DISCLAIMER: All original characters, stories, plot, and ideas are the sole property of Stephenie Meyer and The Twilight Saga. No copyright infringement intended. Just pure fan fiction satisfaction. Any form of translation or publication of this work is completely prohibited without my written consent. All Rights Reserved - Heartfelt-Pen© 2010
A/N: Here's Chapter 4! The story is moving along & we are getting closer to the introduction of several other "important" characters. This note is short, so that we can get onto the story... however, please take a moment to read my note at the end of this chapter.
SPECIAL THANKS: As always, to my beta... Writing4Roses you're awesome!
"Where there is love there is life." ~ Mohandas K. Gandhi
Where There is Love There is Life
Chapter 4: Moving Out and Moving Up
BPOV
The last two weeks has been a rollercoaster of emotions. Starting off the Monday just following the kids return home. I had set up an appointment with the doctor Mrs. Tress had referred me to; Dr. Bennett was a nice lady – very understanding and she had some really good ideas on how to deal with the major events that were going to take place that week. The most important and most pressing on my mind… the funeral.
I wasn't sure which day it would actually take place, but I knew that once I squared away the details that it would happen just a couple of days later. However, that wasn't what was bothering me. I was a complete mess in my mind, wondering what I should or shouldn't do concerning the kids. When I meet with Dr. Bennett I was able to address my concerns.
"What should I do about the funeral and the kids?" I asked her almost immediately after getting settled in her office.
"Well, what specifically are you referring to?" She asked.
God, I hate it when they answer a question with a question… "Well, specifically…" I replied sarcastically, "Should I have them go? I mean they're seven, six, and three-years-old. I know that it would be too much for them to watch the actual burial, so I already decided that they won't be there for that." I stated quickly, "But, what about the funeral itself? How young is too young to attend a funeral?" I asked.
Dr. Bennett calmly replied, "What the kids' need most from you right now is honesty. They need accurate, factual information, and the freedom to ask you questions as well as express their feelings." She says, then she takes the notepad she was holding and places it on the table next to her. "I also suggest that you allow them to have a say in some of the decisions, such as the flowers, a particular song to be played or sung, pictures that can be displayed." I nodded my head for her to continue because all of these ideas were great and they're things that I never would have thought to include them in.
"As far as attending the actual funeral, age really isn't the most important thing to consider." I'm sure the look I gave her said… 'You've go to be fucking kidding me,' because she hurriedly explained, "The most important thing is that you make sure they're prepared for what will happen and what they will see at the funeral home while lovingly guiding them through the process." I nodded my head and she continued, "Make sure that they are comfortable… show them where to find the restroom, drinking fountain, and play area. Also, explain that the purpose of a funeral is for people, family and friends, to come together to say 'thank you,' 'I love you,' and 'goodbye' to the person or persons that have died. That this is a time to celebrate, honor, affirm, and remember the person that passed on."
"Although all three of the kids are young, and this is dealing with the death of both of their parents, it is an important learning experience for them. They need the closure; if you shut them out and don't let them have the opportunity to say their goodbyes they may never get over the death of their parents." She reached forward for the carafe containing water and began to pour herself a glass. As she served herself, she gestured in a way to ask if I wanted any, which I politely shook my head in response.
"Overall, you should convey to the kids that sometimes people you love die – but that there will always be someone to take care of them. Make sure you are prepared for that question… because they will ask. Maybe not at that moment but at some point they'll want to know what will happen to them if something were to happen to you."
As she said this last statement my mind was reeling. What would happen? It was just me now, if something were to happen to me the kids would have no one. Before the panic could set in an image of Angie and the kids popped into my mind. It was the memory of all of them having a pillow fight in the living room during our slumber party. I need to talk to Angie.
"Okay, so how do I explain to them that their parents are dead and what that means?" I ask in a small weak voice.
"Explain it like you would explain anything else. Offer facts to them in a simple, honest, straight forward, non-threatening, caring way." She takes a sip from her drink and continues, "I suggest you ask them what they think death means. It will let you know how much they already do or don't know. When it comes to the point where you need to fill in the blanks or explain, make sure that you are honest with them, because they will be able to tell if you aren't being honest with them. It's a very important time in your new relationship, to build trust… so it's paramount that you get this right. They need to know that they can depend on and trust you."
