Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Chapter 8
In Which She Sees Him
Bella and Katie leaned over the tide pool, their reflections mingling with the world below the surface. Bright pink anemones swirled too and fro, while a dark red starfish clung to the bottom claiming his territory.
"Oooo, Bewie do you see the fish?" Katie exclaimed in awe.
"I do, it's really pretty." A little blue fish zipped across the pool before ducking into an opening in the rock. This is exactly what they needed, a little break from reality. This was their last full day in forks. Tomorrow they would be heading back to Chicago and Bella wasn't sure if she'd see her father and Sue again before Thanksgiving. So, they'd decided to spend the warm late September day at First Beach.
They were a little further up the beach exploring one of the many Tide pools. This was the first time Katie had been here. Bella loved watching the excitement and pure joy that illuminated her face with each new discovery.
"Did you know that your Mommy and I came here all the time when we were little?"
Katie froze, her face slowly lifting towards Bella's. "Really?" she whispered, surprise etched on her face. Bella smiled down at the little girl.
"Yea really, this was one of her favorite places to come. She used to beg Papa Charlie to bring us down here almost everyday when the weather was nice."
Katie smiled, pleased with a new memory of her mother.
*******
Bella was stretched out on the sand watching as Katie and Charlie raced back towards the shore just missing the incoming wave. Sue, who was sitting beside her, sighed.
"It's good to see her smile again," she said with a smile of her own. Bella continued to watch the pair and nodded in agreement. "It's a good sign," she continued, "She'll be happy again." Sue peaked over at Bella and saw a concerned look on her face.
Bella had always found it a bit disconcerting the way Sue could pinpoint her unvoiced worries and bring them into focus. Bella squirmed internally and let out a sigh. She looked over and found the older woman watching her. "You know it's not natural how you can do that. It's a bit freaky really. Have you thought about getting your own 1-900 number? You could be Lady Sue: the woman with the wisdom of the natives. I bet you'd make a killing," Bella teased.
Sue smiled softly and shook her head. "I've thought about it, but could you imagine Charlie and all the publicity?" she shook her head in mock despair. "You're deflecting," she said, back to business. "What are you nervous about? Don't try to fool Lady Sue, I see all!"
Bella sighed again. She seemed to be doing that a lot these days. "I'm not really sure what I'm worried about. I'm worried about Katie, obviously. That I'll be able to give her everything she needs. That I can somehow make up a little for Angela's absence," she paused looking down at her fingers that were drawing lazy circles in the sand. "That she'll adjust well. That she'll make friends. That she'll like Chicago. That going back is really the best decision. I don't know. I'm worried about so many things, most of which I haven't even had time to process yet." She looked up to see Charlie scoop Katie into his arms just as another wave crashed against his legs, her laughter filling the air. "It's just happening so fast."
Sue studied Bella. She was such an independent girl, she'd always been. Charlie said that she was born middle aged and got older every year. Growing up with an emotionally awkward father and no mother would do that. She'd always been a caretaker. It was a role that fit her well but she didn't have much confidence in herself. Sue had always wondered if she felt responsible for her mother's vanishing act. That maybe she didn't feel like she was good enough. That was so far from the truth, but she didn't know how to make her see.
The truth was her mother, Renee, was a "free spirit." A polite way of saying irresponsible, flakey, and selfish. She'd run out on her husband and 7 month old daughter, saying that she couldn't be tied down. She needed to spread her wings before she fully committed to motherhood. A small part of Bella always wondered if she would return, but she didn't hear from her for almost 17 years. Charlie received the occasional post card which he chose not to give to Bella. Perhaps if they contained any useful or heartfelt information he would have. But they always passively belittled their town and the lives they led. He feared they would only hurt her more, so he kept them to himself.
The first real contact Bella had received was just before her freshman year of College, and it wasn't actually from her mother. It was a lawyer letting her know that her mother had passed away from Cervical Cancer. Apparently in the last few months of her life she'd developed a conscience. Instead of contacting her daughter and facing up to her choices, she decided to bequeath the money she'd accrued over her life. It was a paltry reparation for a lifetime of neglect which Bella wanted nothing to do with. If it hadn't been for Charlie, the money would still be unclaimed. She'd only used it once, to purchase her Brownstone eight months ago. She'd used the entire amount for the purchase and remodel. She'd fought Charlie about using the money at first, but she finally conceded. She was surprised to discover that she spent the money with a guilt free conscience. Using it was almost cathartic; a banishing of ghosts if you will.
Katie let out a shriek of joy, breaking Sue from her thoughts.
