A/N: Ok another background chapter. Bella's relationships with the Cullen family is growing.
Stephenie Meyer owns it all. I'm just borrowing her fantastic characters for my story.
How Can I Help You?
Chapter 3
Time seemed to speed by. As soon as Angela and I had finished writing our last exams for the year we hurried over to what had become our home away from home, SPARKLE. Tanya had definitely made the right decision in opening the store. Women from all over the neighboring area and as far away as Olympia and Tacoma knew exactly where to go to get what they needed for any occasion.
Angela and I were laughing like hyenas when we walked into the store. Tanya looked up from where she was assisting Mrs. Newton choose the right jewelry for an outfit.
"What has you girls in such a great mood?"
"Freedom! We're free from teachers, homework, and annoying boys for ten glorious weeks", I told her. Tanya laughed and said, "I can see how that would cause your reaction. Why don't you two go help Edward check in the new stock that arrived, you'll quiet down pretty quickly once you're working. Go on!" We giggled back to the storeroom and got ready for work.
In addition to working hours in the store, Tanya asked if I would mind babysitting the girls. "Don't worry, it's not going to be an all the time thing. The girls just love you, so we hoped it would be easier on them if you watched them. I promise we won't intrude on your date nights or nights you plan with friends. You're young and you should be out having fun, too!" I just smiled at Tanya. "I don't mind watching the girls for you. I'm not dating anyone, so I have the time."
Tanya had quickly become another mother for me. She asked me about my future plans, such as where I wanted to go to school, what I wanted to study, and if there were any boys I was interested in. As close as I was to my own mother, there were just certain things I didn't want to discuss with her because I'd never make it through the conversations. Tanya was very open with me and I was more comfortable asking her about things to do with boys and sex, more precisely why high school boys only seemed interested in how far they could get a girl to go with them. She answered my questions as honestly as she could, and commiserated with me about the idiocy of some boys.
I had thought I would have a relatively boy free summer, but apparently Mrs. Newton filled Mike in on my schedule at SPARKLE. I walked into work the second week of summer to find Angela waving a phone message at me, laughing. "Bella you got a "personal call" at work. You know how Tanya and Edward look down on that."
"What the Hell? Angie what are you talking about? Tanya…"
"Hey Bella."
I turned around not even realizing the door had opened. I tried to hide my grimace.
"Oh, hi Mike, what can I help you with?"
"Mike is the one that called you Bells." Angela was trying so hard not to laugh; I really wanted to smack her.
"Oh, so what did you need?"
"You" I almost swallowed my tongue.
"Mike I have to get to work. We aren't allowed to have friends or anyone like that here while we are on business hours so I'll talk to you later. OK?"
He smiled and I knew I was in trouble. "Sure, I'll call you tonight. Bye, Bella."
He left as I was setting my things in the back.
"Angie…why? Why do you put me through that stuff?" She was really laughing at that point. "He likes you Bella."
I scowled at her, trying to get her to stop the laughter. "And you know I don't like him at all, he's barely a friend at this point, more of an annoyance. You so could have helped me."
"What do you think I was doing? I was trying to give you a way to get rid of him."
"He's going to be a pill this summer I can just feel it. Isn't he still dating Jess?"
Angela rolled her eyes, "She's visiting her grandparents until August."
I spent the rest of the week dodging any and all Mike Newton related interactions.
I was going with my parents down to La Push for a bonfire and barbeque Friday night then I would be staying over at the Cullen house Saturday, babysitting the girls until Sunday night, while Tanya took Edward away for a birthday surprise.
I had managed well with only a little help from Angie, avoiding Mike while at work, but I knew my luck had run out Friday at lunch. I had run down to Weber's Bakery to pick up drinks and sandwiches for everyone, when I smelled Mike's toxic cologne. After placing the order, I moved down the counter to wait when he started speaking.
"You are very hard to get a hold of." Duh, take a hint maybe.