Almost as an afterthought she mentions to not refer to death as "sleeping," "lost," or "passed away." She also suggests that I give them an "out" so to speak; that I let them know that they don't have to stay for the whole service, they can go play in the play area or go for a walk with an adult." Then she waves her hand towards me and says, "It's also important that the kids see you grieve. They need to know that it's okay to cry and that it's okay to be sad, mad, or even confused… oh, and make sure they understand that some people might laugh." At this statement, I raise my eyebrows at her.
"I know it sounds strange, but think about it. This is a time of remembrance, so there might be people standing around talking about the 'good 'ole times' as a result the memories might make them laugh. But, it's good laughter. However, to a child the laughter might make them angry because it confuses them. They think the laughter is a sign of happiness and they don't understand how someone could be happy about their loved one dying."
I reply immediately once she is done explaining, "You're completely right, Hell, I'm twenty-six years-old and the idea of someone laughing at my sister's funeral pissed me off when you suggested it." I muse, then continue my thought, "So, I can see how that would be so confusing to a child if they weren't expecting it."
Dr. Bennett clears her throat and then refills her glass of water. She offers a glass to me again and this time I accept. "Bella, I'm glad you brought up your feelings, because it's important that you don't suppress them through all of this." I start to interrupt her, but she presses on. "I know that all of this is difficult for you, you have just lost your sister and her husband… a man whom you considered a brother. Make sure that you grieve because these kids need you to be strong for them. If you don't then you'll eventually breakdown, because you didn't face their death…" she pauses for a moment, "you have three young, impressionable lives that are depending on you now. You have to be strong for them, if you tuck away your grief it won't be a sign of strength but of weakness… because you're not facing your troubles... you're running from them."
As she says her last statement, I become a crumbling mess. I'm crying and sobbing. It's the first time that I've really broken down since I received the news about my sister. Dr. Bennett comes and sits next to me on the sofa, she hands me some Kleenex and just lets me cry.
Eventually, my tears stop and we talk a little bit more about the funeral. Then, I ask her my questions about moving. She gives me some great pointers on how to address the topic and to help them accept the fact that they'll no longer be living in their parents' house.
So, with a newfound confidence on how to handle both situations, I left Dr. Bennett's office and headed towards my next appointment, Restland Cemetery and Funeral Home. The meeting went well, when I expressed my desire to include the children in some of the decisions, they said that it was fine and that I could get back with them. I signed the necessary paperwork so they could pick up Gabby and Jonathan from Parkland and then headed back to the kids.
~~*~~ . ~~*~~ . ~~*~~ . ~~*~~ . ~~*~~ . ~~*~~ . ~~*~~ . ~~*~~ . ~~*~~
Later that same day, I decided to take the kids to Chuck E. Cheese's for dinner so they could play, eat pizza, and I could talk to Angie. Once the kids finished eating, I gave them some tokens and Angie and I followed them to the arcade area. I had been debating all afternoon, since my appointment with Dr. Bennett, on how to bring up the topic of the kids with Angie, and like always Angie came through for me and provided me with the opportunity.
"They are great kids, you know." She said, smiling as we watched them play together.
"Yeah, they are. Gabby and Jonathan have done such a good job with them. I'm not surprised, though, she was great with me when I was growing up and she was all I had." I paused for a moment and then continued, "You know, you are really great with them, too." Angie just smiles while still watching the kids, so I continue.
"Angie, I need to talk to you about something kinda serious and important. I know that this is an awkward place to have this type of discussion, but I needed for the kids to be occupied and I wanted to talk to you before I spoke to the kids tonight…" I know that I am rambling because I am nervous and Angie can pick up on it.
"Whatever it is, you can talk to me, Bella, you're my best friend, and I'm here for you. What's going on?" She says as she places her hand on my arm to comfort and calm me down.
"Well, while speaking to the doctor today she brought up a concern, or more like a question that the kids might have now that their parents are gone. The doctor said that in the process of discussing what it means for their parents to be dead that I should reassure them that they will never be alone." I pause for a moment trying to get a grasp of my emotions, "She said that the kids might ask what would happen to them if something were to happen to me." I can feel my eyes start to water, "Ang, you know that I'm all they have left. If something happens to me they'll be put in a home and I can't let that happen."