"You were raised in a single parent home without your mother and you turned out to be pretty wonderful. What makes you think you can't do the same for Katie?" Bella shrugged her shoulders, but made no comment. Sue reached over and wrapped an arm around Bella's shoulder, pulling the young woman into her side. "You can do this. We have faith in you. You just need a little faith in yourself." Bella nodded softly, but continued to remain silent.
*******
Charlie stoked the small fire. He and Bella had caught a few fish earlier in the day while Katie and Sue enjoyed a cat nap.
"You and Bewie caught these fish?" Katie asked, astounded by the idea.
"Yup." Said Charlie, laying out a filet on the grill grate he'd brought along.
"And you cut them up?"
"Yup."
"Now you fire them?"
Charlie laughed. "Yup."
Katie's little nose crinkled in disgust as she thought about this. "Gross." Charlie stopped and looked at the little girl, his hand flying to his chest in mock offence.
"No! It's delicious! I can't believe that you're my granddaughter," he said shaking his head sadly. "I thought we had taught you better." He sniffed a bit. "Will you at least try some?" he asked mournfully.
She paused watching Papa Charlie. "…No," she said hesitantly.
He pouted some more. "Not even for me?"
She sighed, her little shoulders slumping in defeat. "Ok, Papa Charlie, just a little bite."
He grinned in victory. "Your gonna love it!"
She looked at the fish skeptically, not quite sure that he was right.
*******
The sun was beginning to sink lower in the sky as Bella packed Katie into the car for the return trip to Seattle. It had been a really wonderful day. The funeral seemed like it was a lifetime ago rather than a day. Bella hoped that the feeling of love would carry her and Katie through the next few months. It wasn't much for Bella to cling to, but it was all she had and she was determined to make the most of it.
It was late by the time they arrived back at Angela's apartment. Bella carried Katie to her room one last time, by this time tomorrow they'd be in Chicago. Bella brushed a kiss against Katie's forehead and quietly backed out of the room. She had a lot of work ahead of her. She'd been able to go through some of Angela's things this week, trying to determine what to bring home, but she hadn't finished. It would be a late night.
The clang of the cab's trunk reverberated through the air as Edward slammed it shut. He gathered his bags and made his way into the airport. Even though he'd been with hundreds of doctors and a handful of colleagues, he'd never felt more lonely. Maybe it was because he didn't have any close friends with him. Maybe it was because his family was thousands of miles away. Whatever it was, he'd never been happier to be heading home.
He stepped through a set of automatic doors and looked around for his airline. He dodged a few rushing patrons as he made his way through the heavy, late afternoon foot traffic. As he approached the ticket line he froze. There she was, standing one person in front of him. He couldn't see her face, but he knew it was her. His heart beat faster in his chest at the sight. It was fate, it had to be. He would do it this time, he would talk to her. She turned slightly giving him a better view. There perched on her hip, was a little girl.
Edward was confused. She didn't fly to Seattle with a child, where had she come from? As he watched the woman, the little girl in her arms turned his way. She was absolutely adorable with ice blue eyes, curly light brown hair, pink lips and a button nose. She had the face of a cherub. His brow furrowed in confusion. She didn't look anything like the chocolate eyed beauty. He should know, she'd come to his dreams often enough that he'd memorized her face.
The little girl looked directly at him and he panicked, feeling like a voyeur. She watched him for a moment, her ice blue eyes cutting into him, before smiling softly. Edward found himself smiling in return. He raised his hand in a little wave. She regarded him for a moment longer before shyly returning his wave. Edward's smile widened. So did his new little friend's. Edward's eyes suddenly crossed and he stuck out his tongue, the face eliciting a giggle. The chocolate eyed beauty turned her head look at the girl. Edward saw her smile softly before she whispered something. The little girl giggled again before looking at the woman and whispering in return. The woman leaned in to place a sweet kiss upon her brow. Edward was touched by the gentle gesture.
The clerk called for the next in line and the beauty stepped forward, slowly lowering the little girl to the ground. Edward followed her descent and noticed for the first time the suit cases surrounding them. Three large suit cases? Strange. He thought. She'd only been here a week. Surely she didn't require that many suit cases for a week long visit. But then again, he didn't really know anything about her. The thought made his heartache. The beauty grabbed the little girl's hand and they moved away from the counter. Edward's eyes followed their progress to security.
"Next," an impatient voice called. Edward looked up to see an irritated woman looking at him. He grabbed his bag and stepped forward.
