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).
Anyhow, up next will be the lunch with Jasper, Edward and Bella. I'm thinking Rose and Emmett will be thrown in there for good measure, too. We're also going to have Garrett's welcome to Chicago party with the solidification of his and Alice's relationship. Finally, we're flying to Hawaii. If you have any suggestions on what our lovebirds should do in Hawaii, let me know. They're going to Oahu; in case you're wondering. I also mapped out the rest of the story. Once we get back from our vacay, it's not going to pretty. Angst is coming. The elusive it is just on the horizon.
Now, this story is based in a hospital. My medical training comes from…WebMD and Wikipedia. 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 Twenty-Three
BPOV
Edward has been acting weird lately. He won't look me in the eye and he's acting so guilty. I've tried to talk to him but he kisses me and makes me forget what I wanted to say with lots of orgasms. I'm determined, today, to find out why he's been trying to kill me with his platinum tongue.
So I'm going to ambush him.
In the bathroom.
Not while he's taking a dump or anything. My man is quite noxious when he does, though. Ewwww…must invest in lots and lots of air freshener. And candles…Yankee Candle is having their Semi-Annual clearance. Fluffy Towels is a great scent. Put it on the to-do list.
I digress. Edward's in the shower and I'm going finally confront him about his odd behavior.
Quietly, I slid into the bathroom and hopped up on the counter after I got back from an overnight shift that I covered for Ben, who caught Angela's summer cold. Edward was humming quietly while he was washing his hair. He was wiggling his butt to the beat in his head. He rinsed his hair and turned off the water. Turning around, he swiped a towel from the bar and rubbed it over his wet hair. I folded my legs underneath me and waited patiently. He opened the shower door and stepped out. He was wrapping the towel around his waist when I decided to pounce.
"Are you ever going to tell me why you're being weird?" I asked.
Edward screamed, dropping his towel onto the ground. "Holy FUCK! Bella, you scared the shit out of me!" he squealed.
"I highly doubt that since the room doesn't smell like a toxic waste dump," I giggled. He rolled his eyes, wrapping the towel back around his waist. "Seriously, why are you acting so jumpy?" My insecurities came flying back. "Do you want me to move out?"
"What?! No!" he said as he crossed over to me, taking my face into his warm, wet palms. He leaned down and kissed me softly. His mouth was warm and pliant, molding with my lips.
I pulled back, pushing him away. "No nookie. You're talking, Cullen. Why are you acting like cat in a room full of rocking chairs?" He frowned and dropped his gaze to my chest. "No staring at the ta-tas. Answer me, Edward." I tipped his head back so he would look me in the eyes.
He sighed and tucked an errant hair behind my ear. "Earlier this week, my brother came by," he said quietly. I bristled. Ugh, Jasper. Blah…Jasper pissed me off something awful. He was such an ass. Edward must have felt my reaction and he ran his hands along my back. "I know that you don't like him. Hell, he's not my favorite person either."
"What did he want?" I asked flatly.
"First off, he wanted to apologize to me and hopefully get the opportunity to apologize to you," Edward said as he leaned forward, kissing my forehead. "He finally realized that he was a moron of epic proportions and he wants to make it right."
"When?" I whispered.
"We're both off tomorrow, so I suggested he come over for lunch," Edward muttered. I looked up at him and he was cringing, seemingly afraid of my reaction.
"Oh," I replied intelligently.
"Are you mad at me?" Edward asked. His green eyes were filled with fear, trepidation and guilt.
"Mad isn't the right word," I answered, running my hands over my face. "More like shocked."
"Now, sweet girl, if Jasper pulls any of his usual bullshit, I'll put an end to the lunch and kick out his hippie ass out of our house," Edward said. "I know that you just got off an overnight shift and I'm working in an hour, but you don't need to do anything special for this lunch. I'll order something out. You just go to sleep like you originally planned."
"Do you think he's sincere?" I asked, looking up at Edward.
"If he wasn't, I would have kicked him out when I first saw him in our driveway," Edward replied, pulling me to his muscular chest. "Jasper seems to have turned a page in his life. He wants to atone for his sins before he moves away."
"He's moving?"
"Yeah. He was offered a teaching position at Rice University in Houston," Edward said, kissing my head. "He's leaving for Texas while we're on vacation. He wants a fresh start and this is the best way for Jasper to get it."
"Why wouldn't you tell me?" I asked, some anger filling my voice.
"I was afraid that you'd rip off my balls," he chuckled nervously. I shot him a look. "However, based off your reaction, my worry was for naught."
"You should be worried," I said as I wriggled out of his embrace. I slid off the counter and leaned against the door jamb. "Not because of the lunch with Jasper, but because you waited so long to tell me. My brain was doing back flips that you regretted your decision in having me move in with you…that you wanted to end this."
"Shit, I'm so sorry, sweet girl," he apologized. "I've told you so many times that you and me, we're forever. I never meant to cause you stress or for you to doubt my true feelings for you, love." I nodded, not trusting my voice. I was grateful that Edward didn't want to kick my fat ass out but upset at him that he waited so long to tell me. "I can see that you're mad at me. I'm really sorry, Bella. I love you and it was never my intention to hurt you."
"I know, Edward," I sighed. "Look, you better finish getting ready. You're due at the hospital soon and I don't want our disagreement to make you late. Besides, I'm tired and cranky. That's exacerbating my aggravation with you. So, I'm going to put on some pajamas and go to sleep while you save some lives."
"I am so sorry," he whispered, giving me a sheepish look. "Forgive me?"
"You're already forgiven," I said, ruffling his wet hair. He gave me his signature crooked grin before leaning forward to kiss me. With one more nip, I pulled back and went into our bedroom to change for bed. I stripped out of my scrubs, tossing them into the hamper. I made mental note that we needed to do laundry. I'd start it once I woke up from my nap. By the time I was curled up in the bed with my journal, Edward was dressed in a pair of scrubs and some sneakers. "Going casual today?"
"Yeah. The last three times I wore a pair of dress pants, dress shirt and tie, I got puked on," he replied, wrinkling his nose. "Maybe if I'm dressed less elegantly, I won't get covered in the contents of someone's stomach."
"Who else is on today?" I snuggled into the bed, tossing my journal onto the nightstand. He sat down and twined his fingers with mine.
