Cool… I didn't expect much response to this story. You guys make me happy :) Thanks for the reviews, everyone :)
Disclaimer: I'm sure everyone knows that Twilight belongs to Stephanie Meyer
Then again… pardon for the grammatical errors. I think I need a Beta…
Here goes :) chapter 3
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Chapter 3: The Papasan Chair and Esme's Garden
Date: August 24, 2007 (Friday)
Esme's Point of View
I sat alone with my thoughts in the papasan chair at our backyard; it's beige see through canopy covering both sides. I took a sip out of the coffee I held in my hands while waiting for the sun to come out of the horizon. A quilt was wrapped around my shoulders to protect me from the cold of the approaching Fall.
He has been making progress.
Ever since Edward came to see her a week ago, he has been camping out at the hospital never leaving her side. When he was home, it was only to take a shower, eat and pack a few clothes. I was thankful that he didn't have that distant look in his face anymore. Just the mere presence of Bella has made him feel better but it wasn't enough. The dark circles under his eyes have lightened but it was still there…the depression and loneliness. Just looking at my son makes my heart break.
I sighed and wrapped the quilt tighter around me.
It has been a total of three weeks ever since Bella's accident and there is still no improvement. Carlisle said that comas rarely last longer than five weeks but in those five weeks the patient has to be showing small responses to stimuli like a movement of fingers or a small moan. In Bella's case, there has been nothing. This worried me even more. We decided not to tell Edward about this unless it was absolutely necessary. He has suffered too much already.
A small ray of sunlight peeked out of the horizon. I squinted my eyes to adjust to the light.
This papasan chair is Bella's favorite spot in the house besides Edward's bedroom. I brought back to mind the day I got this chair. I took Bella furniture hunting with me about 9 years ago. Oh dear, has it been that long? I chuckled. Of course I would have taken my husband or my son with me but sometimes, a girl's opinion is always needed. I was quite taken by surprise. Everything that Bella had pointed to or touched or sat on turned into something I just had to get for the house.
9yearsago9yearsago9yearsago…
"Oh! Esme! Look at this! It's so pretty." Said an enthusiastic little Bella as she plopped down on a round comfy looking chair. She giggled, "It's comfy too!"
I laughed at her enthusiasm as I circled the chair. "Hmm…" I thought. I've never seen this kind of chair before. It was round and looked like the kind of chair people could just snuggle up and fall asleep in. This would go perfect in the backyard porch! Then I felt a soft tugging on my hand.
"Come on, Esme!" Bella said as she pulled me to the front of the chair and plopped me down by surprise. "Oh!… Oh yes it is comfortable." I chuckled, feeling the cushions of the chair below and on my back. I lay down and sighed contently. Then I felt Bella sit down beside me as well, resting her head at my shoulder. I smiled down at her as she did at me.
"Are you interested in this chair, madam?" A smiling plump salesman asked, approaching us. "Ah…Oh yes…" I replied, smiling as Bella and I got up from the chair. Bella giggled in delight as she came to my side. I put my hand in the small of her back, looking up at the salesman.
"I've never seen this kind of chair before. Is it new?" I asked the salesman.
"Why yes it is!" he replied happily. "Well, it's new here in America. These chairs are quite famous in the UK. These just arrived a few months ago. They're called Papasan Chairs."
This took me by surprise. New furniture designs never got past me. "Is that so…Papasan Chairs! Well, do you have the cushions in different color? Pink doesn't really go with my backyard." I smiled. I heard Bella and the salesman chuckle. I guessed that Carlisle and Edward would freak if they see a bright pink chair in the house.
"Of course we do, Ma'm. Follow me and I'll show you some pictures."
Bella tugged on my shirt. I looked down at her big brown eyes. "Are you really going to get it, Esme!?" she whispered, smiling. I looked at her softly and touched her cheek, "Of course I am dear! It looks perfect! You did a good job!"