"I'm just really busy this summer, Mike. I have a lot going on."
"Well I have your attention for now ... so I have tickets to the concert up in P.A. on Saturday." He's got that stupid puppy look on his face again.
"Um, that's good, you'll have fun."
"Go with me? We can make a day of it; we'll have a great time."
I glanced up at Mike, really hoping there wasn't a look of disgust on my face to match what I was feeling in my heart.
"Mike aren't you still dating Jess? Take her; I know she'd want to go."
"She's still visiting her grandparents, and she wouldn't have to know about it."
The disgust for him kept growing.
"Mike, Jess is my friend and even if I was interested, which I'm not, I wouldn't do that to her. I'm not dating this summer. I decided I was going to work and concentrate on spending more time with my parents before I go off to school next summer."
"Bella, we'll have fun, please just go to the concert?"
Mrs. Weber finally had my order ready to go, taking it; I turned back to the bane of my existence.
"No, Mike, really I am not interested. I've got plans this weekend anyway, family party tonight, and I'm staying over at the Cullen's house the rest of the weekend."
I was definitely not going to mention that I will be the only one there with the girls, no need to have the idiot show up uninvited. I rushed back to the store, Angie holding the door open for me.
"Just don't even say it, Ang. Don't!" I stormed back to the storeroom.
I heard her giggle as I set up our lunch.
"Are you alright, Bella?" I looked over to see Tanya and Edward leaving the office.
"Sure, sorry to interrupt you guys. I just wanted to set up our lunch."
Tanya looked at me, "Nope there is something going on, so spill it."
"Why are guys such idiots? No offense Edward, but they are."
Edward shook his head, smirking. "No offense taken. So what did the idiot do?"
"Mike Newton asked me out, again. He's dating a friend of mine and thinks I'd be ok going out with him, since she's out of town. He's really an idiot."
Tanya smiled, "This is the boy Angela told me wont leave you alone and has been asking you out for years? He's just trying to sow his oats. He doesn't know what he really wants so he wants to try it all at once."
"Yes he's the guy that's been following me like a lost puppy at school. I just can't get it through his thick skull that I'm not interested in him."
"Well", Edward started, "you either have to be blunt and tell him to leave you alone, or find someone to date and rub it into his face a little. He'll get the message that way."
I grimaced, "The problem with that is there is no one in Forks I am interested in dating. Angela thinks I should try dating Jake, but he's always been like a brother, at least that's how I feel about him. I want to find someone like you did, Tanya."
Edward blushed and Tanya just smiled at me.
"Well Bella, I'd offer you Edward's little brother, but he doesn't have one," she laughed.
I sighed dramatically, "If only there was a way to instantly clone him. Thanks for listening guys, I appreciate it. You can consider it practice for when Kate and Rini start bringing boys around."
I was just stepping back into the front of the store to relieve Angela as Tanya said, "Don't worry Bella, you will find your one. It's probably going to happen when you least expect it."
After my shift was over, I drove home to get ready for the barbeque at Harry Clearwater's house. Harry was Dad's fishing partner and life-long friend. As soon dad had parked the car, my door was being yanked open and I was dragged out of the car.
"Jake? What's the rush?"
"Come on Bells, the guys have the bonfire going in the back. We have marshmallows and chocolate, you know what that means?"
"S'mores!" With a quick "see ya" to my parents, Jake practically carried me towards the fire. His friends Quil and Embry were already there as well as Claire, Quil's girlfriend.
"Hey Bella, long time no see!"
They all gave me hugs, welcoming me back.
"Yeah, sorry about that, I've been working trying to save money for college next year."
Embry looked over at Jake, "He's been groaning about not being able to spend much time with you. For the love of God, and our sanity, please take him out one day. Make the whining stop, please I beg you!"
I was giggling at Embry's outburst, but Jake looked really uncomfortable. "I'm sorry Jake, I promise to be a better friend, and we can go to Port Angeles next weekend. There is some sort of car show, I think. We'll spend some quality BFF time, I swear."
