AN: Soooo….its been awhile. But I seem to have a lot of free time on my hands lately, so I figured I'd try and give this a go again. Hopefully it hasn't been too long and the chapter isn't too disjointed. Thanks for sticking with me. Enjoy!
CHAPTER SIXTY-TWO
Edward POV
"You excited pal?" I asked Tony, with a chuckle. My question was useless since the answer was apparent by the constant bouncing around in his seat. We were sitting at the gate in the airport waiting for our boarding to begin. Every time someone came on the loudspeaker to make an announcement, the bouncing would increase. He knew he was listening for the magic word: Chicago, but it seemed like every announcement was for some other destination. After learning the latest announcement was for a flight to Jamaica, Tony settled down enough to finally address me.
"Yes! I'm going on a plane. I'm going to be up in the sky. Flying like a bird." By this point, he was standing on his chair with his arms extended pretending to fly.
"Sit down buddy," I said, helping him to get down. I promised Bella I'd return him in the same condition I got him. If he was anyway as accident proned as Bella was, he'd crack his skull open before he actually leaves the state, and this was a promise I knew I could not break.
I grabbed the small backpack Angela gave me to use for what she deemed "attention emergencies". Inside I found a storybook that I pulled out to give to distract Tony for a bit. Once he settled down, I got a chance to truly absorb what happened yesterday to get me where I am now.
FLASHBACK
I was pacing in the waiting room, because my mind was racing, and my feet decided it was best to keep up with it. Had I asked too much? Maybe I should have just stuck with asking just for the room. Asking to take Tony out of state was a huge deal. Huge! Something someone who just got out of a coma probably shouldn't be processing. I'm a doctor. I should have known better. And now she's in there with Angela. Would Angela be on my side? Are they badmouthing me now? Am I back to square one with the both of them? I sat down in the nearest chair, and threw my head in my hands. All these questions were starting to give me a migraine.
"Edward?"
I quickly looked up. I'm not sure how long I buried my head in my hands, but in front of me was Angela, with a look of concern. If her face is any indication of what went down in that room, then I'm screwed. I decided it was best to play it nonchalantly, and offered a simple, "What's up?"
"Everything okay? You looked rather sick there for a minute…" she asked. This was no attempt at small talk. You could tell that she actually was concerned. I couldn't help but chuckle; there is the mothering side of her again. She really is made for this job.
"Yea, things are ok. Just have a bit of a headache and all…" I said, and saw her nodding in understanding.
"I can understand….all the stress is just catching up with you. But my time with Bella is up. Lunches seem to get shorter and shorter when you actually have things you want to do during them, and now the fun is over, and I've got to get back to work. But um, she asked me to send you back in, if you're feeling up to it." Angela had a smile on her face, which I hoped to mean was a good sign. But one could never be too sure in situations like these.
"Oh, um, yea. I'm fine. I'll head right back then. Thanks for letting me know," I said as I rose from my chair and started to walk in that direction, but stopped to add, "And Angela? Thanks for backing me up on the bedroom. I know you are her best friend, and your opinion really matters to her."
"Pssh, it was nothing. Have a good day Edward," Angela said, waving as she waddled out of the waiting room, leaving me to finish my trek back to Bella's room alone.
It was like déjà vu all over again; the door was still slightly propped open, so I rapped my knuckles on the door to alert her of my arrival. This time I went right in, since I knew she was expecting me. I could see the white board was posed on her lap, and could see a lot of erase marks on it. Seems like her and Angela had quite the conversation, I mused. Hopefully that's a good thing.
"He-y" she said, before uncapping her marker. "Sorry that took so long."
I figured it was best to keep the conversation light, so I joked with her, "It's okay Bella. I grew up with Alice; I know what it's like when girls get to gabbing." Bella cracked a smile at that, which I thought was a good sign.
"So, Angela Googled the weather in Chicago; seems like this week it's going to be about 70-75 degrees. And it looks like it's going to be sunny."
"Yea, it usually is sunnier anywhere besides rainy Forks," I quipped, though on the inside I wanted to scream, 'Seriously? We're going to talk about the weather'. I ran my hand nervously through my hair, and waited to see where Bella would take the conversation next.
It was awhile before Bella put the marker to the board again. And when she did so, each word was written so cautiously, as if she wasn't sure she wanted to write them. "Tony hates wearing his rain jacket, so I'm sure he'll appreciate the time without it."
