Disclaimer: I do not own twilight
Chapter 9
It was around 5:30am when I heard Masen. I knew this was coming. Lucky for me I didn't have any meetings today. "Mommy?" I climbed out of bed and grabbed the thermometer before going to his room.
"Hey buddy what's the matter?" I walked over to his bed. I felt his forehead and he was warm. "I don't feel good." He said with his eyes closed.
"Where does it hurt?" I asked him as I took his temperature.
"Everywhere." He mumbled. 101.1 was blinking at me.
"Do you want me to get you something to drink?" I asked.
"Water please." I got his water and found some children's Motrin since I gave Edward the Tylenol yesterday.
"Here you go." I helped him take a drink and gave him his medicine.
"Try and go back to sleep honey." I said kissing his forehead. His eyes were already closed and he turned over in his bed.
I wasn't going to go back to sleep now and it was too early to call the office so I decided to get some work done. Finally it was late enough to call. Surprisingly Mr. Banner was not in a bad mood and because I could work from home and didn't have any clients today he had no problem with it.
I hadn't heard from Edward yet so I sent him a text to let him know that I would be home today if he needed someone to watch Holly for him. A few minutes later my phone rang.
"Hey Bella, I got your text." He sounded a little out of breath.
"How's Holly doing today?"
"Better but she still has a slight fever, you really don't mind watching her?"
"Of course not, just bring her over on your way to work." About 45 minutes later I heard a knock on my door. I opened it to see Holly standing next to a flushed Edward.
"Come on in sweetie, I'm sorry you're not feeling well." I told Holly as Edward set down a Sleeping Beauty bag down next to the couch.
"Can I get you anything?"
"No thank you, I'm just kind of tired." It was times like this I was glad I let Masen talk me into buying him that bunk bed.
"Let's get you into bed then." Edward gave Holly a kiss and hug goodbye before sitting down. I took her hand and led her to Masen's room. He was still asleep when I tucked Holly into the bottom bunk. I kept the door open so I could hear them when they woke up.
"Do you want some breakfast or did you….." I trailed off as I walked into the room seeing that Edward had his eyes closed and his head was resting on the back of the couch.
"Edward?" he didn't respond and I wondered if he was asleep. I shook his shoulder a little. "Edward?"
His eyes shot open and he looked at me in surprise for a second. "Sorry." He said sitting up a little straighter.
"Are you feeling okay?"
"Uh yeah, just a little tired is all." I studied him knowing there was more to it.
"Did you want something to eat or did you already have breakfast?"
"I'm not really hungry, maybe just some coffee?"
"I'll be right back." I poured us both some coffee and set it on the coffee table when I noticed his eyes were closed again.
"Are you sure you're feeling okay? Maybe you should lie down."
"I'm just resting my eyes." He said as he opened them.
"Uh huh." He reached for the coffee cup and took a sip.
"Thank you so much for watching Holly today, I'm sorry Masen's sick though."
"It was inevitable, I'm sure this won't be the last time." I said and Edward smiled at me. We finished our coffee before Edward stood up to leave.
"I'll call you later to check in." he said hugging me at the door. After he left I checked on the kids again before I made myself some breakfast. And it wasn't too much longer before they woke up.
I gave them some 7up and some saltine crackers. I pulled the TV in from my room and set it up so that they would have something to entertain them while they where in bed.
I was able to work for the next few hours only getting drinks and taking temperatures for the kids. I was just about to take a break when my phone rang.
"Hello?"
"Hi Bella, its Alice."
"Hi Alice, how's it going?"
"Good, I just wanted to check and see if you needed anything. Mr. Banner said you were sick."
"No, I'm fine Masen's sick."
"Oh that's too bad; I hope he gets better soon."
"Me too, but since Holly's felling a lot better now and her fever is gone I'm guessing it will be about the same for Masen."
"Holly's sick?"
"Yeah, she got sick Saturday shortly after you guys left, and was mostly just tired today. I'm going to try and get her to eat some lunch in a little while."
"She's there too?" I could hear the surprise in her voice.
"Well, there was no point in both me and Edward staying home today."
"It sounds like you too are getting pretty close."
"I think we are, I'm pretty sure he was going to kiss me on Saturday."
"Really? Tell me what happened!" she practically squealed when I gave her the play by play of events.
"I knew it, so has he asked you out yet?"
"Not yet. We talked on the phone for a couple hours yesterday and I think he was trying to work up to it, he kept asking me questions about my favorite restaurant and favorite flowers, if I liked dancing. Things like that."
"Men……I'm sure he won't take too long." I heard Holly call my name so I told Alice that I had to go but would keep her updated. I made my way to Masen's room and both kids were awake.