Jake was still grumbling about Embry being an asshat. "Sure, sure, Bells."
We all sat around the bonfire talking and laughing into the night. When everyone started leaving, Jake walked me over to dad's cruiser. "I've missed you Jake. I promise to be a better friend."
Jake gave me a tight hug. "I know you've been busy Bella, I just miss you. Take a break from work and come swimming with me tomorrow, be young, irresponsible, get into trouble."
"I can't get into trouble with you tomorrow Jake, I'm staying at the Cullen's house, babysitting." Jake looked so disappointed, "Next weekend you're mine right?"
I hugged him back, "All yours Jake. I'll call you later, k?"
"Bye Bella, See ya later alligator."
"After while crocodile."
I laughed, we had always had fun and been goofy together, nothing had changed.
Saturday morning found me carrying an overnight bag with clothes and toiletries into Tanya and Edward's massive home. I had been by it a few times to drop something off for Tanya, but never got a chance to look it over. Tanya told me it was an old Victorian that they decided to remodel with Esme's help.
Tanya took me up to the third floor where the guest room was. After setting my things down she proceeded to show me around. There were two other rooms on the top floor, the guest bathroom, and what Tanya explained was Edward's music studio.
"Eddie sound proofed the room so he could record his music." She pointed over to the wall where a row of different types of guitars hung behind a beautiful ebony baby grand piano.
The second floor was the girls' domain. They each had their own room connected by a large bathroom, and across the hall was a massive playroom. Downstairs, Tanya showed me their bedroom, across from them was a room that they set up specifically for Esme and Carlisle; there was a large family room, formal living room, and the most marvelous kitchen. Even at seventeen I could appreciate the heaven that was Tanya Cullen's kitchen. The appliances were all the ones I wanted once I was married and had my own house, gas range with a built in grill, double ovens, convection oven, I was going to enjoy cooking for the girls.
Tanya must have caught the gleam in my eyes. "Don't go crazy Bella, the girls will eat anything, so don't go overboard, keep it simple. Kate is already planning to get you in here tomorrow baking cookies and cakes. Everything you could possibly need is in the pantry or refrigerator. The girls are so excited you are staying with them I'm not sure they will want us back."
I smiled and then turned towards the front door. The sounds of the girls giggling and squealing as they tried to get away from their daddy only made my smile widen.
"BELLA, BELLA" Katie and Rini squealed. I rubbed my ear to chase the ringing away before bending down to give them hugs. "Hey girls, what are you doing?"
"We're baking cookies later, aren't we?" I smiled at them. "We sure are, why don't you go wash your hands and we'll make a batch of my double chocolate walnut cookies."
They ran out of the kitchen as Edward walked in.
"Hey Bella, I'm glad you could stay with the monkeys. Tanya has something up her sleeve and won't tell me a thing." Tanya just rolled her eyes. "Be patient, ok. It's not everyday that you turn 29. Did you put the bags in the car?"
Edward wrapped his arms around her, "We're all ready."
"You guys have fun, don't worry about the girls. I will call you if there is an emergency, but you are only going away for the night. It's not long enough for us to blow the house up." I smiled at them as they said a quick goodbye to the girls, only leaving after gaining promises for them to listen to me and be good.
As soon as I had turned the lock I said, "Ok kids, let's party!"
By the time Tanya and Edward walked back through the door Sunday night, I was ready to drop. I was absolutely exhausted. I didn't know how Tanya and Edward did it all day every day, I was only seventeen and they wore me out after 36 hours. We had a blast, but I learned a big lesson about letting 5 and 6 year olds try to measure flour, they managed to get it everywhere on the first floor of the house. We baked and had fun, and then after they helped clean up, I spent time until the wee hours of the morning trying to get rid of the excess flour. I was curled up on the sofa after putting the girls down for the night, when Tanya and Edward walked in.
