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Chapter 34

"Why didn't you tell me it was your birthday? Why didn't Charles tell me? I would have done something or bought a present for you if I had known. I'm sorry, Bella." I stammered apology after apology to no avail for I didn't feel any better afterward.

"Shh. It's no matter, Edward. Truly this was the best birthday I've had, that I can remember. I got to go visiting and to the house I've longed to see for years. I used to dream about living in one of those turret rooms as a girl. The people who owned the house before your aunt and uncle did not favour children. I was shooed away whenever I lingered at the gate to watch and dream."

She took my hand and led me out of the kitchen. I was a bit reluctant to leave as I had been hoping for more kissing before bed. But I followed her. She pulled me into the dining room and opened the dark curtains. The tops of the square turrets of my aunt and uncle's house could just be seen. I knew my former room was in between those architectural features, and I presume, Charles' room was right above us.

"I don't think Father knows the significance of today. But I don't mind. Think about it; I had my favourite breakfast, lunch out, a rest by the river with a handsome man and his undivided attention. I even had cake. It was more birthday than I'd had in years and I'm happy. If Father remembers, it will be lovely but even if he doesn't, I'm still content."

A passing cloud shifted just then and the glow of the moon hit the transomed stained glass windows of the turret at the back of my family's house. The room was meant to be a nursery, bright with sun and colour.

"When I dreamed about living there, that was my room. With a fancy canopied bed and gauzy curtains, much like the netting one would need if one slept in a tropical climate, but more romantic. I could imagine laying on the floor as the colours swirled around me, or watching them play across the ceiling. It would be like living in a kaleidoscope." She sighed and I could almost picture her as a young girl, not bitter by years of bad parenting and circumstance, but innocent and sweet.

"I used to lie in bed and wonder about your house too, Bella. Why it was so dark, neglected and forlorn. It captured my attention. Then, when I was finally able to leave the house, I encountered the locked gate. That just added to the surrounding mystery. Uncle Carlisle told me what little he knew, a very, very little. Aunt Esme and Charlotte fleshed out the story a bit, but nothing they said prepared me for you, Bella."

She didn't turn her head to me but I could see a sheen of water gather in the corner of her eye. I didn't know if they were good tears, tears of relief or of sadness. I didn't know the effect my being in her life had on her. Not yet, anyway. I turned my attention back to the house in front of us, giving her time to play out her emotions. I so wanted her to ask if it was a good thing or bad, having her in my life. Alas, she stayed silent. I could have allayed her fears and swept her into my arms and kissed her soundly. I would have, if prompted in any way.

Instead, we stood watching and just being for a long time. I grew sleepy and listened as Bella stifled a yawn.

"Will you stay in tonight or do you have plans?" It was not the question I wanted to ask but it was the only way I could come up with a reasonable question at all. I knew she wanted to wait to tell me everything and I had a feeling if she were pushed to answer she would prickle and withdraw.

"I have no work tonight but I do tomorrow. I also would like a chance to tidy and organise a bit; to make it more presentable for you. Would you give me that time?" She looked at me, timid and apprehensive, as if I'd demand she show me now.

"That would give me a chance to rest up. I fear too many late nights will wear me down. I'm in need of my beauty sleep, don't you know?" I put on a silly grin and flounced a clumsy curtsey. It had its proper effect, for she laughed. I was working my way into her heart little by little any way I could.

The next day went by very quickly. Come Monday, Charles was in a mood and hardly spoke; he seemed more distant and lost than I had ever seen him. He left me to my work, for the most part, but added a few more cases to my load. With my mind so occupied, I didn't notice the passing of time.

The days that followed were just the same. Filled with work, mundane but delightful all at the same time. I slept well, unaided, and didn't worry if I heard Bella moving about in the night. She would come to me when she was ready. We still spoke, she didn't hide away from me as she did the week before. Meals were pleasant, once Charles' mood was negotiated.

Towards the end of the week the tenor of the house changed drastically. Charles exploded in a fury of paperwork and fretting. I was almost willing to drug him myself by the end of the day.

AN: Next we meet Emmett, after that we descend into the hatch. Thank you for reading, it means the world to me.

Thank you to Beachcomberlc for making me readable and keeping me sane. Thank you IpsitaC77 for keeping me crazy enough to continue. Thanks to JulieToo and Lunabev, both beautiful women.