"Hey guys how are you feeling?" I felt their foreheads and only Masen seemed warm now.
"I'm kind of hungry." Holly told me.
"How about I make you some soup and maybe a sandwich?"
"Grilled cheese?"
"Sure, I bring it up as soon as it's ready. Mase? Do you want something?"
"Just soup." I started the soup got the bread out for the sandwiches when I heard someone knocking on the front door. I looked at my watch and it was 1:30pm.
I opened the door to find Edward leaning up against the doorframe. "Edward?"
He opened his eyes and smiled weakly as he walked in.
"Are you okay, you don't look very well."
"I'm fine really, just a little tired." Sure you are. "How are the kids?"
"Holly's fever is gone and I'm making her some lunch now. Masen's probably about the same as you are." He didn't have anything to say to that.
"Are you off for the rest of the day?" I asked as he kicked off his shoes and sat down in the recliner.
"Yeah, I got done what I needed to and so I decided to head out a little early."
"I'm making some soup and sandwiches, do you want anything?"
"No thank you." He said closing his eyes again. I went up to my room and took a pillow off my bed along with a blanket and told Edward to lie on the couch for a while.
"Thank you." He mumbled as I covered him up before I finished lunch. After the kids were fed I got back to work almost having completed what I needed to for the day when I heard the door bell. I couldn't imagine who it could be this time.
It rang a few more times almost like someone was holding the button down. As I made my way downstairs I heard Edward's cell phone ringing. I noticed that he was stirring as a walked by him to get to the door.
When I opened it I saw Jessica standing there with a phone to her ear and her eyes were focused on Edward's car parked in the driveway. This was going to be awkward.
"Hi Jess." She looked over at me and tried to peek inside. As she shut her phone I noticed that Edward's cell phone stopped ringing.
"Is that…..is that Edward's car in your driveway?"
"Yeah." I didn't offer anything else not feeling like I had to explain myself. The irritation I felt for her recently was making an appearance.
"What's he doing here?"
"Right now he's sleeping." I nodded my head in the direction of the couch where Edward was. I think she was getting a little annoyed with me as I saw her lips press together in a hard line.
"Where's Holly?"
"She's upstairs in bed. She was still sick this morning and Masen is too, so I offered to watch Holly since Edward said you weren't available.
"So then what is he doing here?" She was really starting to piss me off.
"He wasn't feeling well so he came home early."
"Home?" I didn't miss the inflection or the way her eyes widened in surprise at my choice of words. I didn't realize how that sounded until she said it. I was starting to feel like I should just keep my mouth shut. Then I heard Edward from behind me.
"What are you doing here Jessica?" He was wrapped up in the blanket and came to stand behind me.
"I was coming home from my appointment when I noticed your car in Bella's driveway." I took the opportunity to give them some privacy.
"I'll just be upstairs." As I made my way to my room I tried to justify going back downstairs to listen. But I knew I had nothing and Edward would tell me what he wants me to know. I waited until I heard the door close before going back downstairs.
I found Edward sitting down with his head in his hands. "Hey are you okay?" I asked sitting next to him rubbing his back lightly.
EPOV
I was so relieved when Bella texted me this morning letting me know she would watch Holly. I felt bad and a little responsible that Masen got sick. But I had another deadline at work and needed to be there for a least a few hours and so I was grateful for the help….again.
I had no idea that being a single full time parent was going to be this hard. I wouldn't trade it for anything though. Holly means everything to me and I'm so grateful Jessica gave me custody. I just hoped I didn't screw her up to badly.
I'd only had her for a couple of weeks and I would have failed miserably already if it weren't for Bella. How she is able to do this on her own and has been for years is beyond me. She truly is an amazing woman.
Thinking of Bella my mind went to the kiss we almost shared the other day and it got me a little excited. My plan is to ask her out on a date this weekend. I hope my attempt at trying to figure out what she liked wasn't too blatantly obvious.
The water in the shower was starting to cool down and I realized I had been in longer than I should have been. I wasn't moving very fast this morning. I am just so tired.
I got ready for work and packed Holly's bag and we left for Bella's. I barely had the energy to make it to work. Half way through my morning I started feeling really sick. I finished what I needed to do and left.
When I arrived at Bella's it took everything not to pass out so when she offered me a pillow and the couch I didn't hesitate. I was vaguely aware she covered me with a blanket and that was the last thing I could remember.
I woke up to the sound of my cell phone ringing and someone ringing the doorbell. I heard the door being opened and cringed when I heard Jessica's voice. I wrapped up in the blanket and slowly made my way to the front door.
"What are you doing here Jessica?"
"I was coming home from my appointment when I noticed your car in Bella's driveway." Bella excused herself and went upstairs.
