A/N: Thank you to purplec305 for pre-reading and Midnight Cougar for beta-ing. xx
Disclaimer: Twilight and its inclusive material is copyright to Stephenie Meyer. Original creation, including but not limited to plot and characters, is copyright to the author. No copyright infringement is intended.
-OTG-
(EPOV)
December 29th
"Thanks for calling, Mom. That's good news. I'll tell Bella." I glance her way and watch her tap her fingers to the beat with the song playing softly on the radio.
I end the call and slide my phone back in my pocket while Bella drives us back home.
"What's the good news?" she asks.
"Mom said the hospital called and Beth, the kids' mother, is improving. They think she will make it."
"How wonderful! Those kids need her."
"I agree. She doesn't have great taste in men. Mom said the boyfriend is out on bail."
"Well, let's hope he stays away, and she doesn't invite him back into their lives."
I nod. "Mom says the kids will stay with them until Beth can care for them on her own, which could be awhile. Months, I guess."
"They will get attached to your parents."
"At least they have my parents. How far away are we?" I look around not seeing anything familiar yet.
"Not too far, probably another twenty minutes from home."
I grin. "I love that word."
Bella's answering smile tells me she understands. "Did you invite Jasper and Alice for New Year's Eve?"
"I did, but Jasper said they already made other plans. They are going on a trip or something. Mom and Dad don't want to travel with the kids. So, it's just Emmett and Rosalie who can make it, and they're staying with Gran."
"Don't worry; it will be a full house. There will be plenty of mischief and mayhem, if that's what you're after."
"Anyone I don't know?" I worry about expanding my circle too wide. I've been lucky since only those close to me know where I'm living.
"I don't think so. All the usual suspects: Jacob, probably Tanya, Sam, Emily, Leah, Seth, Dad, Sue, and Gran. I don't know if Leah or Seth is bringing anyone, but I doubt it."
We ride along in the peace of the snowy landscape until we turn off the main roads then drive deeper into the woods. They look different without all the leaves, but there's still plenty of snow in their place. The driveway to the farm is hidden, so I always have trouble locating it, but Bella's Jeep seems to know the way automatically.
I'm surprised when we climb the hill and meet a dark sedan pulling away from the front of the main house, as Bella's phone vibrates with an incoming text.
Bella points at her phone. "Can you see who's texting me?"
"It's from Gran. It only says 'Cat 5.' Is it something about Ginger?"
"Oh, boy." Bella abruptly turns the Jeep around and drives toward her cottage. "I don't think we're ready for that."
"Ready for what?"
"My mother. She's here."
"What does 'Cat 5' mean?"
"It's Gran's code for Hurricane Renee. Mom normally moves between Florida and New York like most hurricanes, but usually hovers around the Caribbean working on her tan until she makes landfall by visiting Michigan. Let's hope she doesn't leave her normal path of destruction."
No one can be that bad. "I can't imagine Gran not getting along with her. She gets along with everyone."
"Well, even Gran has her limits, and I'm positive she's been biting her tongue for however long Mom has been here. I would guess less than an hour. Maybe minutes." Bella pulls up next to the cottage and puts the Jeep in park.
"Should you call your dad?" I wonder.
"If he's gotten wind of her being here, which Gran can't hold back, then he's probably made himself unavailable due to 'official business.'"
"Charlie fears her?"
"I don't know if fear is the right word, but she's quite the overbearing force. You'll see—unless you don't want to meet her. Then I can just go up there and get Blue, but Gran can probably use a friend in arms at this point if she's texting me."
"Oh, I'll go, but let's hold off telling her who I really am. I'll be Edward the farmhand who you're dating."
"She will not like that. Remember, she's Team James."
"Aw, come on, Bella, let's have fun. We both know she would be Team Edward if she knew my identity."
Bella shakes her head. "You're asking for it. Let's unload your boxes, then we'll go save Gran."