"Felix, Garrett, one of the new attendings, Kendra Vanderwulf, and a slew of residents," Edward answered. "Also, Angela, Bree, Alice and Lauren."
"Cool," I mumbled sleepily. I snuggled into the bed, remembering something that was bugging me for a while. "Oh, I've been meaning to ask you. Rose's trial?"
"Ah yes, the trial," he sighed. "Royce's attorney's put in a continuance to delay the proceedings, claiming mental instability. The trial was rescheduled for the first week in September unless he pulls another shenanigan like this. I wanted to strangle him for prolonging this for my sister."
"Damn," I frowned, clutching Edward's pillow. "How's Rose?"
"She's ready for it to be over," Edward snorted as he put on his watch and glasses. "She's starting to move on with her life with Emmett and med school and this chapter is over. I also know that Rose wants to take you shopping for some clothes for our trip to Hawaii. Be prepared for next Sunday to be spent at the mall."
"Aw, hell," I grumbled. "I just know that I'm going to be hung over from Garrett's party. I don't know if I can handle shopping. Besides, I wanted to start packing for our trip since I'm working every day leading up to our departure."
"I'll talk to her and tell her to limit your shopping excursion to a few hours at most," Edward smiled. "Now, I'm going to go. I'll see you when I get home and I am sorry about waiting so long to tell you about Jasper. Truly, I was terrified that you'd cut off my 'nads."
"Not today," I said, giving him a sleepy grin. He leaned down and kissed my lips. "Love you, Dr. Tattward."
"Love you more, sweet girl," he replied, brushing my hair from my face. "Sleep well and I'll see you when I get back." My eyes drifted shut. I think I was dead to the world by the time he left our brownstone.
xx APFL xx
"What time is Jasper coming?" I asked as I set the dining room table. I fluffed the flowers that Edward got me last night as another form of apology. They were colorful and gorgeous, giving the room a festive feel for our meal.
"He'll be here in an hour," Edward said. "Stop stressing and come sit with me." He tugged on my hand and led me to the music room. He held me on his lap, idly tracing circles on my knee.
"You said sit with me. Not sit on me," I teased.
"Ideally, I'd like you sit on my face so I can lick your pussy," he snickered, nipping at my ears.
"Horny, Edward?" I laughed. "We've so much sex lately that I'm surprised that you are able to walk. Oh, wait, that I'm able to walk."
"I'm always horny, Bella. I'm a guy," he deadpanned. "Besides, your pussy is made for me. I could live off your succulent nectar forever."
"Yeah, you need to stop for three reasons. Reason one, I'm getting turned on. Reason two, there is nothing you can do about it since I'm surfing the crimson wave. Reason three, Jasper will be here relatively soon." Edward pouted and he slumped against the couch. "No pouting. Be grateful that I got my Aunt Flo now. I won't have it while we're in Oahu."
"Fine," he said. "Speaking of Oahu, I got the airline tickets, keys and rental car information in the mail. Two weeks in paradise with nothing but you, me, a beach and lots of love making."
"Sounds heavenly," I whispered, snuggling into his embrace. We stayed in the music room, wrapped up in each other until Edward's cell phone vibrated in his pocket. It was Jasper. He called to tell us that he was on his way. Edward took that as his cue to call a local restaurant to order our food. He got some Italian food: pizza, calzones, salad, and wedding soup, for our meal with Jasper. It would be delivered in an hour or so. I got up and opened a bottle of red wine.
Twenty minutes later, there was a knock on the front door. My heart began stammering. Edward went to open the door and I ran to the bar to pour myself a shot of something potent. Downing a hefty shot of Dewar's scotch, I felt slightly calmer. However, I was still incredibly nervous. This guy had said things that had hurt me. Things that cut me down almost as badly as my father's vitriol. Why was I ready to forgive him? Give him a chance?
I'd do it. For Edward.
He was the reason why I wanted to try and listen to Jasper.
With another shot and a deep breath, I smoothed my floral skirt and walked out into the living room. Edward and Jasper were talking quietly. I could see the physical changes in Jasper. He was thinner. His clothes hung off his frame and he looked sad. Jasper's hair was cut short and was a mess of blonde locks that looked a lot like Edward's. His face was covered with a neatly trimmed goatee.
"…at least you don't smell like a hippie commune anymore," Edward quipped.
"I showered," Jasper growled. "I even got a haircut and one of those fancy shaving jobs. Besides, I have to go down to Houston later this week for orientation. I probably shouldn't go looking like bum."
"Probably not," Edward snorted. His eyes caught mine and he gave me a warm smile. He reached for me, twining his fingers with mine and pulling me toward his strong chest. I gripped his polo shirt before looking up at Jasper.
Edward's brother's brows were shot to his hairline. He hadn't seen me since that fateful day outside of my apartment. Jasper gave me a tentative grin. "Hi, Bella," he said quietly.
"Hi," I mumbled. "You look good, Jasper."
"Thanks. However, not as good as you," he chuckled. "You look beautiful. Edward's so lucky to have you."
I nodded and nestled closer to Edward. "Thank you."
"Let's sit down," Edward said, trying to break the unease in the room. "Jas, do you want anything to drink?"
"Just water, thanks," Jasper said.
We walked to the family room and sat down. Jasper sat in one of the chairs while I cuddled against Edward's side. I know I was being clingy. However, I was still trying to figure out Jasper's intentions. "So, when do you head down to Houston?" Edward asked.
"My flight takes off on Tuesday and I get home on Friday," he replied, sipping down some of his water. "I just need to fill out paperwork, get my class schedule, room and office assignment and finalize my living situation."
"Are you renting or buying?" Edward prompted.
"Renting for now. If things transpire like I hope, I'll look into buying," he shrugged. "My contract at the university is only for one year. I've got to go through the probationary crap before I have something more secure, you know?"
"I bet Mom is thrilled for a new project to decorate," Edward said with a wry grin.
"She was but this is something I want to do on my own," Jasper said quietly. "I've relied on Mom, Dad, you and Rose for too long. It's time I grew up."
"Are you going to take any furniture from your current apartment?" Edward asked, wrinkling his nose.
