby off to the waiting nursery nurse. Turns out our little girl there was just a little stunned and soon the room was filled with baby singing. Edward looked up at me and winked. I noticed a little sheen of sweat on his brow. I told him to lean over and wipe his forehead on my shoulder. Probably not good technique but we all do it. Yep, I was right…he smelled good.
"Thank you Bella!" he said. "You're welcome Edward; I have done many stat C-sections before!" "No, for being here with me…you are very calming! He said. The look in his eyes touched me, and I have to say I almost teared up at his sincerity. Faye the scrub tech lightly nudged my leg to get my attention and she waggled her eyebrows at me. Once the operation was complete and we had mommy all sewn up, I went with him to the family. They were thrilled that their little "Katie" was fine as well as our mommy, Shellie. The daddy, William was shaken up but was crying tears of joy once Katie was handed over to him. Okay people, I am toast if men cry! Edward turns to me when he hears a light sniffling behind him. He pulls me to his side and again introduces me as the "best assistant in the world" and that he couldn't do his job without me. WTF? Oh sorry, baby around…what the crap? We have known each other approximately 6 hours now and there is already a connection between us. What is that about? I am not one to believe in love at first sight, but could it be possible? Okay the angel on my shoulder was jumping up and down now! Okay chill Bella…wedding bells and diamond rings are not in your future, yet! There I go again day dreaming about Edward in a black tux…yummy yummy yummy!
I went out to the nurses' station and Edward was there dictating and finishing his paperwork. He waved me over to sit beside him. You know how you can feel when someone is staring at you…well I turned around and there was this woman with red hair just staring at me with her arms crossed. Who the crap is that? I thought to myself. She walked off with her heels just clicking on the floor. I asked Mary who that was, and she said she too was a new physician here at the hospital. Why would she be throwing daggers at me? I have no idea who she was? Hmm…I wonder could this be because Edward waved me to sit beside him. I looked up to see Edward's eyes following her down the hall; they weren't eyes of wonder but rather eyes of being pissed! Yep, pissed Edward eyes are just as beautiful.
He finished his dictation and asked if I was ready for lunch. Did we have plans to go eat lunch? I called Kay to see if I had anything else for the day. I didn't! So he asked where we could go to get a good burger! Not at the hospital I said. Edward didn't have office patients that day so basically he was done for the day until rounds that evening. He asked me to go to lunch with him. There is a great hamburger joint around the corner from the hospital. Instead of eating there we ordered the food to go and went to the city park just next to the café. Today was a beautiful sunny day, kind of cool but beautiful. We found a picnic table under a shade tree. He opened the bags and set our lunches out for us. The burgers smelled so good…cue tummy growling! We both got cheeseburgers all the way including jalapeno peppers and onions and my favorite non-alcoholic drink…Cherry vanilla Dr. Pepper. Just try it! In Texas, Dairy Queen makes the best! We shared fries thankfully, but he forgot to ask for ketchup! No fear…I grabbed my backpack and pulled out the best ketchup on the planet…ketchup from Whataburger. Yes I know..WTF? Edward grinned at me and took one of the ketchup packs. We chatted during lunch about absolutely nothing. Then he realized he didn't know anything about me. So on with the questions…Yes, I am from Texas. A little town called "Red Oak" he said he had heard of it! I looked at him curiously! He said it was next to "Black Oak"…oh I get it! Touché'…love a guy with a sense of humor. I was not homecoming queen but I was very popular and had many friends. Cheerleading was my deal! I was athletic and could pitch a mean softball. State champs 2 times. I didn't share that with him. I told him my father had died not too long ago, and my mom is doing fine! She has 2 Newfoundland dogs. They both sleep with her. Annie & Betsy! My sister still lives there where she teaches theatre arts. I went to Texas A&M for my nursing degree and later became a first assist. I am not fond of the heat in Texas so I put names of states in a hat (with a requirement the state did not have 110 degree days with 100% humidity) I don't care about rain or cold! So I reached in the hat and drew out Washington State. Okay, I am game. Mom & Dede weren't too happy, but I got to live my own life. And airplanes do land in Texas and vice-versa. I applied at several hospitals where first assistants were needed, and Seattle Regional called me for an interview. They have a satellite hospital in Forks that they need a first assist for. I got to interview with various nurses and one very handsome