I don't have very many things, but when Mom and Dad suggested taking the stuff they boxed up from my childhood bedroom years ago, I jumped at the chance to move them to Michigan and into Bella's cottage. It isn't much stuff, but I'm ready to mix and mingle our things together.
I grunt with the weight of the first one Bella hands me. "I can't lie. I'm a little excited to see your mother's response. It will be as if I'm undercover. You don't think she will recognize me, do you?"
Bella follows me to the front door with two smaller boxes. "Probably not. Your beard has filled in and it makes you look different. But she's not into movies and rarely travels to the West Coast. It isn't exotic enough for her. Mom's hobbies include money, shopping, and vacationing. Plus, she's a picky eater, which drives Gran crazy, and I'll give her ten minutes before she starts in on my weight."
"There's nothing wrong with your weight," I tell her sincerely, and head back for the rest of my stuff.
"Not in her world. According to her, I'm fat, while she's stick-thin and always ready to point out everything I should and shouldn't be eating or how she can help me upgrade my wardrobe. I like my jeans and flannel. They're practical, and even if they weren't, I would still wear them." Bella grabs the last two boxes while I carry our bags from the trip.
"I doubt she's that bad, Bella. If she has any good traits, I'm sure those were passed onto you."
"Don't hold your breath. Trust me. Our mothers have nothing in common. Esme is a kind soul who's ready to be a grandmother. Renee is brash and would prefer that no one knows she has a twenty-three-year-old daughter. She would rather be the best friend than the mother." Bella stacks everything inside the front door of the cottage. "Well, that's your last box. We can unpack your things later tonight."
I pause, still standing out on the porch. "I feel like I should carry you over the threshold or something."
"You're getting way ahead of yourself, Romeo. You may change your mind about me soon. The hurricane awaits." She steps back out onto the porch, but I stop her before she can get to the Jeep.
"Bella, this is a big step us moving in together. If you're having second thoughts, I can make other arrangements."
She shakes her head. "I'm okay. Are you okay with everything? You're putting down roots, which must be a little strange, as you've been basically a nomad for years moving from location to location."
"I don't want to come on too strong, but I'm ready and excited to call this place home." I grin, taking a shot in the dark. "Maybe we should relieve some tension and celebrate before we go up to Gran's?" I try to persuade her to delay our arrival. "Or how about a couple shots of whiskey? It may help make this meeting go a little easier."
"Sorry, you and your whiskey kisses will have to wait until later. Let's get this over with now."
"You're the boss."
"And don't you forget it," she teases.
I follow Bella back to the Jeep, and we travel the short distance to the main house. When we enter the backdoor, I can hear a new voice, which should be Bella's mom.
"This fruit is fine, Clara. I'm just saying it's hard for you to get anything fresh in the middle of winter here."
We emerge from the hallway after toeing off our boots and hanging up our winter coats. I notice a colorful bowl of fresh fruit sitting in front of Bella's mom who is pushing the pieces around with a fork.
Gran is the first to spot us, and her concerned face is replaced immediately with one happy at our arrival. "Hey! How was the trip?"
"It was good." Bella moves toward her mother, but they don't embrace, which is a little odd. "Hey, Mom. What a surprise. I didn't know you were planning to visit."
Renee seems like a fake-kisses kind of woman, by the look of her teased, blonde hair and heavily made-up face. I've seen stage makeup that isn't as thick. Bella's right about her size; she's skin and bones, which make the bones of her face seem harsher than they should. Her scent is overpowering, but familiar. I can't quite place it, but she would do well to use probably half the amount she's using. Her largest asset is the set of what I guess are D cup implants bolted onto her chest. She looks as though she may tip over if she's not steady on her spike-heeled boots. Her designer shirt and jeans are skin-tight, leaving little to the imagination, while gold and diamond jewelry drip from her fingers, ears, and neck. If Renee were to be described as anything, it would be over the top. There's nothing subtle about her. She's the complete opposite of her daughter and our current surroundings.