"Ah, no," he laughed. "Most of the furniture in there was from thrift stores or Good Will. It's all getting trashed."
"Good. That place was a dump," Edward grumbled. "You're renting up, right?"
"Yeah. Gone are the days of living like an overgrown frat boy," he said dryly. Jasper cleared his throat and he turned to me. "How are things with you, Bella?"
"Um, they're okay. Things are busy at work," I answered politely. "But, Edward's hired some new attendings and we're dealing with fallout from a drug scandal in the ER."
"Dad mentioned that," Jasper said, arching a brow. "What happened?"
Edward and I relayed the story of Jacob, Crowley, Newton and Jessica. Jasper was shocked at the news and the subsequent fallout. As we told the story, the doorbell rang with the delivery of our food. Edward got up and went to answer the door. Jasper and I walked to dining room. "Do you want anything else to drink, Jasper?" I asked politely. "We have wine."
"I'll stick with water, Bella. Thank you," he responded as he sat down. I nodded and went into the kitchen to help with the food. Edward and I carried the meal into the dining room along with a large pitcher of water, placing it next to Jasper. I poured myself a large glass of red wine. While the afternoon hadn't been too unpleasant. It still was unsettling to sit and have lunch with someone who tormented me. It reminded me of the conversation I had with Lauren a couple of weeks ago when I first met Garrett. However, I'd gladly deal with that then the tense conversations with Jasper right now. Plus, there is no real connection to Lauren. I could just ignore her at work. Jasper is Edward's brother.
Over our meal, Jasper told us about the position he accepted at Rice University. His excitement was palpable and he seemed happy to start fresh in a new city, new state. After we finished our lunch, I made coffee and we went outside to have some dessert of fruit salad and yogurt. Jasper looked forlorn and nervous. He reached into his shorts pockets and fidgeted in his seat.
"What's wrong, Jasper?" Edward asked.
"Do you think I can talk to Bella alone?" Jasper asked, biting his lip.
"Sure, Jasper. I'll be inside," my boyfriend said. He leaned down, though, getting into his face. "But, if you make her cry, I will kick your ass. You hear me?"
"I hear you," Jasper whimpered. Edward stood up, smacking Jasper's face a few times before walking to me. He gave me a soft kiss on my lips before going to clean up in the kitchen. Nervously, Jasper turned to face me, idly playing with his fruit salad. "So…"
"So…" I said quietly, nibbling on my salad. I needed another drink. This tension was too fucking much. Gah!
Jasper sighed and put an envelope on the table. "Before I say anything, can I ask a favor of you?"
"Why?" I asked, quirking a brow at him. "Sorry, I don't mean to be a bitch, but why should I do this favor for you since you've been nothing but a first-class asshole to me?"
"I know," he mumbled. "I've been horrific and I completely understand why…why you don't want to help me."
"That's putting it mildly," I said blandly. I looked at the envelope and saw that it was addressed to Alice. "Let me guess, you want me to give that to Alice?"
"If it's not too much trouble," he muttered dejectedly. "It's an apology to her. She's blocked me from her cell phone and each time I tried to talk to her, she ran away saying that she hated me. Now, I know that more likely than not, she'll rip it up and throw it away, but at least I tried, you know?"
I picked up the envelope and tucked it under my bowl. "I'll give it to her but I make no promises about her reaction," I responded.
"I know. I just wanted her to know that I love her and that she'll always be a part of me," Jasper said, giving me a sad smile. He closed his eyes and ran his fingers through his short hair. "Bella, I want to apologize to you, too." I raised my brows, staring at him. "I can tell that you are shocked at my admission, but my behavior was inexcusable. Awful. Hateful. I treated you like shit and it was uncalled for."
"You say that now but will you change your mind again?" I asked, narrowing my eyes at him. "Do you know how much you hurt me, Jasper? You said this beautiful apology a couple of months ago, only to take it back a couple of days later because you were cut off from you trust fund. I don't know if I can believe you."
"You're right," he said as he pushed his food away. "I wish you could know how much I am sorry for hurting you. I can see how happy you make my brother and that, in turn, makes me happy." Jasper scrubbed his face and stood up. "Bella, I'm sorry. So sorry. I'll keep saying that until you believe me. Based off the loving, adoring looks my brother gives you, I know that I'll be getting a new sister soon and I want us to have some sort of relationship."
"It'll take time, Jasper," I responded, looking up at him. "You hurt me. You hurt Edward. You hurt a lot of people. However, I'm not one to hold a grudge. BUT, I'm not ready to forgive you. Not yet. I have to see a concerted effort from you in the future for me to consider it. I can be cordial and polite but I don't think I'll ever be close to you, Jasper. The trust just isn't there."
"I understand and I respect that," he sighed. "I've done nothing to gain your trust and did everything to squash our friendship and relationship."
"Yep," I answered, crossing my arms over my chest. I twisted my promise ring, wanting nothing more than this long-ass day to be over. "Give me time, Jasper. Time and proof that you're willing to accept me. All of me. I know I'm not perfect. I know that I'm too fat…"
"Bella! No! That's not it. I used that as a crutch. You are a beautiful woman. I can see why Edward loves you so much," Jasper said as he sat down next to me. He leaned forward, tangling his hands into his hair. "And it's not just the physical beauty that attracts him to you. It's your heart and the goodness of your soul. Shit…I really fucked everything up. I'm so sorry, Bella. So sorry. I wish I could take back everything I said. I wish could…"
"You can't change the past, Jasper," I said quietly. "Just make changes for the future and we'll take it from there, okay?" He nodded and wiped his face. "You alright?"
"I will be," he answered, looking up at me with weepy eyes. "Thank you for listening, Bella and for opening up your home to me in order to talk. You are an amazing woman and my brother is so lucky to have you. I promise you that I will try and make things better between us. I know it'll take a lot of time, but I will try." He stood up. "I'm going to go. I have to pack for my trip since tomorrow will be spent running errands. I'll talk to you later, Bella." He left the backyard through the garage. I heard his car start and he drove away.
I began cleaning up the dessert when Edward came back outside. "Do I have to kick his ass, sweet girl?" he asked as he hugged me.
"No. He apologized," I said, pressing my face to his chest.
"And…?"
"I still don't trust him."
