Tanya
You're quite adorable when you're jealous. It's surprisingly enjoyable.
Edward Cullen, Eclipse, Chapter 8, p.194
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Edward:
She was sitting in our tree house eating chocolate chip cookies, dipping each one into the frosted glass of milk as she went along. With eat bite of a cookie she pulled a silly face and a small giggle escaped from the little girl that sat across from her. She looked down and smiled at me standing amongst the flowers in the meadow a few steps away from the bottom of the tree; the beautiful little bronze haired girl followed her gaze and turned to look at me; her eyes lighting up like it was Christmas as she called out to me, "Daddy!" Bella smiled softly at our daughter and beckoned for me to join them in our tree house. I took the rung of the old wooden ladder in my hand and began to climb. As I did a faint buzzing began in the background distracting me from my destination; I paused briefly, looked around and then continued to climb the ladder; but the buzzing became louder with each step and a tune now joined it. Hurriedly I clambered up the ladder; I had almost reached the top, I could just see them sitting waiting patiently for me on the deck of the tree house; I grabbed for the last rung and it was then that the wooden beam in my hand morphed in to a small silver brick of plastic, which was now vibrating almost as much as an over-excited Alice. The meadow around us vanished; the little girl disappeared; and Bella faded away with the tree house like a puff of smoke slowly dispersing in the air. My phone had woken me from the most blissful dream.
I sighed and took the phone from the nightstand next to my bed, rolling on to my back and flipping the phone open in one movement. I was too lost in the state between dreams and reality to be prepared for the voice on the other end of the line. The enthusiasm that came from Alice was challenging at any time, let alone this early in the morning.
"Finally the good doctor answers, on what the fifth time I ring? I hear we have dinner plans at the great Cullen mansion on Saturday? I heard from Rose that Tanya is coming home to do like this whole meet the family thing. I can't wait to meet her. You know as a friend you suck; I mean you're a guy so I know that means you're not like going to tell us all every little last detail about her, but it sucks that the first time we all get to meet is at your parents' dinner party. I would've liked to know what kind of fashion she's in to before such a formal occasion…." Alice was not taking any prisoners; she had yet to take a full breath. "I mean do I wear something by my own label? Or would she think I'm to up myself if I do? Does Tanya like to shop? Who is her favourite everyday designer? Is she more a suit and pants kind of woman or dresses and skirts? What would she think if…"
"Whoa, Alice stop, take a breath, chill a little," I looked over at the small clock sitting on the nightstand, where my cell phone previously accompanied it and it confirmed my disbelief in the hour. "I mean it's 6.30 in the morning. I have yet to even shower, eat some toast, or better yet grab a cup of coffee, before I can respond to any of these vitally important questions. How in the law of normal are you ringing me, or even functioning at this hour and able enough to interrogate me?"
Her giggles were infectious and once I heard them I could not help the smile that broke out across my bed creased face. "Jasper had an early start. He's meeting with Bella later with her teacher friend to talk history, so he wanted to get a few hours in before leaving to join them. So that means I have no husband this evening and I wondered if my fancy man wanted to be my date at the movies with my friend and her monster of a husband, who also happens to be your brother. The girls and I were supposed to go, but Bella had work to do, so I thought we'd bring 2 guys along for some insight into "chick flicks" as you like to call them. So what you think? Be my "date" tonight?" Alice's voice did that really hard to say no to girl thing, even if I wanted to say no hearing her sweet pleading tone I couldn't. I rubbed my hand over my face trying to wake myself up a little more. "Sure Mrs Hale it would be my honour and esteemed pleasure to escort you to the cheesy movie of the year. What time shall I pick you up?" Her giggles continued at my over formal and sarcastic voice. "How about I pick you up from the hospital? You finish at 5 today right?"
After finally backing down from being a gentleman and agreeing to collect my date from her door I arranged to meet Alice at the hospital, I laid in the bed 5 minutes longer and ran it through in my head; If I take my change of clothes with me and left right after breakfast I could bag a ride with dad, no need to drive then. Perfect. I sluggishly pulled myself from the bed and into the bathroom closing the door behind me.
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"You must be excited to have your love home tomorrow. What time are you collecting the lovely Miss Volturi from the airport?" My father and I had yet to really find the time to discuss what was going on in my life outside of our work in the hospital. He looked interested as he drove us to the hospital staff parking plot. "Tanya arrives at 4:30; I'm going to bring her back to the house before we have to attend the big game." My plans of attending the football game seemed to peak his interest further as I noticed his eye brows lift higher.