"It was last minute, but I had the jet detour to your little airport nearby after I was in New York. I figured, why not? I haven't seen my daughter in a while and thought you would be here."
"Oh, well we were, but then we went to visit Edward's parents." Bella turns and winks. "Mom, this is Edward, my boyfriend. Edward, my mother, Renee Dwyer."
"Nice to meet you, Mrs. Dwyer." I hold out my hand for her to shake, but she pales at the thought of touching my hand. Maybe she has an aversion to touch.
"Your boyfriend? Dear Lord, Isabella. He looks homeless." Her face doesn't move, but if it did, I would guess it would be the epitome of distress or maybe disgust.
I know I shouldn't toy with her, but it's too easy to confirm her guess. "I'm not homeless anymore. Bella has agreed to let me move in with her. We just got back from picking up my stuff."
She gives me a polite smile—her only moving facial parts other than the occasional blink. "What do you do, Edward?"
"I work here on the farm. I started this past October and Bella has agreed to keep me." I wink at Bella's smiling face.
"A farmhand, Isabella? You're now screwing the help? And in only what, three months? You're killing your reputation."
"Yes, Mother, I am." Bella pushes up on her toes, planting a kiss on my lips.
Gran lets out a loud snort and turns away from us, stirring something bubbling in a pot on the stovetop.
Renee lowers her voice. "Really, Isabella. If you would just lose weight and maybe brush your hair occasionally, you wouldn't have to stoop to such drastic measures. I can take you shopping while I'm here and we can stop by the bank and say 'hello' to James. I'm sure he wouldn't mind a visit."
Bella turns back, ignoring her mother's comments. "Was that ten minutes? Because I feel like it was much less."
I chuckle at her confirmed prediction. "Gran, what's cooking?"
"Bean with bacon soup and cornbread muffins. Would you and Bella like a bowl?"
"Absolutely, it smells wonderful in here. We're starving after the long ride."
Bella nods and grabs the soup bowls, while I move to take a seat at the island and notice Renee not so subtly move away.
Bella sits next to me, as Gran sets piping hot bowls of soup in front of us.
"How was the Windy City?" Gran asks.
"Cold, but we enjoyed the visit with Edward's parents. I met his sister too." Bella stirs her soup.
"What do your parents do, Edward?" Renee questions, then takes a bite of a strawberry.
"They are foster parents. My mom takes care of little ones in crisis who need a home. My dad is a social worker and pastor of our local church."
"I bet their home is tiny," she remarks snidely.
"Renee!" Gran's shocked face matches Bella's expression.
"Oh, Clara, please. I wasn't the only one thinking it. I mean, how can you make a living off those jobs? There's no money in them." Renee rolls her eyes.
Bella speaks. "Edward's parents are helpers, who don't do it for the money. Happiness can be found in other ways, Mother, which isn't something you would understand. And there's nothing wrong with a small home. I love the cottage. It's cozy and perfect for people who aren't focused on things, but on people or pets."
"You have less to clean too," Gran points out.
Bella nods. "Wait. Where're Blue and Cooper? They normally greet me when I show up. Or Ginger?"
"The dogs are in my bedroom. Renee wasn't comfortable with them roaming the house. And I have no idea about Ginger, but she will show up when it gets closer to dinner."
Bella slides off her stool. "Roaming the house? That's ridiculous. They sleep most of the time. I'll go check on them."
"How long will you be staying, Mrs. Dwyer?" I ask, then blow on a spoonful of soup.
"I'm flying home tomorrow. So, you lucky people have me until then."
"Are you staying here?" I wonder.
"Yes; it isn't up to my normal accommodations, but it will do for such a short visit. Clara, did you get any of that juice I mentioned earlier?"
"I don't know if the store carries it or not. Charlie said he would check and let me know, but he's probably busy with work."
Or anything else in the world.