"Nor do you have to, love," he said simply.
"I'll be pleasant and cordial but I don't know if I can ever…"
"I understand, Bella. I'm in the same boat. My brother has always been a manipulator. It's part of his middle-child charm. Sometimes it's cute and adorable. Like when he was a kid, asking mom for ice cream and she said no. He'd turn to dad, who would ultimately say yes. Now, the manipulation not so adorable."
"It's obnoxious."
"My brother is obnoxious. That hasn't changed," Edward snickered. "Now, let's go inside and spend the rest of our day of cuddling and making out like horny teenagers."
"I love the sound of that."
xx APFL xx
The week flew by quickly. Work was, well, work: busy and filled with lots of sick people. You get that at a hospital. Before I knew it, Saturday had rolled around and Edward and I were getting ready for Garrett's house warming. Garrett was hosting a cocktail party. Edward had to wear a suit and I had to wear a blue wrap dress. Edward insisted that I wear my Valentine's Day jewelry. I would gladly wear it since I didn't get a lot of opportunities to do so. It's too fancy to wear every day. The night of the party, Edward held a box and a sheepish grin.
"What did you do?" I asked.
"Absolutely nothing," he snorted. He pushed up his glasses and tugged me to the couch in the living room.
"Liar. What's that?" I giggled, pointing to the long slender box in his hands.
"Just a little something to show my affection to my girl," he stated simply. "You deserve to be showered with love and affection and this is what I'm doing." He gently placed the box in my hands, smiling expectantly. "And before you have a heart attack, I didn't spend a dime."
"That so doesn't put me at ease," I said blandly, arching a brow at him. Edward jutted out his bottom lip, pushing the box closer and closer to my hands. I kissed his pout away before opening the sleek black leather box. Slowly, I opened the present in my hands; the sound of the springs creaking filled the room. "Loud enough box?"
"That was pretty bad," Edward chuckled. "Obnoxiously loud."
I elbowed him and continued opening the box. Nestled inside was the most gorgeous bracelet I'd ever seen. It had an art deco feel to it, shimmering in what I think were diamonds. "Edward…" I gasped. "This is…way too much."
"No, it's not," he said quietly. "I wanted to give you this because you should be dripping in diamonds, not hospital scrubs. Besides, I want you to wear that with your wedding dress when we get married." He picked up the bracelet, fastening it on my left wrist.
"Dia…dia…diamonds?" I squeaked, gazing at the sparkling stones around my wrist. "Holy crap."
"Nothing but the best for my girl," he murmured, nuzzling my neck with his nose and pressing a soft kiss to the sensitive spot behind my ear. "We do need to get going. I've got to stop at Binny's to pick up some alcohol for Garrett."
I nodded and stared at my new bracelet while Edward stood up. Gently fingering the gorgeous gems, I smiled softly. "Thank you for this, Edward. I don't know what I did to deserve it or you, honestly, but I'm so eternally grateful for everything that you've done for me and I love you," I said, grinning up at him. Standing up, I wrapped my arms around his waist and hugged him tightly. His strong arms snaked over me and he held me to his body as if I was going to disappear.
After a kiss in appreciation to my fancy diamond bracelet, we left the brownstone. Edward stopped at Binny's, a large liquor store, to pick up a bottle of Jose Cuervo and Chivas Regal as a housewarming present for Garrett. A short drive in the Vanquish, we soon pulled into the circle drive of the Trump Tower. Edward used the valet to park the car, threatening the guy if there were any dings or scratches on the paint with the ire of a thousand men.
Inside of the sleek condo building, we were ushered toward the elevators by the doorman. Garrett had informed the condo complex of the party and any guests were allowed up to his fifty-second floor penthouse. Edward and I had seen Garrett's condo. I brought over food a couple of times since his kitchen was the last room he tackled. Garrett can't cook. So, he procrastinated on setting that up and gave me the puppy-dog pout to feed him. Edward gave him shit for relying on his girlfriend to provide sustenance. So, I did a few times but I also told Garrett that I was going to give him cooking lessons. He's a year and half older than Edward and yeah, eating pizza, beer and all that jazz…not good.
We have our first cooking lesson the next day off after Edward and I get back from Hawaii.
The ride up in the elevator was dizzying due to the speed at which we ascended. I hated Garrett's elevator but I sure as hell wasn't walking up fifty-two flights of stairs in stilettos. Yes, I was wearing stilettos thanks to Rose and Alice who convinced me it would work with my outfit.
What crack was I smoking when I agreed to wear these insanely high heels?
"Who's all going to be there?" I asked Edward, shifting uncomfortably on my feet. Fucking shoes.
"Well, you, me and Garrett," Edward quipped, wrapping his arm around my waist. "Alice, Angela, Ben, Bree, Felix and his wife, Miranda, my parents, Emmett, Rose, and the new attendings we hired. I also think that Garrett invited Dr. Volturi and his wife, Diane, but he politely declined."
"Brown-noser," I chuckled.
"Garrett was always such a suck-up," Edward laughed as we reached his condo. We could hear the music from the hallway along with some people talking behind the thick, oak door. He rang the doorbell and instantly, the door swung open by Garrett. He looked drunk already with a crooked smile, staggering on his feet. "Jesus, McGovern. How many did you have?"
"Fuck you, fucko," Garrett snorted, pulling Edward into a warm embrace. "I only had one drink. I'm drunk off a certain sexy nurse."
"You're not dating my girlfriend, asshat," Edward laughed, punching Garrett's arm.
"Not Bella," he said as he hugged me and kissed my cheek. "I love you, sister mine, but incest is not best."
"I agree," I giggled. "You look good, Garrett."
"Thanks!" he chirped. "Alice, my girlfriend, picked out the suit and bought me this nice new tie to coordinate with her outfit. What do you think? Be honest. I can take it."
"Interesting," Edward deadpanned. "What color is that? Puce?"
"No, moron. It's coral," Garrett answered as he dragged us into his condo. "Alice is wearing the same lovely shade."
"Wait a minute, did you say girlfriend?" I asked, gripping on Garrett's coat sleeve.
