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Chapter 10
In Which We Make New Friends
Katie was wearing a pretty yellow dress that swished and swirled while she whipped and whirled. She spun in circles with her arms waving joyfully above her head. Her music was the soft laughter of a babbling brook, the swaying of the tall grass as it brushed her knees, and the steady thumping of the Fairy's wings that danced above her head. She was swimming in that place. That place between sleeping and waking; where Peter took Wendy, where Alice chased a rabbit down a hole, the one where anything and everything is possible.
The vibrant colors began to fade and the music became nothing but a soft humming memory. The morning light streaming through the window began to peak behind her eye lids as the last wisps of her dream faded into the ether. Katie burrowed farther into the blanket as a small contented sigh left her lips. She stirred a little until one and then the other eye opened.
She rubbed her eyes and looked around, finding herself in an unfamiliar room. The bed was large, much larger than her bed. There was a tall armoire against one wall and a mirrored dresser on the other. Katie furrowed her brow in confusion, unsure of where she was or how she got there. The sound of someone coming up the stairs caught her attention. She looked up just in time to see Bella walk through the door.
"Good morning sleepy head" she said as she sat on the edge of the bed. Katie returned her gaze while lying back down on the pillow. Bella reached down and smoothed the messy curls from her face. "Did you sleep well?"
Katie nodded. "Are we in Shiago?" she asked in a sleepy voice.
Bella chuckled softly while nodding her head. "Yep. We're in Chicago. You fell asleep on the way home from the plane. You didn't even wake up when I put you in your jammies!"
"Is this your bed?"
"Yep, you'll get to sleep in my bed for a few days until Uncle Jakey brings yours."
Katie nodded and rubbed her tired eyes.
"Are you hungry?" Katie thought about it for a moment before nodding again. Bella laughed. "Not much for talking this morning huh?" Katie shook her head. "That's ok. Come on squirt, let's go get some food before you're tummy wakes up and starts yelling!" Bella scooped up Katie and they made their way down stairs.
She deposited her on the counter and turned to the fridge. "So, what would you like to eat?" Katie shrugged. "How about…pancakes?"
"Ok". Bella smiled at Katie's slightly disoriented behavior. She wasn't usually like this in the morning, The past few days must have really worn her out. Bella turned to the stove to begin the pancakes.
"I was thinking that today we could…" She was interrupted by a sudden gasp. Bella spun around to see Katie staring wide-eyed at a black and white cat that was sprawled in the middle of the floor, licking itself. Bella smirked. "That's Max." Katie's eyes remained fixed on the cat. Bella bent down and picked him up bringing him over to Katie. "Wanna pet him? He's really nice."
Katie reached out her hand and stroked the feline's head. A huge smile split her face as he nuzzled into his palm. "Do you want to play with him?"
"Yes!" she exclaimed. Bella laughed setting both Max and Katie on the floor.
"There's a red ball under there," she said, her hand waving towards the kitchen table. "Sometimes he likes to play fetch." Katie raced for the ball before she finished speaking. Bella smiled as she listened to the giggles of the little girl.
Katie continued to play with Max while Bella finished preparing breakfast. "Food's ready." She called.
After begrudgingly washing her hands Katie sat in a chair and began eating.
"Wanna go to my favorite park today? It's nice outside; we can play and maybe have a picnic," said Bella as she took a bite of her pancake.
Katie's face lit up, "Yea!" she cried lifting her fork in the air in triumph.
Bella laughed again, she'd been doing that a lot today. "Good. Hurry up and we can go." Katie tucked into her plate with more vigor, eager for the day ahead.
******
"Hello Cousin", Alice chirped as she pulled out a chair.
Edward looked over the top of his menu. "Ali Cat," he said by way of greeting. Alice rolled her eyes at him and huffed.
"I don't know why you still call me that. I'm 27 years old for Christ's sake."
Edward just grinned ignoring her complaint. Alice Whitlock was one of Edward's favorite people. They'd always been great friends, more like siblings than cousins. From the first time Edward had been introduced to his baby cousin they'd been inseparable, even though she was two years younger… and a girl.
Alice was a spitfire, bubbling with excitement. When she was in the room energy seemed to charge the air. She could bring a smile to the face of even the most dower person. She was the perfect compliment to Edward's subdued personality.
"So how was Seattle?" she asked, unfolding her napkin and gently draping it across her lap.
"Seattle was…" He paused, "good. The conference was good." He amended. Alice looked at him a moment sensing something more but letting it go.