I busy myself with eating my soup, then slather plenty of creamy butter on half of the cornbread muffin, trying not to moan when it melts in my mouth.
"Well, I need my juice. I returned from a trip to Costa Rica. Meditating every day was so good for my mind and body. I'm only eating fruit and drinking juice now. I feel regenerated by the trip. Hopefully, he can find it. It's the least he can do."
"How's the soup, Edward?" Gran asks.
I pause with another spoonful almost at my mouth. "Delicious. My mother said to thank you for the cookies. Everyone enjoyed them while we were there."
"Good. I'm glad they liked them. I heard from Rosalie yesterday."
"All good, I hope."
"Yes, she and a friend will be here to stay while they are in town."
It's interesting Emmett is now being referred to as a "friend." I bet the trip to meet the parents went good.
"Sweet Jesus, Clara. Do you let everyone stay here when they need a place to stay? It's more popular than the homeless shelter. I hope you're charging them more during the holidays. How are you supposed to spend private time with family?"
Gran clears her throat. "When we have room, I turn no one away. Our guests are like close family, and I treat them accordingly. I've known Rosalie almost her entire life. I can't wait to visit with her."
I hear Bella shut Gran's bedroom door, then watch her make her way back in the kitchen.
She's upset. "I can take the dogs while Mom's here. They shouldn't be shut up in a bedroom all day."
Renee drops her fork, clanging it against the bowl. "Oh, Isabella, stop being so dramatic. Gran's bedroom is bigger than your cottage."
"What's wrong with you, Mother? Did you forget to take your nice pill this morning?"
"Isabella, if you were in here and not playing with those beasts, you would have heard about my detoxifying trip to Costa Rica. I'm not on any pills. Only juice and fruit." Renee informs her as if it would make a difference in this tense conversation.
"If I were you, I would request a refund, as I've never heard such toxic language in my life. Everything out of your mouth is an insult to everyone here including our pets. If this is such a horrible place for you to stay then perhaps you should find accommodations somewhere else."
"And where would I do that, Isabella? You live in the middle of nowhere. And if that's the customer service you're giving your guests, then you will be the reason this place goes bankrupt in no time."
"Believe it or not, people like our location. I know it will be impossible for you to understand, but some people enjoy the solace and peace of this area. You are not one of those people."
Our conversation comes to a halt when the back door swings open in a flourish banging against the wall. Heavy boots stomp down the hallway, then Charlie slams a container of Minute Maid orange juice on the counter. "Here's your damn juice. Now, stop texting me. I'm the Chief of Police and not your errand boy."
Renee's displeasure is apparent. "That isn't the brand I requested. Maybe Edward could—"
"He isn't your errand boy either." Charlie huffs. "Would you like a police escort to the airport? I doubt the engines have had time to cool yet."
Renee lifts her chin and tries her best to appear hurt by how this conversation has transpired, which has been mostly her doing. "I can see I'm no longer welcome here. I'll go gather my things and make the appropriate calls."
Her exit is the quietest thing about her. There's no "nice to meet you, Edward," no "thanks for the fruit, Clara," or no "good to see you, Bella." Just snooty silence prevails as she storms up the stairs like a child who has failed to get her way. Once she's in her room, we hear her slamming drawers then chatting on the phone. I feel a little bad for Bella as she warned me what a mess this would be. No one's mother should act this way.
Charlie is the first to speak and break the silence. "Shit. That means I have to take her to the airport. I knew she wouldn't drink whatever juice I bought. So, I brought what I figured everyone else would want."
For once, Gran doesn't correct his language. She comes over and kisses his cheek. "Thank you, Charlie."
"Dad, I can drive her. You're working," Bella volunteers, as she finishes her soup.
He smirks. "No. I have the cruiser. I'll make her ride in the back."
A/N: A surprise visitor! And now you have met Renee. (cringes) I can't imagine what Charlie ever saw in her. Maybe it was a one-night stand? Let me know what you think. Thanks for reading. xx