So, not so new story ... I'm reposting this. This story was pulled years ago by FFn. That decision (without any sort of warning, really) forced me to move from just posting on FFn to Stars (then The Writer's Coffee Shop), AO3, and FictionPad. After doing some thinking, and FicPad turning into a for-profit platform, I've decided to repost this here. I may also repost A Ilha Do Amor, too ... we'll see.
This is ALREADY COMPLETE! PREWRITTEN
I will be doing some editing for content, but this is written in its entirety on Stars, AO3, Wattpad and FicPad (when it's not being a pain in the butt).
This is different from the norm. In all of the stories that I've read or that I've seen, all of the characters are disgustingly perfect unless they are written with very clear flaws. This story is about love (um, duh! Look who's writing it. I'm the queen of romance), and finding it in the least likely place with the least likely person.
Now, this story is based in a hospital. My medical training comes from…WebMD. I'm not a doctor, nor do I claim to be. I'm a music teacher who has a wild imagination and a penchant for all things Twilight (and with this story, added in a mix of ER! I loved Luca Kovac…) Which brings me to my disclaimer: None of this is mine. I'm not, nor ever will be, Stephenie Meyer. If was, I'd be rolling in the dough from her insane imagination that gave us Bella and Edward. No copyright infringement is intended.
Chapter Eighteen
EPOV
You know what they say about teachers and doctors? Teachers make the worst students and doctors make the worst patients? Well, it's the damn truth. The week following my run-in with my brother's jaw, I was a first-class jerk. I was in pain and bitchy because I couldn't do my job. Bella, after a week, dragged me into my office and ripped me a new asshole for screaming at one of the new nurses that we'd hired. The poor girl was sobbing in the locker room because of my cranky, unprofessional behavior. I had shouted at her for not inserting an IV appropriately.
Shockingly, Bella put me in a timeout while she went to deal with the new nurse, Bree. She even went so far as giving me an assignment to center myself. Begrudgingly, I began typing on my computer, since writing was an issue with the damned black brace. It looked like a kindergartner wrote on prescription pad. I prided myself in having nice handwriting for a doctor. As of late, not so much.
When was this stupid black brace coming off?
Back to Bella's assignment; she asked me to write down ways I cannot bite someone's head off if I'm frustrated. I stared at the computer screen blankly, trying to come up with strategies to avoid a repeat of the situation with Bree.
Anger Management 101 – strategies by Edward Cullen, M.D., as assigned by his brilliant girlfriend, Isabella Swan, R.N.
When at work or in life, people tend to get frustrated, pissed off, upset, etc…It's how you handle these moments that you need to pay attention and not ruffle the feathers of your co-workers, friends and significant others (girlfriend/fiancée-types). Here are some tips and tricks to address said issues.
Step One: Walk away when you're getting upset. When you're flustered, your emotions run higher and you will be quicker to fly off the handle than if you were calm, cool collected. If this is not an option, continue on to step two.
Step Two: Sometimes you're in a situation where you can't walk away (emergency situations where a patient is coding or bleeding out…if a doc leaves during this, it's a malpractice suit just waiting to happen). Take a few calming breaths and work through the procedure/situation. Once the patient has stabilized (or the situation), take your timeout. Only after you've collected your thoughts that you speak to the other person involved.
Step Three: Get a blowjob from your girl. (Just kidding! I love you, Bella! Xoxox!)
Step Four: Go down on your girl…(Do you see where this is going? I need you, sweet girl. Bury my lips between your thighs and get drunk on your succulent nectar.) UGH! I need to stop this! Anger management…
Step Five: I'm serious, I swear. If feasible, get another person to mediate between you and the person you're upset with: someone NOT actively involved in the situation at hand. You need to have that outside perspective to work through the issues and grow as a person.
Step Six: If the above strategies don't work, drink heavily and make love to your girl. Being encased in her warmth is a balm to the soul. The endorphins released from coming make everything feel better, not to mention the physical pleasure of seeing your girl come. Who's with me?
Now, I know why you journal, sweet girl. It's a very productive way to release my word vomit. Plus, it's showing me how fucking horny I am. (Please?! I need you, my girl!) I also do feel better. Bree will be getting an apology from my cranky ass before she leaves.
I was saving and printing my journal entry as Bella walked in the door. Her eyes were dark with anger and based off her posture, still very much pissed at me. I stuck out my lower lip. "I love you, Bella."
"Not going to fly, Cullen," she said hotly. "Sit." Holding my anger management paper, I slumped on my couch. I was slightly afraid of Bella. She was pacing in my office. "I got Bree calmed down. Your rude behavior was the straw that broke the camels back for her."
