Stolen Dreams
Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight. Someone else owns the Mariners, and I own this plot. Good, now that's out of the way.
A/N: Thank you to JenRar for betaing this. If you haven't read her AU story, Full Circle, go do that when you finish this chapter. It's just started, but as her beta whose read the whole thing, I can promise you that it's great.
Thank you to everyone that took the time to read and review. I'm working hard to get this finished, so I didn't get to reply to everyone, but I do read them all and take each word to heart.
Chapter 20
On Saturday morning, I woke early. My back was sore, and I had a crick in my neck from sleeping curled up against the arm of the couch all night. Edward was still typing away at the bank of computers in his living room; it didn't look like he'd been able to sleep. The smell of fresh coffee permeated the air, so it seemed that caffeine would get him through the day, if nothing else.
"I just made a fresh pot," he said without looking up from his screen. "Also, your dad called about two hours ago, just after he picked up Ryan. They should be at your apartment around ten."
"Will you be ready to go by then?" I asked.
"Go on and shower. I'll be done here in about forty-five minutes." His attention still didn't waiver, so I left him to his work and padded in my sock-covered feet back to his tiny bathroom. As I waited for the hot water to sluice through the ancient pipes, I pondered that no matter what house we chose, I certainly wouldn't miss this place.
I had precisely ten minutes to shower before the ancient hot water heater gave out and the water ran cold. As Edward was accustomed to short showers, this never bothered him, but it took me a lot longer to rinse the shampoo and conditioner from my hair. Needless to say, I was shivering by the time I got out. His fluffy, beige towels only did so much to warm me while I combed my hair and completed my morning rituals.
Once I was fully dressed, I strolled back into the living room to find Edward hunched over his laptop, listening to something intently through his headphones. I skirted around him and went straight for the coffee maker. He'd also gotten me out a bagel at some point, and I ate it quickly, though the butterflies in my stomach made it hard.
By the time he was finished, I was so nervous that I could hardly stand still. He was kind enough not to make fun of me, but I suspected that it was only because he felt the same way; he just hid it better than I did.
Dad's police cruiser pulled up outside at ten minutes until ten, just a few minutes after Edward and I had gotten to my apartment. Ryan stepped out of the car as fast as he could and ran for the lobby door before my dad could catch up. It wasn't as if he knew where he was going, but I smiled at the idea that he might be as eager to see us as we were to see him.
"Did you have a good drive up?" I asked him as I opened the door with a smile.
He threw himself into my arms and hugged me tightly.
"I thought we'd never get here," he whispered. "He drives like an old man!"
I laughed loudly, having once had the same thought. "He is a police officer," I reminded him. "He's supposed to set a good example."
"Psh," he scoffed. "I just wanted to get here sometime today."
I kissed the top of Ryan's head and squeezed him a little tighter, enjoying the feeling of having my son in my arms again. Too soon for my liking, he wiggled out of my embrace and dashed toward Edward, who had been waiting patiently right behind me. They did some complicated hand shake they'd created at Ryan's party, and Edward hugged him close. If there was ever to be a picture of pure happiness, it would have been a replica of Edward's face right then. But being boys, the moment didn't last long.
"'Bout time you showed up," Edward teased my dad. "We've got places to go and people to see."
"The game isn't for hours," Ryan informed Edward.
Edward smirked. "Yeah, so? There're some other things we want to show you while you're here."
Ryan's eyes lit up. "Yeah?"
I chuckled. "Don't get too excited, kiddo. We're going to see houses, not the Space Needle." I got everyone a bottle of water and ushered them back out the door, knowing that we only had a few minutes to make it to the first one.
Ryan's face was the picture of concentration as he belted himself into the backseat with me. It seemed like something was bothering him, and once he asked his question, I was sure that I was right. "Why are we looking at houses?"
"Well," I explained patiently, "Edward and I are moving. We wanted to get a house with enough room for a family, and we wanted your opinion."
His brow crinkled, and he sighed. "Does that mean I'm going to live with you all the time? That lady that came to my house the other day asked me if I wanted to."
As much as I wanted to press him to say that he did want to, I knew based on my conversation with Aron that I wouldn't hear the answer my heart wanted. "No, not unless you want to, but we want for you to be able to come visit and have a room of your own when you do."
"Can it be a Star Wars room?" he bargained, brightening considerably.
Edward laughed from the front seat. "We'll see. Who knows . . . After today, you might want a Mariners room instead."