She blushed her beautiful shade of crimson and looked down shyly. I chuckled. "Now you stay here dear. I'll just be over there." I pointed at the salesman waiting patiently at a corner. "Okay." She smiled and plopped down back at the chair. I chuckled and walked to the salesman.
"You're daughter made a good choice, Ma'm." he said, brightly.
"Oh, she's…" I was supposed to correct him. But then I looked back lovingly at Bella who was sitting at the Papasan Chair. Her eyes closed and long wavy brown locks falling at her shoulders. She looked up and grinned sweetly at me. My heart melted.
Looking back at him, I smiled and replied, "Yes. My daughter really did make a good choice."
PresentPresentPresent…
I chuckled. Ever since I got this chair, Bella has been laying around in it all the time, which I was thankful for. I think she visited more often just to sit back here. Over the years, I've had this chair refurbished about 3 times and I even added a little beige princess canopy. This is where she would wait for Edward to come home, where she would read some of her books, where she would play her guitar, where she watched the sunrise just like what I'm doing now.
Over the years, to Carlisle and I, Bella has always been a daughter.
She was the little girl who healed our heart.
After Edward, I got pregnant again and was supposed to have a little girl but after the sixth month, I had a miscarriage.
I was devastated and broken. Carlisle and I have always had our heart set on having a boy and a girl. I thought our hearts would never heal again…but when she came into our lives, it was like everything became perfect with an added bonus. Bella has made Edward so happy for the past years and he has loved her the entire time.
I don't know about Bella but I have a feeling that she feels the same way. Sometimes I catch her looking at Edward with this spark in her eyes but at the next second, she would look down and it would disappear. This always puzzled me.
Of course I could never take the place of her real mother, Renee. Renee is this outgoing mother who is more of a friend than a parent. We've all noticed this, including Bella. Bella is more of the parent out of both of them. Bella took care of her mother more than her mother took care of her. Renee wasn't a bad person. She was just more carefree. Charlie and Renee, of course also treated Edward as the son they never had. It was like we were all one big happy family. But things change. They divorced several years ago. I guess you could say we saw it coming, especially Bella. That was a really hard time for her. But Edward was there…
Edward wouldn't be the magnificent person he is now if it weren't for Bella. She has helped him in ways that Carlisle and I could not. She was his 'person'.
I felt a cool tear run down my cheek.
What if she never came back? I sniffed. I don't want to lose my daughter again. She has to come back…
I closed my eyes and tried to compose myself, forgetting the sunrise at the horizon.
Then I felt the warm familiar hands of my husband touch my face. I didn't even hear him come near. I opened my tear-filled eyes to look at his warm blue ones. He brushed the tears from my cheeks with his thumbs and sat beside me. His arms wrapped around me as I rested my head in his chest, sobbing.
He held me tighter and stroked my cheek. I've always felt safe in his arms. "Everything will be okay…" he whispered. He knew what I was thinking. He always knew what I was thinking. I had to place more hope in my heart.
Everything 'will' be okay. I'm sure of it! Bella is not done here yet…
"I love you." I whispered in his chest as my tears stopped running down.
"I love you too…" he replied as he held my face and placed a soft kiss on my lips.
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1 week later…
Date: August 31, 2007 (Friday)
Edward's Point of View
I woke up as I felt the first rays of the sun touch my eyes through the window. I squinted, trying to adjust to the new light of day. Another day…
One staggering month and still… nothing.
My upper body stretched as I yawned then I placed my arm back to embrace her chest.
Ever since my visit two weeks ago, I couldn't bring myself to leave her side anymore. I've camped out in this room for the past 14 days. Seeing her has made me feel a bit better but it still hurts to not have her awake. I stared at her sleeping face and traced down her cheek with my fingers.
Will she wake up today? Is my first thought every morning.
She hasn't been making any progress for the entire time I've stayed with her but I had to be patient. I didn't want to lose my temper again.
"Good Morning, Love." I whispered, hoping she could hear it. It felt good to finally be able to call her 'love' but it's still like a blow to the chest to not have her hear me.