Dr. Carlisle Cullen. I felt very comfortable during the interview and was later offered a job, that very day! I told them I needed time to find a place to live before I could start. I thought getting settled in would be best. Dr. Cullen offered me his guest house until I could get situated. His wife, Esme came with him to offer the house to me. Wow was she ever beautiful! I bet their children were beautiful I thought to myself. Little did I know how true that statement would turn out to be? Esme insisted I go with her to lunch so she could show me the place. We turned off the main road and went through a beautiful electronic gate. There was an intricate family crest on the metal gate itself. Wow, I was really feeling out of place now. We continued to drive up this road that was draped with tree branches and ferns lined the road. We pulled up to a beautiful white mansion. It almost reminded me of a southern plantation house. This would be the house I would build if I could. A huge front covered porch that wrapped around the house. Beautifully landscaped and a pool to die for in the back. This house was passed down through the Cullen family. It would eventually go to Edward their son I was told. When Esme spoke of her children she gleamed. They have 3 children. 2 sons and a daughter. One son is also a physician she said. Her other son was a baseball coach and biology teacher in Forks, and their daughter was a fashion designer in Seattle. So there was Edward, Emmitt and Alice. Alice just happened to be there visiting. Esme led me inside the house and I know my jaw must have hit the floor. Inside the foyer was a beautiful staircase. I heard this very sweet voice somewhere. Coming down the stairs was a very cute, black haired woman. Her hair was cut all choppy and short. She was beautiful as well. Esme introduced us, and I think I may have found my new best friend. She was funny and hyper, like me! We loved Starbucks, beautiful clothes, sitting around watching funny movies as well as girly movies. We both were in love with Robert Pattinson from "Vampire Love". We wanted to start our own Rob fan-club with just us 2 in it. After a while, Esme & Alice walked me out the back of the house through the French doors opening to the backyard and pool. The house I was going to stay in was just beside the pool. They told me to treat this house as if it were my own. Meaning pool privileges. Woohoo! I could see myself laying out by the pool on my off days, providing the weather cooperated. The guest house was a 2 bedroom, shared bath, with a full kitchen and beautiful living area complete with a huge stone fireplace. I was in love with this house. One of the bedrooms was decorated in pinks. Okay Esme, did you know I was coming here? The bed had a canopy with white flowing curtains. A fireplace in here as well. The bathroom had a Jacuzzi tub big enough for 2 people. She asked what I thought of the place, and I said I would love to stay here. She hugged me and said let's go get my stuff so we can get unpacked. Wow, my life is turning out to be great! Alice actually spent the night here with me the first night. Her husband, Jasper had to work. Found out he too was from Texas...Big D! He was a history professor at WSU. But one problem…he went to the University of Texas in Austin. Uh oh…Aggies and Longhorns together in the same house could be interesting! Esme gave me a tour of the mansion. There was a huge family portrait above the fireplace. The house had 6 bedrooms all with their own baths. Emmett's room was decorated in blue plaid but very nice. Alice's room was also decorated in pinks with brown accents all around. The next room to visit was Edward's…the bed in the middle was huge with a beautiful gold colored duvet with burgundy accents. This man must love his music; one entire wall was dedicated just to CD's! She mentioned that Edward would be moving home soon to start his OB/Gyn practice along with Carlisle. How sweet the 2 Cullen doctors are going to be together. Father & son. I reassured her that I would be moved out before he came home since this technically was going to be his house. She assured me it wasn't going to be a problem…she hoped that one day the entire family could live here together. You know like Italian families do…or at least like they do in the movies. We continued on to the other rooms. Each bedroom was designed to be like master bedrooms. There were sitting areas and fireplaces in each bedroom. You know Alice from the "Brady Bunch" they had one, except her name was Maggie. She was just like family to them…and wow could she cook! I wanted to learn from her one day. Turns out that Emmett is married to a fellow teacher and principal of Forks' HS. Her name is Rosalie. They have been married for a couple of years now. Jasper only teaches 3 days a week so he & Alice live here as well. They are only missing Edward, and then the family is complete. Or at least it will be once Edward marries and brings home a wife to live in the Cullen home. Lucky girl!