"Really? He can go?" I said, trying to remain somewhat calm and unaffected by the words on the whiteboard. I had to make sure I had heard, or I guess read her right. I didn't want to get my hopes up just yet.
"He's been cooped up here. He needs an adventure. And like you said, it's only for a day…. not forever." She underlined the word day, making sure I understood that I had already agreed upon the length of this visit home. But a day was really all I needed; I could accomplish a lot in an overnight trip, especially when I had the majority of my family there who could get the process going.
"Yup. Barely 24 hours," I stated, showing her that I picked up on her subtle warning, and that it would be a quick trip. I was excited that she was allowing me to do this, and I couldn't wait to tell Tony that we were going on a trip, but then realized maybe that wasn't my place to do so.
As if she was sensing my insecurity, Bella wrote, "If you wouldn't mind, I would like to be the one to tell Tony about the trip. He's never gone anywhere without me, and I just want to make sure he's okay with it first, and answer any questions he might have."
"Of course, Bella. Anything you want." I would give her the world if she let me; I could easily give her this simple request, even though I wanted to shout the news from the rooftop.
The rest of our visit consisted of planning, and talking about the trip. I didn't realize how much was involved when traveling with children, but I made sure I paid attention to every detail Bella mentioned. We were brought out of our own little world when we heard 'MOMMY!' and saw Tony buzz in. A sheepish Alice stood at the door.
"Sorry to interrupt, but there was no keeping this one back," Alice said, looking between Bella and I as if gauging how things were going. Figuring Bella wanted to spend some time alone with Tony, I excused myself to join Alice in the hallway.
"So, what's the word mockingbird," she asked after I closed the door.
"Bella said Tony can come with me back to Chicago to pack up my things for a quick overnight trip. She's breaking the news to him now." I quickly explained to Alice. In all honesty, I really wanted to press my ear to the door and eavesdrop on the conversation. But I figured I had just begun to get Bella's trust back; snooping wasn't going to gain me any bonus points.
But apparently I wasn't the only one curious about what was going on in that room. Alice quickly grabbed my arm and together we pressed our ears up to the door like children. But we couldn't hear anything. Then suddenly the door flew open, and there was Tony looking at us strangely.
"Wow you guys are so close! I didn't even have to go far to find you. Mommy says she needs help cuz I can't read so good," Tony said, still looking between Alice and I in awe, like we had magically appeared when needed. Not wanting to get caught by Bella for trying to ease drop, we quickly straightened up, and walked into the room. It really was stupid of me to think Bella could explain this entire thing to Tony in her condition. I should have known better. Well, at least now I wouldn't have to eavesdrop; I got a front row seat.
"Mommy, you look not sick anymore," Tony exclaimed as he got situated on Bella's bed. Bella smiled at her son adoringly, as she opened her arms to invite Tony even closer for this serious discussion. "Ge-tting. Bet-ter". She said, then looked up to me, then the board, indicating it was time for me to do my job. "I'm getting better because of YOU".
"Because of me? Really?" Tony asked.
"Yes Silly. I want to go home to you and be all better. So its all because of you."
"Oh yes" he said. "I want that too. Can you go home now?
Bella smiled sadly at her son, before writing, "Not yet baby. I still need the doctors to look after me for a couple more days."
"I can look after you too. I'm a big boy" Tony said proudly, but his expression changed when he asked, "You're all done sleeping though, right?"
"Aw-ake. Now. Hon" she managed to get out, raising her hand to run her fingers through his hair. "You ARE such a big boy. And I'm proud of you for how good you've been for the Cullens. But hanging out in the hospital is no fun for big boys. They're supposed to be out and about having adventures and things."
"OOOO I love adventures!" Tony exclaimed, but then remembered he needed to use his inside voice for the hospital. "But I can do that after Mamas better. Sitting here is nice too."
Sparing a quick glance at me, I knew the time had come to share the news. "Hey Tony. Your Mom and I were talking and she has some news for you." I said. Simple, not giving too much away. I saw Bella position her whiteboard, ready for me to relaying messages to Tony.
"I hear there is a big boy adventure for you now, if you want it." Bella wrote.
"Really?" he asked—you could already hear the excitement in his voice.