His eye softened and he sighed. "Yep. Alice and I decided to make it official and yeah," he grinned like a loon. "She's so amazing and I've never, ever felt this way about a girl." Garrett had a swoony look on his face and he clutched his hands over his heart. "It's destiny that I came out here. Alice is just…perfection." Garrett looked back at Edward, noticing the Binny's bag. "Did you bring me booze?"
"God, you're a dork," Edward laughed, handing him the bag. "Yes, I got you booze. Well, we got you booze. Jose Cuervo and Chivas Regal."
"Jose?" Garrett moaned, his face morphing into one of disgust.
"What's wrong with Jose?" I asked.
"Bad college and med school memories," Garrett blanched. He covered his mouth, pretending to hold back vomit. "You suck, Cullen. You suck donkey balls." He sighed and dragged us into the kitchen, depositing the alcohol onto the makeshift bar on his island in the kitchen.
Alice was putting out food onto the kitchen table, looking surprisingly at ease in the condo. She wore an asymmetrical dress in the same shade of coral as Garrett's tie. On her face, she had a satisfied smile of a woman who had been successfully sexed up. A lot.
Go Garrett. You made one of my best friends a sexually satisfied woman.
"Bella," Alice sang as she teetered toward me in her stiletto heels. She hugged me close. "We have SOOOOOOOOOOOO much to talk about."
"I can imagine," I answered, kissing her cheek.
"You look amazing, Bella," Alice said as she gripped my hands. "This dress was made for you and damn, your curves should be illegal." I wrinkled my nose. Underneath my dress was a girdle-like thing holding me in places where I had lumps, rolls and bumps. "I see your distaste. Bella, you are gorgeous. If I were a lesbian, I'd do you."
"Okay, Ali," I snorted. "However, I don't think your boyfriend would appreciate that too much."
"He told you?" Alice asked, bouncing on her toes.
"Yeah. I'm so happy for you," I said giddily. "Garrett is an amazing man and you deserve so much happiness."
"He is," Alice said wistfully. She squealed and hugged me before dragging me into the living room. Angela was in there, chatting with Bree while Ben was dutifully sitting next to her. On the opposite couch was one of the new attendings, Dr. Kendra Vanderwulf and her long-time boyfriend, Chris. Edward eventually came over with Garrett and pulled me into an overstuffed chair, holding me on his lap. His fingers were threaded with mine as he idly kissed my neck, listening to all of us converse about the politics of the hospital, Angela's upcoming baby shower in October that Alice was throwing and other random topics related to our lives.
An hour later, Edward's parents arrived with Rosalie and Emmett. Following close behind was Felix and his wife, Miranda and much to our surprise, Dr. Volturi and his wife, Diane. The party was in full swing. It was a very classy affair with quiet jazz playing and elegant food. Garrett had done an amazing job with the party.
It wasn't until Cynthia showed up that Alice grabbed all of us girls, dragging us into the bedroom in the back of the condo. Her body was vibrating with excitement as she skipped to the bed, sitting down demurely, running her hands over the soft bedding. "Oh my god, you guys," she sighed, falling back onto the bed.
Angela sat down in the chair off to the side while Rose and I sat down on the bed. "Are you and Dr. McHottie-Stuff an official couple?" Angela asked, absently rubbing her stomach. Her smile was blinding and her eyes twinkling.
"Yes," Alice squealed. "Bella already knows since Garrett spilled the beans when they came in. But, yeah. Garrett and I are an official couple."
"Tell us, girl," Rose said, flipping her long blonde hair over her shoulders.
"Well, we kind of hooked up on the Fourth of July," Alice blushed. "After our shift, Garrett invited me to his condo. We talked for hours since we were both off the next day and not scheduled to work until the following evening. The next thing I knew, Garrett was kissing me and we ended up in bed."
"Did you have sex?" Angela asked, licking her lips in anticipation.
"No. We fooled around and did everything but sex," Alice answered, blushing a brilliant crimson.
"Have you had sex?" I asked, elbowing my friend.
Alice grinned and nodded. "Last night was our first time making love. It was after Garrett asked if we could be exclusive. What I feel for him is…there are no words…I honestly thought Jasper was my one but he wasn't. Garrett is. I mean, we've got a long way to go in regard to our relationship. We've both been hurt by significant others: him by his ex-wife and me by Jasper. I think that we'll help each other heal. You know?"
"That's so awesome, Ali," I said as I hugged her. "You and Garrett are so stinking adorable, too."
"Enough with the cuteness and adorable factor…what about his body?" Angela asked, fanning herself. "He looks built under his clothes."
"You've got Ben," I snorted.
"I do but he's a skinny fucker with a huge cock," she smirked. "I want to know about the walking, talking advertisement for sit ups looks like, also known as Dr. Mchottie-Stuff or Garrett."
"I lick his stomach," Alice giggled. "Just to feel the ridges. And his wang? Biggest I'd ever been with and I'm a quasi slut."
"You are not a slut. Lauren and Jessica are sluts," Angela deadpanned. "You are seasoned."
"What am I? A steak?" Alice bellowed, falling back on the bed. Angela shrugged as Alice cackled uncontrollably on the bed. She sobered up and wiped her face of the tears that inevitably fell from her laugh-fest. "Phew! Seasoned…what a description, Ang."
"Speaking of Jessica, what happened to her?" I asked. I knew she was fired and that her nursing license was permanently revoked.
"She's back at home with her parents and awaiting trial for the drug charges. She's in a heap of trouble," Alice said. "They're talking ten to fifteen years in prison."
"The only way she's going to get out of this is some sort of technicality," Angela said as she shifted on the chair. "Oh, can someone help me up? I got to pee."
Rose stood up and helped Angela out of the chair. She waddled to the bathroom, shutting the door. Rose took her spot in the chair. She was pretty quiet, nervously playing with the ring on her right hand. "You okay, Rose?" I asked.
"I'm fine," she said softly, giving me an anxious smile.
"No, you're not. You've been quiet all night and very clingy with either Emmett or Edward," Alice said.
Rose sighed and fell back against the chair. "I'm just done with this shit with Royce," she spat. "My life should be normal by now. Royce should be behind bars, permanently but his fucktard of a lawyer is insisting that he's mentally incompetent to stand trial. He's even changed his defense to 'not guilty' due to extreme emotional distress."
"The insanity plea?" I squeaked. Rose nodded and bit her lip. "What a crock of shit!"