I miss talking to you…
Sighing, I got up from the bed and cracked my back. Ow… sleeping in a hospital bed isn't as comfortable as you think.
I grabbed my toothbrush from my bag and headed for the bathroom. After freshening up, I looked for some new clothes to wear. Hmm… I'm going to have to get more clothes at home. I've worn everything twice already. My stomach grumbled. A breakfast from Mom doesn't sound too bad either. Hospital food isn't exactly gourmet. I've been spoiled too much by my mother and Bella's delicious cooking.
It was the same routine everyday. Wake up, freshen up, eat, watch Bella, eat again…then sleep.
I grabbed my clothes and headed for the bathroom again, then stopped… Bella wouldn't see me in the room now. I could just change here… no need to worry. I chuckled. I was supposed to strip down but when I looked back at Bella… I blushed. Okay… she may be unconscious but she's still here! Then I made my way to the bathroom. Just the thought of being naked in front of Bella made me shiver and blush professedly.
It's not a big deal… you've seen each other naked… said a voice in my head. Yeah! But that was when we were toddlers and our body parts weren't fully developed yet! Said another voice. Ugh! Stop thinking, Edward!
After dressing up, I called Alice saying that I would have to leave Bella for the day. She agreed to watch over her when I was gone and would arrive in a few minutes.
During this time, there was no way I would let Bella be left alone. Someone has to watch over her 24/7 to see if she has been making any progress. It has been one whole month and still nothing has happened. I'm going to have to ask my dad about this if it's normal or unlikely.
"You'll wake up soon right? Bells?" I asked her sleeping form.
Sighing, I sat down on the chair beside her bed and rubbed her arm softly. Looking at her face would seem like she's only sleeping. At any second, I would think that her eyes would just pop open but disappointment would meet me every time.
I used Bella's soft hand as a pillow for my cheek as I laid my head down on the hospital bed. My eyes drifted to sleep again. She was my own special sleeping pill.
A few minutes later…
"Wakey wakey, Eddie boy…" said a familiar voice. Oh… only one person would say that to wake me up. "Hey Alice…" I muttered softly, still not opening my eyes and leaving Bella's hand.
Alice giggled as I felt her walk beside me. "Morning, Bells." She said softly. I opened my eyes to find Alice brushing Bella's hair from her forehead then she looked at me.
"You look like crap." She said crossing her arms. I chuckled, "You don't have to say that every time we meet Alice." I rubbed the sleep from my eyes as I sat up.
"It's true though. You look like flesh and bones." Said another voice. I looked back at the door to see Jasper standing with a vase of fresh flowers on his hands.
I smiled weakly as I greeted him. These two have been spending a LOT of time with each other.
Alice looked at me sadly, a question in her eyes. I knew that look. She was asking me if there was any improvement. I shook my head solemnly in reply. She sighed sadly and walked over to Bella to kiss her forehead.
"Uh, hey Ali… I don't think there's enough space for this." Said Jasper, looking around to find a spot for the vase.
"Nonsense! These over here are already wilted… I'll take them outside." Alice gestured to the one on Bella's bedside table. It looked like a few wilted Calla Lilies. Not exactly Bella's type of flower…
"That's okay Alice. I'll be on my way outside anyway. I'll take them." I said, grabbing my backpack.
After a few hugs, I kissed Bella's forehead, "I'll be back, Bells." I whispered in her ear. Before making my way out the door, I looked back once again. I hated having to leave her even if it was only just a second.
Alice scoffed, "Don't worry Edward. We'll take care of her. You hogged her for two weeks. Give someone else a turn." She joked. "Yeah, we'll see you later, dude." Said Jasper.
And with that, I left. Before placing the wilted flowers near the trash, I noticed the card attached to the vase.
Get well soon, dear.
Love, Mom and Phil
It's a pity we have to throw these away. Sighing, I placed the vase down next to the trash, and then a thought entered my mind. I remember my mom putting wilted flowers to good use. Smiling, I picked them back up and placed them in my car. They may not be Bella's kind of flowers but it's the thought and from whom it came from that matters.
