Chapter 2

After our appointment with Dr. Cullen, I tucked the phone number away in my desk and forgot about it. I didn't feel the need to set anything up in the immediate future.

Charlie, of course, was ostensibly determined not to let the subject go. While sitting at the kitchen table eating breakfast one morning, he brought it up.

"Bella, we really need to talk." His speech was clearer that day; perhaps that was why he decided to seize the moment.

"About what dad?"

"I want to call Dr. Cullen's son." He took a shallow breath before continuing, "We can't hide from this anymore, Bells. And, quite frankly, I don't want to."

"I just don't think it's necessary at this point. We've adjusted to your latest symptoms pretty well, don't you think?"

"You're my daughter, through and through. Your stubbornness comes straight from me, so I get ya'. Thing is, I want to see my friends, and I want you to see your friends." His breathing steadily became more labored with every word he spoke.

"My friends aren't here anymore. Alice is in New York, Angela and Ben are in Chicago, and Em-"

"Enough Bella. Enough. If your friends are gone, make new ones. Or, better yet, go visit them," he lectured.

"I can't leave you; you know that."

"And now we have come full circle. We need to consider what Dr. Cullen suggested. In the meantime, prepare for more visitors. I've opened the door to everyone. I'm not wasting time anymore. If you don't call the nurse, I will. Oh, and the guys down at the station are planning on taking me on a fishing trip."

I started to open my mouth in protest, but Charlie shook his head.

"I'm going and I don't need your permission. You're the child remember?"

Though I was hardly a child anymore, his straight forward words had dumbfounded me. I was shocked into submission. Having cared for him for nearly three years, I had inadvertently developed a motherly tendency towards him.

"Okay, I'll make the call."

He only nodded, looking fatigued by the energy he had just expended.

"So when is this fishing trip?" I asked, trying to lift the mood.

"Two weeks," he replied, his face lighting up.

"That's great Dad. I'm happy for you." And, I was.

Instead of calling Edward Cullen after our conversation, I dialed Alice.

"Hey you," she answered. "I was just about to call you."

"Really? What's up?" I questioned her.

"I have some fabulous news, Bella; the best," she trilled. Her voice was about two octaves above it's normal tone.

"That's perfect, I'm in need of some good news."

"Everything okay with Charlie?" she asked, more solemnly.

"As okay as it can be. Please, let's just talk about your news." I was in dire need of a pick me up.

She let out little squeals of excitement as I listened for some sort of discernible words.

"I'm moving back out west! San Francisco, to be exact."

My mood immediately lifted. "Does this mean I will get to see you more often?" I asked, hopefully.

"Yes, and soon. I'll be stopping through in a week, en route to my new home!"

"Who do I have to thank for bringing you back?"

"I have been offered the fabulous opportunity to design my own line for an up and coming design house. I had sent my portfolio to them on a whim and, a month later, here I am, holding an advance for my own line and planning my move!"

"I'm so proud of you. You have worked so long for this and your dreams are becoming a reality," I reminded her. Alice had started sewing clothes for her dolls as soon as her mom had trusted her with a needle.

"Yours will too Bella, yours will too," she repeated, her voice fading into a soft whisper.

I didn't even have any dreams. The only thing I wanted was so unlikely, I was afraid to hope for it: a cure.

Wanting to keep the focus on her, I asked about Jasper. "What about your man? Or is that done?"

"Jazz? Oh hell no, that's nowhere near done. In fact, he's meeting me in San Francisco a week after I'm scheduled to be there. There's a pretty definite chance that he's the one. There's just something about him that fits with me..." Her voice tapered off, as I imagined her day dreaming.

"Can we switch places, just for like, forty-eight hours?"

"I love you so much but, sorry, not a chance," she responded, decisively.

I laughed as we continued our conversation and planned her visit. I knew her presence would please Charlie to no end. Charlie always called Alice his second daughter. He loved her like I did. I would also be satisfying his request for me to spend some time socializing. Two birds, one stone.

Three days before Alice was to arrive, anxiety set it. No one other than Billy Black and my father's friends down at the station had really been around Charlie in his altered physical state. He continued to manage with the walker, but it was becoming more and more of a struggle. If I hated seeing it, how would others feel? When I watched him become flustered as he maneuvered around, I had this overwhelming desire to help him, but that would have demeaned him, and demeaning my father would only break my heart further.

