AN: Thank you to all who are sticking with this story, I appreciate it and look forward to any reviews I receive. Here is the next chapter...things will start getting a bit more positive after this one and then we get into the real story of Edward and Bella. I know the first part was sad but I appreciate your patience as I got it written the way I wanted it done.
Hope everyone is having a great week.
Chapter 9
Bella
The funeral went off without a hitch and I truly believed we laid James to rest in a way that he would've wanted. Not a lot of fan fair. James loved his family and friends, loved his country and died for what he believed in and we were all reminded of that today. No matter how long any of us had with James, we were all blessed with having him in our life.
Edward took me to the Cullen's house after the funeral where we visited with those who attended the graveside service. Emmett and Rose were there and so were a few of James's fellow soldiers, the ones that were not deployed. Everyone said how nice the funeral was, how he would've been pleased, congratulated me on the baby and so on. It was all a bit overwhelming and after about an hour, I went to the front living room to sit by myself for a while. Before long I felt the sofa dip down and looked over to find Alice next to me.
"How you doing, mama?"
How was I doing? I realized at that moment that I was completely exhausted and it was catching up with me. "I'm ok. I'm so glad this day is almost over because I'm just so tired. It's so much to deal with and think about. I think I'm kind of ready to take that next step in my life and start living it again."
"I understand and so will the rest of the family. You know that no one is going to pressure you to stay here but if you want to we'd all welcome you with open arms. You could always stay with Jasper and me until you got on your feet here."
I looked at Alice and smiled. "Alice, I don't want to come back here. I didn't like it when we were in school and I don't want to be here now. My life is in Nashville and I'm going to keep living it there. But, I did want to ask you something. I have a doctor's appointment in two and a half weeks and wanted to know if you wanted to come to Nashville and go with me? I'm finding out if it's a boy or a girl."
In fine Alice fashion she squealed. "Of course I'll come."
I smiled a genuine smile. "Good, I wanted you to be there. The appointment is on Tuesday the 15th at 10am. "
"I'll fly in the Saturday before and we'll go shopping and get some stuff for the baby. Have you thought about nursery furniture at all?"
"No. I was waiting for James and with things up in the air now and me probably needing to sell the house then I think I'll just wait a few more months and get everything settled. The economy is such a mess right now that I don't know how long it'll take me to sell the house."
"Bella if you want to stay in that house you know mom and dad will help you out."
"I know but that's not what I want. I'm sure I'll need their help with some things but I don't want them paying my mortgage or anything. I can do this, I know it."
"I know you can too. Plus, Edward is there so I don't feel like you'll be all alone. How about that guy jumping right in to be there for you?"
"I know. He's being such a great friend he's being. You know I wish I'd known him better….I mean I know him well but I feel like there is just so much I don't know and he's being so good to me. He has a girlfriend….or a girl he's seeing but anyway she's even offered to buy groceries for me and help out. Guys like him attract nice girls. I'm so happy he's around to help me."
Alice just sat back like she was thinking about something. I decided to enjoy the quiet and let my thoughts run wild. Finally after about 20 minutes I sat up. "I'm a bit hungry and just realized I haven't eaten since this morning." I moved to get up but when I went upright everything got really fuzzy and I started losing my balance. Somewhere in the back of my mind I heard Alice.
"Bella? Bella, you with me? Are you ok?" I couldn't answer. "Edward we need you, can you come in here?." Then I felt Alice guiding me to the sofa again and told me to sit down. I don't really know how much time passed but the next thing I became aware of was Edward in front of me with both his hands holding my face.
"Bella, I need you to look at me." So I did. "Have you eaten anything today?" I shook my head no. "Ok, Alice can you go get me a glass of orange juice, a glass of water and an apple or yogurt?"
I started crying, "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I ate breakfast and had a glass of milk but haven't had anything else since. I didn't mean to go so long without eating but I just forgot with everything else we did today."
Edward sat next to me and again wrapped his arms around me. "Bella, it's ok. We just have to remember to get food into you a lot during the day so this doesn't happen. I think you are just dehydrated so I want you to drink some orange juice and the water. Are you having cramps or feeling uncomfortable at all?"
By the time he stopped talking Alice was back and stuck the glass of OJ right under my nose. I drank the entire glass and then started on the glass of water. A few minutes of silence passed before I spoke up. "I'm feeling better now. No cramps or anything, I just got dizzy. I won't let it happen again, I promise."
Edward looked down at me and gave me a sweet smile. "I know you won't, you just got caught up with everything going on today. Give yourself a couple of minutes and I think you'll be fine."
"I think I just want to go home to my dad's house and go to sleep."
"No problem. Let me go tell your dad you're ready and I'm sure he'll be happy to take you home. Hang tight here."
Edward left and Alice sat back down next to me. "Heavens girl, you scared me to death. No more of that."
I gave Alice and timid smile. "I promise. No more."
"So, Edward mentioned yesterday when Jasper talked to him that y'all have a return flight to Nashville on Tuesday but he didn't know if you'd go. What are you thinking?"
"I think I'll be on that flight. I love being here with dad and you and the rest of the family but the longer I'm here, the more I'm just going to stick around and think about James. I'm not going to rush right back to work but I do need to go home and get things settled. I'm sure I'll need to talk with Emmett and meet with whoever from the Army. And I need to call a realtor and get the house ready to put on the market."
"Yeah, I figured you'd be going home then."
At that moment my dad walked up with Edward. "I hear you gave them a bit of a scare, baby girl." I nodded. "Ok, let's get going and get you some food and into bed. I think it's time to rest."