Okay that is my history…I just told Edward the basics. He still didn't know I lived in his guest house. Since I just came back from visiting my mom & sis in Texas, I wasn't here when Edward moved home. My little house has its own garage, so I wouldn't know who was home and who wasn't. I cooked for myself and ate at the Cullen's' on occasion. I knew Carlisle's son was expected any day now but I really never expected to work with him his first week of returning to Forks' General. Should I tell him I am the guest that lives in his guest house? They told him that someone was living there and she had become one of the family already. He looked at them like it was a set up. Esme thought it was so sad for everybody to be paired up but him. He had a girlfriend prior to moving back home but they broke up. The relationship became too much work and Esme said she wasn't good to her Edward. I believe she called her a "red headed green eyes bitch"! She must have been bad for someone like Esme to use such language. Only problem…she had accepted a job here in Forks' as well prior to their break up. She was the new pediatrician for the town. No way! Could she possibly be that woman who threw daggers at me with her green eyes and heels that clacked down the halls?
Two hours had passed since we started our lunch break. Wow, time really does fly when you are having fun. We started to walk back to the hospital. I told him I was going to head home, and that I would see him tomorrow. He walked me to my car, or what he thought was my car! Why did he think I drove a truck? Oh right, all Texans drove trucks and carried guns! How could I forget? I grabbed him by the arm to lead him to Venus. He got a surprised look on his face when the doors unlocked as we approached. Aren't those new hands free thingies the coolest? He acted embarrassed for assuming that I drove a truck…I believe he was impressed with my choice of cars. Guess what? He drove a Volvo as well. Not a cute car like Venus but more of a manly SUV. He grabbed my hand and gently kissed the back of it. Really Rhett Butler imitation was so working on me, being the southern girl and all! I needed to tell him that I was the guest…so here goes! Before I could tell him, he grabbed me by the shoulders and lifted my chin to look up at him. "Bella, I know we have only known each other for less than a day, but would you have dinner with me?"…oh crap, now what? His mom had invited me to dinner to meet Edward. He stated that he needed to make rounds first but would be honored if I could come to his family's house for dinner. I told him "yes", and that I would meet him there. He gave me the address. Of course I already knew how to get home but he didn't know that…well, not yet! Edward asked to see my phone so he could put his number in it. He said to call if I got lost. Maybe I should tell him now. Nah….let's see what happens. He bent down and kissed my forehead. As he walked away, I couldn't help but stare. He turned his head over his shoulder and grinned. Okay, maybe he did know what he did to women.
After parking Venus, I ran to my room and called Alice. "Come quick, I said!" She was here in less than a minute. Thinking something was wrong she had a worried look on her face. I told her the story and she laughed and gave me a sisterly hug. She actually acted excited. What did she know that I didn't know? She helped me pick out my clothes. Blue fitted t-shirt with black capris and black strappy sandals. Good thing I went for a pedicure recently. My toenails were pretty cute all painted in "Ruby slipper" nail polish. She wanted to fix my hair. After my shower, she wanted to curl my hair and do my makeup. She used my Chi to curl the ends of my hair and placed a blue glittery band in my hair to hold my bangs out of my face. I don't wear a lot of makeup, so mascara and lip gloss were applied. I didn't really like my brown eyes I thought I was plain. But Alice actually made me feel pretty. Would Edward think so? Did he consider this a date? After a mental pep talk to myself I took a deep breath and walked over to the main house. Alice had gone ahead to get ready herself. I knocked on the backdoors, and heard Esme call for me to come in. She told me to quit knocking at my own house. She was so sweet! We were already getting close. She was making Mushroom ravioli, salad and French cut green beans for dinner. And the lady could make a mean Chocolate mousse layer cake. She offered me a glass of wine, I eagerly accepted it. My nerves to say the least were shaky at best. I could do a stat C-section without any fear but knowing that Edward was on his way to his home made my knees wobbly and my heart was pounding.