"You're taking Tanya along to the game? Well she really must have inherited a lot of her father's confidence. You don't see it like feeding the poor girl to the lions?" His voice tried to sound light but I knew he was trying to hide his shock at my decision to meet up and introduce Tanya to everyone. In hindsight I guess it was a little like that, but Tanya was strong and there had been plenty of occasions were I have seen her hold her own.
"Everyone will love her. We're going to be picking Bella up on the way and then meet the others. Emmett will be busy with the team so he'll meet her after. So really its not like throwing her in to a pit and leaving her face them all at once." Or so I'm hoping.
My shift went by so fast and I was being a little too cocky in thinking I could make it out of here early enough to shower, change and buy my "date" an over priced bunch of flowers from the hospital gift shop. My plans were put in to disarray when I had a very upset little boy with a broken arm and a very distressed mother in my care 30 minutes before the end of my shift.
"Umm Doctor Cullen there is just one more lady to see. She's in room 2." I turned to the quietly spoken nurse with sandy hair who looked just about old enough to ride a push bike. She looked scared of my reaction seeing as it was already 10 minutes after my finish time. I was just about to tell her to find someone else but the look on her terrified face makes me give in. It was best not to have the nurses scared or mad at you; the first thing you learn as a junior resident is the nurse can save a doctors caffeine starved body or they can sail you up the river with out a paddle. "Sure, But this is my last appointment for the day, I have plans this evening that I must uphold." Turning towards the exam room door I put on my best smile "After all no one likes missing the trailers or forgetting their popcorn."
Opening the door whilst reading over the chart notes that the young nurse had given me I slowly absorbed the information, "Good day to you Mrs…." Looking up from the paper I was still confused as the name before me registered. What was Alice doing sitting there in my exam room and in my chair?
"Hey there doc. Listen I know we have a big date, and this is really not proper dating conduct but I need you to confirm a little something for me." I watched as my tiny friend patted her tummy and just glowed in front of me. "Alice...what are you....your asking your date for a pregnancy test? Because I have to tell you, that's really not the best way to start a date. Us guys normally like to wait until at least the 3rd date before we become fathers." I took the few steps over to her and wrapped her up into my arms in a hug to rival even one of Emmett's bear hugs. "Have you done a home test? How long are you overdue? Does Jasper know you're here?" The doctor in me was warring with the overjoyed friend. "Whoa there Uncle Edward, how about you put your doctor head back on and we'll answer those questions ok?" Alice had never seemed calmer or more "sparkly".
Twenty minutes later I had the very great pleasure in telling my oldest friend she was going to be a very yummy mummy, and that it was best to tell my dear friend Jasper their news while he sat down because I had the funny feeling this little piece of news may just shock the relax out of him.
"Oh Edward this is so amazing. I am going to have a little boy who is going to have the best family around him. You and Bella are going to have to be his god parents; I just know Jasper will agree that the 2 of you will make for the best guides in his life." Alice was buzzing in her seat as I drove her car to the movie theatre. "Alice your only twelve weeks, we don't know that it's a boy. I'd put you down for having a girl first." Her snort made me look over at her as I parked the car. "Oh please. When will you realise I'm always right? You people never learn, I just "know" these things."
We met Emmett and Rose at the confection stand in the lobby, Emmett's arms were already full with his snacks; there was enough candy there to give a dentist nightmares for weeks. "He's just worried about the game tomorrow." Rosalie rolled her eyes as she answered my look and head nod towards the excessive jelly beans he was popping like cherries.
We took our seats and waited for the film to begin. I sat at the end of the row next to Emmett; I figured it was an easy restroom exit seat, you know just in case the film was too painful and girly to sit through. I could make a break for it every now and then to wake my mind up from the most likely mind numbingly boring chick flick I was being subjected too.
"Can't believe I have to sit through this movie again. Dude we only saw it last night." Emmett whispered under his breath to me sounding a little fed up. "Oh and, likely story that Jasper has a "dinner" meeting with Bell's." He also sounded a bit annoyed at having to sit through the girl's favourite movie whilst Jasper didn't. His answer to ease the pain was to stuff even more candy into his mouth. "That jammy prick just wanted to get off having to watch it again. Because let's be honest here bro, he's already married therefore his sex life is as nonexistent as Santa Claus...Once a year right buddy..." Emmett chuckled and elbowed me as best he could with his arms full of candy, "...if he's lucky." Another snort escaped the back of his throat. "Now boyfriends on the other hand have to endure this; boyfriends have to play nice; boyfriends have to sit here watching this gooey mush; boyfriends have no choice, otherwise I might as well marry Rosie." I rolled my eyes at my brother's idiotic belief in marriage and tried to pinch a few jelly beans while keeping my fingers from being broken by the walking talking and almighty "thinking penis". "The only good bit is the fight scene." He continued as his words faded and the munching took over.