"Hey guys, did you have a nice trip?" Tanya was full of smiles, "Yeah it was great. Did the girls behave?"
Yawning I said, "They were perfect, I just want to find a way to bottle their energy."
"Bella you are about to fall asleep. Call your parents and tell them you'll be home tomorrow morning, there's no way you are driving like that."
I shook my head, "I'm fine. It won't take long to get home."
Edward walked over, "Either call Charlie, or I'll drive you tonight, and you can get your dad to bring you back for your truck. You look too tired to be behind the wheel."
"Ok, I'll call dad and let him know. Thanks guys. I'm going to head up now."
My parents were actually happy that I wouldn't be driving home late and so tired, told me to have a good night and they'd see me in the morning. I changed my clothes into my sleep shorts and tank and then climbed into bed.
I awoke from my dreams hearing music playing softly. I thought perhaps Kate had turned her radio on too loud, but after stepping into the hall I noticed the studio door was cracked open. I pushed the door open and couldn't tear my eyes away from the sight.
Edward was sitting at his piano completely lost in the music, the melody was hauntingly sweet. I had tears in my eyes when the song ended.
"That was beautiful, Edward."
He jumped when he heard my voice. "Oh! Bella, I didn't know you were there, I hope I didn't wake you."
"Did you compose that piece?"
He blushed, "Yeah, that's mine."
"You are very talented Edward; I only wish I had that kind of talent."
He looked straight at me when he said, "You do Bella. Tanya has told me about your dream of writing, and about the stories you tell the girls. You are also a fabulous baker; I couldn't resist eating the carrot cake you made this weekend. It was delicious.
I could feel the heat on my cheeks. I just knew I was ten shades of red. "Thanks Edward. I'm just going to leave you to your music, and head back to bed. Good night."
"Good night, Bella."
I was scolding myself about having inappropriate thoughts about Edward. 'He's Tanya's husband, you can appreciate his looks, but nothing else. Don't think about him. Maybe I should take Jake more seriously.' I just wanted to find someone that loves me the way Edward loves Tanya.
The next morning I drove home thinking over everything Angela and Tanya said about finding your true love. Angela seemed to think Jake could be it. Is it possible to love a friend like a brother your entire life then almost flip a switch and find he's not a brother, but a lover? I was running all these thoughts through my head, and didn't notice my mother was waiting in the kitchen for me.
I gave her a hug, "Morning, Mom. Sorry I didn't get home last night."
She hugged me back, hard. "It's ok baby, I'm glad I didn't have to worry about you driving, and it's a good thing you stayed if you were that tired."
"Yeah, Kate and Rini wiped me out. I don't think you'll have to worry about me having babies too soon. I definitely need a husband and a few more years before I even want to consider kids. They are a lot of work."
"Just think if you have been watching babies instead of school age kids. It was a good lesson for you though. Bella, baby, come sit in the living room with me." She squeezed my hand and walked over to the sofa.
I walked over and sat down. "Bella I have something to tell you, but I need you to remain calm. Ok?" Why do people think you'll remain calm when they tell you to? That's like announcing the room you are in is on fire, but don't worry, you have a water gun.
You're going to worry, just tell it and get through it.
"Sure Mom, what's going on?"
"Remember I had my yearly physical last week? Well Dr Gerandy called and told me I had an abnormal result to one of the tests they ran, so I went back in for further testing.
I am going to Olympic Medical Center in Port Angeles tomorrow for my pre-surgical workup. I have cancer, baby. It's Uterine Clear Cell Carcinoma, so I am having a complete hysterectomy then I will have to have radiation therapy."
Both my mind and my body had a violent reaction to Mom's words. I bolted for the bathroom, barely making it before I started retching. My mother wet a cloth and gave it to me to clean my face. After rinsing my mouth and convincing myself I could speak, I started in with my questions. "Why didn't you tell me sooner? You are going to be ok? They caught it early, right? How long will you be in the hospital and how many radiation treatments will you need?"
