I do not own it!
Only EPOV :D I'm proud of this one.
EPOV
I woke up and looked at the clock. 4 AM. Why was I awake at this hour? My right leg was freezing I glanced down and saw that Bella had snuggled in my blanket, leaving me out of it. I attempted to get some of it on me, but gave up soon, not wanting to wake her. I put the slacks back on and went to the bathroom to release myself. When I looked in the mirror, I was shocked to see how awful I looked. I had dark circles under my eyes and my eyes were red. That may be from the lack of sleep or from my earlier break down. When I heard Lizzy call me 'Daddy' I lost it. I overheard Bella trying to explain her how I was feeling, but failing. Then we had the interesting conversation that o never wanted to have with Lizzy. About her being romantically involved with anyone. I got out of my room quietly and went to see how was Lizzy sleeping. The first few night here, she's been scared and slept with me.
I opened her bedroom door and saw her in the middle of the bed hugging a plush bunny, sleeping soundly. What shocked me was Jake, at her feet, drooling slightly on her blanket, but sleeping peacefully. I had almost forgotten about him. His ears perked up when I closed the distance to the bed and adjusted Lizzy's blanket. He growled defensively.
"Shh, boy" I murmured. His head raised and he wriggled his tail. I turned to leave and heard his paws padding behind me. I got in the kitchen, found a bowl, put some of his food there and offered it to him. Jake put his paw on my knee and I knelt and shook it, patting his head. I tried to make coffee, but I failed miserably. I went back to my room, took a shirt and a pair of socks. I put them on along with my boots and winter coat, took my Jaguar keys and drove to the first Starbucks. I glanced at the clock, already 5 AM, please be open. It was open for some miraculous reason.
"Two coffees, two sugars and one milk each" I told the lady. She eyed me suspiciously, taking in my clothing, but said nothing. She finished and I gave her the money, going back to my car. Once back home, I took my laptop and sat on the couch in the living room and started working, catching up. I e-mailed Charlotte and told her we were coming on January 8th and we'll be there for the premiere.
I was so focused on my work that I didn't hear Bella waking up.
"Did you even sleep?" she asked making me jump.
"Yeah, five hours. There's coffee in the kitchen" she smiled and went to the kitchen.
"Oh, and here I thought you made me coffee" her voice floated from the kitchen.
"I tried" I muttered.
"What are you doing there?" she asked, curling herself next to me.
"Work…I booked plane tickets. Can you stay with Lizzy today? I want to go to work and talk with Tanya about some things"
"I should come with you. Or just go myself. You stay here, or you'll never get better" she said concerned.
"No, I have to do it. Just stay here. I'll take something for the cold" I promised.
"Okay, fine. Tell me about France"
"Charlotte is an old friend, she needs people to promote her clothes. I always do it" I smiled and continued explaining about Charlotte. Bella seemed fascinated.
Lizzy came in the room, sniffling, "Where's the puppy?"
Bella looked at me confused, I turned to Lizzy "Jake!" I screamed. We heard a bark and he came to us running. He went straight to Bella, jumped on her and licked her face.
"Stop it!" she squirmed, pushing him away.
"Puppy" Lizzy ran to us and hugged Jake. Bella looked amused at me; I don't know what my face was showing. I was half-scared he will bite her and half-scared he had fleas or something. Jake turned to her and licked her face. I growled.
"Jake, no!" Bella shouted. He stopped and sat down on the floor at our feet.
"I'm going to get dressed. I'll bring pizza for lunch" I said, getting up.
"No, you are not! I'm cooking" Bella said annoyed.
"Okay, cook" I ginned and kissed her head.
I got to work and Tanya wasn't there. She knows better than to leave, but then I saw Emmett in Bella's chair.
"Well, hello…" he mouthed the words 'pussy whipped'
I slammed my hand on the desk, "Shut up! What are you doing here?"
"A favor. She called and asked me to come here while she takes a break, you know…pee and eat something" Emmett gestured.
"I didn't need that piece of information. Tell her that I'm busy and not to disturb me"
I caught up with everything I should have done while gone and around four I left, wanting nothing more than to get home to my girls. It sounded so good, my girls.
"Mr. Cullen" Tanya stopped me.
"Yes?"
"Your mother is on the phone" she whispered. I took the phone and braced myself.
"Esme?"