Part of me wanted to protect Charlie from the world. In some way I thought it would preserve the best memories of him. However, he had made it clear to me that he didn't want to hide. He was brave enough to face the world, so I had to be too.

When I told him Alice was coming, his spirits brightened considerably, even more than I had anticipated.

I sucked. Truly sucked. Why was it that Charlie could open up to the world when I continued to want to shrink inside myself?

I pushed the anxiety out of my mind and threw myself into cleaning the house and preparing the guest room for Alice.

Three days later, she knocked on the door.

I opened the door and the vision that was Alice stood before me. She looked gorgeous, striking, and stylish. Her once short, dark hair had grown past her shoulders and was pulled back into a sleek ponytail. Large, square, black Gucci sunglasses rested on her perfect, dainty, upturned nose. Her complexion was flawless. Her lips pursed in a sweet little bow.

I immediately felt unremarkable.

"Stop gawking and invite me in already! You look like you've seen a ghost for goodness sakes!"

"I'm sorry, it's just been so long, and you look like you walked out of an issue of Vogue," I said as I pulled her in for a hug.

"You should have called me a lot sooner Bella," she spoke through clenched teeth as she rested her chin on my shoulder and squeezed back.

"Yeah, I know," I admitted.

"Where's my favorite fashionista?" Charlie's voice came from behind us.

"Charlie!" Alice exclaimed, breaking free from my vice grip.

She ran over to him but was delicate with her embrace. He could only lift one hand to hug her in return; the other supported his weight on the walker.

After our reunion, we settled into easy conversation Alice dazzling Charlie with tales of life in the city. I hadn't realized how much I missed her until that moment. Although I was confident she was plainly aware of the differences in Charlie, she never showed it outwardly.

After a couple hours of talking, Charlie was tired and excused himself to take a nap.

"Need any help dad?" I asked him, as he sometimes required my assistance.

"No, I got it. You girls enjoy yourselves now," he labored as he ambled out of the room.

As he disappeared to his bedroom, which had been relocated downstairs, Alice asked the serious questions.

"Bella, you know how much I love you, right?" she asked.

"Yeah, you know I do."

"Well, I need to be completely honest. I'm worried about you. You look exhausted, malnourished, and unkempt. Not to mention, ten years older than you should."

"Got any more compliments for me, A?" I asked, cocking my eyebrow.

"I'm serious. You need sunshine, good food, and a massage, followed by a night of heavy drinking."

"Really, I thought alcohol caused wrinkles?" I quipped.

"Still stubborn, I see. I think you know what I'm getting at here, Bella. You need help. And you need to be okay with asking for it. When Charlie escapes with his friends for the weekend, I'm taking you out. I'll be damned if I'm going to let my best friend wither away into a shell of her old self. You know that alone could kill Charlie."

Her last words stung, and tears began percolating to the surface. I choked them back, swallowing hard.

"I know I need help, Alice. I do. It's just admitting it is so difficult. I feel like I'm failing him. I feel like I'm not the one to care for him, I'll be kicking myself later."

"You are taking care of him. But you need to realize that you must take care of yourself, too. It's hard for me to say this," she placed her hand on top of mine, "but you are going to have a life after he's gone; you can't let yourself wither away along with him."

Tears began escaping my eyes with ferocity, and Alice took me into her arms.

"I love you, Alice. And you're right," I choked out.

"I love you too, Bella."

As soon as the words were out of her mouth, I pictured the piece of paper I had stuck into my desk a month earlier. I knew it wouldn't be long before I retrieved it.

Charlie's buddies from the station showed up at five o'clock on Saturday morning to pick him up. They weren't going far. In fact, the resort where they were staying was practically in Forks. They would be in cabins at Three Rivers Resort, and Sam Uley, one of the deputies, was going to be Charlie's cabin mate. Other than Sam, who was in line to become Chief when Charlie retired, there was Paul, the dark haired, gorgeous Quileute man who was the most serious of the bunch, and Joshua Baxter, the young, wide-eyed, unfettered rookie.