Angie is looking at me and I can see the tears in her eyes, too. She realizes that I am right – I can see it written all over her face. I decide to just spit out what I am thinking or I'll never get it out. "You see, Ang, you're all the family I have left. Sure, we aren't related by blood but that doesn't matter to me." I take a deep breath and continue. "You know, when the doctor brought up my dying and the kids needing confirmation that they wouldn't be alone for a brief moment I panicked, but it lasted only a second because I thought of you. I want to make you guardian over the kids in case something happens to me." There I said it.
As I looked at her, she just stared back at me blinking. I didn't know if she was in shock or if she was debating the idea, so I pressed on. "You wouldn't have to worry about money because between what they're inheriting from Gabby and Jonathan and what they would inherit from me, they wouldn't need or want for anything… I mean…" All of the sudden Angie held her hand up to stop me.
"Bella…" she said with tears in her eyes.
"Yes?"
"You trust me enough to leave them to me?" She asked while tears streamed down her face. At that moment, I knew what her answer was. I threw my arms around her neck and told her with as much conviction I could muster. "Of course I do!"
Later that night, we all sat down in the living room. I started out the conversation telling each of them how much I loved them. When the topic of the funeral came up, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. Luckily, because of my conversation with Dr. Bennett, I was able to answer all of the kid's questions. The night ended up being a very healing experience for all of us. We sat down around the coffee table and picked out pictures to have framed, and put on display at the funeral. I pulled my laptop out and allowed each child to pick a spray of flowers for their parents; each child chose a heart spray.
Maddy's was filled with summertime flowers, she claimed that they were her mother's favorite… and I knew she was right. She then asked if she could give each of her parents a picture so that they would know that she loved them. The thought alone made me cry. I hugged her and told her that I thought it would be a great idea.
Merrick chose an arrangement that had a lot of white, green, and yellow flowers. He was so serious when he told me that his Daddy wouldn't like pink flowers. He then said that he wanted to put his football in with his Dad and his favorite book in with his Mom. I kissed his forehead and told him 'of course' he could.
Meredith picked out an arrangement that was all pinks and purples. She stuck her tongue out at Merrick and insisted that her Daddy loved the color pink… especially when she was wearing it. That comment made me laugh and cry at the same time. Almost immediately after choosing her arrangement, she took off running upstairs. I started to go after her, but I soon heard her heading back down. She had two baby dolls in her hands.
"Here… 'dis one is fur Daddy." She said, as she shoved a doll with dark brown hair into my hands, "My Daddy 'aweays says it's his favorite 'cause it wooked just wike me." Then she places another doll in my hands and says, "'dis one is for Mommy, she aweays calls me her princess." I look down at my hands and I see a Disney "Belle" princess doll. I start to cry… then, I felt Meredith tap my arm so I look up at her.
She says to me in such a serious, sweet voice… "See, Bell, you no need to cry. Mommy and Daddy won't be awone… 'dhey will have my baby dolls with 'dhem." I can't help it, I scoop her up and hold her while I cry. As I look up, I notice that Maddy, Merrick, and Angela are crying, too. I squeeze her and then pull back and put both of my hands on her face. "You're completely right; Mer, your Mommy and Daddy won't be alone. I am so glad you thought about that." I pull her to my chest again and then told her that I loved her.
Several days later, on June 3rd, the actual funeral took place. I had contacted the florist and had them create arrangements that included all of the flowers from the kids' three arrangements. They looked absolutely beautiful. There were pictures of Gabby and Jonathan all over the place. Some of the pictures were of them alone, some of them were of them together, and some were of them with the kids.
Angie and I had worked it out so that we would sit with the kids during the service and that if any of them got upset she would walk them out. I also had a back-up plan in case one of the other kids got upset after Angie had already left; a next-door neighbor agreed that she would walk the child or children out to Angie if I needed her to. I also decided that I didn't want the kids to be there when Gabby and Jonathan were lowered into the ground. I just couldn't see how that would be a good experience for them, so it was decided that Angie would return home with the kids as soon as the service was over and I would follow after the burial.
It was a long, emotional day, but we all made it through it.
The following weekend, I took the kids to the cemetery to visit their parents. Luckily, they had been here before... to visit their Grandpa so they understood. There were tears and hugs as each child placed flowers on their parent's graves.
