Disclaimer: i do not own anything...
--------------
Chapter 20
Surprises
Part 1
EPOV
After dropping Bella off at school I had a realization... again. I never asked her if she were a virgin. I wasn't thinking straight but it was no excuse not to ask her before I started anything. But she didn't stop me either, which is still not an excuse.
So here I am, sitting in my office at Children's Hospital figuring out how to make this up to her. I first decided I needed to finalize the plans for her parents since they will be arriving tomorrow. I dialled Renee's cell phone and waited for her to pick up. "Hello?"
"Hello, Renee? It's Edward Cullen..."
"Oh, hello, Edward. Is there a problem? Is Bella alright?"
"No, there's no problem, and Bella is doing great. I just wanted to make sure you're all set for tomorrow."
"Oh, yes, dear. But it was unnecessary to send a private jet for us. We could have flown commercial."
"It's no problem I assure you. I didn't want to hassle you with the lay-over. There will be a car to pick you up from the airport here as well. I'll send over the driver's number so you can call him when you're all set. I have also asked my sister to prepare a small dinner party tomorrow night, just family, and my parents have invited you to their place for Thanksgiving dinner."
"Oh, that would be lovely. How are you getting all this through Bella? She'll have your neck you know."
"Yes, I know. I guess I'll just take the chance. I'll be picking her up from school so my sister will probably be the one to welcome you and I apologize for this in advance."
"Oh, no need to apologize. We will be family soon enough. I can't wait to see you in person. I have to go sweetie, I'll see you tomorrow." She hung up the phone and her statement left me speechless. We will be family soon enough. Hmm, I wonder what she's implying by that.
I took a few notes from my computer before I did my rounds. I had two patients come in for their cycle of chemo, Amber Goff and Katie Marshall. I headed over to the cancer ward and was met by Sara. "Hello, Dr. Cullen. How are you today?"
"I'm great Sara, and yourself?" I replied and got the charts I needed from the rack.
"Oh, well, I was a bit lonely last night. I was wondering if I could interest you in dinner so I wouldn't be lonely again tonight." She placed a hand on my arm and started stroking it. Oh, come on!
"I'm sorry. I have plans with my girlfriend," I said emphasizing the last word.
"Oh, maybe I can change your mind." Her hand moved to my waist and started to move south. I quickly stepped away but leaned in a bit so as not to cause a scene.
"No, nothing can change my mind and if you try anything like that again I will file for sexual harassment which can cause you your job. I'm sure you need your job more than I need mine. I'm tired of playing nice and it saddens me I have to resort to threats." I grabbed my charts and headed over to Amber's room.
I knocked on the door before entering. "Hello, Amber."
"Hi, Dr. C! The nurse that put my IV was really nice. I think you'll like her."
"Oh, really now?"
"Yes, you should ask her out." And so the match making continues...
"Well, I don't think my girlfriend will approve of that." I heard her gasp and her mother giggle.
"You have to excuse her. She's been reading a lot of love stories lately," Mrs. Goff said.
"Oh, it's perfectly fine."
"You have a girlfriend? Since when? Will you tell me about her? Is she pretty? Will you marry her?"
"Amber!" her mother chastised.
"It's okay Mrs. Goff. Yes, I have been courting her for about a month and we finalized things about two weeks ago. I think she is very pretty. She has long mahogany hair and chocolate brown eyes. Her lips are pink and plump and she blushes at almost everything. Which to me is the most adorable thing about her." I couldn't help but smile as I described my Bella.
"Oh, Dr. C you totally whipped! May I see a picture?"
"Uh, well, I don't have one with me."
"What? That's not nice Dr. Cullen," she frowned and I couldn't help but laugh.
"Why don't we do this? You will be here until the day after tomorrow, so why don't I bring her by so you can meet her personally," I offered.
"Really? I'd like that. But... what if she won't like me?" she pouted.
"Oh, I doubt that. Bella likes everybody, especially children. So we have a deal?" I held out my hand.
"Yes," she shook it firmly. I explained how this treatment will go to Mrs. Goff before giving Amber a kiss on the top of the head and heading over to Katie.
Katie was more subtle but I also ended up making the same promise to bring Bella over. Apparently my patients, who are teenagers, have seen some "change" in me. They said I was "glowing", whatever that meant. I returned my charts to the station avoiding Sara and walked faster as I spotted Lauren heading my way. I updated my files before heading out to meet my mom for lunch.