"Well that's good," she nodded, her short black hair bouncing around her head.
"Jasper joining us today?"
Alice's feature softened at the mention of her husband. "No, he has a meeting with a student and couldn't get away."
"That's too bad."
"What?" she asked in mock indignation, "my company's not good enough for you?"
Edward looked up from his menu again, smirked, and then sighed dramatically, "It'll have to be. I'm not usually one for sloppy seconds but I guess I can make an exception." Alice shot him a stink eye then smacked him. Edward caught her hand as she pulled it back placing a little kiss on the back. "You know I love you cousin."
Alice smiled and fluttered her lashes. "Well it's hard not to love perfection."
Edward snorted. "It's nice to see you have a healthy self-image," he replied sarcastically. Alice's trilling laughter filled the air.
"Anyway," she drawled picking up her menu, "I haven't seen you in a few weeks. How have you been?"
He pursed his lips and nodded thoughtfully, "Yea, I've been good."
"You're so verbose today. 'Seattle was good', 'The conference was good', 'I've been good'. Do you know any other adjectives?" she questioned.
Edward's reply was cut short by approaching waitress. They placed their orders and resumed their conversation.
"Bumblefuck."
Alice's eyes bulged. "Excuse me?'
"Bumblefuck," he smirked. "It can be an adjective."
Alice snorted and rolled her eyes. "Good lord. I assume that was for shock value and not how you would actually describe how you've been lately."
Edward looked thoughtful for a moment. "It was intended for shock value but I suppose it is appropriate."
The waitress returned with their drinks. Edward reached for his while thanking the young woman. Alice's penetrating grey eyes stayed glued to his face.
"What?" he asked after a moment.
She continued to stare as she picked up her glass and took a sip. "I'm waiting for you to continue."
Edward shrugged his shoulders and looked away feeling uncomfortable under the weight of her stare. "I don't know what you want me to say," he mumbled.
"Well an explanation would be nice. Bumblefuck. That's fairly worrisome."
He racked his fingers through his hair, a classic sign of his unease. "Worrisome's a bit strong. There's really nothing to worry about." He knew that there was no use denying Alice; she'd drag his feelings out eventually. "I just feel a bit…"
She waited patiently for him to continue. He didn't. Instead he reached for a breadstick and began gnawing on the end.
"A bit…" she prompted.
He sighed in exasperation. "Do we have to do this? It's been a long week and I just got back last night. All I really want to do is enjoy lunch with my favorite cousin" he said looking at her beseechingly. Alice picked up a breadstick too and chewed on it thoughtfully while staring at him. He shifted uncomfortably.
She nodded. "Alright. For now." She pointed the breadstick at him. "But this is not over. And don't think I didn't notice the empty compliment you threw in there for distraction."
Edward's posture relaxed, "It wasn't empty; you really are my favorite. So how's work?" he asked effectively changing the subject.
Alice loved her job. Her passion was fashion. She'd studied design in New York before coming back to Chicago to open her own boutique that showcased her creations. Her style was classically modern with clean feminine lines. It had taken a while but her career was really starting to take off.
"Things are great down at the store!" she exclaimed, her face alight with excitement. "There's some big charity ball in December and I've gotten a number of requests for new designs. It's been really great to put down some new ideas."
"Ali that's fantastic!"
"Yea, it'll be great for business. Word's starting to spread, its going to be exciting to see where things are this time next year."
Edward reached out and clasped her hand, "I'm very proud of you Al, you're making all of your dreams come true."
She smiled affectionately. "Thanks Edward." The waitress appeared at that moment with their orders.
"Can I get you anything else?"
"No thanks," Alice replied. "This looks great."
They began their meal in a comfortable silence. "Have I waited long enough? Do you want to talk about it yet?" she hedged.
Edward's eyes narrowed. "No Alice I don't." A frown appeared on her face and he softened. "It's really nothing Alice. I've just been in a weird place the last few days. I think it's because I've been gone. You know, away from everyone." He shrugged his shoulders. "I'll be fine."
Alice's frown remained in place. "I know you'll be ok," she said softly. "Sometimes I just worry about you." He opened his mouth to contradict her but she raised her hand to silence him. "I know you don't like to hear that but it's true. I feel like you're lonely, more lonely than you let on. I just want you to be happy."
He smiled sadly. "I am happy Al," he paused to clear his throat before continuing quietly. "I'll admit, sometimes I get a little lonely. But I really am happy with my life. I love working at the hospital, my friends are great," he gave a genuine smile, "and I have my family. What more could I ask for?"