"Maybe we can all visit him in jail and beat the crap out of him," Alice growled.
"He's on house arrest," Rose snarled. "His attorney got him out due to his emotional distress. My family tried to get him placed in a secured medical facility, but it was stopped."
Angela waddled back out, wiping her hands. "What was stopped?" she asked. Rose quickly explained what she just told us and Angela's pale face was getting red with anger. "Let me at him! I'll castrate him with my bare hands! INSANITY PLEA?! I will seriously cut a bitch!"
"Ang, relax," I said as I guided her back to the chair that Rose vacated. I pressed my hand to her neck. "Your pulse is racing and that's not good for Atomic Baby."
"Fine," she snapped, sitting back in the chair, taking deep breaths.
"When does the trial start?" Alice asked Rose, taking her hand.
I was still sitting by Angela, monitoring her pulse. I was almost tempted to get Garrett or Edward to take her blood pressure but decided against it. If Angela's face doesn't return to a more natural shade, I'd grab one of them.
"September 2nd," Rose replied. "Pretrial stuff happens in August but the actual opening statements begin on September 2nd. The judge also said that there are no more shenanigans after this continuance. One way or another, this is going to be done."
"We'll be there, Rose," I said as I laced my fingers with Rose's. "Whenever we're not working, we'll be there. And when they give the verdict, I'll be right next to you."
"Promise?" she whispered, looking at me with tears in her green eyes.
"I promise, Rose," I smiled, wiping her tears away. She hugged me, sobbing quietly. Alice whispered in my ear that she was going back to the party with Ang. I stayed with Rose as she pulled herself together. A half hour later, Rose and I walked back out to the party. She sidled up to Emmett, enjoying his embrace while I went to the kitchen to make myself a drink. I walked in and found Alice and Garrett in a passionate embrace.
By passionate embrace, I mean, they were a step away from having sex on the kitchen counter.
I figured my drink could wait and I walked back to the living room, sitting down next to Edward. He threaded his fingers with mine as he had a conversation with Dr. Volturi and his parents. They were discussing a new inpatient psychiatric facility that the board had proposed. What they were talking about intrigued me and I listened intently, even offering my own opinions which Dr. Volturi loved: a clinic for teens and young adults struggling with self-esteem issues, group therapy sessions with trained psychologists to deal with emotional abuse and teasing and one-on-one sessions for the community.
Just before the party ended, Dr. Volturi asked to speak with me. "Ms. Swan," he began, giving me a warm smile, "you had some very unique ideas for the facility. Have you ever considered continuing your studies?"
"What do you mean, Dr. Volturi?" I asked, furrowing my brow.
"You are an excellent nurse. Your reviews have been nothing but stellar and your ideas for the psychiatric facility are so unique. You obviously have a talent for psychology and I'd like to see you develop that," he said.
"Okay?" I squeaked.
"Come see me the next day you're on and I want to discuss a proposition for you. Your mind is too great to waste on just nursing," he said with a proud grin. "You're on Monday, right?"
"Yes, sir," I answered.
"Come see me before your shift," he replied, holding out his hand. We shook and he left with his wife. I walked back to the party. It was quickly ending. Soon, it was just Garrett, Alice, Edward and me, cleaning up the mess. The guys had removed their jackets and ties to do the dishes while Alice and I were gathering plates that were scattered all around the condo. Working together, we managed to get the place back to its original state of cleanliness. We hugged each other and Edward and I drove back to the brownstone. We stripped out of our clothes, making love before falling asleep.
The next day, I went shopping with Esme and Rose. Between the two of them, I got a brand new summer wardrobe for my trip to Hawaii. Rose picked out the clothes. When I tried to pay for anything, Esme said that she wanted to spoil her new daughter. Rose dragged me to the salon and I got my vajayjay waxed. In addition to that, my hair was highlighted and trimmed, falling in long curly layers. Together, we had a late lunch before I was dropped off at my home, laden with a ton of bags and a set of brand-new luggage. Damn, those Cullens…too freaking generous.
I spent the rest of the afternoon washing clothes and beginning to pack. Edward left me a note on the dry erase board on the fridge, explaining that he was called in to work and wouldn't be back until late. Around seven, he called me and explained that he was going to stay at the hospital overnight since the ER was short-staffed. We said our 'I love you's' and I made myself a salad. By nine, I was getting tired and decided to go up to bed. I showered, quickly blow drying my hair before clambering into the empty king-sized bed, minus one Edward. Sigh…Picking up my journal, I turned to the next page, putting the date on the top of the page.
July 28th, 2013
Okay, so a lot has happened recently. First off, a week from today, Edward and I are going on a romantic Hawaiian vacation together, for two weeks. I've never been on a plane and I'm freaking out slightly at the EIGHT HOUR ride ahead of us. But, then again, we'll be in Oahu: a tropical paradise. For two whole weeks. Now, that I'm excited about. The only sucky thing is that I'm working every single day leading up to our vacation. Plus, overtime. The paycheck is going to be sweet, but I'll definitely need the vacation once it's all said and done, you know?
What's happened…well, let's start with today. I went shopping with Rosalie and Esme for clothes for the trip. I have a ton of clothes for our vacation now, plus five new bathing suits, and some pretty saucy lingerie. You want to talk about weird? Buying bras, panties and negligees with the woman who gave birth to your boyfriend. AWKWARD…Not that I'm ungrateful for the new clothes, I am. It's just odd that they were bought by my boyfriend's mother and sister.
Moving on. Or rather, backward. Yesterday was Garrett's housewarming party. Ahhh, Garrett. The older brother I always wanted. He's so awesome, in a goofy but sexy nerd way. He's probably the closest person to me besides Edward. I love Angela, Alice and Rose but talking to Garrett is like talking to a father/brother figure. It makes me really miss on what I never had with my dad. I know that my relationship with my dad was awful but sometimes, I wish, that we had something…you know? It's sad that I'm getting that feeling from a guy that I met less than a month ago who is best friends with my boyfriend. I'm so grateful that Garrett moved here, though. He's an amazing doctor, a loving brother/friend and comic relief for everyone. Garrett is hysterical…seriously.