From where I sat I could hear the girls chatting but paid little notice until I heard Alice mention Bella. "She is just in that classic Bella mode. You remember how she got when he left, avoided games night and any time we planned together as a group." Rose was sipping her drink and I could see her blonde curl covered head bob in agreement. "Still can't believe she's missing tonight, she should be here. If only to put her game face on and get over that whole announcement last week. We just need her to join us all again. Let her see that things can be different, but in the right way." Alice was now the one nodding her head as Rosalie put in her view of Bella. "Just wish she would stop running away, you'd think after 25 years the girl would be tired..." I couldn't hear the rest of their hushed conversation as Emmett began un-wrapping another box of candy and the music from the first trailer started.
For the next few hours while 2 pretty Hollywood actors fell in love so easily and obviously, I thought about Bella.
For 25 years they said she had been running. 25 years? Was she running from me? They were used to her recent behaviour even going as far as to call it a "classic Bella mode". What am I missing? What am I not seeing?
"Well that sucked ass. Again." Emmett's booming voice brought me out of my thoughts and back to the screen where the house lights were slowly brightening up the seats, and the movie credits were closing. "You'd think I would be able to tune it out by now, I've seen it enough to sleep right through it and still know what happened. It's just so...I mean come on, please, the dude is such a stalker. If it were real life she'd be telling her dad the police chief that some creepy pale guy was watching her all the time and not telling said pale guy 'I dream about being with you forever'. Pfff totally lame, right Eddie." Emmett looked over at me for agreement, of which came none.
"Only because you don't have a romantic bone in that sugar filled body of yours. Did you see the way he never let her go? The way he spun her around while they danced under the stars." Rosalie was in full "ahhh" mode as her and Alice revisited every line or main scene to each other and gushed over how perfect every detail was recreated from the book. I kind of agreed with Rose about the way he never let her go; I admired that in him; that he knew she was the one from the very first time he saw her. We said our goodbyes and left a sugar rushed Emmett to take home a very idealistic and loved up Rosalie.
The parking lot was emptying out as we walked through to Alice's car. Opening her door I offered to drive as she was beginning to look a little tired. Alice was peaceful on the drive home to my parents. I stole little side glances as she sat pensively looking out the window and rubbing her tummy lovingly every now and then. She seemed as contemplative as I was. "Alice what was Bella like when I left, to undertake my residency?" As if she was expecting the question she sat up and took a rather long breath.
"Honestly? It was a lot like how she is behaving now." She replied her eyebrows raising as she spoke the first sentence. "The whole avoiding everyone, and the sharp text messages. But you only get those when you push her enough to gain a response." Letting out her breath in a long sigh Alice seemed tired and thoughtful of her words. "I don't think my kidnapping her will help snap her out of it this time." Well that piece of information was new to me.
"You kidnapped her?" Alice gave a small giggle and nodded, "Sure did, I tricked her in to my car outside of the school and whisked her off to do lots of girl things. Well you know Bella the threat of Barbie time if she did not come back to us as a fully functioning Bella soon had our girl turning up for chilli and games." I joined Alice in her smile as I pictured a grumpy Bella putting up with Alice in full nail polish and hair braiding mode.
Pulling up in my parents drive way I turned off the engine and unclipped the seat belt. Just as I was about to open the door Alice put her warm hand on my arm making me face her. "Edward, I'm worried for her. This is not like last time. You have come home, but you never came back to her." We both sat there in silence, Alice's statement hung heavy in the air between us. She was right. I realised that now. No matter how much I wanted nothing to change I realised that it inevitably would. There was no other option. Change was a part of life. A heavy sigh left my chest and Alice seemed to notice the defeat building in me.