"E-edward…it happened. Oh, Edward!" she broke down and started crying. I was frozen, I couldn't move.
"I'll be there. The first flight" I told her.
"Get Bella and Lizzy with you" she managed to say. I said good bye and hung up.
"I won't be here for a few days and then I'm heading to Paris. I promise to give you a rise for handling everything alone" I told Tanya, she just gaped at me.
I sped home, my eyes blinded by tears that I didn't want to let them fall. How could I take Lizzy with me? She had no idea Elizabeth ever existed. And whose fault is that? Mine, of course.
"Look what I did" Lizzy jumped in my arms when I got home, showing me a drawing I barely saw. I nodded and kissed her.
"Bella?" I asked loudly, my voice thick.
"Oh, you're here. I mad- what happened?" she asked when she took in my appearance.
"Can you pack a few things for all of us? We're going to Forks" I said and went to the kitchen. I saw the food and a let a tear slip, she worked so hard to make me food and now, we will not even eat it.
"Daddy?" Lizzy tugged on my pants, her eyes were teary and her lip was quivering. I crouched down, "It's ok, baby" I whispered taking her my arms and going in my bedroom.
"Is…did she.. " Bella tried to ask, something on my face gave it away, "Oh, sweetheart" she whispered and came to hug me. I buried my head in her neck and let a sob escape.
"Why are you crying?" asked Lizzy, her tiny hands patting my cheek.
"I have to tell her, she doesn't even know about Elizabeth's existence" I told Bella and got Lizzy to her room. I explained her as best as I could without breaking down.
Bella appeared in the doorway, "I called the airport, next flight it's ours" she smiled and came in to pack for Lizzy.
"I'm done" Bella announced. I took the bags, then realized we had Jake there.
"What about Jake?" I asked worried.
"I called Alice, we're dropping him on the way to the airport. And I'm driving" she insisted. I gave her the keys of the Jaguar.
"Are you sure?" I nodded and put the bags in the trunk.
In the airport, we had to wait only thirty minutes.
"How did you get the tickets?" I wondered.
"I told her Edward Cullen had an emergency, she was willing to give me the whole plane" Bella chuckled bitterly.
Once in the plane, Lizzy said that she was scared. I couldn't take her in my arms until after the taking off, after that she spent the whole flight in my arms.
When we were almost there, Bella banged her head on the seat and moaned lightly.
"What? Are you feeling sick?" I asked worried.
"All of a sudden, yes! Charlie will be there! Why didn't I think?" she moaned again.
"Charlie? Oh…you father" I realized.
"Yes! We hadn't seen each other in over six years"
"I'll be with you. We'll face everything together" I whispered and leaned to kiss her lips softly.
"Thank you. It means a lot to me"
I rented a car and drove to Forks. "Are you going to stay with me or with your father?" I asked nervously.
"With you, of course. You need me there" Bella reasoned from the backseat where she was with Lizzy.
It was dawn when I parked in front of my old house. Memories flooded my brain as I took in my surroundings.
I opened the back door and picked Lizzy up, I got a bag and Bella another one and we made our way towards the house.
The door opened to reveal an old man that looked tired, his eyes brightening when he looked behind me.
"Isabella!" he rushed to her, nearly knocking her down.
She looked over his shoulder and I could see tears in her eyes. "Dad"
When he released her from his hug and turned to me, "I'm so sorry for your loss, boy" he grumbled. His eyes settled on Lizzy, then snapped to my face and then to Bella.
Before he could jump on any conclusion, I asked if Esme was there.
"She's in the kitchen. Bella can we talk?" Charlie asked.
"No! Why did you send him there? How could you?? After what he did to me?" she snapped, then marched in the house past us. She was irritated from lack of sleep, I was sure. And send who and where?
I made my way to the kitchen.
"Hi, Esme" I whispered.
"My boy! Oh, she's sleeping"
"Yes, she was tired and the plane scared her" I whispered just as Lizzy opened her eyes. Bella came in the kitchen with her father, arguing softly about something.
"How are you, sweetie?" Esme asked Lizzy. She frowned a bit, mouthing a word then saying, "Over helmed"
Bella stopped talking and turned to Lizzy, her eyes jumping on mine and cracking a smile.
Esme was staring at Lizzy. "You learned a new word?"