Back to Garrett's housewarming; it was a lot of fun. The mix of people was definitely interesting. We had nurses, doctors, nurse techs, and even a few orderlies dressed in their finest for the party. Conversation, booze and laughter were flowing readily. So was the PDA. Garrett and my friend, Alice, are an official couple. They couldn't keep their hands off each other. I mean, I walked in on them in the kitchen, almost getting ready to do the nasty on the kitchen counter.
Then, before our chief of staff left, he asked if he could meet with me prior to the start of my shift tomorrow. He was very intrigued with the ideas I had for the new psychiatric inpatient facility the board members are proposing. So, tomorrow, at eight, I'm meeting with the chief of staff for something and I don't know what. I'm nervous but excited at the same time. So, wish me luck!
Unfortunately, all was not smiles and roses at the party. Rose was upset about the impending trial of her rapist, Royce. There was a continuance issued that delayed the start of the trial until September 2nd. She's ready to move on and this is just prolonging her pain. I promised her that I'd be there for her when I could. If I wasn't working, I'd be right next to Rose. I also promised that I'd be there for the verdict. She needs her friends and family, especially if the verdict is not in her favor. Based off what I've heard, Royce is as good as convicted, but still…it's an unknown and subsequently nerve-wracking for Rosalie. I'd be a hot mess if I were her.
Rose needs this vacation to Hawaii more than I do, but secretly, I'm happy that I'm going. One week and then two weeks in paradise. I can't wait. I really can't.
If only the plane ride didn't scare the shit out of me…
xx APFL xx
The work week flew by. Before I knew it, I was taking the el home the night before our vacation. Edward had worked an overnight and was currently packing his stuff while I was at work. I dragged my tired body through the door shortly after eight in the evening. Edward's suitcases were already by the doorway. I padded into the kitchen and was greeted with a very enthusiastic boyfriend, putting a floral necklace around my neck. "You've been 'lei'd'," he snickered, kissing my lips.
"God, that is so cheesy, Edward," I snorted. I wrapped my arms around his waist, snuggling against his soft t-shirt. "I see you're all packed."
"Everything but my toiletry bag," he said, kissing my head. "I'm so ready to spend two weeks, uninterrupted, with you, sweet girl."
"Hmmm, me too," I hummed happily. "Now, I'm going to shower since I reek of hospital, vomit and antiseptic."
"Nah, you smell like strawberries and cream," he cooed, burying his nose in my hair. He pulled back slightly. "With a side order of vomit. You got it in your hair?"
"Projectile baby vomit," I giggled. "Lovely, huh?"
"Hazard of the job," he replied. With another kiss to my lips, he released me and I went up to shower. When I was done with my shower, Edward called me down for some dinner. We ate a quiet meal of grilled chicken, fresh veggies and a salad. After the dishes were done, I went back upstairs to finish packing, save for my own toiletry bag. Edward carried my suitcase down but left the small roller bag in our bedroom. We both went to bed early since our flight was at the ass-crack of dawn. Unfortunately, I couldn't sleep. I kept tossing and turning. I was nervous about the flight. I was giddy about the trip. All of these emotions were causing me to not sleep. "Love?" Edward asked.
"Hmmmm?" I replied.
"You're restless," he said turning to face me. "Are you okay?"
"Excited. Nervous," I answered honestly. He opened his arms and cradled me against his chest. I pressed my ear right above his smooth, steady heartbeat.
"Everything will be fine," he murmured, idly rubbing his fingertips along my back. "Flying is no big deal. Besides, I'll be right next to you, holding your hand. We're also in first class. We won't be crammed in like sardines. Just enjoy it, sweet girl."
"It's just my first vacation and looking forward to it," I smiled, kissing his soft skin.
"It's the first vacation of many, Bella," he said quietly, tracing circles along the skin of my back. "Just close your eyes, sweet girl."
"Kay," I replied, nestling closer to him. He started humming and he continued his languid pattern on my skin. The combination of the two was lulling me to sleep. The next thing I knew, the alarm was going off and Edward was moving me from his body. "No…"
"You just sleep some more. I'm going to shower and check on the limo," he said, kissing my temple. "I'll wake you soon."
I grunted and buried my nose into his pillow. What seemed like a second, Edward was gently shaking me awake. "Come on, sleeping beauty. The limo is going to be here in a half hour and you need to finish packing your roller bag."
I heaved my body out of bed and padded to the bathroom. I quickly took care of business of going to the bathroom, brushing my teeth and putting on some makeup. I tossed my makeup and necessities into my bag before braiding my hair down my back. Picking up my bag, I walked back out into the bedroom and put it into the roller bag along with my curling iron and blow dryer. I walked into the closet, finding Edward inside searching for a shirt. It left him delightful naked from the waist up. I wrapped my arms around his slender waist, nuzzling the skin between his shoulder blades. "Love you," I mumbled against his fresh smelling skin.
His hands laced with mine and he swayed us back and forth. "Not as much as I love you, sweet girl," he whispered, turning around, holding me to his chest. "I'm so happy we're going away. I love our friends and family but two weeks of just us is what I need." Edward's cell phone began ringing in his pocket. Fishing into his shorts, he pulled it out. "Limo's here. Are you done with your small bag?"
"Yeah," I said as I kissed his chest. He cupped my face and pressed a searing kiss to my mouth before he grabbed a V-neck t-shirt. He smacked my ass as he left the closet, leaving me to get ready. I swiped a pair of khaki Bermuda shorts and a purple t-shirt. Once I picked out my outfit, I grabbed a pair of sneakers along my messenger bag from the closet. I finished with putting on a pair of hoop earrings, my promise ring and a watch before stumbling down the stairs. I grabbed a handful of books along with my cell phone, charger and iPod, tossing them into the bag. The last thing I picked up was my wallet.
"…Thanks for checking the house, Rosie," Edward said. "No, I don't have any plants that need watering. Just pick up the mail. Oh! And no nookie in my house…Yes, I'm hysterical and you love me. Thanks again, Rosie. I'll bring you something back from Oahu. Love you, baby sister…I will. Bye!"
"Rose is checking the house?" I asked as I slid my messenger bag over my head.
"Yep. Picking up the mail and such. She said for us to have fun," he said, slipping his phone into his pocket. "You ready?"