"What happened?"
"Lauren, Jessica, and Britney have taken it upon themselves to tease and taunt Bree like they teased me," Bella snarled. "Then, couple that with your jerk-like behavior, she's at her breaking point. Bree struggled with placing IV's and asked for assistance from you."
"I told her that I couldn't due to my gimpiness," I said sullenly.
"Edward, I heard what you said. I was in the next curtain area," Bella said angrily. "You said, and I quote, 'If you can't do put in an IV, what are you doing in my ER?'" I hung my head in shame. I was an ass. I hated myself for making that girl cry because I was in pain. "It was a miracle that she was able to place the IV after you embarrassed and berated her, Edward. You're one of the good guys! What the fuck?!"
"I'm sorry," I murmured.
"Don't apologize to me. You have a twenty-three year old nurse who is petrified of you that you need to apologize to," Bella said sternly. With a sigh, she sat down next to me. "I know that you're in pain, baby. It's frustrating when you know you can do something but due to an injury, you can't. However, you cannot take it out on other people."
"I know," I mumbled. "I'm an ass."
"Not normally, Edward," she said as she twined her fingers with my good hand. "Anyhow, Felix said that he'd check out your hand later today and Bree is off in about an hour. You have that long before you must apologize to her. And don't make her cry, Cullen. She's completely overwhelmed. This is first job out of college and she's nervous. When one of the bosses question your abilities, you would cry, too." She picked up my journal and folded it, putting it into her pocket. "I'll read this later. When I'm at home."
"Awwww, Bella," I whined. "You said you would come over."
"Angela is sick and she needs me," she said, ruffling my hair. I pouted, crossing my arms over my chest. "Oh, Edward. I know I said that I was going to spend the night but Ang sent me a text begging me to come home since she was feeling so crummy. I'll spend the night when we have our date this weekend. Where are we going?"
"You'll find out when we go out," I answered cryptically. "Can I, at least, get a kiss before you leave?"
"Yes, baby," she snickered, leaning down to kiss my lips softly. "I love you, Edward. Very much and despite your curmudgeony ways the past week or so. Apologize to Bree."
"Yes, sweet girl," I breathed against her mouth, sweeping my tongue inside of her lips. She moaned before she pulled away. "Hey…?"
"I'm off, Edward," she laughed. "I'll call you later, okay?"
"Fine," I grumbled.
"Oh, don't pout, baby," she giggled.
"I'm frustrated, horny and well, horny!" I hissed. "I can't exactly rub one out since I'm broken."I waggled my fingers in my brace. Fucking Jasper… Bella snickered as she walked to the door. "Bella!" God, can I be more of a whiny-assed baby?
"I'm going, Edward. I'm sorry about your problem but I've got a sick roommate. You're ambidextrous. Use the other hand," she winked before ducking out of my office. I scowled at the closed door but hadn't really considered what Bella suggested. Perhaps I'd try it tonight.
xx APFL xx
I apologized to Bree and explained to her my frustrations with my brace. She was still extremely fearful of me and the possibility of losing her job. It took me nearly an hour to convince her that I was just in pain and pissed off that I couldn't do shit with the damned brace on my hand. She was not going to lose her job.
However, one good thing happened from that whole debacle. Felix removed my brace and said that I was fit to go back to work fully. I damn near kissed the man when he dubbed me 'healed.' I celebrated when I got home with masturbating in the shower, day dreaming about Bella.
After eating a brief dinner of a bowl of cereal and a beer. It's gross. I know. I need to go grocery shopping. At least the milk wasn't sour… I decided to call my girl. I wanted to check on her and see how Angela was doing. I dialed her number and waited for her to pick up. When she did, I heard wailing in the background. "Hello?" she asked.
"Hey, sweet girl," I said. "Is everything okay?"
"Angela cannot keep anything down and she's sobbing uncontrollably," Bella said. "Or she's puking. Poor thing is miserable."
"Does she want some Reglan? I can come over and give her a shot," I said. I so desperately wanted to be with my girl.
"Hold on," she said. I heard the muffled voice of Bella and an enthusiastic 'YES!' from Angela. "Would you mind coming over?"
"Not a problem. I'll swing by the hospital, pick up the meds and an IV bag since Angela maybe dehydrated, too," I said as I hopped up. "I'll be there in a half hour or so."
"Thanks," Bella breathed. "Love you, Edward."