On Monday, June 7th, I received a phone call from Mr. Cummings office requesting I come in to go over paperwork. Later that day, while meeting with Breeland, I found out that Jonathan and Gabby had left the house along with most of their assets to the kids. As guardian of the will, it was my choice on how to handle their assets; I could keep them as-is, or I could sell them and divide the profits up among the kids. The will also stated that all of their money, except for two million that they left to me, would be divided between each of the kids and put in a trust fund that would be accessible at sixteen to buy a car, eighteen for college, and then at twenty-five when the trust fund as a whole would be made available to each of them. When it was all said and done, each child inherited two million dollars and that didn't even include the assets that they had inherited.
During this meeting I also received copies of all of the paperwork granting me legal guardianship. I mentioned to Breeland that I had been in contact with Mr. Thomas, my attorney, and that he was in the process of revising my will – which would now include a clause for legal guardianship for the kids. Breeland agreed that it was very important to get my will changed as soon as possible, so when I asked if it would be okay to have the paperwork faxed to his office, so that myself and Angie could come and sign it, he agreed right away.
When I returned home later than day, I told Angie everything that had happened. Then, we started talking about Gabby and Jonathan's house, and what to do with it.
"Angie, you know me. I'm all about real estate. This area is a really hot place to be right now. I think that I could set the house up to be rented and maintained through a realtor. It would provide a monthly stiffen that can be added to their trust funds, or Hell, I could open a checking or savings account for each one that they will be able to access for 'things' when they get older." I state matter-of-factly and then continue.
"Plus, this is their childhood home and mine. I think it holds a special place in their heart, I know it does for me. If they didn't already have their trust funds, I wouldn't hesitate in selling the house so that they'd have something to fall back on, but they do. So, this is a great way to keep the house and make money for them at the same time." I'm just about to continue my argument when Angie holds her hand up quickly and chuckles.
"Okay, okay… you don't have to sell me on this idea, Bella." She says and shakes her head. "Like you said, you are great with real estate. I think it's a great idea. Plus, you will be able to tell the kids that you aren't selling the house. I think that will make them very happy… especially Maddy."
From there, we started making plans on packing up the house. It was decided that I would walk through the house and pick out the items that we would be taking with us, items that would be sold and the items that would be thrown away or simply donated to charity. As we made our plans, Angie sweetly offered to stay behind for the weekend so she could run the garage sale, while I headed to Seattle with the kids.
The rest of the week consisted of packing up and clearing rooms. I set up a moving company to pick up and transport all of the boxes and furniture we were taking to Seattle.
Finally, the last Monday in Dallas, Angela and I, with the kids in tow, all headed to Mr. Cumming's office to sign the revisions to my will. I made sure that Mr. Thomas set ten percent aside for the charity of my choice, five million dollars along with my Porsche for Angie, but everything else was to be divided up between all of the kids. In the end, each of the kids would be left with over thirteen million dollars a piece and that didn't even include my assets or what their own parents left them. I was pleased.
Because the kids and I were flying to Seattle the next morning, we all decided it was time to have another slumber party. So, we all loaded up in The Beast and headed to the grocery store. After several movies and mountains of junk food later, we all finally fell asleep.
The next morning was pure ciaos. We had three children all displaying a variety of emotions that each had to be handled in their own special way. Meredith was crying because she couldn't find her favorite baby doll - that she just had to take on the plane; Maddy was on the verge of having a panic attack because she was scared about riding on an airplane for the very first time; and then poor little Merrick had an upset stomach because he ate too much junk food the night before.
Yes, it was a lovely morning!
So, that's how I find myself right now, in the bathroom with a little boy who is convinced he is going to throw-up at any moment – while Angie is at the store picking up some Pepto-Bismol.
"Its okay, Merrick." I say as I rub his back and he simply whimpers.
I hear the front door open, and then I hear Angie call out, "I got it!" I felt a sigh in relief escape my mouth. We need to be at the airport in about three hours, so I really hope this helps!
Just as I finish my last thought, Angie comes in and tells me that she'll handle this for me and that I need to start getting the girls ready. I nod my head and start towards the girls' bedrooms.
A couple of hours later, we're all bathed, clothed, and ready to go. I wanted to make sure that the kids were comfortable on the plane, so they're all wearing track pants or tights, t-shirts, hoodies, and flip-flops – plus, I make sure to have a pair of tennis shoes packed in the luggage that I checking because, according to my weather app on my iPhone, it's currently raining in Seattle. Big surprise there!
As Angie drops us off at Terminal A, she gives each kid a hug with a promise to see them in a couple of days. She then gives me a hug. I remind her that the guy that's buying Jonathan's truck will be by tomorrow and that I asked the neighbor's husband to be there "just in case." Angie rolls her eyes and tells me to stop, and I quote, "being a worry-wart!" I simply shrug my shoulders.