Lizzy nodded enthusiastically, "Daddy was over helmed" she grinned. Esme dropped her glass and burst in tears. Lizzy looked scared, thinking she had hurt Esme.
"It's alright, baby, Esme is overwhelmed" I kissed her forehead.
"When?" asked Esme amazed.
"When we came back from the holiday, it happened. I'll put her in my old room and go…see…I'll go" I tried to say it.
"Where is your old room? I'll get her there and you go to your mother's room" Bella told me taking Lizzy from my arms.
"Second floor, there's on the door my name" I managed to get out before I ran out of the kitchen.
"Lion?" I heard Lizzy ask in a small voice, but didn't find the strength to turn back. I went to my mother's room.
She was more beautiful than ever, although she had lost her beautiful hair in chemo. She lay still with her arms on her chest; her pale face had a glow to it. She will never open her eyes again, she will never smile again. Why had I been so stupid and avoided this place? Why had I post-pone my coming here?
I fell on the floor next to her bed, "Can you forgive me? Lazybones is back, remember that you used to call me that? I promised I'd change. I think I've changed. I fell in love, Mom I wish you could see her, she's wonderful. I now understand that money goes, but love remains. Love is stronger than anything is. I grew up; I wish you could see me. I wish you were here telling me to stop boasting about my life. I wish I had enough dignity to admit that you really existed and I should have told Lizzy about you. She deserved to meet such a wonderful woman like you. I hoped in a miracle. I told myself when you 'd get better, I'll bring Lizzy here. She called me Daddy, yesterday. All I want now is for you to try to forgive you stupid son. I will always love you, Mom" I got up, kissed her forehead and made my way out of the room.
On the stairs I bumped into Bella who was ascending.
"Oh my God! Edward…" she burst in tears.
"What's wrong?" my voice was rough from talking so long and bringing all those emotions out.
She dragged me to a room, next to us and to the mirror. "Look at yourself"
There was someone staring back at me, I didn't recognize that person. Dark, pained and empty green eyes, big dark circles under the eyes, hollow cheeks, split lips, wild hair, white face and stubble. I realized it was I, but I couldn't taking my eyes of my appearance. I looked worse than I felt.
We were in a guest room, I realized. It had a bed and it was calling for me. Bella saw me and tugged my hand to the bed.
"Come on, time to sleep" she whispered.
"No, I can't! I have to-" I started protesting.
"You haven't slept well in two days, let me take care of everything"
"Then let me sleep in my room, at least" I said. "I want to stay with Lizzy"
Bella nodded and we got out of the room and went to my old room. "Sleep" she whispered again.
I put my hands on her face and leaned to kiss her, "I love you so much, Bella" I whispered, pressing my forehead to hers.
"And I love you, too. But please, sleep before you fall down " she said, caressing my hair. I nodded and went to the bed where Lizzy was hugging a pillow. I felt sick, having her sleep here where I had so many girls in this bed. But the moment I put my head down I fell asleep, forgetting about my worries.
"Shh, you'll wake him" I heard someone whisper.
"I win" a small voice giggled.
"Of course, you do! Again?" asked the first voice. It was a warm voice, I loved it. There was silence for a minute.
"Three?" the small voice asked. It was Lizzy, I realized, and the other one was Bella.
"Go fish"
"NO! You have one, I saw it!" she screamed loudly.
"Liz! That's cheating and don't scream, you'll wake Edward" Bella said softly.
"He should wake! He sleeps too much"
"He was tired" Bella explained. I opened an eye and saw that Bella was with her back at me. I raised a finger to my lips so Lizzy won't alert her that I'm awake, she grinned and nodded.
"Six?" asked Bella. Lizzy pouted and gave her the card. I put my arms around Bella and squeezed her sides, tickling her in the process. She screamed and turned to me.
"Hi" I whispered, my voice rough and barely audible.
"Morning" she said, narrowing her eyes at me.
"What are you playing?" I asked.
"GO FISH" Lizzy screamed and jumped on me.
"I made tea if you want" Bella offered.
"Thank you" I said and turned to the nightstand where the mug was. "Did you sleep?" I asked Bella after a sip from the mug.
"Yes. And I talked with Charlie…" she murmured.
"I want puppy" Lizzy said from my chest. I looked over at Bella who was smiling.
"The puppy is home. What hour is it?" I asked.
"Noon. I'm glad you slept" Bella told me. Noon? I haven't slept so late in years.