The look on my father's face made it hard not picture him as a child; he had a sort of innocent expression of happiness when he came out to greet his friends. That look alone would be worth all the worrying I would do while we were apart. This would be the first length of time we had been separated since his diagnosis. Thank God Alice was staying through the weekend.

After Charlie had left, I went back to bed and fell into a deep and dreamless sleep. I didn't wake up until I heard Alice knocking on the bedroom door. I opened my heavy lids and saw that it was ten thirty. Wow, I had slept for five hours but felt as though I had just shut my eyes.

"Come in," I said groggily.

Alice burst through the door and hopped onto my bed.

"Hey sleepyhead," she greeted me, as she rested her head on the pillow next to mine.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to sleep for so long," I replied with a yawn.

"No complaints here, B. You were obviously in need. Although, at this point, we are burning daylight and I have a full day planned. Off to the shower with you," she instructed, as she got up, pulling me with her.

I stumbled to the bathroom and turned on the shower. I disrobed, hopped in, and let the hot spray work its magic on my tense shoulders. It had been ages since I had allowed myself the luxury of a soothing shower. I had the "scrub and run" down. I could be in and out in three minutes flat. With Charlie's illness, I didn't feel like I had time to enjoy a relaxing and leisurely shower. If he needed me and I couldn't hear him calling over the rushing water, how would I know if something happened? Life can change in a matter of a few minutes, and I didn't want unnecessary indulgences to get in the way of me being there for him in an emergency. While growing up, I was his first priority. It was only fair that I made him mine.

I lingered under the hot water, thinking about everything that could have been, should have been, if Charlie hadn't fallen ill. He had big plans for his future, after he retired from the force. He was going to buy a motor-home and travel with Billy across America. He looked forward to me finding true love and giving him grandchildren one day. He even thought he might find a companion to share the rest of his life with. I started to question the linear path he had decided on. He had worked hard, considering himself married to the job, even though he had a fortune at his disposal. He had counted on having an abundance of time after he retired to pursue his dreams. Now that he was ill, it was clear that a great many of his dreams would never come to fruition. It was a silent urging towards living in the now, rather than planning for a future that couldn't be counted on.

My heart heaved in my chest as I started to think about everything he wouldn't be there for. I didn't know if kids were in the cards for me, or another marriage for that matter, but if they were, he likely wouldn't be around to see any of it. I couldn't imagine anyone other than Charlie walking me down the aisle. I didn't have a brother or grandfather to fill in for him. I didn't really have anyone. I started to get depressed when I realized how small my circle of loved ones really was. I understood it was extremely likely that I would end up utterly alone in the world.

Before the tears had a chance to form, I shook my head and pulled myself out of the stupor of self pity.

As the hot water poured down my body, I took in some cleansing breaths. Today would be a good day. I wouldn't let Alice down. I was committed to keeping my guilt over not being with Charlie at bay and enjoying some much needed revelry.

I wondered what Alice had planned as I shut off the water and toweled myself dry.

I blew out my hair and dressed in a pair of Seven jeans and a white t-shirt. I knew Alice would hardly approve, but at least the jeans were designer.

I emerged from the bedroom to find Alice in the living room, thumbing through the latest issue of Vanity Fair. I was happy to see that she was casually dressed, well casual for her anyway. She was wearing black leggings and a gorgeous gray sweater-dress with knee-high black leather boots.

"Love the boots," I complimented.

"Maybe we can get you a matching pair. Feel better after your shower?" she asked, giving me a once over.

"Yeah, much. Sorry I took so long."

"Girlie, you need to stop with the apologies. Are you ready?" she asked me.

"Yep. This is me. Ready," I replied with a laugh.

"Hold on just a sec," she said, reaching into her ridiculously large purse.

Her hand emerged with a thin scarf in varying colors of blue. "This will bring out your eyes and give your look a little more snap."

"Did you bring that just for me?" I asked as she arranged the scarf around my neck. She had always enjoyed utilizing me as her mannequin.

"Actually, Jasper spent a month in Thailand with some friends, and he brought me back oodles of these delicious scarves; I felt I could part with one. So yes, it's for you."

"Thanks Alice, I really like it." I could actually see it becoming a frequent accessory.

"Yay! Alright then, I'm driving, so let's blow this joint."