"I think so," I answered. He grinned crookedly, picking up his own messenger bag and tugging on my hand. He locked the door and together we walked to the stretch limo. Since it was so freaking early, we got the airport in no time. We checked in, walked through security and went to our gate. We stopped for a brief breakfast before settling into our seats at the gate. My nerves were building as the time got closer to our departure. I was nervously pacing.
"Bella, relax," Edward chuckled.
"I can't," I said as I sat down for a second before hopping up again, pacing the small space in front of our seats.
His strong arms wrapped around my waist and he pulled me onto his lap. "Sweet girl, everything is going to be fine," he soothed. "Now, I think you need to be distracted. You have yet to tell me about your meeting with Dr. Volturi."
"Right," I chuckled nervously. "We haven't had much time to talk this week."
"I know," he grumbled, kissing my bare shoulder. "Two weeks of just us. Now, tell me about your meeting."
"Well, he asked to see me prior to my shift on Monday. However, I went up to his office and he was called away to some meeting all day. Dr. Volturi even texted me and apologized for his schedule, vowing to see me sometime during my shift on Tuesday. It wasn't until near the end of my shift when he called down to the ER, asking to speak with me. So, I went up to his office and sat down. Dr. Volturi was impressed with my ideas for the psychiatric facility and asked if I ever considered going back to school."
"What did you say?" Edward asked, slipping his warm hand underneath my t-shirt.
"I told him how I was considering going back to get my masters to become a nurse practitioner," I explained. "Dr. Volturi shook his head and pushed a catalogue toward me. It was doctoral program through the University of Chicago in behavioral sciences and psychology. He said that the hospital would pay for me to go to get my doctorate in psychology, if I work in the psychiatric facility as the head of adolescent and young adult care."
"Are you freaking serious?" Edward asked, his brows shooting to his hairline.
"I'm totally serious," I smiled. "We worked together in completing my application. He said that he would personally deliver it to the head of the behavioral sciences department when he went over there to teach his class for the school on Wednesday."
"Have you heard anything?" Edward questioned, obviously very excited about my news.
"Nothing official yet, but unofficially, the department head was very impressed that the chief of staff from Cook County Hospital hand-delivered my application and looks forward to meet with me upon our return from Hawaii," I said, smiling confidently.
"What about work?" Edward asked. "Will you still be a nurse?"
"That's one of the things I'd need to work out if I get into the program. I'd only be able to work part-time since I'd be a full-time student," I frowned. "I'd be able to keep my health insurance and such, since the hospital is paying for my education but my paycheck would significantly decrease."
"Bella, you and I both know that I can support us both. With this news, I'm more than happy to…"
"I don't want to be a free-loader," I sighed.
"You wouldn't. Bella, you'd be getting a top-notch education from an amazing program. Besides, remember what I said? I am planning on marrying you," he said firmly, running his finger over my promise ring. "What's mine is yours. That includes the house, my money and my body."
"In case I need to fuck away some stress?" I snorted.
"Exactly, sweet girl. As a med student, I was a horny bastard since I was in a perpetual state of stress," he snickered. He tightened his arms around my waist and he put his chin on my shoulder. "That's wonderful news, Bella. I'm so proud of you."
"I'm just afraid that I'm going to let down Dr. Volturi," I glowered. "And you. And me…"
"You wouldn't," Edward said softly, kissing behind the hollow of my ear. "You're so smart and Dr. Isabella Cullen has a certain ring to it."
"It does, but who says that I'm going to use your name professionally?" I teased, elbowing him in the chest. "Dr. Swan sounds pretty damn cool, too." Edward scowled at me, arching a brow at me. "I'm just teasing you, Cullen. I have no attachment to my name. Really." His scowl deepened and he squeezed me so tightly that I thought my ribs were going to be bruised. "Ow, baby…too tight."
"Sorry, sweet girl," he said sullenly. He kissed me lightly and stared into my eyes. "I hate that you have no attachment to your name. I mean, you should be proud of it and you're not."
"Once I have yours, I will be proud," I said quietly, placing my hand on his slightly scruffy cheek. "I'll be a Cullen."
"You'll be my wife," he said surely. "I'll be so proud to have you as my wife, sharing our name." I leaned my forehead against his. One of his hands gently cupped my face as he breathed deeply. "I love you, sweet girl. I'm so proud of you…of everything you've accomplished and will accomplish in the future."
"Thank you," I said, playing with the hair at Edward's nape of his neck. "I love you, too, Edward. More than I could ever possibly imagine."
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are now boarding flight number 2657, nonstop service to Honolulu International Airport. First class passengers, platinum club members and passengers with priority seating, please have your boarding passes out and line up in an orderly fashion."
"That's us," Edward said with a wide, beaming grin. I got up and we headed to the ticket agent who scanned our boarding passes.
"Have a wonderful trip, Mr. and Mrs. Cullen," she said.
I was about to correct her when Edward smirked at her, saying, "We will." He dragged me down the jet-way. We settled into our comfy seats in first class. I buckled up and looked out the tiny window, freaking out that this long tube with wings will fly us to Honolulu. Twining our fingers together, Edward looked at me with mischief in his eyes. "Bella, have you ever considered joining the mile high club?"
Say what?
A/N: Well, there you have it folks, the latest episode in APFL. I hope ya'll liked it. I apologize for the 'transitional' nature of the chapter but not every chappie is going to be filled with intrigue, lemons and such. We did, however, get some resolution with Jasper. It'll be a long road for him in regard to forgiveness. We also established Garrett and Alice as a couple. Now, up next will be Edward and Bella's trip to Oahu. (If any of you have any good Oahu stories, please let me know! I've been to Hawaii, but to Maui not Oahu.) There will be good times had for our favorite nurse and doctor. And when I mean good times, I mean lots of lemonade. There will also be a plot in Oahu, but lots of romantic times will be had, mostly. Once they get back, the craziness will ensue (the angsty stuff…but I'm telling you it's not a breakup. A lot of people expressed concerns in reviews/PMs that they were worried about a breakup. No breakup…I promise.)
Now, pictures from this chapter will be on my blog (link in my profile). You can also find me on Facebook: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation and on Twitter: tufano79. Leave me some loving! Hugs and Edward kisses!