I heard the front door open and keys were laid on the hall table. He came directly into the kitchen to tell his mom he was having a dinner guest. And did she mind if he went to the cellar to get one of the better bottles of wine. Just as he rounded the corner our eyes met! "Bella", when did you get here and where is Venus? Hehehehe I told him she was parked in the garage. He looked at me confused and said he didn't see her. That's when I pointed over my shoulder and said, "No, in the guest garage!" Still confused he looked between his mother and me. "Edward darling, Bella is our guest that is living in the guest house! " Esme said. He looked stunned…or was he pissed? Oh crap, I can't tell which. He turned to look at me and suddenly the biggest smile came over that gorgeous face. "Really?" he practically squealed. "Why didn't you tell me? That is great!" Whew…it wasn't his pissed face!
"Well I wasn't sure how to say it exactly", I said shyly. He came over to me and picked me up and hugged me. Esme just stood there and grinned, I swear I saw a tear in her eyes. He put me down, and placed both hands on my cheeks and kissed my forehead. He pulled me into his side, and started to introduce me to Esme. Embarrassed he realized that we already knew each other. He took my hand in his and walked me out to the back porch. We sat down on the swing, and he just gave me the most beautiful crooked smile. He was still dressed in his scrubs and looked fucking fantastic. I swear that man could dazzle a lion, and I was just an innocent little lamb that was dazzled the first time I saw him. "Bella, I can't tell you how happy I am to see you tonight. Today was a good day. I have never felt as calm and confident in all situations today as I did with you." I looked at him proudly and said, "Well you were working with the best assistant in the world you know!" "Yes I was", he said. Why were we so comfortable with each other? "Bella, before the night is over I have to kiss you." He said in that voice that can make your knees go weak. I looked at him and said, "I think before this night is over I will let you kiss me." We both smiled at each other. He grabbed my hand and did that Rhett Butler thing again. I don't think that was the kind of kiss he meant. Oh goody goody! Esme poked her head out and said dinner was ready. He stood up and offered his hand to help me up. Wow, is he always so gentlemanly? I could so fall for him.
We joined the family in the dining room (minus Jasper). The crystal chandelier threw prisms all over the place. I looked over at Edward and the colors sparkled across his face…swoon! He looked at me out the corners of his eyes, and leaned over to me and said, "It isn't polite to stare Isabella!" Blushing I turned away embarrassed. It put his hand on mine underneath the table and lightly squeezed. I think he too was doing his share of staring. What is wrong with us? We definitely had this instant connection to each other. But I wondered if Edward felt the same thing. He must have right? Surely he wasn't this affectionate with all women he meets. All women….I wonder how many? A man that looked this good must surely be very experienced in the art of loving women. But there was a shy cuteness about him that didn't say he was a horny scoundrel. Este's dinner was too good for words. I would love to learn a few things from her in the kitchen. I wonder if I could make breakfast for Edward sometime…uh down girl! That is jumping ahead a few steps. Esme wondered who wanted coffee with dessert…I certainly did being the coffee addict that I am. I helped her clear the dinner plates…Edward even helped us. I noticed Rosalie & Emmett watching us…they both had a sneaky grin on their face. Had Edward not ever brought home a girl for dinner? Or was it that he was helping us clear the table without being asked? Esme pulled down café' mugs for us to have our coffee to go with our dessert. This woman I bet could put Betty Crocker to shame. Such a wonderful hostess. She just flowed across the room with grace and dignity. I noticed that Carlisle would watch her. How sweet! The love was so apparent between the two. I knew from working with Carlisle that he was probably a giving and thoughtful husband and father. He was so proud of his children. All of his children…baseball coach to doctor; it did not seem to matter. As long as he had them near he seemed happy! He made me miss my dad, or daddy as I called him. My father was so gentle and kind. I never heard him raise his voice to me, Dana or mom. I really would give anything to have him alive but he was in so much