Mom helped me back to the living room and sat down taking me into her arms. "Slow down, hon. Let's see, I'll be in the hospital about a week, I wont know until after the surgery how many treatments, it depends on if it spread. The doctors are sure they caught it early, but this is a very aggressive cancer, and it has a high reoccurrence rate within 5 years. I'm going to listen to what the doctors tell me, read all the literature about this cancer, and take care of myself. I am determined to beat it, and I will be ok. As for not telling you, well we only found out Thursday, and I didn't want you worrying about it before you had to."
I just hugged my mom. 'Cancer, Mom has cancer', the thought kept circling in my head.
"Bella, I'm going to be alright, try not to worry too much. I go in tomorrow for the pre-surgical workup then the actual surgery will be Wednesday morning, early. Charlie will stay with me at the hospital, he won't even think about staying home." "Mom, did you really think we would stay home while you had surgery?"
"Bells, I don't want you at the hospital, do your normal day to day stuff, and I don't want you stuck in the waiting room at the hospital. I spoke with Mrs. Weber, you are welcome to stay with them if you want to this week, go to work, hang out with Jake, I'll be home soon."
I couldn't believe she was telling me to stay away from the hospital.
"I want to be there for you, Mom." "I know Bella, but you should be out having fun, not cooped up there waiting around. Keep busy and keep your mind of things until I'm home ok. Your dad will be just fine, and he'll call once I'm out of surgery."
Dad walked through the back door just then. "Alright my girls, let's get out of here and have some fun. We're going down to First Beach to soak up the UV rays that Renee is going to miss for the next few weeks."
We spent a great day just having family time. Still being stubborn, Mom kissed me goodbye and sent me to work early as they left for the hospital.
I stopped for some coffee at Weber's, then I let myself into the store. I was early, we didn't even open for another hour. I had hoped that I could talk to Tanya about Mom, but Edward was in the back, not Tanya.
"Morning Bella, you're early today." Edward called out as I walked into the back. "Tanya is in Seattle with the girls all day, so we get to hold down the fort." Edward was bent over the computer working on the books. He had yet to look up, so I asked him about leaving early for the day. "Edward, if possible I need to leave by 4:00 today, instead of 5:30. Mom is going into the hospital today and having surgery tomorrow."
Edward looked up at that and whatever he saw in my eyes had him walking around the desk and pulling me into a soothing hug. I completely broke down on him, crying so hard I knew I was ruining his shirt.
"What's wrong with Renee?" Edward grabbed the tissue box and handed it to me.
"She's got cancer. She found out last week, told me yesterday, and is having surgery tomorrow morning." He was rubbing my back trying to calm me down.
"You should have called us, Bella. We would have let you off today, Hell the whole week if you want to be there for your mom."
I stepped back and took a deep breath. "No I need to be at work, I want the distraction, besides, Mom doesn't want me at the hospital, I think she thinks I'll hover and drive her and Dad crazy. So give me something to do that will take my mind off my mom today."
I walked into the bathroom to try to repair my makeup, it wasn't going to be easy as I was looking a bit like Rudolph with my red nose and puffy eyes. When I had done all I could I went back to the office to put my purse away and came face to face with Edward's naked back. He was pulling on a clean shirt. I blushed again, I really hated doing that.
"Sorry about ruining your shirt."
He turned tucking in his shirt tails, "It's not a big deal, just glad I could be of help, if only as a Kleenex."
I laughed, it felt strange to laugh at such a time.
"Ok Bella, you said you want a distraction, right?" He walked up to me, looking me in the eye and grasping my shoulders.
All I could do at that point was nod.
Edward smirked at me and said, "I know just the thing."
OoOoO
Yeah I know, that was an evil place to break it, but I needed to stop it somewhere.
The next chapter is half finished and will post by Wednesday. We'll be back to the conversation with Charlie soon. One more chapter until we get there.
Please let me know your thoughts.