"Love you more, sweet girl," I murmured. I pulled on a pair of shorts, Cubs t-shirt (don't be hatin') and a pair of sneakers. I finished my dashing ensemble with my glasses and drove to the hospital. I quickly logged in, ordered some Reglan and an IV bag for Angela. Alice was working and handed it off to me. I thanked her and walked toward the exit. However, the locker room door was open. Jacob was hissing on his phone.
I was not pleased when the board of directors allowed Jacob to come back to work. They believed that we could rehabilitate him. I, personally, think that he's a lost cause because he acts like he's God. Most surgeons do. I decided to be a nosy bastard and listen in on his conversation.
"Shit! Man, I've got no more money! My new job is fucking screwing me over…my asshole boss has this pole stuck far up his ass and he's ready to ding me for every fucking thing…Talk to Sam. He can help you out, if you know what I mean. Self medicate and all that jazz…No, I can't bring you meds. I'm still on lockdown with my asshole boss and his cronies. I can't prescribe anything…Talk. To. Sam. He can help you out in the mean time. I'll be over after my shift to look at your…Fine. See you in a few." Jacob hung up his phone and slipped out the other door of the locker room.
I followed him at a distance, grabbing Alice along the way. "Edward! What are you…?"
I covered her mouth with my hand. "I'm following Black. Something's up and I want a witness," I said. Nodding in his general direction, we followed Jacob to the drug locker. Alice watched as we saw Jacob swipe several vials of pain killers, replacing them with similar bottles. He also took several Demerol patches, rearranging the remaining ones to look like they were not touched. I furrowed my brow. This was locked up. Black didn't have a key. Who gave him one?
Jacob walked out of the drug locker and down the opposite direction from where we were standing. "Holy shit!" Alice squeaked. "What's going to happen?"
"I don't know. Alice, I need you to type up what you saw and send it to Eleazar and Marcus. I'm going to do the same. Black is stealing controlled substances without our consent with the intent to use them, possibly sell them," I said. "That's a felony and he can lose his medical license."
"I'll blind copy you on my report," she said.
"Thanks," I replied grimly. With a sigh, I sent a quick text to Bella saying I'd be longer than a half hour and began typing my report. I wrote down everything that I heard leading up to what Alice and I saw in the locker. I proofread it and was satisfied that I got my point across about Jacob. When I went to send it to Eleazar and Marcus, I noticed Alice's copy was already in my inbox. I logged off my computer, grabbing my meds for Angela and drove to their apartment.
Using my key, I let myself in to the building but knocked on the door. Bella opened it up and I could Angela retching in the bathroom. "Oh my," I said.
"She thinks she ate some bad sushi," Bella replied.
"I'd be puking too if I ate raw fish. That shit is nasty," I snickered walking toward the barfing sounds in Angela's bathroom. She was huddled around the toilet, clinging to it for dear life. "Hey Ang."
"Ugh," she grumbled.
"I know, sweetie," I said as I sat down next to her. "Do you have a fever?"
"Low grade," she croaked out. "I think it's because of all of the puking I'm doing."
"Do you think I can examine you?" I asked as brushed her sweaty hair from her neck.
"I apologize if I blow chunks on you. Though it'll be due to your choice in attire. The Cubs? Cullen, really?" she quipped as she closed the toilet seat to sit on it.
"You're not that sick. You're giving me shit about the Loveable Losers," I joked. "Bella, can you take her temp?"
"Sure," Bella replied, putting the thermometer into her ear. I felt around her neck to see if her lymph nodes were swollen. "99.2."
"Thanks, sweet girl," I smiled. "Could you do me a favor and set up the IV in the bedroom, administering the Reglan inside?" She nodded and left the bathroom, closing the door to give Angela and me some privacy. "Are you sure this is food poisoning?"
Angela bit her lip and despite her pallor, blushed slightly.
"Ang, I can't treat you if I don't know," I said, arching a brow. "Could you be pregnant?"
"I just found out," she whispered. "Ben and I were always careful but one night he didn't have any condoms and I thought I was in my safe zone for my cycle. Apparently not…Will the Reglan hurt the baby?"
"No. It'll be fine but taken in moderation. Has your 'morning sickness' been this violent the entire time?" I asked.
"Pretty much," she groaned, leaning forward. "However, this is the longest it's gone for. I've been off for two days and have been puking for two days." She covered her mouth and scrambled to heave the meager contents into the toilet. I gently rubbed her back as I held her hair away from her face. "This sucks! I don't have a baby in my belly. I have the spawn of Satan."
"I bet Ben would love to hear that," I snickered.
