TCO Business
Chapter 54
To say that I'm a little overwhelmed that within five minutes of posting my author update, I had two reviews and a mention on twitter, is an understatement. Since then, there have been another few, and a few of those have been lovely reviews from Guests. I'm sorry that I can't reply to those. Anyway; It's opening day...
Bella Cullen
I am so excited this morning. Nessie woke up earlier than usual, clearly picking up on the nervous tension of everyone around her. "Look, aunt Alice was right," I told her, "the weather is perfect". There was a swirl of grey rain overhead, completely cloud covered and perfect for us. We chose a simple outfit of black leggings, a sparkly top with our logo on, black pumps and her hair up in a ponytail. Alice had made dozens of tee shirts for both Nessie, myself, and all involved. Nessie's, Bree's and mine had sparkles, while the others were plain. I couldn't wait until it was time to leave for Seattle. The center was due to open at midday, giving us time to make last minute adjustments to anything that needed them. Pastor David had promised to help where necessary, the women of La Push, had prepared a huge feast, thanks to Emily and Sue. They were so supportive of our cause. Even my dad and Nadie have agreed to join us. They'd had their first argument over this. Nadie didn't think that my father was fit enough to attend but Edward assured me that hell on earth wouldn't stop him.
"Incoming," my husband warned me, and, no sooner had the words left his mouth we were joined in our small home by Bree, Seth and Jacob. Bree was wearing black jeans and an identical top to Nessie's
"Whatsupp," the wolf boys cried, while Bree tried to tell Seth to calm down.
"Breakfast will be up at the main house," I told them. "Esme is expecting us and will have it ready for you, we should get up there soon".
"Today's the day," Jacob beamed, wearing clothes for once in his life.
"It is," I told him. "Are you ready to go?"
Charlie Swan
Today's the day my precious daughter, a vampire for fuck sake, opens her drop in center and I could not be prouder of her. Thinking back, I knew there was always something not quite right with Edward…. Always too smooth. But hell, vampires and werewolves? Who knew? And here I am, totally clued in. Nadie, Billy's sister, is my friend, my carer, and my own personal werewolf? That leaves Bree, a strange and unique mix of both. There has been so much information to take in. I'm surprised my brain hasn't melted.
"Charlie, breakfast is ready," Nadie called. "Do you want it in your room, or would you prefer it in the kitchen?"
"I'll be right there," I shouted in response. I'd had enough of eating in my bedroom, much as I loved what the Cullens and the Quileute guys had done with it. I was restless, and keen to get back on my feet as much as possible. The smell coming from the kitchen was mouth-watering. "What smells so good?" I hollered to Nadie as I grabbed my crutches and headed towards Nirvana.
"It's a special day, Chief," Nadie replied. "Special days require the full works."
True to her word, breakfast was spectacular. Billy's sister had been so good to me, providing fantastic meals which were both tasty and nutritious, as well as tending to my dressings, helping me with my toilet needs and showering which was embarrassing to begin with, but she found a way to ease that, telling me about some of her more amusing moments working in the nursing home. However, I must admit, I sometimes missed the non-nutritious. I was a steak and fries type of guy. So, to see steak, eggs, bacon, sausage and hash browns on my plate, I thought I'd died and gone to heaven.
I finished my meal and wiped my mouth and moustache with the napkin Nadie had provided. I rubbed my full belly and declared, "That was amazing. Nadie, you sure know how to make an old man happy."
"Less with the old," came the immediate re-buff. Nadie laughed, before slapping me with a dish towel.
There was something about this woman. She put me at ease, said all the right things, and just generally made me feel good about myself as a man. Something I hadn't really felt since Renee left all those years ago,
"Come on Chief," she brought me out of my reverie, "It's time to get moving."
Rosalie Hale
Emmett and I were at the center bright and early. We checked for any snagging but really couldn't find much to do. It was perfect. We hadn't done as much of the work as we'd probably have liked but the situation with Charlie's place and some other stuff had made that impossible. The builders had done us proud. I suppose, like Jenks with Jasper, they might have been a little intimidated by us. It was a perfectly normal reaction and if we continued getting results like this, I would be happy.
"Penny for them?" Emmett asked. Thankfully my beloved, unlike Edward, needed to ask.
"I'm just so pleased with the finish," I told him honestly. "The place looks amazing and I am so proud of our girl."
"Bella too, right?" came his quick response. My monkey- man was so fiercely fond of our new sister.