"Yep, it in involves going on an airplane. Do you remember going to Nana Renee's house? And how we had to fly to get there? Wasn't that fun?"
"I'm going to see Nana Renee?" Tony asked, thinking that was the adventure Bella was referring to.
"No, you're going somewhere new. Somewhere you've never been before."
"Where Mommy? Where are we going?"
Bella hesitated here, noticing Tony had said we. We, meaning her and him. I knew this was her worry—him venturing off without her. I wasn't sure if I should intercede, or but I had promised that I would let her be the one to tell him. So, I waited for her to compose her next message to Tony.
"Well Tony, Mommy's staying here. Remember I said the doctors still need to look after me. But Tony, YOU can go on an adventure with Edward. To Chicago. That's where Grandma and Grandpa, and Alice and Sophia live."
"You mean Chicago from the stories? Chicago is real, like the people are?" Tony inquired, making me wonder again how much Bella had shared with her son without revealing everything.
"Yes baby. Chicago is real, just like the people. Edward lives there, and needs to go to his house and get some things so he can come back here and stay in Forks."
"With us?" Tony asked, causing Bella's eyes to bulge. I can't lie, the thought made me feel warm—maybe even complete inside. But now was not the time. Tapping Tony's shoulder to get his attention, I said, "Not with you. Remember Grandma helped me find a place here so I can be close? Remember all those boring conversations about furniture?"
Tony's expression changed when I gave him that answer. It almost seemed like he was disappointed, but maybe that was all in my mind. "Oh yea." Turning back to Bella, he adds "Grandma had soooo many books and all she would talk about was furniture. I didn't even know there was that much furniture in the world Mommy."
Bella chuckled, knowing of Esme's tendency to throw herself fully into a project. "Yes, Grandma is very good at making houses look nice inside." Bringing to us back to the subject at hand, Bella wrote, "So what do you think about the adventure?
"I would get to go to Chicago with your Edward?" Tony asked. Your Edward. I really need to know more about these stories she shared with him. At least Your is better than Mean, I thought.
"Yes baby. But you must be good for him. Traveling is very confusing so you must be on your best behavior." She hesitated, before adding, "And you and I know Edward isn't great with kids."
Tony laughed at this, but added, "But Momma, he's doing good now. I like hanging out with him. We have "guy time".
I heard Bella sniffle, but quickly hid her emotions away from her son. "That's great Tony. I'm glad you like being around him. You need more men in your life."
Tony shook his head. "No more men Mom. I have enough. There's Grandpa, and Emmett, and Jasper, and Jacob and Edward, and even Shadow! Tony is happy with all of them."
"Good. I'm happy you're happy."
"So, I go to Chicago now Mommy?" Tony asked. His eagerness for this adventure to start apparent.
"Not right this second silly. Mommy needs to spend some time with her little man. Mommy's going to miss you bunches when you're gone."
Tony threw his arms around Bella, a little too forcefully in my opinion, but Bella took the affection completely. "I'm going to miss you too Mommy. Lots and lots and lots. Just like I missed yous when you were not waking up." The comment made Bella cry, and hug Tony closer. "I'm sorry Mommy. Don't cry," Tony uttered, worried he had upset or hurt his mother.
"No. Sorry. Mo-m lov-es. You" Bella managed to get out. Letting go of Tony, she wrote, "Oh baby, I'm sorry if I scared you. I was trying my hardest to wake up and be with you. But the worst is over with. Mommy's awake and its back to being just you and me. The two of us against the world."
"Yup," Tony said. It got quiet for a minute. I thought maybe the conversation was over, until I heard Tony speak again. "But is it always going to be just you and me Mommy?'
Not sure what Tony meant, Bella penned, "What do you mean baby?"
"I mean, Sophie has a Mommy and a Daddy. And her Daddy is really cool. I think I want a daddy too. So can I have one?"
If my heart could melt, it would have right there. I wanted to say "have no fear, Daddy's here", but that wasn't my place. We were now entering a danger zone. I mean, asking for a room at my house, and even this trip was hard enough. But daddy questions? Bella and I hadn't discussed this. And I couldn't answer them. Bella and I shared eye contact. I could see she was scared. I wanted to help her so badly, but how?