I put on my comfortable and well worn pair of black Chucks and followed her out the door.

Alice had splurged on her rental car, opting for a Mini Cooper.

"Where are we going anyway?" I asked, hopping into the passenger seat.

"After we stop for coffee, I thought we could head to Seattle."

"Ah, yes. Coffee sounds great; sweet life giving nectar." I smiled at her, referring to our moniker for coffee.

"I thought you might say that," she said with a giggle. "I also intend to take you shopping and buy you cocktails. No protests. I just got a huge advance for my line and I reserve the right to spoil my best friend," she said as she lifted her chin defiantly.

I sighed. I didn't want to be a charity case but Alice was offering the exact kind of levity I was screaming for.

"I'm with you, A. Just don't break the bank. I want you to be able to come visit me again."

Her set lips broke into a dazzling smile.

"One other thing Bella. I talked to Charlie while you were in the shower yesterday."

"Oh really? And what were you two troublemakers up to?"

"Nothing really. We just decided that you would call the nurse before weekend's end, that's all."

Funny, I had come to the same decision myself.

"Oh, ye of little faith. I already decided to do just that all on my own."

"Promise me, B." She shot me a stern look.

"I promise."

With that, we pulled up to the coffee shop. I had a delicious double mocha and a poppy seed bagel with cream cheese. I could almost feel myself filling out after the first bite. I really hadn't been eating much. It was one of those things I always sort of pushed aside in lieu of other things that felt more pressing.

We took off towards Seattle, blasting music and singing in the car together. The day was already turning into a dream.

Seattle was an absolute blast. Alice didn't even force me to be her personal Barbie doll while we were shopping, and she even agreed on some of the things I picked out on my own. She did insist on buying me a pair of pricey knee-high leather boots with a three inch heel. They were undeniably hot, and I had promised not to refuse her.

After shopping, we went to Pike's Place Market where I bought fresh flowers and some delicious Jazz Apples. I loved their crisp consistency and cherry-esque flavor.

It drizzled a bit as we roamed the streets, but the smell of rain on the pavement filled me with life. It was one of my favorite scents. We made our way to one of my most treasured discoveries, the Elliott Bay Book Company, and I lost myself for an hour while Alice perused the fashion section. The place was a bit musty and a bit of a labyrinth but I adored it. The smell of books, old and new, meshing together, was another favorite scent.

As the sky began to darken, we made our way to Kells Irish Restaurant and Pub. Before heading inside, and much to Alice's delight, I slipped into my new boots. They made me feel empowered and provocative. Being the dignified ladies we were, we started off with a round of Irish Car Bombs. It was like a milkshake and went down smooth. I immediately felt the whiskey set to work. It was a good thing too, because, not a moment later, my ex walked through the door.

I gulped and gave Alice a death look.

"Don't look at me! I didn't say a word," she scolded me for my assumption.

We were clearly in his line of sight and I was baffled by the coincidence. I guess it shouldn't have been all that shocking since he and I had found the place together.

Emmett and I met my freshman year of high school. He was a transfer, so he garnered a lot of attention immediately. Emmett was the hottest sophomore, good with numbers, quarterback for the Junior Varsity team, and he had an incredible amount of heart. He was the complete package at sixteen, the epitome of a teen dream. He was also a smart ass, but that was part of what drew me to him. We met in art class. He took the available seat across from me as soon as he walked in the door. As the teacher called attendance, I corrected her when she called me Isabella, noting that I preferred to be called Bella.

A devilish and incredibly sexy smirk appeared at his lips and he shook his head.

"What's so funny?" I whispered.

"Nothing really, I just took you for more of an 'Izzy' than a 'Bella.'"

"No one's ever called me that in my life," I insisted to him.

"Well I'm going to call you Iz. I want to call you something no one else does."

I blushed at his statement and immediately looked down. That was the day Emmett's "Iz" was born. So much happened after that. Too much to ever let him out of my life entirely.

As he made his way towards us, my phone buzzed in my pocket.

I looked at the caller ID: Charlie.

I answered hurriedly, just as Emmett made it to our table.

"Charlie, is everything okay?" I asked in a panic, covering my right ear with my hand.