"Of course, They've both done an amazing job." I knew what he was getting at. Bella and I hadn't been friends in the beginning. Probably still wouldn't be, if it hadn't been for Ness. But I was wrong. It was clear that Bella was born to be an immortal. Her powers had saved our entire family and I loved her dearly now.
An hour later and the place was starting to brim with vampires and werewolves. Everyone seemed to arrive at once. We were all buzzing as noon came closer. Alice went to her shop to make sure everything was in order while I went out to the pit with Jacob, Emmett and Nessie. Huge picnic benches were set up filled with the most disgusting looking foods; there were huge saucepans of sickly liquids that I remember were called soup, on the stoves. There seemed to be hundreds of types of bread in baskets, and there were canisters set up full of steaming tea and coffee, with plates of sweet biscuits. My daughter stuck to her business partner's side. This was their day, after all. I was happy to stay in the background.
Bree Cullen
This was it. Everything Bella and I had worked for was finally happening. To say I was excited was the understatement of the century. It was fifteen minutes until opening time and there were already people outside waiting to get in and with Seth by my side. I couldn't be happier. All a sudden a cheer went up. I didn't quite understand what was happening, so I looked to Bella. She looked equally confused and turned to Edward.
"It seems that Carlisle has arranged a little surprise. Someone to open the center," he told us. Our interest piqued, I asked, "Who Uncle Edward?"
Bella joined in with the questions. "Edward, what has Carlisle done?"
"He's arranged this as a surprise for you both and paid for it himself as a gift to you both, it's his contribution as he sees it. Christian Grey is here to open the center officially."
"Christian Grey of Thee Christian Grey Enterprises?" We both asked in unison.
"The very man," Edward concluded. "He's here with his girlfriend, Anastasia, to open New Horizons."
"Carlisle organised this?" I almost screamed. Bella and I were jumping up and down, Alice style at this point.
"He did." Edward replied "And he managed to keep it out of my thoughts."
"It's time," I exclaimed and turned to hug Bella.
We pushed ourselves forward, toward the door. A ribbon had been set up, I'd find out later who'd done that. We heard cries of "speech, speech, speech". I turned to Seth and let Bella get on with that.
Edward Cullen
My beloved stepped forward, her un-beating heart would have been going ten to the dozen if it could.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, children, family and friends; I cannot thank you enough for attending here today, I'm sure my partner in this venture, Bree, feels the same as I do. I'm humbled that you all came to support our cause. There are so many centers like ours but most are for white people, like me, we believe it's time to recognise the Native American people that are struggling, and taking their plights into our thoughts; Bree and I have opened New Horizons, it is aimed at Native Americans but is not in any way exclusive, we will help anyone who asks for it. I would now like to ask our guest, Mr Christian Grey, to come forward and officially open New Horizons."
Christian Grey
I'd met Carlisle Cullen many times over the years. He was a distinguished doctor and surgeon. Each time we met was at one of those boring, if necessary, public speaking events. However, at the last event we'd attended together, he approached me, asking for a few minutes of my time. I respected this quiet man, so was happy to comply. He explained that his daughter in law and grand-daughter had decided that they'd join forces and open a homeless center for Native American people. He asked me if I'd consider attending the opening of their facility. I was happy to accept his invitation. It was such a fantastic idea. In the Pacific Northwest, I'd funded so many of this type of facility, helping where I could. But never one directed at our true forefathers, the native Americans. To simply cut a ribbon would not be enough for me.
"Ladies, Gentlemen, children… I was delighted to be asked by Dr Carlisle Cullen to open this venture. I'm humbled by both Bella and Bree's vision for this place and I'd like to both cut the ribbon to open New Horizons officially, but also donate fifty thousand dollars to their cause."
The applause was deafening. I didn't quite expect that.
"Anastasia, please?" Instantly my fiancée was by my side and together we cut the ribbon and New Horizons was officially opened.
A/N
There you have it at last. I apologise again for the massive delay in updating but you all know why.
I'd like to give a massive thank you to both my pre-reader Courtney and my beta Kymbersmith90. You ladies are the best. I would also like to thank E L James for giving me permission to use Christian and Anastasia in this chapter. She thought it would be fun and definitely something Christian would get involved with.
I'm not entirely sure what to do in the next chapter, so I'm asking for you to give me your thoughts in a review. Should I write about what goes on in the opening day or should I just go to the evening aftermath?
Please hit the button and review. Thank you all xx.
