Important A/N: First of all, I do not own Twilight. I'm just borrowing the characters. Secondly, this probably has a lot of errors in it, as it's very late at night. I'll fix them soon. I just wanted to get this up ASAP to all of you. Let me know what you think? There are still a few more chapters/ epilouges left. PM me if you have questions. Thanks for being patient!
Bella's POV
We've been in Chicago for a little over a year. I gave birth to a healthy baby girl a few months ago; Addison Grace. Ethan and Melanie have both taken to being a big brother and sister. They've been a great help the last few months. It's been hectic since we've moved to Chicago.
I am crazy proud of my husband. Edward and I are confident that we absolutely made the best decision for our family to move out here. It was a chance for a fresh start for the both of us. Things were different at first but we quickly fell into a routine. Edward was loving his job downtown at RUSH hospital. I however, am not. Edward was quickly becoming the father he always dreaded of becoming. He was missing family events, the kids' school events. Ethan had joined a flag football team and Edward has yet to attend one of his games. Uncle Emmett, who lives many states away, has been to more games than my husband. I understand his reasoning for spending so many hours at work. I'm trying incredibly hard to be the understanding wife.
Luckily, my mother in law is incredibly intuitive and decided to fly out for a week to help out. I had to have a few check ups at the doctor's and was thankful I wouldn't have to cart three small children with me . I know that if I asked Edward to take a day off, he would in a heartbeat, but I simply couldn't stand for him to miss out on anything. He's never been this excited about a job. He's learning a ton and loves all his co-workers.
Currently, I am fighting traffic on the Chicago Expressways to get to O'Hare airport to pick up Esme. I've always heard jokes about the stereotypical "Chicago traffic". The thing is; it's not stereotypical. It's true. This is my first time to O'Hare and I'm not exactly sure where to go. Edward wrote out directions for me and there are signs posted, but with all the construction they aren't much help. I come to a complete stop about 100 feet from my exit. I sigh in frustration and rest my head against the headrest, fighting to keep my eyes open. I catch a glimpse of myself in my rearview mirror and barely recognize myself. My once wavy, shiny brown hair was pulled into a sloppy ponytail. My eyes that were once a pretty chocolate brown color were lined with dark circles, dulling the color. I can't remember the last time I wore makeup. Nope, scratch that. I can't even remember the last time I showered.
Finally, the traffic inched forward ever so slightly and I was finally able to get to my exit. I sped up the ramp and merged quickly, glancing at the clock. Esme should be landing in five minutes and I was still at least 15 minutes away. The traffic on the Elgin/O'Hare Expressway wasn't terribly bad, so I pulled into O'Hare about the time Esme had gotten her bags from baggage claim and was waiting outside. I pulled to the curb and parked the car, jumping out to hug my mother in law.
"Bella dear, it's so wonderful to see you!" Esme squealed, hugging me tightly. I very nearly burst into tears at the sound of her voice.
"You too, Esme. You have no idea!" I choked. I quickly helped her put her bags in the back of my SUV Volvo and she jumped into the passenger seat. How the kids were still fast asleep I will never know, but for whatever reason, I am thankful.
As I eased back into the airport traffic, Esme checked the backseat and beamed at her sleeping grandchildren.
"Oh Bella, I can't believe how fast they've all grown!" She said, her hand over her heart.
"I know," I sighed, glancing at them through the rearview mirror. I smiled greatly at Ethan, who was snuggled up with Melanie and holding his baby sisters hand, fast asleep.
"So when does Edward get off of work?" Esme asked, turning her attention back to me.
"I'm not sure. He's supposed to be off by five, but it's hard to gauge his schedule. Sometimes there's an emergency and he has to stay later." I explained. Over the phone, I'd sugar coated Edward's hectic work schedule to Esme. I didn't want her to think I was unsupportive or complaining.
"Well he'll be home by five, I'll make sure of that," Esme told me confidently, glancing out the window as I pulled off the expressway onto the street leading to our neighborhood.
"I love Chicago, I don't know why Carlisle and I don't fly out here more than we do," Esme continued, her enthusiasm growing substantially. I smiled.
"Yeah, it's been really great so far." I agreed.
Moments later, I pulled into our driveway. Esme and I both carefully opened and shut our doors, careful not to wake the kids. I quietly opened Melanie's door and unbuckled her. Esme took the baby carrier and took Addison into the house. As soon as I lifted Melanie into my arms, Ethan woke up.
"Mommy? Where are we?" He asked, rubbing his eyes.
"We just got home baby. Nana Cullen is inside with Addison." As soon as the words left my mouth Ethan jumped out of the car and sprinted into the house. I could hear him very nearly tackle Esme to the ground. I shut the door to the Volvo and made my way into the house. Addison was still asleep in her carrier and Esme and Ethan were cuddling on the couch.
"I'm just going to take these two up to bed" I told Esme as I carried Melanie upstairs. I'd have to come back down for Addison. I tiptoed into Melanie's room and gently laid her in her bed, covering her with her fleece blanket. I kissed her forehead and gently brushed her bronze hair out of her face. I smiled at her peacefulness as she slept and made my way out of her room quietly, shutting the door behind me. As I made my way back downstairs, I heard Addison quietly fussing. I very nearly burst into tears. Just when I thought I'd have a half an hour to shower and take a short nap. As soon as I stepped into the room, Esme held up her hand to me. Ethan was still on the couch, engrossed in a TV show and Esme was feeding Addison from a bottle.