"Edward I can't wait to meet Tanya tomorrow. I'm sure she is just lovely and I promise not to over whelm her with my "pixie, plus 1" excitement." Her smile grew wider as she added the "plus 1" to her statement. "Thank you Alice. We will see you and the plus 1 tomorrow night at the game." I opened my door and walked around to escort Alice to the driver's side. "You just drive careful now mummy." I hugged her softly, kissing her spiky hair, and then opened the door for her. She lowered in to the driver's seat buckling herself up in one swift movement. I closed the door behind her and watched as Alice backed out of the drive; I stood there waving until I could no longer see the red tail lights.
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The flashing over head screen informed me that Tanya's flight had already landed and she would soon be through to arrivals. While I waited I looked around me and watched as children ran into their grandparent's arms, new friends greeted each other in handshakes, old friends in hugs, and I smiled as I watched young lovers rush towards each other after abounding their luggage in to passionate embraces. I tried to force down the wave of nausea as I watched a girl with chocolate brown hair wrap her legs around her lover's waist as he held her in his arms, it was like they were alone with out the world watching. So easy and so right.
"Edward!" Looking past the young lovers I saw her. Her strawberry blonde hair was as polished and sleek as always, her suit fitted her lean frame and she looked like she was ready for her day meetings with the hospital board rather then a weekend in a small town. Tanya's bag was huge and she had given up pulling it along as I moved forward to greet her.
"Hey look at you big city chick in the country." I smiled and wrapped her up into a hug. It was not until that moment that I realised just how much I missed having her with me.
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"So what big plans do we have in this town? I wasn't sure what the dress code was so I kind of packed for everything from a garden party to a formal dinner at the best bistro in town." She started to laugh and my whole car filled with the wonderful noise. "Irena said I packed way too much and that your parents are going to think I'm some spoilt fashion freak." I too started laughing and we soon fell into our easy banter about how perfectly she was going to fit in with my friends. Alice was going to love her; that much even I "just knew" in a borrowed freaky Alice sense.
We drove to my parents house and despite seeing the many pictures of my child hood home Tanya still seemed shocked at the size and over whelming presence the white house gave. "It's so big. Oh Edward you really were a lucky boy having such a beautiful home to explore and grown up in." I placed Tanya's bag in the hall way and no sooner the wheels hit the dark oak floor did my mother appear beaming standing next to my father.
"Mr and Mrs Cullen. How lovely to see you again. I was just saying to Edward you have the most magnificent home." Tanya approached my parents so formal; it was a lot like how she greets the hospital benefactor's. "Tanya I already explained its Esme and Carlisle, he may look old but then again he is a few years older then me." My mother chuckled as she hugged Tanya in a warm mothers embrace and pocked fun at my father. "Not older dear, it's wiser." He retorted as he lightly kissed Tanya cheek and offered her a drink. "Edward you take up Tanya's bag while you're father and I spoil our new daughter with milk and cookies." My mother was beaming as she wrapped her arm around Tanya's shoulder and pulled her into the kitchen.
With a faint smile and roll of my eyes I dragged the bag up the stairs towards our room. I could hear the soft giggles and chuckles coming from the kitchen and I was in no concern of their conversation. Knowing my mother she would be most keen in getting to hear all the wedding plans that Tanya had put together already, and I was sure my father would be interested to know how Aro was and how she found her way into the Hospital board.
My phone buzzed silently in my pocket and I noticed I had a new message from Bella. The smile on my face should have hurt with how wide it pulled at my lips.
OMG your brother is driving me insane! He's sugar crazed after spending the whole day eating jelly beans. Make sure you bring something sweet to help wean him off later. You still good for 6? B x
A small chuckle left me as I pictured a staff room full of calm and efficient teaching staff all watching the wired and rather pumped up bear pop jelly sweets while muttering on about the importance of a strong defence.
Sure thing. 6. See you then. E x
I typed my reply and hit send snapping my phone shut after.
"That's a rather stunning smile." I looked up and Tanya continued to speak as she stood in the doorway. "Wow this is your room." I nodded as she walked slowly into the center of the room pretending to be in an almost awe like state. "How many girls have you brought up here and had your wicked way with I wonder?" Tanya wiggled her eyebrows at me and we both started to laugh as she walked around my teenage room. She stopped in front of the large pin board which still hung over my desk covered in many years of memories certificates for silly school races or candy wrappers of my favourite childhood treats.
"She looks so pretty in all her photographs." Tanya gently ran her finger over a picture of Bella sitting in our tree house. It was taken many years ago during one of our super hero sleep over's. Bella's hair was in pig tails and her smile was so big you couldn't help but notice the missing teeth. "I really can't wait to meet Bella, you know see if the flesh Bella lives up to the picture Bella."