The drive back home was silent. I didn't even bother to turn on the radio. That was Bella's job. I groaned. Everything reminded me of her. After parking my car, I grabbed the vase of flowers and proceeded inside the house.
"Mom? I'm home." I called out.
"In the living room, dear!" she replied.
I walked to the living room to find my mother arranging some flowers from the garden. She smiled brightly as she saw me walk in. I came over and she kissed me in the forehead then she noticed the wilted flowers I had in my hands. "Are these for the house? Cause I don't think they would live any longer…"
I chuckled, "No Mom… these were from Bella's. They came from Renee and Phil. I didn't want to throw them away so I figured you would do your… uh,… that thing you do with old flowers and stuff." I muttered.
Her eyes softened as she chuckled. "You mean making Potpourri, dear?"
"If that's what you call it." I replied, placing the flowers at the table. "It's just that…" I scratched my head, "with Bella asleep, she wouldn't see all the flowers that people gave her and it's… it's kinda…" I struggled to find the right words without making my voice break. It was still hard to talk about Bella. My mother placed her hand on top of mine in understanding.
"I think that's a wonderful idea, Edward." She replied, smiling softly. "Let me handle this." She gestured towards the flowers. "I'll buy some small jars where I can put them in separately then I'll tie the cards around them. It'll be your job to bring the flowers home." She smiled. "Bella would love to see them when she wakes up."
When she wakes up…
"Thanks, Mom." I said while hugging her.
"Don't mention it dear, I would love to do it." She let go of me then my stomach grumbled. She laughed. "Now, you go do what you have to do and I'll cook you some breakfast." I smiled. She knows exactly what to say.
I went back to my room to pack a few more clothes. I sat on my bed in exhaustion. It was the only undamaged thing in my room. After my outburst, I've broken practically everything in my room. My computer, my radio, my CD stands, my keyboard was slightly scratched, thankfully, my piano pieces weren't arranged… sigh. So my room was practically a bit empty right now after my mom fixed it. I felt guilty to have my mom fix it for me but she told me not to worry about it. This will have to be her new renovation project.
When I glanced back at my nightstand, something caught my attention.
Our picture frame.
I walked over to it and held it in my hands. I broke this… It's in a brand new frame. My mom must have noticed it. This was my favorite picture of Bella and I. I winced as I recalled the moment I threw it across the wall. How could I have done that? I would never throw this.
I closed my eyes as I fell back to my bed with the frame in my hands.
I miss her so much, it hurts to even breath…
After a few minutes, I placed the frame inside my backpack. I'd bring it to the hospital with me.
When I finished packing, I made my way downstairs. My mom wasn't done with breakfast yet so I went outside in the backyard for a little fresh air.
I loved our backyard. My mother would do well in landscape architecting too. As I made my way outside the door, I made an involuntary glance at the papasan chair at one corner of the backyard porch.
This is where she would always wait for me…
Edward16yearsold…Bella15yearsold…
"Mom! I'm home."
I tossed my car keys and gym bag in the kitchen table as I made my way outside the backyard to Bella. It was like an impulse action. Get home…drop my keys…check the garden for Bella.
A beautiful tune filled the air as I opened the screen door to the backyard.
There she is! Her beautiful long wavy locks slightly flying with the wind as she played her guitar with her eyes closed. She sat cross-legged with the guitar on her lap on the papasan chair. She wore a blue tank top and brown shorts.
Bella stopped playing as soon as soon as she heard me come through. "Hulloo Edward!" she smiled. Aah, that beautiful smile…
I moved over the canopy and plopped down next to her as I kissed the side of her head. "Hulloo Bells! What song was that?" I leaned on my arms behind me.
She scrunched her nose and drew her head away from me. "Eew…Ed!" she whined, "You stink!"
I laughed at her. "No I don't! That's pure man's perfume you're taking in!" I teased. I did just come from soccer practice, so I was still a bit sweaty from the game. I was supposed to take a shower but I was too excited to see her.