pain at his end. I was thankful when he passed! We didn't allow him to go to a nursing home for hospice care. I couldn't stand it; just the thought of him being alone gave me chills. We hired a hospice nurse that would come every day to help mom since he was bed ridden. The night daddy died, we basically had a "girl" slumber party around his bed. The floor wasn't that comfortable but we knew he would like it, and would probably get a laugh at us all lying on the floor in sleeping bags. About 4am I had to get up off the floor. My surgery call started in a few hours and I needed just a little bit of sleep. So I wandered back to my childhood bedroom to take a nap. About an hour later my sister came in and gently woke me up to say that she thought daddy had died. I quickly ran to his side. Tears filled my eyes as soon as I entered the room. The room was completely silent…the respirator no longer had to supply oxygen to him. I went to his side. Being an RN I had my stethoscope in my lab coat. I put it to his chest and listened. There wasn't a heartbeat and I shook my head and said that he was gone. I looked at my watch and pronounced my father dead at 0500, May 7, 2008. My mom, sister and aunt all stood with me saying goodbye to him. Again he would have liked knowing we were all around him. He looked so peaceful, and I had to smile to myself knowing he was no longer in pain. The angels mercifully had taken him to Heaven. I called his Hospice care, and they handled it from there. Not long after his body was removed from the house the medical supply team came and removed his hospital bed and all the equipment that was required to sustain his life. I was amazed that in that short time frame of a couple of hours all remnants of a sick dying man were gone! The room was put back together as if a death never occurred there earlier. Life goes on doesn't it! Okay enough with the sad stuff…anyway to say the least Carlisle seemed like a great father and they were very lucky to have him. Edward noticed that I went deep in thought. He put his hand on my shoulder and gently turned my head toward him. Being the sappy girl I am there were unfallen tears in my eyes. I just shrugged my shoulders and told him I missed my dad. He smiled at me and gave me a little hug and kissed my temple. I looked over at Carlisle and he winked at me. That made me smile again! Now let's have cake! Chocolate makes everything better.
Edward dipped in chocolate….so that I could lick… (Sorry, devil is back). After dessert we ALL helped Esme clear the table. Maggie already had the dinner dishes done…she was a machine! I want a Maggie some day!
Emmett was talking with Edward about some softball game where the teachers played the doctors' of the town. So many of the doctors' had returned home to Forks to raise their families. So it was kind of like teachers vs. Ex-students. Each team could have one player that wasn't associated with the schools or team of doctors. The doctor team actually was pretty good, and they played in league games. The only thing is...both teams were all male. So I couldn't play! I really wanted to show Edward my softball skills! Edward's team was full and complete. Emmett approached me to play after hearing that I played in high school. But I thought it had to be all guys I said! He shook his head No, and told me that it does not technically say that in the rules. "Well meet your star pitcher I proudly said!"…he looked at me funny and I whispered in his ear that I was a fastball pitcher from way back. I yearned to throw again. I could handle myself playing against a group of men. I asked that we keep this to ourselves until it was time for the mystery player to walk onto the mound. This was going to be so much fun! Edward came over to us and asked what we were talking about. I told him I was just interested in seeing Emmett's baseball team play, and Edward then proceeded to tell me he played on a fast pitch softball team and maybe I could come watch him play. "I would love too. What position do you play?" I asked him. Ended up he was the first baseman. I could see that, he looked like he had a good stretch in him. He remembered that I played and he asked me what position I played...uh oh! So I said that I played most positions…the coach would put me where ever he needed a spot played. Which really wasn't a lie…if I didn't pitch the whole game I would just switch with my relief? He was satisfied with that answer. Emmett just grinned and walked off. The school/doctor game was coming up the following Saturday. The whole town came out. There were carnival