On my way to Platt tower my mother said she was a bit behind schedule and suggested I park the car and head up to her office. I parked in my slot, yes, I have a reserved slot, we do own the building after all, and headed up to the 5th floor where my mother's office is located.
As I got off the elevator, I greeted the receptionist who had what I assumed she thought was a flirtatious smile, plastered on her face. Geez, and it's not even lunch time and I've been hit on twice! Seriously, why can't this people just stop!
"Because you my son, Are just as handsome as I am," my father replied from behind me.
"Oh, did I say that out loud? Hi Dad, I didn't know you would be here."
"Hello, Son. Well, loud enough for me to hear. I'm just passing through. I might need to stay in Bethesda tonight." We smiled politely at the receptionist and made our way to my mom's office. "Oh, and the fund raiser is the second Friday after Thanksgiving, not the one exactly after. I just wanted to clear that up and its black tie," he added.
"Oh, okay dad." We walked awhile before I spoke again, "Really Dad, how do you do it?"
"Do what, son?"
"Deal with all the advances from the women. Don't you get frustrated?"
We stopped in front of my mother's door and he turned to me. "No I do not. Since I met your mother it just became easier and easier to brush of. Son, did something happen? That's the first time I actually heard you complain about something that. I never knew you had a problem."
"Actually, yes. I've had two incidents occur and Bella saw both of them. Maybe that's why it's hitting me more now. I really don't want her to think I encourage or tolerate it. But I don't know what to do. The only thing I can think of is quit the hospital and that's just not an option."
"Have you talked to Bella about this?"
"Yes, I have over the weekend."
"And what did she say?"
"That she was fine with it. That she understands."
He gave me a pleasant and somewhat knowing smile. "Well, in that case, just keep brushing it off and never give Bella a doubt that you have eyes for anyone else. Is she different from the others?"
"There are no 'others' Dad. Nothing like this at least. The feeling is so strong that it almost knocked me off balance at first. I think she's it for me." He smiled again and pulled me into a hug as my mother's door opened.
"What is this? Am I interrupting a moment?" she laughed.
My dad released me and rested his hands on my shoulders before he spoke. "Darling, I believe our son has had an epiphany," my dad said.
"Really?" I looked over at my mom and I thought she was going to cry. "Well, you'll have to tell me all about it over lunch." She flitted back into her office and returned with her purse. "Will you be joining us?" she asked my dad.
"Well, sure why not," he answered.
"We'll just ride with Edward. You can leave your car here since he has to take me back anyway. Will that be okay?" my mother asked him again.
"I guess that will be okay." He checked his BlackBerry, "yes I have time," he confirmed. We made our way to the car and headed over to Chiapparelli's.
************
Well, lunch with my parents was interesting. I informed my dad that Bella's parents will be arriving tomorrow and my mom insisted that he be here to come and meet them. I told her about the "flirtation problem" and she launched into discussing their wedding and giving me some suggestions about things I could do for Bella. Now I was worried what will happen when she meets Renee.
But in the end, I was able to get a plan out of it. Between my dad, who is a natural romantic, and my mom, the best event planner in the city, they were able to help me figure out what I can do for Bella tonight.
I decided to head to the florist first to pick up some flowers before I headed for the mall for other things I would need. As I reached the florist my phone rang. I answered without looking at the caller ID. "Hello?"
"Hi honey," said the sweet voice of Bella.
"Hello, Love. Is everything alright?"
"Yes, why wouldn't it be? Can't I just call you just because I want to?"
"Of course you can. What time will I come get you this afternoon?"
"Actually that's why I called. I have parent-teacher conferences and a faculty meeting after so I'll be done about 6:00. Is that okay?" That would be perfect for me to set up my plan.
"Yes, love that's no problem. I'll be there to get you at 6:00."
"Okay, I'll see you then. I love you."
"As I love you. Have a good afternoon love." I hung up and headed into the flower shop. I picked out several flowers in different colors. I got roses, daisies, mums, lilies, and orchids. I had them arranged and delivered to my apartment later in the afternoon.
I headed to the mall and went over to Bath and Body Works to pick up some aromatherapy bath salts, my mother's suggestion. As I was browsing through the store, I saw they had a new line of accessories called Lambie. I got her the robe, slippers, blanket, and sleep mask. I also got some massage oil in the case she allows me to give her a massage after her bath. I also got some scented candles.