"A woman?" she deadpanned with a quirked eyebrow.
A strange expression flickered across his face before it vanished. It was so fast that if Alice hadn't been staring at him so intently she might have missed it. "Well yea that would be nice. But not necessary."
She regarded him a moment longer before moving the conversation on to gentler topics for the remainder of their meal.
Edward placed a tip on the table before standing from his seat. He reached to give Alice a warm hug. "Thanks for having lunch with me. It was great."
"No problem," she said, extracting herself from his arms. "I always like spending time with you. Oh! I almost forgot. Rose and Em want to go out for drinks on Friday. You in?"
"I'll look at my schedule and let you know."
She nodded. "Sounds good. It'll be fun. I think Rose asked her friend Tanya to come" she said while looking at him a little too innocently.
Edward groaned. "Tanya?" she nodded. "You know I don't really like Tanya. She's nice enough I suppose, but I don't understand Roses misguided notion that we should be more." They gathered their belongings and left the restaurant pausing outside to finish the conversation.
"Don't be so tough on Rose. Tanya is nice and attracted to you. Although I will admit she is a bit…forceful." She said sheepishly. "Rose's heart is in the right place. She just wants you to be happy."
Edward sighed his shoulders slumping. "I know, I know. I'll think about coming. But you make sure Rose lets Tanya know this is not a date. I don't want her thinking something's going to come from this."
Alice smiled and nodded her head. "That I can do. Alright cousin, I gotta get going." She stood on her toes and placed a kiss on his cheek. "I'll talk to you soon."
She turned and floated down the sidewalk pausing briefly to chirp a joyful "Bye!" over her shoulder. Edward watched her leave with a sense of amusement and unease. The unease mainly attributed to the idea of Tanya, or rather the idea of any woman but the brown eyed beauty. He chastised himself yet again for letting her go last night, feeling doubtful that he'd ever see her again. Maybe I should just give Tanya a chance. The idea did not sit well.
*******
The past week had been busy but better the Bella expected. She took Katie around Chicago showing off some of her favorite places. Well, places that would entertain a three year old. They spent a lot of time at Lincoln Park enjoying the sunshine and rain free days. Something Katie wasn't used to.
They'd taken a trip to Navy Pier to ride some rides and eat some sugary treats. Although she wasn't working yet, Bella brought her to the day care at the Bloom building. It had been a bit bumpy at first but Katie made a friend and Bella felt more comfortable about leaving her there when she started back next week.
They'd had dinner one night with Kate and Garrett. Kate loved the little girl instantly. She and Garrett didn't have any children but she'd always loved them. Katie Belle loved that they shared a name and gobbled up all the attention.
Katie was becoming more comfortable in Bella's home. Bella had begun clearing out the spare bedroom in preparation for Jake's arrival on Saturday morning. He and Embry had left this morning with the expectation that the trip would take about two days. Katie was excited see Jake again but was really looking forward to having her toys to play with.
Bella picked up another box and drug it towards the attic with Katie trailing behind. "Katie, I think we should paint your room." She said almost as an afterthought.
"With my finger paints?" she asked excitedly.
Bella laughed. "No silly, not with finger paints with wall paint. We can make it a pretty color. Maybe we could make a Fairy Glen" she mused.
A crease formed between Katie's eyes in confusion "Fairy glen?"
Bella set the box down and picked up Katie as they made their way back down to the second floor. "Yea, it's a special place in the forest where the Fairy's live. We can paint the walls green like the trees. Maybe we could paint some clouds on the ceiling."
Katie's eyes grew wide with excitement. She started bouncing up and down in Bella's arms. "Yea! Yea! Today?"
Bella smiled and shook her head. "No not today. Not for a little while. Jake's coming soon and I then I have to go back to work."
Katie pouted.
"But we will paint it soon. Maybe you could draw some pictures of what it could look like."
"Yea!" Katie exclaimed wriggling in Bella's arms to be set down. She took off down the stairs in search of the art supplies they'd purchased earlier in the week.
"Don't run down the stairs!" Bella called after her as the little girl descended. She went back to Katie's room to continue clearing it out.
*******
Edward opened the door and stepped into the bar. It was crowded, even for a Friday night. He looked around at the trendy decor with its trendy patrons. This was not his kind of place but it clearly had the Alice and Rose stamp of approval. He looked around the room again this time spotting a head of dark curly hair and a meaty fist waving violently in the air. Emmett. Edward rolled his eyes at his friend's exuberance and made his way toward the table.