"He doesn't know. Not yet," she muttered. "Neither does Bella. I don't know what to do. Edward, help me!"
"First off, you need to tell Ben. He's the father and he has a right to know," I said quietly, sitting back on my butt. "Secondly, you need to make an appointment with OB. They can pinpoint when conception happened and give you better advice for the morning sickness than I can. I'm an ER doc, not an obstetrician."
"Can the prescribe something for the vomiting? I can't walk around with a Reglan IV," she frowned.
"Probably Zofran but they may try the over the counter route first," I shrugged.
"What about Bella?" she asked.
"What about her?"
"Once I tell Ben, I know he's going to want me to move in with him. I don't want to leave her in a lurch," Angela frowned.
"When's your lease up?"
"End of July," she replied. "I'll let Bella know as soon as I tell Ben."
"Hopefully, I can convince her to move in with me," I said, smiling widely. Angela rolled her eyes, then promptly puked. After Angela brushed her teeth, I helped her to bed where Bella had set up the IV. Expertly, Bella inserted it and set it up on the headboard of the bed. I placed a garbage can next to the mattress since she was tethered to the bed. She scowled at me. "The Reglan will make you sleepy."
"I know, I know," she grumbled. "Only one bag?"
"After this, I want you try and sip some warm broth and saltine crackers," I said.
"I'll make you some, Ang," Bella said as she kissed her roommate's forehead. "You just rest, okay?" Angela nodded and her eyelids began to droop. Once her breathing evened out, Bella and I walked to the kitchen and she began working on making her broth. Based on the volume of how loud she was banging the pots and pans, she knew something was up. However, she didn't vocalize it.
Angela finished the IV and was able to keep her broth and crackers down. She was exhausted, crashing promptly after she ate. Bella washed the dishes and put them into the dishwasher. Her face, though, was incredibly sad. I wrapped my arms around her waist, nuzzling my nose into her hair. "Talk to me, sweet girl."
"Nothing. Just thinking about a million different scenarios," she shrugged. "I'm worried about Ang."
"Me, too, Bella. She's going to be fine," I said. She's growing a human in her stomach. Even though I'm a doctor, I'm still amazed at the miracle of life.
"It's not food poisoning," Bella said matter-of-factly. "There's more but she's not telling me."
"If there is more, she'll tell you in her own way, Bella," I said. "Now, did you read my journal?" Must. Break. Ice. If she asked me if Angela was pregnant , I could not deny her. I'd have to tell her.
"I did and you are a perv," she snorted, smacking my leg. "I'm sorry that our schedules haven't aligned and that your poor wang was neglected due to your injury. If it's any consolation, I've been on the same 'ban' as you."
"You didn't play with any of your toys?" I purred, nipping at her ear.
"No. Honestly, they scare the living crap out of me," she blushed. "They're so loud and well, what if Angela hears me?"
"She's down for the count. I can show you how much those toys can help you," I snickered, pulling Bella away from the kitchen and toward her bedroom. Let's just say that the toys were not as loud as my girl…
xx APFL xx
The rest of the week flew by. Angela spoke with Ben and he was over the moon about their happy news. However, Bella was quite upset by it since Angela and Ben explained to her that same evening that they were moving in together. Bella showed up on my doorstep in tears. I didn't say much. I just let her cry as I held her. Little did she know that on our date, I was going to formally ask her to move in along with another surprise.
The day before our date, I had just gotten off my shift and drove to visit my parents. The last time I saw them was at Jasper's failed graduation dinner. When I walked into the house, I could hear sobbing and a quiet shushing sound. My dad was pacing in the living room on the phone. "Never mind. My son is here and he can help out more than you can," he snapped. "Fucking good for nothing psychiatrist! Hi, Edward."
"What's wrong?" I asked, furrowing my brow.
"We got the paperwork from the courthouse for Royce's trial," he said. "It's tentatively set up for the first week in July. Additionally, Jenks informed us that Royce is on house arrest until the trial because he was threatened in jail. He 'feared' for his life and some liberal judge granted him release. He can't leave his home at all. But it's freaking out Rose. As soon as she got the phone call, she ran to the bathroom and threw up everything she's eaten and refuses to eat anything else."
"Shit," I growled. "I'll go talk to her."
"Good because she needs to calm down. Her heart rate is racing and I'm worried," Carlisle said, his brow creased with worry.
I nodded and walked up the stairs to my sister's room. She was curled up in a ball by the window with my mom sitting near her but not touching her. "Rosie?"
"Eddie," she sobbed as she sprang up, running into my arms. I caught her and fell to the ground, holding my baby sister tightly. "He's going to get off. I just know it! What am I going to do?"
