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. No copyright infringement is intended.
People always talk about moments that change their lives. Moments in which they sit back and think about how exactly they managed to get where they are from where they were. In these moments, there are two questions that people ask themselves. Where did I go right, or which turn was the wrong one?
The moment that Bella set foot in the bookstore after being gone for nearly a week was one of those moments. It made her blood run cold and terror shot through her bones. The bookstore had always been a haven for her, but there was a new quote painted on the wall and it made her feel uneasy.
The quote was painted in sinister black and the script was easy and flowing. The quote would always hit a painful spot deep inside of Bella. Seeing it made her fold her arms around her stomach, and begin to question the idea of it helping her let go of him.
"Peter and Wendy had it easy," Bella said to herself.
There was one point in Bella's life where she could have asked the good question: one point in her life where she had wondered what on earth she had done to deserve something so wonderful. The point had been beautiful, but it had only lasted those three beautiful months of summer.
Bella sighed to herself as she began to mill around the bookstore. It smelled of crisp pages and fresh ink. It smelled of hope. Her fingers ran over smooth covers and bindings. She fluffed pillows and straightened the fringe on the area rugs.
She walked to the cashier's station and began going over paperwork and receipts that Angela had left for her. The bookstore seemed to have had a good week despite none of the usual extras. This week would be chock full of activities. There was the author spotlight, and then Bella planned to do a Kids' Evening Out. If she were honest with herself she would acknowledge that the extra activities were simply distractions. They kept her mind occupied so that she barely had to think about the other aspects of her life.
There was a post-it note from Angela stuck to the screen of the computer.
The Crowley's are separating. Tasha wants your recommendations on books that might help Tyler understand.
Bella walked to the filing cabinet in her office and opened the folder labeled "Divorce". She pulled out the list and began to pluck books off of the shelves. Her fingers grazed the shiny cold cover of a book and her skin began to crawl. Her mind began to reel as it hit her that Edward could have children.
She was ashamed to admit that during her visit to Forks, she had allowed her mind to wander down a path in which she and Edward were free to try again. In her mind significant others no longer existed and Edward could still make her toes curl by simply touching her neck. It was stupid, and the moments that she had allowed herself to even think those thoughts were fleeting and they left her heart heavy.
The idea that Edward could have children made those thoughts that much more deplorable. The idea that she could have created a need for someone to read books about separation and divorce to their children broke her heart. The idea of them attempting to wrap their minds, and their tiny fragile hearts around the concept made her stomach turn.
A curse word slipped easily through Bella's lips as the little bell that hung over the door broke the edgy silence in the store. She should have remembered to lock the door.
"Hello?" Alice's gentle voice called out.
"For God sakes, Alice. Can't you call or something before you just barge in?" Bella's hands shook and the beat of her heart was quickened with panic.
"You're back, and in an awesome mood, clearly." Between the sarcasm in Alice's words, and her quirked eyebrow, Bella knew she was in for some questioning.
"You just scared me."
"Well, I was coming by to drop everything off for the Margaret Wise Brown spotlight, and the door was open. I stopped by your house earlier, and Eric said that he hadn't heard from you and didn't expect you until later tonight."
Bella took a deep breath. She had told Eric she wouldn't be home until later this evening. It wasn't exactly a lie.
"I won't be home until later tonight."
"Did you call him to tell him you were in town?"
"No, mom," Bella said. She threw in an eye roll for emphasis.
"Oh, that's mature. On both counts." Alice threw her arm around Bella's shoulders. "Wanna tell me about it?"
Alice's eyes were dancing around the bookstore, and Bella waited for her to say it. Bella watched as Alice's eyes met with the freshly painted black script.
"Oh, Bella. Why would you do that to yourself?" Alice asked quietly.
"It's a good quote."
"Do you enjoy feeling your heart break every day?"
"It reminds me to feel something."
Alice's intake of breath was sharp, and Bella knew what was coming.
"Maybe you should talk to Jasper, Bella." It was the second time that Alice had mentioned Bella speaking to a professional about what was happening. The first time had been the night before Bella and Eric's wedding.
"Maybe. I don't know. I'll think about it."
Alice gave Bella's shoulder and quick squeeze and the grabbed her hand. Tugging gently, she spoke, "Well, come help me get this shit out of my car."
After unloading Alice's car, Bella turned the stereo on, and they set about setting up the "Great Green Room". The sounds of sweet happy music filled the room, and no one spoke. Alice always knew when to just let Bella be, but occasionally she would lay a hand on Bella's back or brush her fingers through Bella's hair. It was the kind of silent comfort that best friends offered. In the moments when words weren't necessary or wanted, Alice always knew how to let Bella know that no matter how hard the fall, she would always pick her up.
By the time they finished it was almost ten o'clock. Alice kissed Bella's cheek and promised to stop by the store tomorrow.
Bella began the trip home, and she allowed the collection of glowing red brake lights numb her mind. She didn't want to feel. Her mind was on auto-pilot until the bright blue shutters came into view. All of the lights were out, and Bella hoped that Eric had already gone to bed. The man loved his schedule, and he was almost always in bed by nine thirty.
Her key slid gently into the lock, but the click of the lock seemed to be unusually loud. She tip-toed back to the bedroom, and found Eric snuggled under the covers. The sound of his sleep slowed breath, and occasional snores filled the bedroom. The quiet peaceful noises shook Bella's soul as she dressed in her pajamas.
She climbed into bed and pulled the covers up to her chin. Eric was already asleep, and she curled onto her side to see his face. He looked peaceful. Tiny sighs escaped his lips, and every once in awhile his limbs would twitch in dreamy restlessness. She placed her right hand gently under her cheek, and just before she fell asleep she felt a light kiss pressed into her wrist. Soft snores were still streaming from the sweet man next to her, and she was crushed by the fact that even in unconscious sleep he couldn't help but love her.
A/N: Still trying to stick to shorter A/N's.
This chapter is brought to you by the lovely ladies who follow me on Twitter. They gave several pointed glares and stern talks to get this chapter. I love you guys! It's also brought to you by my lovely beta's and pre-reader. They've been there from the beginning and my love for them is endless.
No more posting schedule. I will try my best to update *close* to twice a month. Real life sure is a time sucker.
From here on out you will begin to see a little more of B&E's current lives. Eric and Kate are lovely people. Just sayin'. As usual, leave me some love or constructive criticism. I'd really love to hear your thoughts on this chapter. I know it's short, but I'm beginning to face the music that I may not ever write 5,000 word chapters. I think I'm okay with that.