*******
"When will it come?" Katie asked. This was her first time on a plane and she had been peppering Bella with questions all day.
"Soon. We have to wait a little longer." Katie sighed and pouted. Bella chuckled at her dramatics. "Pouting won't make the plane come any faster." She handed Katie a little Magna Doodle. "Can you draw a plane?" she asked, attempting to distract her.
Katie grabbed the toy and got to work.
Edward walked through the terminal toward his gate. As he approached the waiting area he looked around, a large smile spreading across his face. They were on his flight. Edward took a seat a few rows away, close enough to see them but far enough way to convince himself he wasn't a stalker. He sat facing the beauty and looked at her for the first time in a week.
She seemed paler or maybe the dark circles under her eyes just made her appear that way. God she hasn't slept all week, he thought. She didn't look any happier then when he first saw her, the sadness still marred her eyes. She looked down at the little girl and smiled softly. Edward wasn't normally a busy body, another person's business was just that, their business; but he wanted to know all about her. No, needed to know.
Who is the little girl? He wondered. Where did she come from? Why are they going to Chicago? He groaned, God Edward, obsessed much? Then a sudden realization hit him, nearly taking his breath. She has a kid! I can't talk to her when she's with a kid. That would be… so wrong. He sat in his despair and watched them for a while longer. So much for fate; she seemed to be a tricky bitch, waving your desires under your nose only to snatch them away. Edward watched as the beauty suddenly stood up, then gathered the little girl and their belongings and headed toward the plane.
"Oh! That's us!" Bella announced as she listened to an announcement over the PA system. Katie jumped from her seat and bounced in place.
"We get to go on the plane now?!" she cried.
Bella laughed at her exuberance. "Yep! Put your stuff back so we can go."
Bella gathered Katie and their belongings then headed toward the flight attendant. Edward watched as the little girl bounced happily along. A smile formed on his face, effectively breaking him from his self-induced depression.
Bella settled Katie into the window seat and stowed their bags in the overhead bin before joining her.
"How high will we go?"
"High enough to be above some of the clouds," Bella answered patiently.
Katie's jaw dropped. "Whoa. The stars too?"
Bella laughed lightly. "No baby, not that high. You need a spaceship to be above the stars." Katie nodded seriously as she thought about it before continuing with her line of questioning.
Bella watched the other passengers board as she listened to Katie's excited chattering, answering the occasional question when she paused long enough. She looked down the aisle and could have sworn that her heart stopped beating before it attempted to gallop out of her chest.
"Jesus…" she breathed. Coming towards her was, by far, the most gorgeous man she had ever seen. He was looking down at his feet watching his step, so she took a guilt free moment to study him. He was classically handsome, beautiful even, tall, with fantastic hair. Is it bronze? And he moved with a grace Bella could only dream about. He suddenly raised his head and looked right into her eyes. His emerald gaze seared through her, Bella's breath caught in her throat. His steps faltered and his eyes widened slightly. In shock? She couldn't be sure. Then the corners his lips started to lift as the most dazzling crooked grin overtook his face. Bella could feel her cheeks turning pink as she smiled in return.
Katie looked up as he continued his trek to his seat. Her face broke into a brilliant smile and she waved at him. He caught Katie's eyes, his smile widening as he sent her a little wink. Katie giggled as the man past Bella's elbow, stopping in the row directly behind them.
"Bewie! That's the pretty boy I told you bout! Remember? The one who made a silly face?" Katie said in a voice that was just a little too loud. Bella felt her face flame beet red, all the way to the roots of her hair, as she heard a lilting laugh float through the air from the seat behind her.
"Remember?" Katie asked, her voice squeaking with intensity.
Bella stared at Katie, Oh God, oh God. "Yea I remember," she mumbled.
"Well? Isn't he?"
Bella blinked. Oh my God, shut up! Shut up!! She cleared her throat before whispering "Isn't he what," hoping she would take the hint and lower her voice. She didn't.
"Isn't he pretty?" she huffed in exasperation while rolling her eyes, giving Bella the international sign for "duh".
Another strangled laugh escaped his lips. While he listened in amusement, Bella died a little inside. "Um yea," she whispered quickly. "Hey! Here's your Magna Doodle. Draw me a picture," she said desperately trying to distract the little girl. Katie looked at her for a moment before taking the toy.
Bella sighed and leaned back in her seat praying that he hadn't heard any of that, but knowing he had.
Edward's shoulders shook in silent laughter. Maybe he was wrong, maybe the way to the beauty was through the little girl after all.