"It's okay, Rosie. Eddie's got you," I crooned, gently swaying my sister in my arms. My mom left, ruffling my hair as she passed. Rose was sobbing uncontrollably. I just let her cry against me. After an hour or so, she calmed down enough and I was able to speak. "What happened?"
"We got the trial date," Rose sniffled.
"That's a good thing, Rosie," I said as I brushed her matted hair away from her face. "The faster the trial date, the quicker you can move on with your life."
"They also released him to his home, Eddie," she said, in a strangled voice. "He was 'threatened' and some asshole judge granted him house arrest. He's going to get out and get me. I just know it!"
"Rose, he won't get you. I promise you that he'll have to get through me, Dad, Mom, Emmett, Bella and possibly Assper to get to you," I said as I tightened my hold on her. "I know you're terrified, but you can't let him control you. You're stronger than this. You're stronger than any of us put together."
"I'm so scared, Eddie. What if this happens again while I'm at school? I won't have anyone there with me," she mumbled dejectedly.
"Johns Hopkins is an amazing school but so are any of the local med schools," I countered. "You got into Northwestern and University of Chicago. You can always attend there."
"But, I want to move out," she whined. "If I go to school here, I'll be stuck here with the parentals."
"I may have something that would benefit us both. Let me talk to Bella and we'll see where the chips fall," I said as I picked my sister up. She squeaked, smacking at my chest. I dumped her unceremoniously onto the bed.
"Ass," she giggled, then wiping her snotty nose. "What do you mean? Edward, come on! Tell me! Give me the goods! I need something positive right now. Please?"
"Fine," I chuckled, sitting down across from her. "I'm here for a couple of reasons. The first is to pick up Grandma Masen's wedding band to give to Bella."
"Are you freaking proposing?" she squealed.
"No. Not yet. I want to give Bella that ring as a promise that I will propose to her," I said.
"YAY! I get a new sister!" Rose yelled, pinning me to the bed, causing us to fall onto the ground. My head crashed against the carpet as we tumbled onto the floor.
"Get off me, you brat!" I snorted as I rolled out from underneath her. I massaged my neck, scowling at my baby sister. "Be kind to your decrepit older brother."
"Sorry," she smirked, giving me her version of a crooked grin.
"Yeah, whatever, Squirt," I chuckled. "I'm your personal punching bag."
She rolled her eyes. "So, what was the second thing you came here for?" Rose asked, leaning against her mattress.
"To meet with mom to work with Bella on redecorating my house. However, I was thinking that if you are going to attend school here in Chicago, you could purchase my brownstone and Bella and I could get something together," I shrugged. Rose let out another girlish squeal. "She has to say yes first!"
"She will! I just know it!" Rose said as she clapped her hands. "Oh, I just know what wonderful things I can do with your place, Edward. I'm totally going to gut the closet to make it a walk-in." She hopped up and ran to her computer, typing furiously.
"I'm so glad that I made you feel better," I deadpanned.
She stopped typing and turned in her seat. "Edward, you know I love you. I wouldn't have gotten through this without you."
"Don't forget Mom and Dad," I said.
"They were great but it was you coming home that kicked my ass in gear," she said. "Plus the friendship I have with Bella, Alice, Angela and Alice's sister, Cynthia has definitely made me stronger."
"Don't forget about Emmett," I smirked. She blushed. "Have you two gone out on a date officially yet? Have you kissed?"
"Date? Yes. Kissed? Not yet, but I think soon," she said, smiling wistfully. "Emmett is such a saint."
"He is. He's a great guy, Rosie. You deserve someone like him," I said as I stood up. I kissed her head and ruffled her hair. She smacked at my hands. "I'm going to check on Mom and Dad. Talk to them. Don't rely on your big brother to pull you out of your funk."
"I know," she sighed. "I love you, Eddie."
"Love you, too, Rosie," I said as I kissed her cheek, blowing a raspberry into her skin. She squealed. I jogged away, dodging pencils that were being thrown in my general direction. My sister threw like a girl. I closed the door and headed to my mom's studio which was on the same level as my sister's room. "Mom?"
"Is Rosalie better?" she asked. Her voice sounded so broken.
"She is, Mom," I said as I sat down on the edge of her desk. A few stray tears fell down my mom's cheeks. "Don't cry, Mom."
"I feel so helpless, Edward. The only person she responds to when she's like this is you," she sighed. "My baby girl is broken and I can't fix her."