"Esme took care of everything. Tomorrow, is the burial. How are you feeling?" She continued, stroking my leg softly.
"I'm…coping," I admitted.
There was a knock on the door and Esme stuck her head in. "Oh, you're awake, finally!"
"Good morning, Esme" I greeted.
"Lizzy, come with me, I have something for you" she said and winked at me. "Take a shower"
Lizzy jumped off me and ran to her.
"I should go downstairs as well" mumbled Bella and got up to get out. I grasped her wrist, "Not so fast! Come here" I pressed her to my chest and kissed her. I've missed this. Bella moaned lightly in my mouth and squirmed to get out of my grasp.
"Edward! What are you doing?" she gasped when I released her mouth.
"Kissing you. Come back, I'm not done"
"But…" I kissed her again shutting her up.
"Go and shower. I'll make another tea" Bella whispered between kisses.
"OK. I love you" I said kissing her once more before getting up and going to shower.
"Me too" I heard her whisper.
The day passed quietly. We stayed in the living room and talked, remembering Elizabeth. I talked with Bella's father, which was quite scary.
"Can we talk alone for a moment?" Charlie Swan asked me. I nodded and we went to the kitchen.
"I know that Bella works for you. Is there something between you two?" I felt as if I were at the police station.
"We are together, sir"
"I thought so. Is that child yours?" Charlie asked, scrutinizing me.
"Yes, she is mine. I adopted her last year" he should know this.
"Oh! Just be careful, if you hurt her…" he was threatening me.
"I won't. I love your daughter" I admitted.
"I truly hope so, if not, you are in danger, boy"
"I will take care of her, I promise" he nodded and left me there in the middle of the kitchen. I've never felt like that, I was actually scared. I vowed to myself never to hurt Bella again!
Now, we were in bed, in my old room with Lizzy between us. I felt Bella's hand in my hair, "Alright?"
"I will be. We'll leave Lizzy with Esme and Carlisle, then head back to Chicago, pack for France and go" I told her.
"I'm sure Char-"
"She will understand, but I want to be there" I stopped her.
It felt wonderful to be in the bed, all the three of us, like this. Like a family. Lizzy was snuggled between us and my hand was holding Bella's over Lizzy's small body.
I woke up early, at the crack of dawn.
I went downstairs and saw Esme and Charlie already in the kitchen.
"Coffee on the counter" Esme directed me. I smiled at her and got the coffee.
After a few sips I sat down and looked out of the window.
"Will you be okay?" she asked slowly. I nodded. "Not very talkative, are we?" Esme teased me.
"Too early" I groaned.
"Why did you get out of the bed, then?" she asked, shooting glances to Charlie who looked passed out on the table. I shrugged.
A phone rang and Charlie moved his hand to get the phone and answered without opening his eyes or raising his head.
"'lo" he grumbled sleepily.
"Barely…Send him, sure…Come, too. OK. ..Bye" he finished.
"Who's coming?" asked Esme.
"Sue with Seth, he's visiting" Charlie said.
"I will never understand why one gets out of bed if they are still sleepy!" she exclaimed.
"I couldn't sleep, I told you!" answered Charlie, opening his eyes. Esme moved her eyes on me. I realized I had to answer.
"Eh…couldn't sleep?" It got out as a question.
"You should sleep, you need to get better!" she advised.
"It's not my fault I have employees with their brain the size of a nut! Water would have done it…not snow," I moaned, remembering Emmett getting my head in the snow. My head had been frozen and then it felt like it was burning.
"But why? What had…?" she stopped asking, just looked curiously at me.
"I'm not going to say it again. It was mortifying enough that morning" I moaned again and banged my head on the table. After some time of quiet I felt I hand tapping my shoulder.
"Wha'?" I asked, half-asleep.
"Your phone rang at least five times in the past ten minutes. It's Tanya" Bella's sleepy voice said.
I sighed at took the phone. It was ringing again.
"Hello?"
"Finally! Mr. Cullen, I won't call, but it's very important. Shut up, oaf, I know!" she muttered to someone.
"What happened?" I asked, suddenly alert.
"Ehh, well…you see. Some assistants from different designer houses called and canceled us promoting them"
"WHAT? Who?" I screamed alerting Charlie who had managed to fall asleep. I got up and started pacing.
