This is my FOURTH update for today. Yes, you heard me. Fourth. Give me a little love?
That would be much appreciated.
So I found out today that my cell phone froze last night. Yes, it actually froze. I didn't even know that was possible, but apparently it is. I guess I shouldn't have left it next to the window last night! So I need to get a new phone and I really don't want to. I like the one I had ;(
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BPOV
"Honey, what happened?" I asked, leading Annabelle into the living room and handing her a box of tissues, rubbing her back as we sat down on the together.
"After dad and I fought yesterday morning, I went back to Derek's parents place and just moped around…and didn't want to talk to anyone, not even Derek. Then this morning I finally told him and he freaked out on me, saying that I shouldn't care what my dad thinks, and that this is just between the two of us…but it's not! I want dad to support me and I don't know- I guess I just crave his approval sometimes. And then Derek and I started fighting about whether or not we should wait, and then I said that I definitely didn't want to get married right away if I was still fighting with dad."
I nodded although I could barely understand her through her blubbering, and put my arm around her shoulders. "And then what happened?" I asked, feeling like a therapist.
Annabelle shuddered and continued to cry, burying her face into my shoulder. "Derek said that if I felt that what then maybe we shouldn't get married at all. So I left and came here. Is that okay, I know dad is mad but I really needed you."
I smiled and kissed the top of her head. "Honey, of course it's okay. Look, I know your dad was a little harsh yesterday, but I know he regrets it. Baby, he's just having a hard time letting you go. He doesn't want to lose you to another man." I explained, hoping that she realized I was telling the complete truth.
"Really?" Annabelle hiccupped, looking at me with wet, glassy eyes.
"Of course! Your dad wanted to give you time to calm down, and then he was going to talk to you." I said reassuringly. "Do you want to stay here until he gets home late tonight? Unfortunately, your old room is all packed up, but you're welcome to sleep down here on the couch tonight. Or you could sleep in my room, if you don't want to be alone."
"Thanks." Annabelle said quietly, resting her head on my shoulder. "I don't want to be a bother…do you want me to help you pack up the rest of the house?"
I nodded, giving her one last squeeze and then standing up, pulling my stepdaughter up with me. "That would be great, thanks. Why don't you help me pack up some more of our clothes?" Annabelle nodded and we walked upstairs silently, although Annabelle's eyes were still tearing up and I knew she was far from okay.
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We worked mostly in silence, only interrupted by polite conversation. I told Annabelle all about the new house, and she told me about what she was doing at college. We stayed away from the whole engagement subject, and by the time our neighbor dropped Cameron off, she seemed much happier. Not completely happy, mind you, but happy enough that she wasn't crying anymore.
Cameron had been ecstatic to see his big sister again, and we all ate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in front of the television, watching Finding Nemo, of course. Cameron wouldn't watch anything else.
Once the movie was over, Cameron had fallen asleep on Annabelle's lap and I took him upstairs and put him to bed and then headed back downstairs. Annabelle was still sitting on the couch, staring off into space and absentmindedly playing with the engagement ring on her finger. "I called Derek." She said in a small voice when I sat down next to her.
"What did he say?" I asked softly.
"He apologized, and told me he didn't mean any of it, and to come back whenever I wanted. And he also said he understood what I said about dad's approval." Annabelle said, managing a small smile.
"That's great." I murmured, and she nodded. "I'm going to bed…are you okay down here?" She nodded again, and I stood up, kissing the top of her head. "I'll bring you down some blankets and a pillow." I said. "Your toothbrush is in the bathroom, in the makeup bag on the counter."
"Thanks." She said, and then I went upstairs, exhausted from my long day.
I don't know what time it was exactly, but it was well past midnight when the door to our room cracked open and Edward walked into the room, still wearing his scrubs. There was stubble all over his face, and it scratched my face when he kissed me, but I didn't care. When he laid down on the air mattress next to me, I sighed in contentment. "Did you talk to her?" I asked softly, inhaling the delicious scent that he still exuded even after a long shift.
"Yes. She's staying the rest of the night and then going back to Derek in the morning." He said, kissing the sensitive spot behind my ear and then tightening his arms around me. "I love you, Bella."
"I love you too."
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Argh. Again, this chapter is short. I'm truly sorry about that, but I might not be able to update tomorrow and I needed to give you something to tide you wonderful readers over. I will try and update this story tomorrow, but there are no promises there. I'm going to be busy with my husband and the man child brigade- we're decorating the nursery.
Xoxo- Melodyella aka Mellie