"She doesn't need you to fix her, Mom. She needs you to understand. I understand and that's why she responds to me," I sighed, running my hand through my hair. "Rose is very fragile but she's not completely broken. I treat her as normally as I can. Take off the kid gloves, Mom."
"She's just my baby and it hurts me to see her in pain," she said. "Out of my three children, you're the most normal."
"No, I'm not," I snorted. "I just hide my fucked-uppedness really, really well. I mean, my ex-wife was a closeted lesbian for how long?"
"Oh, Edward," she breathed. "Now, I know that you didn't come here to fix Rose. You have that determined 'I'm-coming-to-Momma-to-get-what-I-want' look."
"You're so smart, Momma," I quipped.
"You so take after me, my oldest child," she smirked. "What do you want?"
"Grandma Masen's wedding band," I said.
"You're surely not proposing to Bella with that?" Esme said flatly.
"Heavens no! I'm going to give her a rock that will cause a blind man to cover his eyes," I replied. "I want the ring to give to her as a promise that I will propose to her." Esme squealed, bouncing in her seat. I covered my ears. "Jesus! What is it with all of the women in this house squealing? Have pity on my poor ears!"
"I'm so happy for you, Edward," she said as she hugged me. "You two should have a summer wedding!"
"It's a promise ring, Ma! We're not getting engaged yet," I said. "Can you get it for me?"
"Right," she said as she stood up, walking to a large painting in the room. She swung it open and nestled behind it was the safe with all of the family 'jewels': Grandma Masen's wedding band, Grandma Cullen's engagement ring (which is uglier than sin. Who uses a fire opal for an engagement ring?), various necklaces and earrings and lastly, my mom's great-grandmother's wedding ring that has a massively huge diamond. She grabbed a velvet bag. With a soft smile, she clutched it to her chest. "Here you go, Edward."
"Thanks, Mom," I said as I shook it out of the bag. Laying on my palm was a platinum ring that was surrounded by three rows of pave diamonds. It sparkled brilliantly and I could just see it on her finger. "I'm going to get this cleaned and such."
"When are you going to give it to her?" she asked.
"Tomorrow while we're on our date," I said. "I'm also going to ask her to move in with me. Her roommate is pregnant and when the lease is up, she's moving in with her boyfriend." My mom smiled, obviously very pleased with this development. "I'll see you later, okay?"
"Okay," she said. "I love you, Edward."
"Love you, too," I said as I kissed her cheek. I left the studio and headed down to the main level so I could drive to our jewelers to get the ring cleaned, buffed and polished. However, my dad stopped me before I could leave.
"Edward? A word?" he asked.
"Yeah?"
"I just got an email from Marcus and Eleazar regarding our favorite trauma surgeon," he said, his nose wrinkled in distaste. "There's been a formal investigation opened on him stealing drugs from the locker."
"Good," I said coldly. "Did you know how much he took?"
"There six vials of saline solution masked as morphine and Percocet plus ten Demerol patches taken from the drug locker that were not prescribed," Carlisle said. "You and Alice are going to be meeting with Marcus and Eleazar first thing Monday morning. As far as I'm concerned, Dr. Black is no longer a member of our staff at Cook County. I do not trust him."
"Me neither," I said. "However, he got the locker key from someone. He was denied access, Dad."
"We'll have to get him to point out his accomplice," Carlisle said, pursing his lips. "How is the question? Who would be stupid enough to give him a drug locker key when he was not given the privilege to prescribed controlled substances?"
"And you ponder that while I go run some errands," I said as I hopped up.
"Edward, you brought this accusation against Jacob," Carlisle said sternly.
"I know, Dad. But, I don't have time to talk about it NOW. I'm not working. Neither are you," I said, pinching my nose between my fingers. "I've got a big date to plan and a girl that I want to spend my life with."
"You're proposing?" he asked, giving me a crooked grin.
"Not yet, but soon, Dad. I am 'promising' her that I will propose with a promise ring. I have to get it cleaned before our date on the Odyssey tomorrow," I explained.
"Okay," he chuckled. "I'm glad that you and Bella have found each other. She's an amazing nurse and such a beautiful girl."
"She is, Dad. But back off. That's my girlfriend you're drooling over," I quipped. He held up his hands defensively, laughing loudly. "Are you going to be at the meeting?"
"I will be," he said. "Good luck tomorrow and let us know what she says."
"Will do, Dad," I replied as I darted out of the house before I got stopped by another person. It would be just my luck that Julio, the gardener, would stop me ask me if I wanted purple or red begonias for my mother's garden. I drove to the jewelers and got the ring cleaned. It looked like a million bucks as it sparkled in the box that they gave me for the ring. Afterward, I went back to my place to change my sheets since we were going to spend the night at my place after our date.