games, rides for the kids and cotton candy. I loved that fluffy sticky stuff on a stick. I want to watch Edward suck it off his fingers. (Hehehehe…said the devil). Emmett texted me later to ask for uniform size and what number I wanted. I asked him what Edward's number was, it was # 8. So being that I was half of his size or more, I got #4. Nobody had to know the reasoning behind my number choice. Emmett said he would pick up my uniform tomorrow and keep it until the big reveal. This is going to be so much fun! I did want to practice some before the game. Turns out Emmett will be the catcher anyway so I thought I could pitch to him sometime before the game. I want to be a well-tuned pitcher before stepping out on that field. Emmett later took me aside and asked me if I was THE Bella Swan that played softball for the Texas A&M lady aggies. Let me rephrase that…National champion Texas Aggie softball team. I said, "shhhh…" Let's keep that between us team mates. Okay?" I said. He winked at me and nodded. We are so going to beat the doctors. Apparently they won every year and it was time to knock them back down to size. Doctor's like to brag on themselves…well not all doctors. Edward didn't seem conceited and braggish at all. But I have worked with some that they had to someone help them carry their heads around they were so big. Surgeons were the worst! For the most part Ob/gyn's seemed to be cool and calm. That is one of the reasons I chose that as my specialty.
We had a great evening just sitting around the outside fireplace. We laughed and told stories. I was becoming more and more comfortable with this coven of Cullen's. After a while my bedtime was calling and I just couldn't stay awake any longer. For some reason that made everybody scatter and go on to their own bedrooms. Esme kissed me goodnight before retiring to the house. I loved this woman! So there sitting alone were Edward and me. The fire made a beautiful golden glow across his face. I could stare at him forever! His face should be in a calendar…hey just like my favorite vampire has. I would buy several copies of an Edward calendar. Maybe the town could make a calendar of the upcoming softball game with the players in it. Couldn't you just see Edward making a play all stretched out on first base? I am going to suggest this to Emmett. He could use another fundraiser for his team. I am sure Alice would help. Good idea! He stood up from his lounge chair and sat down next to me. We were actually sitting across each other at the fire pit. We sat there in total silence looking at each other. "Well" I said… "Well" he repeated. I stood up and started to walk to my "house". He walked me to the door and as I turned to say goodnight. He had this beautiful smile on his face, and placed both of his hands on each side of my face. He was leaning down to kiss me. Oh good Lord my heart was pounding…my mouth watered to taste him. (Devil!) He so softly placed his lips against my lips. This was the most romantic thing I have ever experienced. I didn't know what to do with my hands so they just hung at my sides. The kiss ended way before it could really get going. He placed our foreheads together. He sighed! "Isabella, I am so glad you have come into my life!" he said. Awwwwww…. The angels all whispered together playing little songs on their harps. Hehehe my girlie parts were also giggly. It seemed like hours that he stayed there like this. I could get used to being this close to Edward. It wasn't nasty or vulgar…or even sexual in nature. It was just plain romantic and sweet. He said he was on call tomorrow and Wednesday, but he would like to take me out on a date this Friday. I didn't say anything right away…Edward pulled away to look at me. He started to say something, but I interrupted him and said that I would love to go out with him. He smiled and leaned in to kiss me again…again ended too soon! He stepped away from me, but still had hold of my face and gave me a gentle kiss on the forehead and said "Goodnight." After turning to go back into the house, I felt like my feet were buried in concrete. I was paralyzed to move. He turned and looked over his shoulder and smiled. I waved! Damn it, he caught me again staring at him. I went into my house and turned off all the lights. My bedroom had a dimmer on the light switch so it was lite with a beautiful romantic glow. It's a shame to let it go to waste on myself. Someday I thought I could share it…maybe with Edward? I feel asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow…no doubt dreaming of Edward and sugarplums. Ya ya, I know. Cheesy!