Ryan's expression told me that he highly doubted that was going to happen, but he kept his mouth shut—at least until we pulled up in front of the first house; then, his mouth dropped open in surprise.
"Whoa, this place is cool!" He threw open the back door and climbed out so he could see it better.
The outside of the house was cool. The façade was stone, and it had been made to look kind of like a castle. It even had ivy climbing the walls. The only thing I thought it was missing was the turret. Maggie was standing in the open front door, and Ryan didn't hesitate to run inside. Edward and I could easily track where he was by the footfalls echoing off the walls.
We made another trip through the house, just so our comparison would be fresh, and listened to Dad's comments. With his home ownership experience, he was able to spot several things that would need to be repaired or replaced within a few years. The kitchen still disappointed me, but Edward promised that if this was the house we chose, we'd put down a smaller down payment and remodel the kitchen before we moved in.
When we finally caught up to Ryan, he was standing in the hallway between two rooms, looking back and forth critically. "I can't decide which room I like better. That one's bigger, but this one faces the backyard."
"What do you think about the rest of the house, Ry?" Edward asked, trying to redirect his attention.
"I like it," he answered blandly.
"Okay, then, on to the next one," I declared.
Maggie shook her head and laughed at Ryan's enthusiasm as he bounded out the door and jumped into the car. On the way to the next house, Edward and I listened while Charlie and Ryan debated the house's merits. Neither of them liked the kitchen, either.
The last house was more modern in style than the previous one and was only about ten years old. As we had in the last house, we gave Ryan free rein to check it out and gave Dad the tour. Other than a couple of comments about exposed pipes in the basement and a cracked tub, he seemed to like it better than the other one, as well.
"Hey!" Ryan yelled from upstairs. "Come check this out!" When we got to him, he was standing in one of the bedrooms, gazing out over the backyard. "I want this room. It even has a balcony."
"So you like this one, huh?" I asked with a smile.
"The outside of the other one was better, but yeah, this one is totally cool. We can have movie nights down in the basement, and if I have friends over, we could camp out down there." He was busy checking out the closet when he said it, so he missed the sharp look Edward and I exchanged. Ryan was planning on making friends and being here more than just every once in a while.
It took another fifteen minutes to extract Ryan from the house. Edward promised to call Maggie the following day to go over potential offers, while I herded both Ryan and Charlie into the car. Talk centered on the house for a few minutes, until Ryan caught sight of the clock.
"When do we need to go to the field?" he asked suddenly, changing the subject from painting swiftly.
"Not for another two hours, buddy," Edward answered. "Bella's going to make us some lunch before we go."
"What are you going to do while we're at the game?" he asked me.
I smiled at his thoughtfulness. "I'll stay home and watch it on TV," I told him. "Who knows? You might catch a fly ball, and I'll see you."
His eyes widened. "That's why you told me grab my glove?" he asked Charlie in wonder. "Do you really think I might?"
"Sure, kid, anything's possible," Charlie responded. I could hear his grin in his voice. He finally had someone that would enjoy it as much as he would.
For the rest of the trip home and while I baked the pizza, Ryan gave us a run-down of his favorite Mariners players. And while he ate his pizza, he asked Charlie and Edward as many questions as he could think of about the ballpark.
Charlie was practically crawling out of his skin. He wasn't used to such a talkative kid, but I could see his pride and love. He was dealing with it in the only way he knew how—letting Edward field as many of the questions as he could. Dad followed the two of them out, chuckling as he listened to Ryan theorizing about what incredible things could happen during the game.
"Have fun, kid," Dad said with a wink. He kissed me on the cheek and slid into the passenger's seat of Edward's car.
Ryan was already in the back seat, and I could see him continuing with his monologue. Edward smiled at me through the windshield, doing his best not to laugh at our son.
There was a huge letdown for me as I watched them drive away. I wouldn't get to see my son for two more weeks , other than dinner when they returned, and I didn't feel like I'd gotten to see much of him. He was so thrilled, though, about getting to watch the game live that I couldn't begrudge him. I would just have to make sure I got my time in when I saw him again in two weeks.
I marinated the steaks for dinner while I waited for the game to come on, and then deposited myself on the couch for the pre-game run down. Luckily, I had a new book that was calling my name. I read that while the game played in the background. Surprisingly, the Mariners won, but I never got to see my boys on television.