"Well, you better get you and your stinky 'natural man's perfume' away from me." She glared.
I mocked hurt, "I'm hurt, Bells. I would never call 'you' stinky."
"Aha! You called me stinky before! Remember when we were 7 years old and I fell down that pond you thought it would be fun to swim at!" she said as she looked me straight in the eye.
Yes, I do remember that day. You were so cute all soaked from head to toe. "No I don't remember that day." I replied mockingly as I looked elsewhere.
She laughed and hit me in the arm. "Ow… hey watch it. My arm still hurts from when you hit me the other day."
"Oh… sorry." She rubbed it softly. "But you know it was your fault… letting me win that race."
"Well, I felt bad for having to win against you every time." I teased. She just rolled her eyes and groaned. I laughed, it's so much fun to push her buttons.
"So, can you take a shower now? The smell isn't getting any better. Esme's flowers might die because of you…" Oh so now she's teasing me.
"I'll go right ahead after you play me that song. It sounded really good." I said, smiling. She pursed her lips and blushed. "Uhh… it's nothing. Just a little something I came up with."
My eyes widened in excitement. "I've never heard you compose before! I must be wearing off on you." We chuckled.
"You wish."
"Come on!" I nudged her shoulder. "Let's hear it."
Bella bit her lip. It's a little habit of hers when she's nervous. I found it quite endearing. "Do you promise not to make fun of me." She said, scratching her head.
"Uh… that depends." I joked, placing my finger under my chin.
"Edward!" Bella laughed and tickled my side.
"Yes..Yes! haha, I promise. Now go on… please." I made my puppy dog face which I knew she couldn't resist. I noticed her falter.
Works everytime!
She took a deep breath and positioned her hands on her guitar. In a few seconds, a beautiful melody filled the air. I closed my eyes to enjoy the feeling.
It was beautiful. The tune was soft and gentle. It reminded me of spring.
I opened my eyes to look at her. Bella's eyes were closed as her fingers danced elegantly across her guitar. A soft smile in her face and the sunlight dancing on her pale soft skin.
Beautiful…
I felt my heart flutter at the sight. I wish I had a picture to capture the moment.
I love you Bella… if only I have enough courage to say it.
She stopped playing in which seemed like the middle of the song, much to my dismay.
"Why'd you stop?" I complained.
She sighed, "That's all I have so far". She shrugged and looked at me.
"That was beautiful!" I said as she blushed. "What made you write it?" I asked curiously while leaning my head to the side.
She looked at me and gestured to the garden of our backyard. "This."
"My mom's garden?" I asked, surprised.
She nodded. "Mhm… it looks really beautiful this spring."
I was amazed. Bella had managed to capture the beauty of the garden and placed it into her music. I blushed; this made me fall for her even more. Could she be any more perfect?
"You should play it for mom! She'd love to hear it." I said. She bowed her head, unsure.
"You think she's going to like it?" she asked.
I laughed and ruffled her hair, "Silly Bella. She's going to love it! I wouldn't be surprised if she records it or would let you play it in front of her garden club."
"Haha! Right…those days are reserved for you and your little Mozart fingers."
I held my hands up in front of me. "Hm… these babies have shown enough in front of the old ladies… it's time for another one to shine!" Bella laughed her musical laugh.
"Well, maybe I'll let her listen to it after I finish composing the song. I'll call it Esme's Garden." She said as she put down her guitar and looked back at me.
"EDWARD!!"
We both cringed at the sound of my mother's voice.
"Get your Gym Bag out of the Kitchen Table, young man! Or you'll have to eat your gym socks for dinner!" my mother threatened.
"Crap..." I muttered.
"Mmphff…" Bella pursed her lips trying not to laugh. Oh yeah…I'll show her.
"You laughin' at me, Bells?" I asked, raising my eyebrows.
"I'm not laughing…" she replied with an animated face.
"Yes you are!" I pointed at her mouth.
"No I'm not! Take your shower!" she defended and tried to change the subject.