"Calvin Klein, Chloé, Dolce & Gabbana, Emilio Pucci, Gucci said they will call again in two days and announce us, Marc Jacobs are also going to call again, but they are 97 percent convinced they will sign with us, Nina Ricci, Versace and Viktor & Rolf" she finished. It was a hell long list.
"Then tell me…who is really signing?" I groaned, leaning against the counter.
"Christian Dior, Christian Lacroix, and they said only because he liked a model of ours, Chanel, Devi Kroell, Hugo Boss, Miu Miu, Charlotte Ronson and Vivienne Westwood" Tanya said.
"And Armani???" I asked exasperated, running a hand through my hair.
"Oh, Mr. Giorgio Armani called in person, wanting to talk with you"
"And you talked with him??"
"Yes. He wanted to announce you personally that- shut up! Sorry" she whispered in the phone and screamed at someone there. To announce me what? That the world hates me?
"Yes, where I was?"
"Giorgio…" I hinted.
"Oh, yes. He wants to continue and can't wait to know what your next suit will be" she said and then a loud bang echoed on the phone.
"I'm sorry, I have to go. Those were the news. The oaf- fine…Emmett is being his immature self!" then she hung up.
"FUCK!" I screamed. I wanted to throw the phone to the floor.
"What happened?" asked Bella. I ignored Esme's upset glare and Charlie's angry one and answer Bella.
"Let's say that friends are loyal, but if they weren't friends…they wouldn't do it now! Only nine designer houses will sign with our magazine! And two are thinking...so let's say eleven" I growled loudly.
"Who?" she asked scared.
"Dior, Lacroix, only because he loved Heidi in New York, Chanel, Devi Kroell, Hugo Boss, Miu Miu, Charlotte Ronson, Vivienne Westwood and Armani. The other two are Gucci and Marc Jacobs" I explained. Her eyes widened.
"But…but- DAMN it!" she exclaimed, slamming her hand on the table. "Why?"
"Who knows? Blame it on the financial crises"
Bella scoffed and turnd ot her coffee, which I realized it was mine.
"That's mine, you know" I told her teasingly.
"Oh…but…oh, sorry"
"Have it. I've lost my appetite. I'm going to get dressed" I left and took the stairs two at a time.
I got dressed and woke Lizzy. I helped her in bath and was trying to dress her when Bella came in.
"Let me dress her, you go downstairs. You should be there" she whispered and kissed my cheek.
"OK. Be good for Bella" I told Lizzy who nodded, and I got out of the room.
"Oh, you're so handsome!" Esme exclaimed and arranged my tie.
"It's not like you haven't seen me in a suit!" I snapped and regretted it instantly.
My girls come down a few minutes later. I took Bella's hand and helped her in the car. Lizzy was going with Carlisle and Esme. I drove to the cemetery.
Everything passed in a blur and around half-way I started crying, couldn't hold it in me anymore. Bella was there, next to me, soothing me.
"I'll wait in the car" I told her at the end. She went to talk with a woman that was her father. Seth was there, too. Then I realized that Seth's mother was the woman who was with Charlie. Bella came in the car, looking concerned at me.
"I can drive" I said. When we got back to the house, it felt empty.
"We're going back now" I said,
"But…another day" Bella tried to convince me.
"NO! Ah, I'm sorry, sweetheart. I shouldn't scream at you. I'm just so angry!"
We packed and got downstairs when people entered the house.
"You're leaving?" Carlisle asked frowning.
"Yes, business" I told him.
"OK, Edward. Be careful. Bye!" he nodded to us and we left.
Outside we got stopped by Esme and Charlie. We talked for a few moments and I convinced Esme to take care of Lizzy, again.
When we got in the airport they were announcing our flight. I gripped Bella's hand and we started running; we got in and found our seats. I held her in my arms the whole flight.
"Everything will be OK?" she murmured.
"I hope so. We'll see. I have to talk with a few people"
We got back to my house around three am. I went straight to the couch and opened my laptop and was about to turn it on when Bella stopped me.
"No, not now. Let's sleep" she whispered. I looked between the laptop and her and decided a few hours of sleep will be good.
Once in the bed, she settled on top of me and fell asleep hugging me. I hugged her close to me and fell asleep, too. Tomorrow or today, it will be a hard day.
Review! I'm sorry it's not very detailed, but it was hard enough to write it as it is.