"Eddie! My man, so glad you came!" cried Emmett as he smacked him on the back.
Edward had known Emmett McCarty since college. Edward and Japer, Alice's husband, roomed together freshman year and met the jovial Emmett during their first week in the dorms. Emmett looked like your typical jock, tall, broad shoulders, handsome, but he was jovial and easy going. He'd introduced himself to the gentlemen of 312 then wormed his way into their lives refusing to leave.
"It's good to see you too Em, and don't call me Eddie." Emmett just laughed at the correction. A pair of dainty arms wrapped around Edward's waist.
"Hi Edward!" beamed Alice.
He smiled down at her. "Hi Alice." Alice released him and flitted back to a tall man with sandy blond hair and light blue eyes.
Edward extended his hand, "Jazz". Jasper grasped his hand and greeted him in return. He walked around the table to an empty seat passing Emmett's wife Rose on the way.
"Rosalie, you look gorgeous this evening," he said giving her a gentle hug. The beautiful blond beamed in reply. "How's the baby?"
She placed her hand on her bump before replying. "She's good; moving around a lot today."
"She?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.
Rosalie blushed slightly causing his other eyebrow to raise in surprise. Rosalie never blushed. "Well we don't know yet, but maybe?" she said rather sheepishly. Edward laughed in reply.
He pulled out his chair and took a seat turning, somewhat reluctantly, to the last person at the table. Edward had spent a good part of the week thinking about tonight and how he should respond to Tanya. He knew he wasn't attracted to her. If he was honest with himself there was only one person he was attracted to, the only person he'd ever really been attracted to. But she wasn't here and he didn't know if he'd ever see her again.
He thought about that a lot; trying to decide if he should hold out for a stranger or find someone real. The whole situation made him uncomfortable, as if he'd be betraying the beauty by going on a date.
"Tanya, it's good to see you." He said to the woman sitting next to him.
Tanya really was a beautiful woman. Like Rosalie, she was statuesque with long legs and a curvy figure. She had style and grace, the type of woman any man would die to be with. Well, almost any man.
"Hello Edward" she purred leaning over to place a kiss on his cheek. Edward resisted the urge to wipe his face after she'd retreated. Instead he shot a pleading look to Alice. Alice saw the exchange and smirked in amusement. "You look good tonight. It's been so long since I've seen you. I've missed you Eddie."
Emmett choked on his beer. Edward glared at him. "Um, thanks Tanya," he said awkwardly desperately trying to think of something to say. Alice took pity on him and directed the conversation away from Edward.
"Tanya, have you had a chance to stop by the store lately? There are some really great designs out right now." Tanya's attention was effectively captured. Edward let out a sigh of relief.
Rose leaned toward Edward. "Sorry Edward," she whispered in his ear. "I did talk to her she knows this isn't a date and that you aren't interested. She's just….determined." Edward looked at her helplessly. "At least try to be polite?" she requested.
"I'm always polite Rose," he said defensively.
"I know you are." She said patting his arm, "She's just good at pushing buttons."
"Eddie? What are you talking about?" Tanya asked as she flipped her long strawberry blond hair over her shoulder.
Edward shot Rose a withering glare before turning to Tanya, "We were just talking about the baby."
The rest of the evening seemed to drag on. By the time the friends bid farewell Edward was more than happy to be on his way. Tanya had taken advantage of their close proximity. She was constantly touching him; a hand on his arm while she laughed, running her fingers through his hair as she complimented its softness. At one point she rather boldly placed her hand on his thigh. She'd tried to convince Edward to stay around longer for another drink, much to his dismay, but all Edward wanted was to go home and to try to forget about the night.
******
A small moving truck pulled up in front of 1546 Carver Street just before noon on Saturday morning. Two tall men were making their way up the front steps to the house when the door suddenly flew open and a pink blur came flying their way.
"Uncle Jakey!!!" cried Katie as she flung herself into Jake's arms. Jake scooped her up and swung her around in the air.
"Katie Bug!" he exclaimed. "I missed you!" He placed affectionate kisses all over her face while she giggled with joy.
"Hey, what about me?" asked Bella as she descended the steps with a large grin on her face.
Jake reached out his free arm and pulled her into a hug. "Aww Bells, I missed you too," he said as he dropped a kiss on her forehead. Jake released Bella and she turned to Embry.
"Embry, hi! Thanks for driving out with Jake. I really appreciate it." She said to the large Native American man while giving him a hug.