I decided to bathe in the morning after I worked out. The Cullen's practically have their own gym club in their house. I approached the garage to run up the stairs where the gym was located and heard voices and music playing. I peeked into the room and looky there…Edward is running on a treadmill all shirtless and sweaty. I am not going to make it around this man! Emmett was also running on a treadmill. How many do they have? Well lucky for me there are 3! There was a mirror in front of the treadmills so both guys saw me when I walked in. Em waved and Edward got a huge smile on his face. He happened to look down and probably realized he was shirtless. I tried not to stare…honestly I tried. I walked over to the treadmill that was open between them. I set my speed and incline rate, plugged in my IPod and pushed start. I walk a fast quarter before I actually start to run. Warm muscles are good muscles right coach? Edward had a beautiful stride when he ran…of course he did. Long legs. And well it was Edward we were talking about. I tightened my pony tail and started my workout. After the quarter I increased my speed to 5 MPH I thought that was pretty fast for a 5'1 girl like me. Any faster and the thing would throw me against the wall behind me. After the first mile I was feeling pretty good. Although I am sure I looked scary…all red faced and sweaty. Edward and Em were tall enough where they could talk to each other over my head…I was quite use to this. They then stopped their treadmills walked a cool down lap. And went to lift weights. The weight machines were right behind the treadmills. Did I happen to mention there are mirrors directly in front of me? Yea, I get to exercise and lust (oops I mean respectfully watch) Edward while he lifts weights. He did put his shirt back on, dang it! The guys took turns spotting each other. Em went first on the bench press then it was Edward's turn. He lay back on the bench. I know what you are thinking…you want to get a peeked up Edward's shorts don't you. Well too bad because he was wearing long basketball type shorts. Although they were silky enough to where you could see certain parts of his anatomy. Gasp did I just say that! I quickly darted my eyes down to my feet…I could not have Edward see me staring at his junk. From what little experience I have with that part of a man's anatomy he looked to be quite the stud. There go my girly parts giggling again. Does size really matter? How would I know? Unfortunately I still am a proud holder of my "V" card. Never really found a guy special enough to give it to. Maybe Edward was the future card receiver! Hmmmm….that thought had some merit to it. I wonder how experienced his junk is? Would it matter to me? I bet that raving redheaded green eyed bitch knew his junk. I may officially hate her if that is true. Well, I only run 2 miles a day and I am on my last lap. Once finished I walked a cool down lap. I unplugged my IPod and waited for the treadmill to stop before hopping off. Both guys in stereo said "Good morning Bella". How cute. They both looked at each other. I went to leave and Edward asked if I knew my caseload for the day. I didn't! He asked me to do a C-section with him around 10am this morning. I told him I would text him once I got to work and let him know. I was the only first assistant the hospital had so I needed to check with Kay.
After my shower I got my Tuesday scrubs…pink with zebra print trim. Yea I have a thing for zebra and pink. I walked into the surgery department around 7am. I walked over to Kay; she gave me my morning hug and went to check the schedule for me. I walked into the staff lounge and it immediately got quiet. "Okay guys what?" I said. "So rumor has it that you are pretty involved with the new doc?" Tina said . She dripped with jealousy. "We heard that your car was seen going into their driveway on numerous accounts now." I stared at her in disbelief! Not being surprised she always acted jealous of my working relationship with the different doctors. What a total bitch! This wasn't the first time we have had words. When I was new, she tried to tell me how to do my job, and what was expected of me! Expected of me? Didn't she know I do not work for the hospital…I am independently contracted out. So her seniority can take a flying leap up my ass. I looked at her and said with a smile, "Good morning Tina." As if Kay knew what was going on, she walked in and said that Dr. Cullen needed me in OB. I turned on my heels and walked out feeling the daggers being thrown at my back. Hey that was twice in 2 days that a woman has thrown daggers at me. It's a great week so far. I was running up the stairs when I heard very fast footsteps coming up the stairs behind me. It was Edward & Carlisle. Something must be going down in OB. As I entered the unit