His laughter was instantly relieving. "Yeah, Bells. We are fantastic. Just wanted to check-in and say I love you." He sounded buoyant and lively, better than he had in months.

"Well, I'll let you get back to it. I love you Dad."

"Alrighty. Hope you are having some fun yourself."

"I am. Alice and I are making up for lost time. And, we...uh, just ran into Emmett"

"Tell him 'hello' for me. Gotta go, the guys want to play some poker," he replied before hanging up.

I put the phone down and looked over at Emmett. He looked particularly handsome. His dark blonde hair was slightly wavy, his smile was large and wide, producing the dimples that used to make me melt, and his eyes were midnight blue, framed by long lashes. It was the first time I had seen him in two years but it was oddly calming rather than unnerving.

"Iz! I can't tell you how stoked I am to run into you and the little one over here," he said, tilting his head in Alice's direction.

She socked him in the arm. "Hey, careful with the insults buddy! I'm stronger than I look."

"That's for sure, you pack a mean punch, little one," he said, rubbing the spot on his bicep where she had struck.

Before I could protest, Emmett pulled me in for one of his signature bear hugs. I let myself linger there for a moment, breathing in the scent I was all too familiar with. His strong arms felt good cradled around me, comforting me in a way I hadn't expected.

"You look good Em. Seattle must be treating you well." I pulled away from the hug, casting my eyes downward as I spoke.

"Mind if I pull up a chair?"

"Of course not," I answered nonchalantly.

He turned the chair back against the table and straddled the seat, his arms crossed and leaning comfortably on the table. A small part of me swooned, but only for a split second. One thing our relationship had never lacked was sexual chemistry. Still, I had learned at a young age that a healthy relationship was about much more than lust.

"Seattle has been spectacular for me. I'm doing rather well at the investment firm, I have a great group of guys to hang with here, and I play pick-up basketball at the gym twice a week. But let's talk about you for a minute. How are things?"

"Today's a good day. Charlie's on a fishing trip with his buddies; he says 'hi' by the way. Alice got here in the middle of the week, and we have had the best time trolling around Seattle today, shopping and catching up."

He put his hand on mine. "But Izzy, how is it, really?"

I knew he was truly concerned but the conversation was headed in the exact direction I had wanted to avoid. Not to mention it was ruining my buzz.

"It is what it is. Charlie has this monster disease inside of him, chiseling away at his freedom bit by bit. He has new aches and pains every day and requires my assistance with things that humble us both." I knew my tone was a bit whiny and tried to scale back. "I really am trying to get away from it for today. I need to for my sanity. Can we just talk about other things?"

"Sure, sure," he replied.

The conversation shifted to Alice and her big move, the new boyfriend, and her upcoming fashion line. We had two more Irish Car Bombs a piece before switching to Guinness. To counteract the wooziness, we decided to stay for dinner; Emmett insisted on buying. I had a delicious pork tenderloin with apple chutney. The meat was savory and cooked to perfection, and my love for food began to reemerge.

By ten o'clock, we had sobered up enough to head back to Forks.

Emmett pleaded with us to come back home with him so we wouldn't have to make such a long drive. As much as the offer appealed to me, and as much as I liked the idea of cuddling up to Emmett again, I really wanted to sleep in my own bed. Alice and I said our goodbyes and Emmett took me in for another strong embrace.

"I love you, Iz," he whispered to me in a soothing voice.

I couldn't get the words out myself, but I tightened my hold on him a bit more to let him know I felt the same.

"See you soon, Em."

"I hope so," he said, kissing me gently on the forehead before he walked backwards to his car.

Alice sped back to Forks, paying little attention to traffic laws. She didn't really care and could probably get herself out of any ticket. I was exhausted when we arrived home, the buzz having worn off during the last hour of the drive.

I gave Alice a huge squeeze. "Thank you so much for today. It was better than I could have hoped for."

"The smile on your face is thanks enough. I'm beat. Goodnight, B."

"Goodnight, A," I responded. She was the A to my B and always would be.

Before I headed to bed, I put the house keys on my desk and opened the top drawer. Sitting right on top was the number Dr. Cullen had given me for his son. I took it out, brought it with me to my bedroom, and placed it next to my cell phone.

I would call Edward Cullen the following day.