We finally make it onto the plane. I have to take a moment to calm Maddy down, which she eventually does. I Googled earlier in the week to find out what I should bring on the plane as entertainment for the kids. I am sooo glad I did, because once we make it past the stress of taking-off I was bombarded with questions or comments like… "How long are we going to be on this plane?," "I'm hungry," "I'm bored," or "Are we there yet?" So, Google helped me out. I made sure that I had some snacks in my bag, a portable DVD player, an iPod, some coloring books and crayons, some books to read, and much… much more.
Yes, my Gucci tote bag had turned into Mary Poppin's magic carpetbag!
After about an hour into the flight, all three kids had fallen asleep. It gave me a moment to think about what I was going home to. For the last couple of weeks, I really hadn't thought much about the magazine or my home. I overheard Angie on the phone pretty much everyday with the office running things. I know that our current issue, that's in production, will be going to print in two days, but I have no idea what the issue is even about or what it looks like. That in and of itself is a huge change for me. Normally, I'm really involved with each issue. I'm a stickler for perfection, but ironically, I could care less now. Sure, I still love my magazine but it's not the most important thing to me anymore. The most important things are currently sitting here on the plane with me.
I take a look at my watch and notice that we have a couple more hours left on the flight, so I decide to start making a plan about what I want to do or change when I get home… because I know that somethings are definitely going to have to change. For instance, no more twelve-hour days or working all weekend. I take my pen and my planner out of my purse, and start making my list. As I'm writing, I hear a throat clear next to me, so I look up. The stewardess from first-class is standing next to me. When she sees that she has my attention she says, "Are these your kids?"
"Actually, they're my sister's children." I answer her.
"Wow, they're beautiful kids and so well-behaved. I mean, of course, they are now... because they're asleep," she giggles then continues, "But even when they were awake, they were so quiet."
I give her my thanks and then say, "I have to be honest though... I was really worried about flying with them. So much so that I 'Googled' and read every article that I could find with ideas on what I could do to keep them occupied on the plane."
"Well, it worked and I know that the other passengers appreciate it — including myself." She says then continues, "I can't even begin to tell you how many flights I've had to be on with screaming kids." She shudders then says, "Yeah, screaming kids and being in a confined space thousands of feet above the ground don't mix!" She shakes her head and chuckles and then walks away.
I take a moment to look at the kids again and say a little prayer of thanks to my sister and Jonathan for doing such a good job raising them. Then I look down at my planner and I make a promise to my sister, Jonathan, the kids, and myself that I'm going to try to be the best "Mom" I can be for them. The thought scares me still, but I know that Gabby and Jonathan had confidence enough in me to trust me with their kids, so I'm going to trust them, too.
~~*~~ . ~~*~~ . ~~*~~ . ~~*~~ . ~~*~~ . ~~*~~ . ~~*~~ . ~~*~~ . ~~*~~
By the time we make it out of the airport and then into the car, it's a little after seven o'clock in the evening; the kids are grouchy and hungry. Plus, we still have to deal with Seattle traffic before we make it to my penthouse... my pride and joy... their new home.
The range of emotions that played on each child's face when we made it to my building was hilarious. Merrick was the first to speak, "Bell, do you live in a hotel?"
"Yes, and no. You see, this building is not a hotel; it's like an apartment building." I say.
"So, we're going to live in an apartment?" Maddy asks slowly.
"Well... no, I actually live on the top floor in what's called a penthouse. It's much larger than an apartment." I reply to her.
I look back at the kids, as I'm about to continue with my explanation when I notice the look on all of their faces. All three of them are staring up at the top of the building; mouths wide open and their eyes are huge. I can see wonder, worry, and questions in each of their eyes.
"So, we are going to live all the way up there?" Merrick asks while pointing his finger to the top of the building.
I'm about to reply to his question, but then I stop when I hear a whimper. I look towards the sound and see Meredith quickly walking towards me. She grabs a hold of my hand and I can see tears starting to form in her eyes. I'm not sure why she's scared about the building; I decide that it would probably be best to get them inside as soon as possible. Thinking that once they're inside some of their questions and fears will be relieved.