"So what is it that you wanted?" I wasn't going to give any explanation as to why I was here. It really wasn't her business and I didn't like the accusatory tone she was using.
"I didn't realize that you and Bella were such good friends."
"Is that really why you're here? You want me to keep you up to date on who my friends are?"
"No, I was just curious. I wanted to see if Holly was still going to come by, I wanted to give her the present I bought and to talk with her about some things."
"What sort of things?"
"I'm pregnant!" She smiled brightly.
"Wow, um congratulations?"
"Thanks Edward." Her tone was sarcastic.
"Well, I'm just a little surprised is all. You told me that you and Mike needed time to yourselves, I didn't realize you were planning another baby."
"Well we had planned on having one at some point we just weren't expecting it so soon."
The first place my mind went to was how was Holly going to take the news? Her mother sends her away and then to find out weeks later she is having another baby. There is no way this could go well.
"Do you really think it's a good idea to tell Holly right away?"
"Why wouldn't I"
"Don't you think it's going to be a little hard on her? I mean she needs a little time to get used to the new arrangement."
"She seems fine with living with you. She was really excited about it."
"I'm just worried that it might be too much too soon. Give her a little more time to adjust before springing this on her."
"You're making too big of a deal about this. She'll be happy that she is going to be a big sister."
"Maybe, but I'm just asking you to give her a little time."
"Kids are resilient Edward. You worry too much."
"And maybe you don't worry enough." I snapped.
"What is that suppose to mean?"
"It means that you really need to consider how Holly will feel about this and do what is best for her."
"I have done nothing but do what's best for her." I didn't have the energy to argue. I was starting to get dizzy so I sat back down.
"I don't want to fight with you about this but just please think it over. She's not feeling well today anyway."
"Fine, what time are you dropping her off on Friday?" I almost forgot this would be her weekend.
"After dinner I guess."
"See you then." And she walked out closing the door behind her. My head was really starting to pound. I didn't even hear Bella come back downstairs until she was sitting next to me.
"Hey are you okay?" I looked over to see her looking at me very concerned.
"Yeah, I guess. Jessica's pregnant."
"Oh."
"I'm just worried about how Holly will take the news." I noticed she was still rubbing my back.
"Yeah, I can see how that could be really hard on her."
"Jessica thinks I'm making too big of a deal out of it."
"I don't think so. I'd be worried that she might feel like she's being replaced."
"Yeah, that's what I'm thinking too. I tried to talk her into waiting a while at least until she's a little more adjusted, but knowing Jessica that won't happen."
"I'm sorry Edward."
"Well, we'll just get through it the best we can." I looked over to see Bella chewing on her lip and focusing on the floor nodding slightly.
"How are feeling?"
"My head is killing me, but that could be just because of Jessica."
"I'll get something for you to take." And she disappeared upstairs again only to return a few minutes later with some Advil.
"Thanks." She handed me a glass of water.
"I'll let you rest, I'm gonna go finish some work but let me know if you need anything."
"I will, thank you Bella."
I woke up to see the room was getting darker and I could see the light on in the kitchen. I heard laughter so I sat up and listened. I could hear Bella and Holly talking. Bella was telling Holly an embarrassing story about herself when she was in school.
"That makes me feel better. I'm glad that I'm not the only that happened to." I heard Holly say.
"Trust me you're never alone. I could write a book on my life's most embarrassing moments."
"Did everyone make fun of you too?"
"Yeah they did, but you know what? By the time school started the next day everyone had already forgotten about it and moved on to the next thing. I don't think you have anything to worry about, I doubt if anyone will even remember."
"Thanks Bella."
"Anytime sweetie. So what do you say we make some dinner?"
"You want me to help?"
"Of course, if you want to that is. I thought maybe it would be a good idea to teach you how to cook instead of your dad."
"You'd do that? I mean you want to teach me?"
"I'd love to. I love to cook and from what you told me your dad isn't exactly the best, and maybe after a few lessons you could surprise him by making him dinner."
"I would love to! When can we practice?" I could hear the excitement in Holly's voice. And if I'm not mistaking Bella seemed pretty excited about it too.
"Well, since your dad offered to help with Masen's soccer practices for a few weeks how about during those times we have cooking class and after that we can work out other times if you want to continue."
"I can't wait! What are we cooking tonight?"
"You seemed to like the macaroni and cheese we had last time. Why don't we start with that? At least for us and if the boys want some they can have it or we can make them some soup if their not feeling up to anything more."
I didn't want to interrupt their time together so I just stayed on the couch until they came in to check on me. I listened more to their conversations and laughter and realized how great Bella really is.
If I wasn't careful I could easily see myself falling for her.