"No thanks necessary. I'm glad I could come. It was actually a lot fun driving out here with this meat head."
"You sound surprised." said Bella.
"Well you know his taste in music. I was expecting 30 hours of Queen."
"Hey!" cried Jake. "There's nothing wrong with Queen! Maybe I should have done just that, I think you can use a musical education!"
Embry rolled his eyes. "No thank you. 23 years as your friend has been education enough." The three friends laughed as they began the task of emptying the truck.
Three hours and several glasses of water later, the truck was empty and all of Katie's furniture was in place.
Bella flopped down in a chair next to where Jake and Embry were sprawled on the couch. "Man, I'm beat," she sighed.
"Your beat?! You weren't the one doing all the heavy lifting," grumbled Jake.
Bella laughed at his expression. "I'm going to order some pizza, you guys want anything particular?"
Embry shook his head. "Nah, just get whatever," replied Jake.
"Ok. Jake would you mind checking on Katie? I haven't heard from her in a while." Bella asked as she made her way to the kitchen in search of a takeout menu.
"Sure, sure," said Jake as he stood. He made his way up the stairs and paused outside of Katie's quiet room. He gently pushed open the door and poked his head inside. He spotted her laying on the floor beside an upturned box of dress up clothes. She was curled on her side nestled amongst the mismatched clothing. Jake smiled at the sight. He quietly walked across the room and gathered the little girl up in his arms before gently placing her on the bed. She stirred slightly bringing her thumb to her mouth before calming again. Jake pulled the blankets up to her chin and placed a light kiss on her head. He quietly left the room heading back down stairs.
"She's taking a nap," he said to Bella as he entered the kitchen.
"So's Embry." Jake turned to his friend who was now taking up the whole couch and snoring lightly.
Jake walked to the fridge and pulled out two beers. He walked back to Bella then settled himself on a barstool beside her.
"So," he said handing her a beer.
"So." She replied staring at the bottle in her hand.
"How are things going?"
Bella sighed. "As well as can be expected." She picked at the label on her bottle as she continued. "Katie seems to be adjusting so far. But it's only been a few days. I think she's still in a 'honeymoon' mindset. I'm nervous about the next couple of weeks."
Jake took a swig from his bottle. "Yea, that's probably true."
"She's had her moments. There've been some tantrums and a few bad dreams. She's started sucking her thumb."
"I noticed."
"That had me a little worried. She's never really done that before." Bella's brow furrowed in concern. "I've done a little research on the grieving process for children her age."
"Oh? What did you find?"
"That all of those things are normal and to be expected."
"How long will they last?"
Bella shrugged. "No telling really. I guess until she comes to terms with everything. It's hard to say."
"So what are you supposed to do in the mean time?"
"Be patient. That's the big thing that I've found. Answer her questions, reassure her. And talk about Angela." Bella's voice broke a little. "That's the hard one. I want to help Katie remember her but…." She trailed.
Jake wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. "Yea, I understand." They sat in companionable silence until the pizza arrived.
"I wish you could stay longer," Bella mumbled around a slice of pizza.
Jake crinkled his nose. "That's attractive." Bella flashed him a mouthful of partially chewed food in return. He rolled his eyes at her antics, stifling a smile. "I wish we could stay longer too, but we have too be back at the garage on Monday."
Bella nodded then swallowed before continuing. "What time does your flight leave tomorrow?"
"10 am."
"Ok, no problem, we'll get you there on time. Since Embry seems to like the couch so much you can have the spare room for the night."
"Sounds good."
They ate in silence for a few minutes.
"Let's do something tonight. The four of us," said Jake.
"What do you have in mind?"
Jake paused. "Bowling.'"
"Bowling?" she asked slowly.
"Sure. It'll be fun. We can get bumpers for you and Katie," he teased.
She rolled her eyes ignoring the jibe. "Bowling," she said letting the idea tumble around in her head. "Yea, that sounds like fun. I'm sure Katie'll like it. We'll go when they wake up."
"Cool."
*******
The next two weeks passed quickly for Edward and Bella. Bella was busy trying to learn how to juggle all the responsibilities that came with being a single working parent. Things were still a little hit and miss but they were slowly staring to form a routine; one that seemed to be helping Katie settle in a little more.
Edward had thrown himself into his work, taking on extra shifts trying to fill the empty hours that he had never really noticed before. Things had changed since his trip to Seattle. Edward noticed for the first time that something was missing; he just didn't know how to get it.
Three weeks after his return to Chicago Edward found himself on knocking on the front door of Alice and Jasper's brownstone.