"You won't have to wait long, you remember me telling you about Emmett's boys making the finals?" Tanya nodded and smirked as she no doubt also remembered me telling her how everyone would be stocking up on the sweet stuff to help calm the bear down should they win or lose. "Well its tonight. We are going to be meeting the guys there later, but I did arrange to pick Bella up on the way. You ok with that?"
Tanya lost the smirk and a sad but knowing smile found its way to her face. "Of course it's fine with me. I would say go alone and make it a night for just you two and I will crash here and chat with Irena, but some thing tells me your mother is only minutes away from pulling out those naked baby photos and gushing about flowers or cakes. So I beg you, take me with you!" Her laughter and begging made me laugh harder and after promising to save her from the family photo album I left Tanya to change for the game while I went down stairs.
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"Oh darling she is just wonderful. Such a pretty young lady and so well spoken. I was only telling your father she is going to the picture perfect bride." My mother began her appraisal almost instantly and before I could grab a cookie.
"Mother please take a breath. Tanya is charming and I just knew you would adore her." I smiled and grabbed a handful of chocolate chip cookies whilst looking at my father with our code face for help with mother. "Esme, my dear wife. The beautiful Tanya is here for a few days; let's not over whelm the dear girl." My father chuckled as my mother put out her lip and grumpily folded her arms.
"Edward do we have time if I quickly call Irena?" Tanya had returned to the kitchen wearing jeans a black fitted sweater and her knee high heeled black boots. This was her dress down appearance and already I felt sorry for those dads and teenage football players. Tanya's tight jeans left no man or even woman with a fighting chance. "Sure you call her and I'll send Bella a text to tell her that we are on our way." Tanya smiled and pulled her blackberry out of her bag while walking out into the back garden to make her private call.
"You're taking Tanya to meet Bella now?" My mother did nothing to hide her shock from me. "Yes I forgot I was collecting Tanya from the airport and I had already accepted Bella invitation to escort her to the game. It's going to be fine, Tanya is really looking forward to meeting Bella and you know how easy going Bella is. Shy? Yes. But she's the warmest and gentle person I know." My mother just looked from me to the happy and chatty Tanya who was throwing her head back in laughter as she spoke to her friend. I pulled my phone from my pocket and began to type.
We're on our way. E x
I hit send, flipped my phone closed and popped it back into my pocket.
"Irena says hello and I am to tell you good luck with teaching me the rules of football after her many years of explanation have been lost on me." Tanya giggled as she put away her phone and zipped up her bag. "We good to go?" She looked to me and indicated to her outfit, obviously needing my assurance. "You look lovely, Bella will be ready for us by now so grab a jacket and we can go." I smiled and held open the kitchen door as we both said good night to my parents before making our way out to my waiting Volvo.
The drive to Bella's home took no time at all. She had bought the cute semi a close drive to my parent's home after her first year teaching. It was like the woman who owned it, modest and charming with hidden beauty. Pulling the Volvo up outside her drive way I never had time to cut the engine and exit the car to meet her; Bella was already locking her navy blue front door and even though she had her back to me I knew she was even more beautiful then the last time I saw her. Bella's hair was loose, falling in soft waves past her shoulder, her jeans were a nice blue and they looked a perfect fit to her soft frame. I made it to the end of her path before she turned around throwing her house keys into her messenger bag and I smiled when I saw the navy and yellow school t-shirt.
"Hey!" Bella's face lit up and she fell into my arms in a some what ungraceful movie swoon after she misplaced her footing on the front steps leading to her porch. "I love it when you faint at my very presence Miss Swan." I chuckled as she blushed that beautiful pink and delivered a playful slap to my chest but I was pleased that she did not pull away from me; it meant I could hold her and inhale some much needed "strawberry" breathes.
"How did you trick Esme into coming?" Bella had found her feet and was trying to look over my shoulder to the car. "My mother?" I spoke out loud in my confusion. Why did she think I had dragged my mother along to the game? We all know she's not the biggest fan of teenage boy rough housing.
Bella looked up at me and looking into those deep dark brown eyes I watched as confusion then panic flashed across her pale and beautiful face. Slowly she pulled away from my arms as she continued to look at me. "You text me. It said 'we're on our way'. Edward who's 'we'?" The small cough behind me answered her question and my heart broke that little touch more as I watched the hurt register in her face.
"Oh Edward you were right. She is just as pretty as her pictures."
This was not good. Crap.
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