After paying for my purchases, I headed over to the grocery store. I just decided to cook instead of ordering in. Aside from the ingredients I would need, we also needed some cleaning supplies for the house. After grabbing all I needed, I headed for the check out, paid for my purchases, and headed home.
As I passed Sid in the lobby I informed him I was awaiting a delivery of flowers and asked if he could bring it up personally. I didn't want anyone seeing where Bella lives especially with the current situation with James. He understood and he even looked excited about it.
I took my bags upstairs and put the items away. I then decided to call Alice and ask her if she could pick up Bella and take her here. I dialled her office hoping she was still in, and so if she was in a meeting I wouldn't be disturbing her.
"Hello, MAC Designs. This is Courtney, how my I help you this afternoon?" an energetic female voice said.
"I would like to speak with Alice Cullen please."
"Okay, I'll put you through to Andrea. May I know who's on the line?"
"Edward Cullen."
"Oh, Dr. Cullen, just one moment please," she said and piano music started to play after a beep.
"Hello, Brother. What can I do for you this lovely afternoon?" Alice answered in a rather lively manner.
"You do know you sound like your receptionist, right?"
"Well, were all happy people here at MAC. So what do you need?" Isn't she blunt.
"A favour?"
"Well, duh Edward," she said her voice dripping with sarcasm.
"I was hoping you could pick up Bella at about 6:00 in school and bring her to my place. I have a surprise for her and I wanted to get the house ready."
"WHAT! You're giving her a surprise and you didn't tell me?" I could actually hear her pout through the phone.
"I had lunch with mom and dad and they helped me already," I defended.
"Oh, okay. I'll let it slide this time. Okay I'll pick her up and bring her to your home."
"Thank Ali," I hung up the phone and prepared my ingredients so later I just have to put them together. I decided on creamy artichoke soup, mushroom risotto, and tiramisu for desert. I stored the items that needed to remain clod in the fridge and headed upstairs to prepare the bathroom and lay out the gifts on the bed.
At about 4:00 my doorbell rang. I answered the door and found Sid with a cart full of flowers. "Did you do something bad to that lovely lady friend of yours?" he accused.
"Uh, not really, but I'm flying her parents in tomorrow and she doesn't know. It's sort of an advanced apology."
"Why do you have to apologize for that?" He pushed the cart in and offered to help me arrange them. I put the smaller vases on the tables and the bigger ones out on the balcony.
"Because she doesn't like me spending money on her. In fact even this gesture will need a lot of sucking up for her not to be mad at me." This caused Sid to laugh.
"Well, I guess you have you work cut out for you then huh?"
"Yeah. Thanks for the hand, Sid."
"For all you've done for my grandkids? This is nothing. You've caught a good one Edward. I've never seen you this happy since you moved in. I think Bella is some kind of miracle worker. Do right by her. I'd love to see a few bronze haired kids with brown eyes running around this place in the near future." I was stunned at his statement and just stood there gaping at him.
"It's not so bad to be married if it's to the right person." He tapped my cheek twice then pushed the cart over to the elevator.
Once I had regained my thought processing, I headed back inside and finished up the food and the apartment.
***********
BPOV
I was exhausted after the conferences. I never thought talking to the parents was more tiring than teaching their kids. I rested my head on my desk a while before going on to fix my things.
"Bella!" Alice said in her sing song voice as she entered my room.
"Oh, hi Alice. What are you doing here? Are you doing the Christmas play costumes?"
"No, I couldn't take it on because I have to fly out to Paris for about two weeks in December," she explained.
"Uh, okay, so what do I owe this visit?"
"Well, I've come to pick you up and bring you home to meet Prince Charming a.k.a. my brother."
"Huh? Why what happened to Edward?" I asked concerned.
"Oh,uh... He got caught up in something and asked me to come pass by for you. Come on, I'm sure he's itching to see you already."
I gathered my purse and rolling bag as we headed out to her car. "Why didn't Edward call me and let me know you would be coming to pick me up?" I asked once we were settled into her Porsche.
"Uh, I don't know. You'll have to ask him."
"You know something. Spill, Cullen!" I accused.
"What? I don't know what you're talking about."