As soon as the last out was called, I threw the steaks in the broiler and finished up the sides and the salad. Everything was plated and ready when I heard the front door open and three guys walk in, all talking excitedly—even Charlie.
Edward winced when he took in the kitchen table. "You made dinner?"
My face fell, and my shoulders sagged. "The three of you ate at the ballpark, didn't you?" I asked, defeated. With a sigh, I moved the plates over to the counter and started to clean up.
"No, don't do that," Edward said pleadingly with a hand on my arm.
"If no one else is hungry, there's no need for the three of you to just stare at your plates. I should have thought about it," I said quietly.
"Ma, it's my fault. Don't be mad. I just wanted a real ballpark hot dog, and then I had to try the nachos," Ryan said.
I froze, the plate in my hand wobbling wildly. Wide-eyed, Edward took the plate from me and set it on the counter.
"It's okay, Ry," I whispered thickly. I was trying to stave off the tears, but I was sure they were going to come crashing down my cheeks at any moment.
Ryan ran forward and hugged me hard. "I'm sorry I ruined dinner," he whispered into my shirt.
My hands rubbed up and down his back. "You didn't, sweetheart. It's okay."
"Then why are you crying?" he asked.
How was I supposed to tell my son that I was crying because he called me "Ma"? "Um, sometimes girls cry happy tears, Ryan," I tried to explain.
"You're happy I ate a hot dog and nachos?" Ryan said cluelessly. "Man, I'm never going to understand grown-ups." He pulled away and walked back into the other room.
I wanted to run after him, but I still didn't know what to say.
"I've got it," Edward said sweetly, winking at me. With his long strides, he made it into the living room in just a few steps. Ryan was sitting on the couch with his arms crossed, staring at the television that I'd left on. I couldn't hear what Edward said to him, as they were talking in low voices, but Ryan's defensive stance lowered, and his eyes flashed toward the kitchen.
Charlie didn't say much. He put his hand on my shoulder—his preferred method of comfort—and gave me a small smile. It had always been this way with us. My mother was as scatterbrained as they came, and . . . oh, God, my mother.
Renee had called earlier in the week, and with everything going on, I just hadn't found the time to call her back. The last time I'd talked to her, Phil's ball team was doing well and looked to be favorites for the state tournament. Mom had always been super supportive of the boys and went to their games when she was able, but she wasn't known for her patience. By the third game on the road, she was usually looking for an excuse to go home or to come visit me. I resolved to call her as soon as Charlie and Ryan got on the road.
Through my mental haze, I saw Edward motioning me into the living room. I took a deep breath and joined my boys on the couch.
"Is it all right if I call you Ma?" Ryan asked tentatively. "I don't really feel right calling you Bella."
I leaned over and kissed his forehead. "Sure it is, sweetheart. How did you come up with that?"
He shrugged. "I don't know. I Googled other names for Mom, and that seemed like the best one, I guess. I didn't really like any of the other names for Dad, though, so you're just Dad, too," Ryan told Edward.
Edward grinned. "I'm sure Carlisle and I can figure out who you're talking to."
"Cool." Ryan bobbed his head slightly.
Silence fell over the lot of us. Charlie broke it by clearing his throat.
"We're going to have to head out soon if we want to make it home before it gets too late," he informed us.
Ryan looked disappointed. "We can't tell them that the weather was too bad and just stay?"
I tried to hold in my giddy laugh and act like the responsible adult I was supposed to be. "I wish you could, Ry, but that would be dishonest, and I'd rather stay in their good graces so you can come back again."
"O-kay," he said glumly, drawing out the word. "I'm just gonna go to the bathroom before we leave."
He'd only been back there for a minute or so, when I heard a thumping sound. "Do you think he's all right?" I asked Edward.
"Yeah." He looked at me like I was crazy. "Why wouldn't he be?"
"I just heard a noise from in there," I said, as if it was the most obvious answer in the whole world.
Edward gave me a strange look. "That noise came from outside, Bella, not the bathroom."
Sure enough, there was a light knock on the door seconds later. I wasn't expecting anyone, so I opened the door cautiously. There, on the other side, stood my mother, with three suitcases around her feet.
"Oh, good, you are here. I didn't see your car parked out front. Charlie's cruiser is in your usual spot. Is he here?" she said conversationally, as if she hadn't just turned up on my doorstep unannounced.
"Uh, yeah," I said dumbly, stepping to the side so she could see him.