"Stop talking with your eyes. Why do grown ups always talk with there eyes. People talk with there mouths." After a second, Tony added, "or writing boards when mouths don't work. So no eyes." Bella quickly broke eye contact, not wanting to upset Tony any further.
Clearing my throat, I figured distraction was key in this situation. Tony turned to look at me, and I said "So you going to come to Chicago with me? You going to keep me company?"
Let's just say—mission accomplished. Tony switched gears completely, asking all about Chicago. "When are we going? How long are we going to be gone? Are we really go on an airplane? Will we see Uncle Emmet and Rose again?" I answered all his questions, while trying to access Bella and how she was doing after Tony's father declaration. She wasn't paying attention to the exchange—instead she was staring out the window with a blank look on her face. It's a good thing I intervened when I did—though I admit, I'm curious how Bella would have answered Tony.
END FLASHBACK
When Angela drove me and Tony to Bella's house to put together a bag of clothes and essentials for the trip, I didn't think we would need two bags; we were only going to be gone for two days—but sitting here now in the crowded terminal with an overly hyper kid, I thanked Angela for her motherly instincts. And also for her parting words. i "She's giving you a lot of trust here—don't blow it." /i Looking her square in the eye, I said, "Oh believe me, I won't. This may be my only chance to show her I can do this—that…" I trailed off. Though I didn't elaborate the "this", I was referring to being a father. And based on the look Angela gave me, she knew what I meant.
"Good afternoon passengers. At Gate 32, we now ill be Boarding flight 504—direct to Chicago O'Hara Airport. We are now inviting those passengers with small children, and any passengers requiring special assistance, to begin boarding at this time. Please have your boarding pass and identification ready. Regular boarding will begin in approximately ten minutes time. Thank you."
"They said Chicago Edward. Is that us?" Tony piped up after hearing the announcement. "And they said small children. I'm young—that's us!" Being new to this how parenting thing, I wasn't exactly sure what qualifies as small children here, but upon looking around, I saw a family with kids Tony's age making their way to the podium, so I figured Tony was right, and that it was time to go.
"Yea buddy, that's us. Let's go". Quickly putting his storybook back into his bag, Tony put the backpack on, and we took our bags up to get in line. Not even five minutes later, the two of us were settled into our seats in coach. Though I had originally secured seats in first class—flying coach was one of Bella's stipulations. She always was a stickler when it came to money. Well, if I had things my way, Tony (and Bella) better learn to get use to being spoiled. I hate coach. I swear, there seats were made for midgets. My long legs barely fit—my knees digging into the seat in front of me. Scowling to myself, I thought, "This flight is going to be a fucking blast." But that scowl was quickly wiped from my face when I saw the look of awe on Tony's face as he peered out the tiny circular window, watching the workers load the luggage into the carrier. It's funny how such small trivial things can seem to amazing children. I vowed not to let the cramped quarters ruin this trip.
Entertaining a five-year-old on a plane is difficult. But thankfully the flight was less than 3 hours. Tony even slept for half of it, giving me a reprieve from tic-tac-toe, and coloring, and other fun-filled activities that came out of Tony's backpack. What I wasn't prepared for was Tony's anxiety of flying when he woke up from his nap. I had been so focused on his excitement, I didn't even think about the possibility that the little guy was actually scared. While I was used to Tony's questions at this point, I really didn't know how to answer what was making that "clonk" sound on the airplane, or why all of a sudden, the plane's nose will dip, throwing the altitude off. But I tried to answer him, and make him feel safer. When the flight got a little bumpy in the air, he reached out and took my hand. Figuring that wasn't enough, I put my arm around his shoulders, pulling him closer to me. And when that didn't work, I comforted him. I hummed the lullaby I wrote for Bella, and felt Tony physically relax in my hold. Thank God I had read Bella's letters, and knew of that calming technique.
Once we landed, Tony's anxiety quickly faded away, and the excitement returned. "We're here? We're here in Chicago? Your house is here?"
Gathering our bags, I took Tony's hand and waited in the line to deplane. "Welcome to Chicago Tony. We need to get off the plane, and get in a car to get to my house. But it's not far."
"I can't wait to see what Chicago is like. I want to see all of Mommy's Chicago from the stories."
"Comm'on buddy, let's go find Uncle Emmett. Then you can tell me more about Mommy's Chicago." And boy was I curious.
AN2: See you all with another update soon...maybe a Tony POV.