Bending down, I pick Meredith up and then look to each of the older kids and say, "Okay, guys... grab your bags and Meredith's... and let's head on inside." Neither Maddy nor Merrick moves an inch." Come on, guys, it's getting late and I'm hungry. Let's go inside so we can order some pizza."
Mentioning pizza draws their eyes away from the building and back to me, but they still aren't moving so I decide to bring up the fact that the boxes we shipped last week should be upstairs waiting on them. "Plus, you know, all of the toys we shipped last week should be upstairs waiting on us. Don't you want to make sure they made it here okay?"
Both kids nod their heads and turn back to the car to grab their bags, I remind Maddy to grab Meredith's. Then, they slowly begin to walk with me into my building.
Yes, that's right... My building.
I named her The Ambrosia. Ten stores of grace and splendor, the Ambrosia was built in the 1920's and her aesthetics highlight the craftsmanship of that era beautifully with her terracotta façade and ornate detailing. Ambrosia is located right in the heart of downtown Seattle, near Pike Place Market, and it's only a couple of blocks away from the Benarova Symphony Hall and the Art Museum. boThe first floor contains the concierge for the building's residents as well as retail shoppes. The second floor includes the Crescent Restaurant, the on-site fitness center, an indoor pool, and housekeeping quarters. The third through ninth floors are where the apartments that are available for renting are located. The tenth floor is my Penthouse. I bought The Ambrosia for myself for my twenty-fifth birthday. Angie laughed when I told her about my plans and how it was a present from me to myself. Yep, happy fucking birthday to me!
"Bella, you do realize that if you want to buy yourself something, you don't need to justify it... right?" She asked while quirking an eyebrow at me. "I mean, it's your money!"
I shrugged my shoulders and replied, "I know, but it just makes me feel better if I know I'm rewarding myself somehow."
"Oookay, well..." she said while exaggerating the word 'okay.' "You do realize that you don't turn twenty-five for like another two years... right?"
I rolled my eyes at her and huffed, "Of course I do, but I figure that with the time it'll take to get the building ready – it'll be around my twenty-fifth birthday." I shrugged my shoulders and continued, "So, why the hell not... Happy birthday to me!" Angie just laughed and shook her head at me.
So, a month after my twenty-fifth birthday, The Ambrosia re-opened for business. I'm almost at full capacity now, which is wonderful... and I currently bring in almost $325,000 per month gross. Yeah, I love my building!
I'm brought out of my musings when I hear Marcus greet us. "Good evening, Ms. Swan. Well, well, well... who do we have here?" he asks as he squats down to the kids level. Marcus Katsaros has probably worked in this building since the 1940's, when he was a bellhop; he is lovingly called "Pops" by all of the residents. He has a bald-head and a huge mustache.
"This is Madeline, but she likes to be called Maddy; Merrick; and Meredith. They're my nieces and nephew." I say to Marcus, and then I turn to the kids. "Kids, this nice man is Marcus, but we all call him 'Pops'!" As I say this Pops smiles and it causes his mustache to twitch. Little Meredith sees this and starts to giggle. Which only causes Pops mustache to twitch even more. Eventually, all of us are laughing.
Pops sighs and then holds his hand out to shake all of the kids' hands. "Well, it's nice to meet all of you." He stands up and then asks me if I need the elevator; I nod my head yes, so he goes over to the elevator and puts in his card then he punches the code for the penthouse. Before the elevator arrives, I ask Pops if he would mind ordering us a large cheese and a large pepperoni pizza. He tells me 'of course,' I give him my thanks and once the elevator arrives, we all wave at him just before the doors to the elevator close.
The cool thing about this elevator is that once the code is put in for the penthouse, it will actually open up right into my home. Ah... my home! The penthouse itself is decorated in soft creams and browns with a splash of burnt orange, paprika, and tan. The floors and woodwork throughout the space and the entire building is a deep-rich walnut. My home makes me feel very relaxed and at peace.
I walk off of the elevator and hold the door open so the kids can step out of it. I notice that all of the kids are following me so I take the opportunity to show them the space. I walk down the hallway and point out the bedrooms and mention which rooms I think each of them would like. Room by room, child by child, we start unpacking bags and boxes. Just as I am about to suggest they start their baths, I hear the buzzer for the concierge go off. I pick up the main line and just as I suspected, it's Pops letting me know that our pizza has arrived... and that he's going to send it up with one of the bellhops.