*******
Edward was woken from this light sleep by quiet whimpers coming from the row in front of him. The man in the seat next too him grumbled under his breath about children and airplanes while he shook out his news paper. It was dark outside, and Edward guessed they were just a few hours from Chicago now.
The whimpers gained in intensity. Edward watched as the beauty stood and leaned over the little girl, gathering her in her arms and sitting in the window seat. He couldn't see what they were doing, but he could hear them.
"Shhhh," the beauty cooed in a musical voice. "It's ok baby. You're ok." He imagined her stroking the girl's hair as the quite whimpers turned into quiet sobs. The beauty continued to reassure the little girl. The scene was so touching to hear, Edward felt like he was intruding on the moment. Slowly the girl quieted.
"Are you ok baby?" the beauty asked.
"I miss Mommy," a quiet voice responded.
It was silent for a few moments. "I know baby, I do to." She said. Her voice laced with sorrow and cracking at the end. "Remember what we talked about?" she continued.
"Yes," came the child's voice.
"Where is Mommy?" the woman asked. Edward didn't hear the response but she must have given one because the beauty answered her. "That's right. Mommy is right here. And she'll always be with us. Everywhere we go." It was quiet again, neither of them saying anything. A quiet tune began to fill the air as she hummed to the little girl. Edward could see her rocking the girl back and forth, trying to lull her to sleep.
A feeling of dread settled over Edward as the conversation replayed in his head. She's lost her mother. As soon as he thought it, he knew it was true. It explained the sadness, it explained the little girl. She must be bringing the little girl back home to Chicago. It also confirmed his earlier thoughts, he would leave them alone. They clearly had a lot to deal with right now; he couldn't force an unreciprocated attraction on this woman. He sighed sadly and closed his eyes, hoping the flight was almost over.
*******
Edward stood from his seat, grabbing his bag from the overhead bin. He looked down at the beauty; she was trying to rouse the sleeping girl. She glanced over her shoulder and their eyes met one more time. He smiled a small sad smile which she returned, before he turned and left the plane.
After collecting his luggage, Edward found his way outside to wait for a cab. It seemed as though everyone was leaving at this time of night as cabs were hard to come by. He waited, rather impatiently, for a few more minutes before one pulled up to the curb. As he was opening the door he heard a small whimper come from behind him. He turned to see the beauty with a cartful of luggage and an armful of sleeping child, waiting patiently for a cab. He cleared his throat and spoke.
"Excuse me miss?" A velvet voice called to Bella. She looked up to see the handsome stranger standing beside a cab. He smiled pleasantly at her. "Are you waiting for a cab?" Bella smiled and nodded, unable to form words at the moment. "Please take mine." He pulled the door open all the way and stepped to the side.
Bella shook her head, surprised by the offer. "Oh no, I couldn't. I'm sure another will be along soon."
He smiled. "Please, I insist." Bella hesitated a moment longer before nodding.
"Thank you. I really appreciate it." She stepped toward the open cab and placed a sleeping Katie in the back seat. She stood up again and reached for the door, accidentally placing her hand atop his. Both froze as a sudden warmth formed where their skin connected the raced up their arms, spreading through their bodies. Their reactions were instantaneous, a beautiful blush formed on her cheeks and an awed smiled formed on his lips. Their eyes connected again. The moment was broken when the cabbie slammed the trunk after placing her luggage inside.
Bella shook her head in an attempt to clear it. "Thanks again, I really appreciate it."
The handsome stranger smiled, closing the door. "It was my pleasure." Bella made her way to the other side of the cab and opened the back door, pausing briefly to nod a goodbye before slipping inside. Bella looked back as the cab pulled away from the curb. The handsome stranger stood riveted to the spot. One hand was in his pocket, the other pulling through his hair, a look of unmistakable longing on his face. The hand in his hair slowly rose as he offered a bashful wave. Bella waved in return, kicking herself for not asking his name. She sighed while turning to face Katie again, Oh well. She thought. Now's not the time to delude myself with visions of sexy men anyway.
The cab pulled up to the front of her house twenty minutes later. Bella gathered Katie in her arms and unlocked the front door as the cabbie placed her luggage on the sidewalk. She paid him and he was on his way. Bella stood at the bottom of the steps leading to her front door, terrified to take a step further. This is it. I go through those doors and everything will be different. Nothing will ever be the same. Tears welled in her eyes and she pulled Katie closer to her chest. She stood outside grieving for a few more minutes before gathering her courage. That's it, no more tears. She nodded to herself resolutely before she marched up the stairs, through her front door and onto her new life.