I went to bed early and dreamt of my girl. The dreams that assaulted my subconscious were of our wedding day. Bella walking to me in a white dress. Bella in my arms as we swayed to the music at our reception. Bella wiping frosting on my nose from our wedding cake. Bella and I making love on our wedding night, creating our life. Our son or daughter being born.
When I woke up, I had tears streaming down my cheeks. I wanted that dream so badly. I wanted my girl permanently. Tonight was the first step in making that dream a reality.
xx APFL xx
"Okay, Cullen. You can do this," I said as I sat outside of Bella's apartment in my Aston Martin. "You're going on a romantic dinner cruise with your dream girl about to ask her if she wants to move in with me and promising the rest of my life with her. Then, possibly, make love until your dick falls off." With a deep breath, I walked up to Bella's apartment. Angela opened the door, looking much more like a human and not like a zombie.
"Hey, Dr. Tattward," she quipped.
"Pregosaurus Rex," I teased. "How's your bean?"
"Cooking," she snorted. "I had my first OB appointment and I'm about eight weeks along. Plus, my doctor gave me a prescription for Zofran and I'm not puking anymore. Score!"
"Congratulations," I said as I hugged her. "You seen my girl?"
"She's stressing about her outfit. She thinks it's too tight but I think she looks amazing. She's down nearly twenty-five pounds and if I was a lesbian, I'd do her."
"I heard that, Angela!" Bella yelled from her room.
"Ben tells me that I have a magic tongue, Bella! Perhaps I could have some fun with you if Dr. Tattward is feeling generous," Angela said. My brows shot to my hairline. Angela rolled her eyes and mouthed that she was just kidding. However, it got Bella out of her room in a sexy peacock blue wrap dress. Her hair was curled and hung around her face like a mahogany halo of beauty. Really, Cullen? "On second thought, maybe not. I love you, Bells, but I don't swing that direction."
"Angela, I swear, your filter has gone out the window since you announced you were pregnant," Bella said.
"What? I'm horny," she said as she rubbed her flat belly. "I need me some man meat. I'm going to see if Ben can take an extended lunch break to make his baby mama come with his own tongue. Toodles!" She grabbed her purse and danced out of the apartment, leaving Bella and me in shock.
"Zero filter," Bella sighed.
"I don't care about Angela or her filter. The only person I care about right now is you," I said as I crossed over to her, kissing her pillow soft lips. "Hi, sweet girl. You look amazing."
"Thanks," she blushed. "Alice and I went shopping a few weeks ago and we bought this. It was tight but she insisted I get it, stating that 'I'd fit in it and make you drool.'"
"Well, you look fucking hot and I'm definitely drooling," I said as I wiped my chin. "I can't believe how sexy you look, Bella."
"I'm down to a size ten," she said, her face beaming with pride. "I may try for another ten pounds so I can get into an eight but I'm happy with what I've done."
"You should be, sweet girl. However, I'd love you even if you were a size thirty," I said, kissing her sweetly.
"You might, but I wouldn't," she sighed. "Now, you said to get dressed up. Are you doing to tell me where we're going?"
"You'll see when we get there," I said as I offered her my arm. She eagerly latched in since she was wearing insanely high heels. We headed down to my car and I gallantly assisted her into the Aston Martin. I may or may not have squeezed her succulent ass as she passed me. That earned me a smack. After I got into the car, I drove us to Navy Pier, parking in the exorbitantly expensive parking lot.
"Navy Pier? We're a little overdressed, Edward," she said, tugging at her dress.
"First stop, sweet girl," I said as I laced my fingers with hers. We walked to the dock where the Odyssey was docked. When we got in line, she was flummoxed. "Are you surprised?"
"I've never been on a boat," she whispered. "This is all so glamorous."
"Well, I have something special planned for you once we're aboard," I murmured against her softly curled hair. We snaked through the line and got our picture taken as we boarded. I handed the porter my ticket and she led us up to the very top deck, just below the observation lounge. I had reserved the entire room for just the two of us along with a jazz band that Bella loved.
"Edward, where are the rest of the tables?" she asked when she noticed that there was one table sitting in the center of the room, just off the dance floor.
"I rented out the room for a private party," I crooned. "Life's been crazy lately and I wanted to spoil my girl."
"You spoil me so much, Edward," she said quietly.
"I'll do it forever, baby," I murmured. I guided her to the table and helped her into her seat. The waitress poured us a glass of champagne before leaving us to talk quietly.