Once we all sit down at the kitchen table to eat dinner, I begin to get uneasy with how quiet the kids are being. I start to make small talk with them in hopes that they'll open up to me and tell me what's wrong. I start off with asking how they liked flying in a plane. I, then, bring up Pops, which brings on a round of giggles. Then, I ask them what they think about the penthouse.
"So, guys, what do you think about my home?" I ask, I'm nervous as Hell to hear what they have to say, but I try to make my voice sound nonchalant.
Maddy is the first to speak, but before she does, I see her look briefly to each of her siblings, then she says, "It's okay." As she shrugs her shoulders.
I frown a little. Okay... 'it's okay?' Well, I know that my place isn't exactly kid friendly but I think it's better than an... 'It's okay' response! What the hell!
Before I can respond, Merrick decides to give his two-cents, "Yeah, I mean you don't even have a backyard and where am I supposed to ride my bike?"
Then Maddy asks, "Are there any other kids that live in the building that we can play with?" Instead of asking me, Merrick turns to Maddy and says as he shrugs, "Well, where are we supposed to play if there is?"
I sit there with a half-eaten slice of pizza in my hand, dumbfounded. As I listen to the Maddy and Merrick go back and forth with the things that my penthouse is missing, I realize that my home really isn't that great for a kid – let alone three of them. Then, with the next couple of words that Meredith speaks my heart breaks.
"It's scarwy!" she says almost too softly for me to hear, but I do. I see her little shoulders move like she just experienced a chill and I realize that she is honestly scared of my Penthouse.
"Meredith, why do you think it's scary?" I ask her as I place my hand on her knee.
She looks up at me through her eyelashes, I can see the tears starting to form in her eyes as she whispers, "The wenduws... I don't wanna to fawl." One huge tear falls down her cheek and then she sniffles.
In that moment, I know that the first big change that I'm going to have to make is giving up my penthouse. I made a promise to my sister, Jonathan, the kids, and myself. My wants and needs don't matter anymore. All of my decisions are going to be based on what is best for the kids now.
So, it looks like starting tomorrow morning, I'm house hunting. I guess I need to talk to the kids and find out what they want in their new home.
WC - 6,611
Published Date - 11/22/10
A/N: Thank you for reading! I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the new readers I picked up this week! I hope that you are enjoying the story so far!
A majority of the information used regarding "grieving" in this chapter I used from personal experience and the following website: http:/www(dot)griefhealing(dot)com
My blog website is: http:/www(dot)heartfeltpen(dot)com
On my blog I have a page named "Real Estate" on this page you can see pictures for what Bella's Ambrosia looks like. From the outside, to the Lobby, to the Ballroom, to Bella's Penthouse. There are other properties on there as well that will slowly make their way into the story.
I've also added a new page to my blog called "About Me," it just goes over some general information about myself, plus there is a playlist of songs that I listen to while I'm writing, as well as a countdown ticker for when I'm going to post the next chapter.
To see the items that go along with this chapter please visit: http:/www(dot)/where_there_is_love_life/collection?id=658916
There you go! Again, I hoped you enjoyed this chapter.
FanFic Suggestions:
I'm a fanfic junky. No kidding! I get updates for the 50+ stories that I'm currently reading on my phone daily! It's pretty sad how excited I get when one of my favorites updates! So, I've decided that I'm going to do what a lot of my favorite writers do... they suggest other fanfic stories to their readers. The first story that I'm going to suggest is actually a trilogy; and the writer is currently writing and updating the third installment to this series. I'm sure if you are an avid fanfic reader you've probably heard of this series, but just incase you haven't, I strongly suggest you read them.
First, this is a vampire/human series. The series is the Angel Series by drotuno. The first story is called Broken Angel, the second is called Angel's Embrace, and the current story is called An Angel's Promise. This series is great! There are filled, I mean FILLED, with lemons! And this author has a great talent for writing lemons!
Broken Angel - www(dot)fanfiction(dot)net/s/5134656/1/Broken_Angel
Angel's Embrace - www(dot)fanfiction(dot)net/s/5564546/1/Angels_Embrace
An Angel's Promise - www(dot)fanfiction(dot)net/s/6203334/1/An_Angels_Promise
Anyway, enjoy! I'll try to suggest one story with each update!
~~*~~ . ~~*~~
There you go! I will be uploading Chapter 5 in a week or so! So until then, please take a moment to click the little button below and let me know what you think.
Thanks,
Amy