"Don't you dare, Bella. Go upstairs and don't even think of coming out of that bedroom until I come and get you. Rest." She demanded kindly, smiling.
"Thank you," I choked, turning on my heel and nearly sprinting back up the stairs.
I had no idea what to do first…nap or shower.
As I laid in Edward's and my king size, pillow top mattress with a very cozy down comforter, I couldn't fall asleep. This was the most comfortable bed in the world and I kept worrying about my poor mother in law, downstairs with three small children. I know Ethan will help her, he was always a great help. I didn't even complete the thought when I heard a tiny knock at the door.
I was expecting an overwhelmed mother in law, not my only son. He smiled up at me and launched himself into bed with me. I giggled, catching him in my arms.
"Mommy, can I take a nap with you?" he asked shyly. I kissed the top of his forehead.
"Of course you can, sweetheart. How is Nanny Cullen and your sisters?"
"Good. Addy is sleeping and Melanie's awake. Nanny's making dinner. She said daddy is coming home soon!" Ethan said excitedly, bouncing up and down on his knees.
"Good, now let's get some sleep."
I was fast asleep before my head even hit the pillow.
When I woke up, I completely disoriented. It took me a minute to recognize my surroundings. I panicked when I saw the time. It was 10pm?! How on earth did I sleep so long? I checked next to me; Ethan was no longer in bed with me. I slipped out of bed and made my way downstairs. The calming whirring of the dishwasher greeted me as I descended the carpeted staircase. Edward and Esme were talking quietly on the couch. Edward smiled at me brightly when he saw me walk into the room.
"Hey, love. Did you sleep well?" He asked, opening his arms for me to settle into. I nodded, snuggling up close to his body.
"Thank you so much, Esme. That was the best nap of my life. But you shouldn't have let me sleep so late. I'm so embarrassed. Did Ethan help you with dinner and getting the girls to sleep?" I asked, my face red with embarrassment. She shook her head, smiling.
"No, Edward did it all." I turned to Edward, completely speechless.
"You got home on time?" I asked. I was thankful, but completely shocked.
"Why are you so surprised?" Edward asked, searching my eyes. He was seriously confused. I rolled my eyes at him.
"It's just different. You're usually late." I shrugged my shoulders, trying to brush it off. I really, really did not want to fight in front of Edward's mother.
"Well kids, I'm going to get some sleep. I love you both" Esme stood, kissed us both and made her way upstairs.
"Bella, believe it or not I know how to come home early," Edward said, rolling his eyes. I just stared at him, completely speechless at his words.
"What?"
"Look, can we just put a nice face on for my room? I really do not want a lecture about working too much". Edward said, exasperated, as he stood, picking up his coffee cup and walking into the kitchen to set it in the sink.
"I'm going up to bed". He announced, heading up the stairs. No goodnight, no 'I love you'." I sat back against the couch, tears slipping down my cheeks.
The next day, by the time I woke up, Edward had already gone to work. I quickly showered and dressed; I had my doctor's appointment today. A few weeks ago, at my last doctors appointment, my doctor had been concerned about my breast exam. I'd undergone a mammogram, tests, biopsies and ultrasounds. I was finding out the results today. I decided against telling anyone because I know these things happen all the time, especially after childbirth. I am confident that lump was a clogged milk duct or something. Between three small children and a husband fresh out of medical school, I know I was letting my own health slip, but I couldn't for any longer, hence the many doctor's visits.
I got ready quickly and made my way downstairs to find Esme not only had the house completely spotless, but all three kids were completely entertained.
"Esme, you are a saint," I laughed, hugging her tightly. She smiled.
"It's no problem, dear. I love to help."
"Thanks again. Alright, I am off to the doctor's, I will see you all soon," I kissed each of the kids goodbye, grabbing my keys and making the way out the door.
I sat in the doctor's office in an uncomfortable leather chair sitting across from her desk. She was looking at me solemnly, her fingers stapled together. I was blind sighted by her news for me. All I could think about was Edward. Why wasn't he here for this? For me? I could handle this if he was here. But currently, all I can think about is wonder how I am going to collect myself enough to pull myself off this chair and break news of this magnitude to my husband, mother in law and children all in one day.
"Bella? Are you okay?" she asked cautiously.
"I…um…I don't know…this is just a lot…" I trailed off, staring at the hardwood floors beneath me.
"Would you like me to have Edward paged? I'm sure he'd come right over". She suggested. But I shook my head.
"No, no. I don't want to bother him with this. Not yet. Just, can we just talk about how to proceed from here? I can't tell him just yet…he has too much stress at work." I stuttered.
"Bella, I need you to promise me you will tell him. And soon. This is completely treatable. We can beat this". She said encouragingly, reaching across to hold my hand tightly in hers. I could only nod.
"Okay. So, you were saying something about chemotherapy and radiation?"