"I'll show you!" I grabbed her and embraced her from all sides letting my 'manly natural scent' touch her. She shrieked and tried to pull away from me, her cute little feet kicking at my legs as she laughed.
"Aaah! Ed-wa-ha-haaarrd!!..Haha… Gettoff!" she managed to get out and tried to kick me away from the chair.
I laughed along with her as I rubbed my face all over the back of her shirt. Then I quickly let go and dashed inside the house.
"Oh no you don't! Get back here, YOU!" Bella called as she chased me around the kitchen.
"What? Do you want more of the manly perfume?" I teased her from the opposite side of the kitchen counter.
"Oh you are so sick! You're gonna pay for that!"
"I wanna see you try!"
I rushed upstairs to my room with her quickly gaining up on me, both of us laughing like a couple of five year olds.
PresentPresentPresent…
I looked out at my mother's garden as I sat on the Chair. It was the beginning of Fall, so the plants weren't exactly into their season. It was like a contrast to the time Bella played "Esme's Garden" to me about two years ago.
I remember the melody clearly but she still hasn't finished it. She told me she wanted to find the perfect tune to follow the one she has now. I had a sudden longing to want to hear her play the guitar again. Bella has so much talent but the silly girl never sees herself clearly.
I recalled all those days when we would chase each other around the house. We were both always so childish sometimes.
"Breakfast is ready dear…" my mother said softly. I turned around to see her standing by the screen looking sadly at me. She knows that this is Bella's chair in the house.
I got up slowly. "Thanks Mom." I said in a weak voice. She walked to me and gently pulled me into her embrace. I was a bit surprised, but I hugged her back anyway. My mom hasn't heard Bella's song for her yet. She has to hear it. She would be so happy to hear it.
"I just thought you needed it." My mom whispered as she let go. I smiled at her. She always knew how I felt. Esme's an amazing mother.
"You're breakfast is at the table and I'm going to run to the groceries for a while. Now, I'm going to go visit Bella tomorrow so I'll see you then, alright." She said as she cupped my cheek in a motherly way.
"Ok, Mom. Thank you… really." I emphasized as I gently squeezed her hands. She has done so much for me already.
She just smiled in reply. "Anytime, my dear." And with that she left.
I came inside the house and ate the chocolate chip pancakes my mother made me. It felt good to eat my mother's cooking after a long time at the hospital.
After cleaning the dishes, my legs led me to my baby grand piano. I've never tried playing Bella's song in my piano before. My hands itched the play it. I just had to hear it again.
Giving in, I sat on the piano bench and lifted the lid. I brushed my hands across the keys before positioning them. I closed my eyes and let the music flow through my fingers. The melody filled the entire house.
As I reached at what seemed like the chorus of the melody, my body shivered. I recalled Bella's face as she played this song. The season of Spring in my mother's garden… all the flowers in bloom and the sun shining bright. Her eyes were closed as her long fingers danced effortlessly across the chords. The wind was blowing her hair as the sunshine kissed her skin and hair making it glow. And her smile… her beautiful smile. I'd give anything to see her smile again.
I didn't even need to look down at the piano keys. It was all in my heart.
I choked a sob as I finished the 'unfinished' song. Tears ran down my eyes again, falling on the piano keys. I breathed in and out, trying to control them.
It's not finished yet, Bella… come back and finish it for me… for my mother.
Finish Esme's Garden.
I buried my face in my hands as I succumbed to the tears.
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Esme's Garden is in my Profile!! :D Both Guitar and Piano :D
It's better to listen to it while reading the story. Although it's not called "Esme's Garden"… it's called "For My Father" by Andy Mckee. It's beautiful.
I also posted what I imagined the Papasan Chair to look like :) just imagine a beige canopy over it!
This is the longest chapter so far. Sorry it took me a while to update. I'll update sooner if more of you guys review :) haha.
Did anyone see the new trailer of twilight? The kiss was included. These two actors have so much chemistry, I'm so glad!
Review? Pwease... :) If you wanna receive a sneak-peak for the next chapter :)