"Alice!" I whined. "He has a plan. What is it? You know I dislike surprises and I know you know what's up."
"You do. Oh, I didn't know that. I'll remember that for future reference. And I honestly do not know what his plans are," she replied innocently.
We spent the rest of the ride with Alice singling along to Cindy Lauper's Girls Just wanna Have Fun. As we pulled up to Edward's lobby, Marcus came over and opened my door.
"Well, thanks Alice. I'll see you on Thursday." I gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Marcus helped me with my rolling bag and escorted me into the building.
"Hey, Sid," I greeted and saw he had a big smile on his face, a knowing smile.
"Hello Bella. Have a good night," he waved as I passed. The elevator doors were opened with Marcus waiting for me by them. To my surprise, he walked me all the way to Edward's door. I took out my key and turned the lock.
I walked inside and retrieved my bag from Marcus and closed the door behind me. "Edward?" I called out. I set my bag to the side of the foyer and continued inside. What I saw in front of me caused me to gasp.
The living room, and what I could see of the balcony, was covered in flowers and candles. I walked over and saw the table on the balcony was set for two with a bottle settled in ice in a wine bucket.
"EDWARD!" I yelled again.
"Yes, my love," he replied as two strong arms wrapped around my waist preventing me from moving.
"What is all this?" I squirmed a bit and was able to turn myself around to face him. I wrapped my arms around his neck and said, "What did you do?"
"Nothing, I knew you would be tired and I wanted to make something special for you." I narrowed my eyes at him and he just threw his damn crocked smile at me.
"What do you need?"
"Bella, sweetheart, can't I just do something nice for you just because I want to?" I had to think well how to reply to that question. I couldn't come up with a rational answer so I just rested my head on his chest and took his scent in. He smelled delicious. I assume he just took a shower since he still smelled like Irish Spring and a scent that is just uniquely Edward.
I wasn't sure how long we stood there just holding on to each other but he suddenly said, "Uh, love, actually I do need a favour."
"See, I knew it!" I slapped his chest. "Okay, what is it you need?"
"Come, sit, I'll explain over dinner." He pulled out my chair and got me settled before opening the champagne. He went over to the kitchen and came back with a bread basket, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. He went back inside and came out with two bowls of soup which he told me was made out of artichoke.
Over the soup we discussed our days and the children as usual. He also told me he would be playing basketball with the tens and asked me if I wanted to watch. I had the afternoon off, since my special ed class was already on Thanksgiving break, so I said I would go with him.
He took our bowls back to the kitchen when we were done and came back with plates of what looked like mushroom risotto. As he put down the plate in front of me, I took in a deep breath and it just smelled heavenly.
"Is this mushroom risotto?" I asked just to confirm.
"It is," he said as he cracked some pepper over my plate.
"Hmm, what kind of favour do you need? Feeding me a delicious meal seems to be a bit over the top." He didn't respond and just smiled at me. "What is it Edward?" he shook his head. "Do I have to wear some hideous, shiny dress and high heels for this favour?" This time he laughed really hard.
"I don't think Alice would allow you to wear anything hideous. But for the fund raiser, I'm afraid you'll have to wear a long dress, and possibly heels of Alice has anything to say about it. But I do have another favour."
"Fine, okay. But if I fall and hurt myself it's your fault."
He took my hand in his, "I can accept that and I will take care of you until your healed."
"Okay. So what's the favour?"
"My patients want to meet you." Huh? Why?
"Why do your patients want to meet me?" I asked. He told me what transpired earlier that day and it actually made me laugh. "So, you didn't have a picture of me so you just offered to take me there so they can see me personally?"
"Yeah, that's pretty much it. If you agree, we can see them before the game since the guys get out of School at 3:00 so we would start playing around 4:00."
"I'd love to meet you patients Edward." We planned out how tomorrow afternoon would go as we finished the rest of the risotto. When we had figured everything out, Edward brought our plates in and came back with tiramisu and coffee.
"You spoiling me too much, Edward," I said as he put the tray down on the table.
"Only the best for the love of my life," he replied bent down to give me a chase kiss on the lips. As he pulled away, I buried my hands into his hair and pulled him back to me. I ran my tongue along his lower lip, and once he had granted me access, my tongue immediately searched for his. He tasted like mushrooms and pepper accentuated by the champagne.