"Hi, Charlie. Really, Bella, could you help me get these in?" she asked somewhat testily.
I grabbed the suitcase nearest me and hauled it into the living room. "What are you doing here, Mom?" I finally asked.
"Oh, Phil's team is playing in Spokane this week, and I couldn't stand another two days on bleachers. After they won this morning, I told Phil I was coming down to see you until the tournament is over. You didn't have plans, did you?" She looked so innocent standing there, as if it never occurred to her that her interruption might be unwelcome.
I never had a chance to answer.
"Ma!" Ryan shouted from the bathroom. "There's no toilet paper!"
My head fell into my hand as I tried to cope with the dizzying circumstances.
"I'll get it for him," Edward mumbled, and then escaped the room.
Renee's eyes darted from Edward's retreating back, to my face, to Charlie's in rapid succession. When neither Charlie nor I were forthcoming with an explanation, she demanded one. "Well? Isn't anyone going to explain why there's some kid here shouting for his mother? And where is his mother?"
Charlie smirked at me, and I saw his mustache twitch in amusement. He held out his hand, as if telling me that this one was all mine.
I delayed long enough that Edward and Ryan emerged from the hallway before I could tell her. She eyed Ryan curiously, and then turned back to me.
"Mom, this is Ryan. Ryan, this is my mother," I said by way of introduction. If I was hoping that my mother would have gotten a clue from his name and the fact that he looked just like Edward, I was sorely mistaken.
Ryan nodded his head at her since she didn't come any closer to him. "It's nice to meet you."
"You, too," she said dismissively. "You still haven't answered my questions, Bella. Who is this kid, and why is he here?"
The deep breath I took wasn't enough to quell the ire that was rising in me at her attitude. "This is our son, Ryan. He's here visiting for the day." It was all I could get out without losing my temper.
She scoffed, and I knew we were about to be treated to another instance of my mother demonstrating her profound lack of tact. "The last time I checked, you didn't have a son. I never realized you wanted to be a mother so much."
Ryan took a half a step back and looked between us warily.
"If you'd been around at all, you would know better," I shot back, my voice low and deceptively calm.
She gave me a hurt look, as if I had just insulted her. "Isabella Marie," she tried to scold.
"Renee Ann," I said, cutting her off. "If you will excuse us for a few minutes, we need to see Ryan and Charlie off." I motioned for them to join me outside, and when he got close enough, I pulled Ryan into my side so that Edward and I were flanking him. He still looked a little confused.
"My mom's a little . . . out there," I tried to explain.
Edward snorted. "Ryan, Renee lives in her own world. It's best to just nod, smile, and ignore most of what she says."
"Did she not want you to have me?" he asked.
I hugged him and smiled. "She just wasn't ready to be a grandma. It's nothing against you, buddy. She wasn't ready to be my mother, either."
"Oh." He nodded like he understood, but for a kid that had always been loved like a child should have been, I didn't think he truly did. Of course, he'd spent five years believing we hadn't wanted him, so maybe he had a better clue than I thought.
"Mmmm," I said, squeezing him tightly, "I'm going to miss you."
He hugged me back with equal fervor. "Will I see you next weekend?"
"Not next weekend, but the weekend after," Edward told him as he pried Ryan off me to get his own hug. "I have to go play soldier next weekend."
"Okay. I'll think of something fun for us to do when you come down," Ryan said decisively.
"Whatever you want, kiddo," Edward responded with a smile. "You know you can call us anytime with that new phone of yours, right?"
Ryan's face lit up. "Oh yeah!"
I grinned and shook my head. "Get in and buckle up. The Chief's ready to go." I walked to the driver's door, where my dad was standing. "Love you, Daddy. Thanks for bringing him."
"It was my pleasure, Bells," he whispered, giving me a one armed hug, before ducking into the driver's seat.
"Be safe," I called as my dad started the engine and put the car in reverse.
All the way out of the parking lot, Ryan waved like mad to us. It hurt so much to watch him go, even with the love of my life and my rock standing beside me.
"Come on," he said when the car was finally out of sight. "Let's go deal with Renee."
So, a lot happened this chapter. How happy are you with Ryan's names for them? How much do you want to punch Renee right in the face?
I finally decided to do Ryan's POV for the Stolen Dreams outtake for FandomAJD. Please, donate, enjoy the compilation. There are tons of great authors that are donating to this worthy cause and I guarantee that you'll love it.