"I can't believe this," Bella mused. "Never in my life did I expect all of this."
"You deserve the best, sweet girl," I said as I picked up her hand, kissing her palm. "Now, how are you doing? Despite your absolute beauty, I can see in your eyes that you're troubled."
"I'm stressed," she sighed. "I don't know about the whole living situation. I can't afford to stay at the apartment where Ang and I lived on my own."
"Hmmmm," I said thoughtfully.
"I'm trying to figure out my best options for the least cost," she said, nervously playing with her hair.
"I have a suggestion," I said as I ran my fingers along the silky smooth skin of her hand.
"Okay," she said, arching a brow.
"Move in with me," I said simply.
"It's too fast, Edward. I mean, we've only been together for six months…" she rambled.
"Bella, I've told you time and time again that you're it for me," I said. "I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Why don't you move in with me?"
"I cannot afford to live with you. I mean, I probably couldn't make the electric payment on your house," she said, breathing heavily. She was on the verge of a nervous breakdown.
"Bella, relax," I said as I sat down next to her, gently rubbing her back. "If I had my way, you wouldn't pay anything." She shot me a look. "Obviously, you don't want that, so we can work it out that you keep paying what you paid with Angela and we'd be golden."
"It's not fair," she argued feebly. "I should chip in, fifty/fifty."
"Bella, this isn't about the money. It's about sharing our lives together," I said as I took her face in my hands. As I did so, the boat pulled away from the dock and began its journey along the shores of Lake Michigan. "If you don't like my place, we can pick something out. Just the two of us."
"Oh no! I do not want you spending any more money unnecessarily," she said.
"Well, Rose is thinking of staying in Chicago and she'll need a place to stay. She can buy my place and we can get something together. It's a win-win!" I said. She bit her lip and her brow furrowed. "Bella, love, I want this. When I'm away from you, I don't sleep. I want to know that you're home and safe in my place so I can hold you in my arms. I love you so much, Bella. Please move in with me?"
"What if we don't make it?" she asked, her brown eyes filled with fear and trepidation.
"Bella, a love like ours doesn't just fade away. I love you with everything that I am," I said. I wanted to wait to do this but I knew I had to lay down my ace. I reached into my pocket and ran my thumb over her right ring finger. "Bella, what will it take for you to know that I'm not going anywhere?"
"Nothing, Edward. I know that you love me but…I'm still afraid," she said.
"Bella, I know that everyone in your life prior to me has screwed you over. It sucks. I want to murder them for making my girl hurt but I will do everything in my power to make you happy. I want to spend my whole life doing that, Bella." I pulled out the box that held my grandmother's ring. I flipped it open and placed it on her plate.
"That's not a…" she squeaked.
"No, baby. It's not an engagement ring," I said. "It's a promise. My promise to you that I'm not going anywhere. My promise to you that I will love forever and always. My promise to you that I want a future with you, including a house, a litter of kids, a dog, PTA, perhaps a few guinea pigs and maybe a sugar glider."
"A what?" she laughed, tears falling down her cheeks.
"It's like a monkey. I always wanted one as a kid," I snorted. "Bella, you're my present and definitely my future. I'd promise you the world, if you'll have me. So, I'll ask you again. Will you move in with me?" I took the ring and slid onto her right ring finger.
Her brown eyes stared at me. She lifted her hands and caressed my cheeks, gently pushing my hair from my face. With one lone tear, she nodded. "Yes, I'll move in with you," she whispered.
"Really?"
"Really," she choked out.
"I love you, Isabella Swan," I smiled, crashing my lips against hers. I pulled her from the chair and picked her up, spinning on the dance floor, earning a giggle of happiness from my girl. My almost-fiancée. My past. My present. And most importantly, my future. My love.
A/N: I wanted to get to the meeting about Jacob in this chapter but this seemed like a good stopping point. Besides, I wanted to also add a lemon, too. However, due to the fact that meeting is going to be with Edward, the next chapter will be in Edward's POV. It's going against the grain, but it's what will work. As a consolation, we will have two back-to-back Bella chapters, as well. Pictures of the Odyssey boat trip are on my blog, along with the promise ring and their outfits. Also, I do apologize for the wait in between chapters. RL got absolutely crazy and I haven't had enough time to write. So, I was not able to update as quickly as I hoped. It was a combination of madness at work, sickness for me and my family and a serious case of writer's block.
Extra teasers and what not are posted on my blog (link in my profile), my Facebook group: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation, and my twitter: tufano79. Leave me some lovin!