the nurses were scurrying around gathering their supplies. I heard anesthesia being called stat to this unit, I heard a woman out in the hallway crying. "Save my daughter and grandbaby please…don't let them die!" Well that is an attention getter…I ran back to the OR and saw the blood all over the patient's bed. Oh my gosh, she was abrupting. I quickly donned my protective booties and mask and ran into the OR, Faye already had my gown and gloves waiting on me. Apparently Edward told her I was coming to help. The patient had to go under a general anesthetic. No time for epidural! We draped her out and waited for the signal to start. With the first cut, very little blood oozed. Not a good sign. Once we got to the uterus made our incision on the uterus. Bright red blood burst out with lots of clots. This mom and baby were bleeding out! I could hear the grandma out in the hallway still crying for us to save them. I looked at Edward as he reached in for the baby. I helped push the baby out through the incision. This little one was blue and limp…oh please no! We handed her off to the nursery nurse. Thank goodness we had a pediatrician there on standby. The room was dead silent except for the surgery suction and the patient's heartbeat as we were closing the uterotomy, the uterus would not clamp down and stop bleeding. I looked up at Edward and he told us to tell the family that we are going to have to do an emergency hysterectomy to stop the bleeding. This was this couple's first baby. Please baby wake up…this is the one time I want to hear a babies scream. During the procedure, finally she started to whimper…Oh thank God I heard Edward say. The baby was taken to NICU. She was breathing…so all we could do is pray! We finished up the hysterectomy and the bleeding had stopped. Dr. Berg commended Edward on his quick decisiveness in regards to doing a hysterectomy. That is always a last resort but in this case it was the right thing to do. Our mom wasn't out of the woods yet, she lost a lot of blood! Edward took off his gown and gloves and went to the sink to wash his arms. No matter how good the gowns are sometimes we get blood on our skin. I took a warm washcloth and told him to look at me. He sat on a chair outside of the OR and I gently wiped the blood off his forehead and neck. I stood in front of him in between his legs. He put his hands on my waist as I cleaned him up. When I was done…he leaned forward and placed his head against me. He took a deep breath and said "Thank you Bella, I am so glad you were here with me!" He put his arms around me and gave me a hug. I told him that I was glad that I could help him and that he didn't need to thank me every time we worked together. He looked up at me, and smiled. Only Edward can make a girl melt just from a smile. Well he and Robert both have that gift. After a few minutes he stood up and grabbed my hand. We walked out into the hall where all of a sudden a woman ran up to us and hugged us both. It was like a family group hug! It was the baby's grandmother. She was happy to announce that little "Julie" is doing fine! She was just a little weak at first. But is now giving everybody's ears a workout. That is good news! Edward looked down at me and just smiled. He was so handsome I could barely stand it. Okay, back to reality…I tried to remove myself from his hold but he wouldn't have it. "Where are you going?" he said. "Well people are already starting rumors about us" I said. "Who people?" he asked. "Oh a jealous witch down in surgery." "Would her name possibly be Tina" he asked. "Yes, how did you know?" …to make a long story short guess who's sister that is. Yep, red headed….you know the rest. I remembered that she had a sister that was a doctor and was possibly moving here after her wedding. WEDDING? Victoria & Edward were engaged? My heart kind of dropped in my chest. How could he be with somebody like that? He was too nice of a man to get involved with a horrid woman like that. Wasn't he?
He had that Edward-pissed look on his face. All of a sudden he turned to walk into the nursery and then I heard him say out loud, "I need to talk to you Victoria!"…"well of course Eddie what seems to be the problem?" she said. Then I couldn't hear anymore because he took her into her office and slammed the door shut. After a few moments he walked out, running his hands through his hair. He looked very tense. When he is tense his jaw is so lickable! Not now Bella… (Devil)
Once he got to me, he apologized for their behavior and assured me it would not happen again. Those "fucking sisters" (his words not mine) will not say another word to disrespect me again. And then he leaned down and kissed the top of my head. "Come on … I think we have earned a trip to Starbucks so you can harass that girl again!" he said. "Oh goodie "I said.