Jasper opened the door with a friendly smile. "Hey man, come on in," he said stepping back to allow Edward to pass. "Alice is in the kitchen just finishing up."
"She didn't make it all by herself did she?" asked Edward only half teasing. It was a well known fact that cooking wasn't one of Alice's strong points. She seemed to have problems focusing on one task at a time and the next thing you knew, smoke was billowing out of the kitchen and the fire alarm was screeching.
Jasper chuckled. "Nah man, she's just putting together a salad."
"Whew," Edward said mockingly.
"I heard that," chirped Alice from behind them sending them a glare that would stop a Mac Truck. Edward just grinned and held out a bottle of wine as a peace offering.
"I come bearing booze."
"Hmph, I suppose that'll take you off my shit list. For now." She took the bottle with a cheeky grin and went back to the kitchen.
Jasper laughed and clapped him on the back. "Come on man; let's get some before she drains the bottle dry."
An enjoyable evening with good friends was exactly what Edward needed.
"You seem more relaxed than you have in a while," Jasper commented.
It was true. Jasper and Alice had both noticed that Edward had seemed on edge lately. They'd tried to find ways to help him relax but his work schedule didn't give them much freedom.
"I am. I don't have to work tomorrow, maybe that's it." Alice's eyebrows rose in surprise.
"Or maybe it's all the wine," said Jasper.
"You're not working tomorrow?" Alice asked ignoring her husband.
Edward shook his head. "Nope. I've been putting in a lot of hours lately so I took the day off."
Her face took on a calculating look. "Any plans?"
"No" he suspiciously replied. "Why?"
"Mom's having the family over for lunch tomorrow. I was supposed to invite you but I assumed you were working."
"Mmmm," Edward mused.
"Are you going to come? It's been a while since you've seen the family. I'm Vi and Lilly would love to see you."
"Using innocent children to do your dirty work Al?"
She grinned. "Whatever it takes."
Edward chuckled before asking what time to be there.
"Noon, but we probably won't eat until one or so. You know how they are when they get together," she said with a roll of her eyes.
Edward stood and stretched his arms above his head with a small groan. "True. It's getting late, I should go." He gave Alice a peck on the cheek and shook Jasper's hand as they led him to the door. "I'll see you guys tomorrow."
With a chorus of goodbyes, Edward stepped out into the night. He made his was down the steps and toward his car. He glanced absently at the window of the brownstone next door. His steps faltered as he saw a familiar silhouette.
*******
Bella had just laid Katie down for the night. She was so thankful that tomorrow was Saturday and she didn't need to go to the office. Work had been nearly overwhelming for the past two weeks as she tried to catch up on everything she'd missed while she was out. Bella quietly closed Katie's bedroom door and headed down the stairs. She stopped to gather up a few stray toys as she made her way to the kitchen setting them down on the table to deal with later. She grabbed a glass from the cabinet and a bottle of red wine from the rack. She definitely needed the wine tonight.
It had not been a very good night. Katie had been more upset than usual. She threw two tantrums before she'd finished dinner and later refused to go to bed. When Bella had finally coaxed her between the covers she gripped onto her arm pleading with Bella to stay. Tears gathered in the little girls eyes as a very real fear of separation started to strangle her heart. Bella had crawled in the bed with her humming to her and stroking her hair until Katie had finally fallen asleep. Bella expected to wake tomorrow morning with Katie in her bed.
She flipped off the bright over head lights opting for the soft glow of a table lamp by the living room bay window. She paused in front of the window the wine glass raised halfway to her lips lost in thought.
Her thoughts were consumed with Angela. She hadn't allowed her self to think of her loss much since she'd come home. She was afraid that once she'd opened Pandora's Box she'd never get it closed. She wouldn't be any good to anyone; Katie needed her to be strong right now.
But for just a moment she mourned the loss of her friend.
*******
Edward chanced another glance at the window his heart stopping for a moment. There was a woman standing in the window. No, not just any woman. It was her. The brown eyed beauty he saw every time he closed his eyes. The woman who had effectively turned his life upside down in the two times he'd seen her. She held a wine glass in one hand while the other was clasped across her stomach as though she were holding herself together. Her eyes were fixed at point on the horizon above Edwards head; not seeing what lay in front of her but unseen images flashing behind her eyes. She was absolutely breathtaking and Edward knew in that moment he had to meet her. She was calling to him, a siren on a sandy beach. He was powerless to stop it and he didn't want to even try.