When we parted for air, I was thankful I was sitting down because if I were standing I'm sure I would have collapsed in Edward's arms. "Uh, what was that for?" he asked and pulled me up to stand. He took a seat in my chair and pulled me onto his lap.
"Everything," I replied and wrapped my arms around his neck. He just held me, and in that moment I felt everything was right. I felt safe, loved, and cared for.
"Coffee's getting cold love." I reluctantly pulled away and took my mug from the tray. I looked over at Edward and he looked a bit uneasy.
"Baby, what's wrong?" I asked.
"Uh, well, I also wanted to apologize," he said and entwined out fingers.
"For what?"
"Uhm, for what happened in the Jacuzzi."
"What about what happened?" Did he regret what we did? He didn't seem to complain at that time.
"Well, uhm... I'm sorry I didn't ask beforehand if you were... you know." No, I don't know, I thought to myself but he looked so sullen that I didn't have the heart to tease him.
"I'm not following." That was a safe statement right?
"Uh, well, I didn't ask beforehand if you were a virgin or not," he mumbled but I was able to get the last part of it. So he was worried that he put his fingers in me and I was a virgin. I looked at him and he was stating at our entwined hands and playing with my fingers.
"Edward," I said and shifted my position so I was straddling him. I took his face in my hands and tilted his head so he was looking at me. His eyes were avoiding me and he looked like one of my students who just did something wrong.
"Baby, look at me." When his eyes finally rested on mine I actually saw a hint of shame in his green orbs. "Okay, well, to reply to the statement no I'm not a virgin," I began and decided to come clean. "I lost my virginity to my best friend after the senior prom. Cliché I know but at that time it seemed okay. His name was Mason Clapp. That was just one time, then in college I had a couple of drunken encounters, and that's basically it. Does it matter?"
It was his turn to put his hands on the sides of my face. "Yes, it matter a lot, to me at least. If you were a virgin, we would have gone slower. I would have wanted you to give your virginity to someone you truly love, and it should be even more special. I wouldn't have done what I did. My mother would be upset with me if she found out."
"Oh, well, it was fine, to me at least. And I do love you, very much. You have made me feel very special the past month and especially the past week that honestly I would not give a second thought of giving up my virginity to you. So don't feel guilty about it. I liked it and I'm assuming you did as well so let's move forward from her okay?"
"Okay, Love," he said and pressed a hard close mouthed kiss on my lips. He then kissed my forehead, both my eyes, cheeks, and then another soft kiss on my lips. He inhaled deeply and said, "Te Amo, Isabella."
"Yo también te amo, Edward." He didn't move me from his lap as he started to feed me the tiramisu.
**********
After much debate, I was able to coax Edward into making me do the dishes. As I started up the dishwasher, two arms came around my waist. "I have one last surprise," he whispered in my ear.
"What? There's more?"
"Uh huh, just one last," he said and nuzzled his nose in my hair. I reached up and tangled my fingers in his hair massaging his scalp a bit.
"Baby?" I said.
"Yes, Love?"
"Are you sure you didn't do anything bad?" I was truly suspecting that something was up. That he did something that he knew I would be pissed about. It may not have been an affair or the like, but it would still be enough to irritate me.
"Uh, I did not cheat on you if that's what you mean," he said and then swept me off my feet and carried me bridal style up the stairs.
As he entered his room, I saw he had lit up several scented candles and the drapes were open giving us a very good view of the harbour, and some items were laid out on the bed. He continued into the bathroom where a bath was ready and waiting for me along with more lit candles.
"I put in some lavender bath salt into the tub. I know you've had a long day and I hope this would help you relax so you would have a good night's rest. I'll take a bath in the other bathroom and leave you here to soak." He gave me another passionate kiss, put on some music, and left letting me know he wanted to give me something before my bath.
He returned with a robe in one hand and a pair of slippers in another. "I found these today and I wanted to get you another set of robe and slippers." He handed me the things and I saw the slippers had a face of some sort embroidered on the top.
"Thank you, Edward." I kissed him again before he left to take his bath.
When he left, I removed my clothes, folded them and set them neatly on the counter. I pulled my hair up and entered the tub. As my butt hit the bottom of the tub I couldn't help but moan at how good the hot water felt on my skin. I settled in the tub and took in all the scents around me as I listened to Edward's piano playing that was coming out of the iHome.