We made our way to the car with Edward, Emmett, Rose and the entire Cullen clan following us close by. Everyone gave me a hug and told me they'd see me tomorrow. Edward came up to me last and whispered in my ear. "You have my cell phone number, don't be afraid to use it, even if it's something small." I nodded and got into the car.
Once on our way dad looked over at me and said, "I know today was hard Bella but now it's time to start taking care of yourself and making sure you are taking care of that baby. I don't want anything to happen to either of you."
"I know daddy."
The rest of the ride was quiet with only just the radio on in the background. Once home I ate, took a long bath and climbed into bed utterly exhausted. It was the best night's sleep I'd had in a while.
Edward
Sunday evening came to a close and I headed back to the hotel with Emmett and Rose. They were leaving the next morning so we all called it an early night and headed our separate ways.
Monday flew by with the only major event being going over to Bella's dad's house and giving her our flight information and letting her know that I'd pick her up the next day at 10am. Her dad walked me out and asked that I watch out for Bella in Nashville, specifically asking that I make sure she's being healthy as in the past she has let that go by the wayside after hard times. Of course I agreed.
Tuesday I picked Bella up at 10am and we had the rental car turned in and were at the gate by 11:30am. Bella really didn't say a whole lot but I was happy to notice that she always had something to drink in her hand. When they called for us to board we did and once the plane took off, Bella laid back and fell asleep. I read for a while and then ended up falling asleep also. Before I knew it we were landing, deplaning and heading for the car. I dropped Bella off around 8pm and made my way home, calling Lauren on the way to check in and tell her I was back. That conversation was short and sweet and I told her I'd call her tomorrow to make plans but honestly I could've cared less. I think I've realized that Lauren and I aren't going any further than just good friends and I should talk to her soon about it. Finally I crawled into bed and let sleep overtake me.
The next couple of weeks passed in a flash. I checked in with Bella every day and asked how she was doing. She had met with the Army, learned how to apply for her benefits and talked to a realtor about selling the house. She let me know she was going to put it on the market and once she had an offer then she'd look for an apartment. I was secretly hoping she'd look in my neighborhood because it was so close to the hospital and in a really good area. Plus, the closer she was the better I was able to keep an eye on her.
Bella's first day back to work was the same day I was working and we had to be there at the same time so I offered to take her. I pulled into her driveway and she ran out to the car.
"Morning." And I got a grunt in reply. "You ready for this?"
"I don't know but I know I'm ready to get back into some kind of routine. I work today, tomorrow and Friday. Then Sunday and Monday. Alice is coming in town on Saturday and is going to my appointment with me on Tuesday. Right now my goal is to just get to Tuesday. It should be an exciting day."
"I can't imagine how excited you'll be. Any more thoughts on what you are having? I think it's a girl, myself. James would've been brought to his knees by a girl so I just have a feeling that's what you are having."
Bella laughed at my statement about James. "Yeah, you're right. I don't really have a feeling either way but I have been feeling more movement. I wish it'd get a little harder so you could feel it on the outside, it's really cool."
The rest of the drive we chatted about the baby and all the moving Bella felt. Bella thought she was getting a bit bigger but I couldn't tell. In my defense, it was getting cold outside and Bella was wearing a coat. And let's be honest, I'm a guy and we are taught never to tell a woman if she is getting bigger.
I pulled into the parking lot and shut off the car. After no movement from Bella to get out of the car I looked over at her and noticed she looked a bit weary. "Bella, you know no one will blame you if you aren't ready for this."
"I know but I'm ready. I just don't want everyone to pity me or ask me how I'm doing. My good friend, Tanya, has been in touch but other than her I'm not really close to anyone here. You know?"
"Yeah."
Finally after another minute she opened the door and I did the same. We made our way to the staff entrance and with one final look my way, Bella opened the door to head inside.
"So you are only working a twelve today?" I asked.
"Yeah. I'll meet you at your car by 7:30pm, ok?"
I nodded. Before I let Bella go I leaned over and gave her a hug and whispered that I'd be on the 2nd floor all day and if she needed anything to come find me. We stood like that for a minute and let go when someone finally walked up behind us and needed to get by.
"Excuse me." The person said. I turned around to find Dr. Sutherland trying to get by.
"Oh, sorry Dr. Sutherland. This is Bella Cullen, she's a nurse on the Peds floor."
"Bella, it's so nice to meet you. Edward has mentioned you and it's nice to put a face with a name." I'm sure at that moment my ears were turning beet red. "I understand your husband was a soldier and I just want you to know how much I appreciate the sacrifice both you and he made for our country."
"Thank you. Edward, I'll see you this evening. Thanks again for the ride."
"No problem. See you tonight." I turned back toward Dr. Sutherland and we started walking towards the elevators.
"So that's Mrs. Cullen, she's a beauty Edward."
I smiled. If Bella heard the doctor saying that she'd be so embarrassed. "She is. And she's so strong, I'm proud of her. With everything else she's handling, she's almost 5 months pregnant too."
"Wow, that exciting and heartbreaking all at one." I nodded. "Well, she's lucky to have you in her life and I can tell you feel the same way. You know, it's amazing…in most cases I've seen the best things can come out of tragedy. I hope that for both you and her."
We entered the elevators and I just nodded in agreement. Silently we made it up to the second floor and once the doors open I reminded myself that it was time to start another day. Dr. Sutherland and I went our separate ways and I was off to get things rolling. I could only hope that Bella's day would start off as well as mine had.
