Disclaimer: None of this mine, nor do I claim to be Stephenie Meyer. I just like to dabble in the playground that she created with Bella, Edward and her Twilight characters. No copyright infringement is intended.
Up next will be Edward, some more fallout from the reappearance of the Wicked Witch of the West. He may have seemed okay, but seeing Tanya rattled him. We'll also get up to Christmas and introduce Bella to Carlisle and Esme.
Chapter Sixteen
Edward
After Bella dropped me off to pick up her sister, I went directly upstairs and I showered. Despite the intimacy and comfort I felt with Bella, I was still disconcerted that I saw Tanya. She was hanging off Laurent like a leech. She'd looked awful, with frizzy, bleached hair and a dress that was exceptionally indecent for the event she was attending. From her eyes, I could tell that she was as high as a kite. Even inebriated, she still managed to ruin the evening.
Bitch.
When I saw her, I could feel every emotion, every betrayal that she did to me over the course of our relationship and marriage. I could still imagine Tanya as she got fucked from behind by Jacob Black, desecrating my desk. Her moans were pornographic and my heart was broken into a million pieces. The woman who I thought was my forever had deceived me in more ways than one.
I thought I was over it. Over her. Seeing her last night, reopened emotional wounds and despite Bella's calming, loving presence, I was still struggling, even hours removed from the incident. I hated that my ex-wife had that much power over me. And, the harsh words she spat at Bella, belittling her appearance were beyond the pale. Bella was far more beautiful than Tanya ever could be. Bella's looks were ethereal, effortless. Even without makeup, Bella's looks were exquisite. I could be lost in her indulgent brown eyes for days. Her skin was pale, smooth and creamy. When I saw her without her shirt, I almost exploded with pleasure. Her body was soft and feminine and perfect.
The emotions I felt for Bella dwarfed what I felt for my ex-wife. I thought I loved Tanya. I know I didn't. Not even close.
Did I love Bella? Could I love her?
You already do, Cullen. You're just terrified to tell her.
Do you blame me?
I want to. I want her to know how I truly feel. After our dance, I did mouth the words, but I didn't say anything out loud. Fear prevented me from doing anything.
Shaking my head from my ruminations, I focused on my shower. After scouring my body and grimacing at my disgusting scars, I drove to pick up Sam from my parents' house. My mom smiled at me when I walked inside. I gave her a brief hug. "Edward, it's so good to see you. How was the launch party?"
I wasn't sure how to respond. I walked directly to Sam and pet behind his ears. "Hey, buddy," I murmured, pressing my forehead to his. "Were you a good boy?"
"Edward?" Esme whispered, crouching down next to me. "Talk to me, son. You look haunted."
I sat down next to my dog and sighed heavily. I stared at my dog, idly caressing his fur. Blowing out a breath, I sighed, "I saw Tanya yesterday."
Esme's face hardened and she pursed her lips. "What did that bitch want?" she sneered.
"She was at the launch party, hanging off one of the owners of the company we represented," I grumbled, running my fingers through Sam's fur. Sam must have realized my distress. He put his head on my lap, giving me a sweet doggy grin. I chuckled darkly, tickling under his chin. "Seeing her … it just threw me. I managed to get through the event, but I was a ghost. Bella was the only one who managed to get through to me."
"I think I love that girl," Esme said. "Bella, not Tanya. Tanya's a whore."
"Don't hold back, Mom," I snorted, blinking up at her.
"What? It's what she is," Esme shrugged. "Now, what happened? You still look spooked, Edward. Do you need to call Jenks?"
"She was up to her old tricks and seeing her, it brought back all those negative emotions. I wanted …" I trailed off, ashamed of my dark thoughts. "There were moments where I didn't want to … I didn't care if … What was the point?"
"Shhh, sweet boy," Esme breathed, running her fingers through my damp hair. "A world without you would be heartbreaking. Don't say that again. Promise me?"
"I'm trying," I shrugged. "The only thing that calms me down is Bella. She brought me back last night."
"While I'm glad that you have the support in Bella, what happens when you don't have access to her?" Esme asked. "You need to have those coping mechanisms without her. Have you talked to your therapist about that?"
"No, but I think it'll be brought up at my next appointment," I deadpanned.
"And when is that appointment?" Esme pressed.
"Um, well?" I muttered, looking at her.
"Call your therapist, Edward. From your expression, you need to talk this out," Esme said. "Now, I'm old. I'm getting up. You call your therapist and get in as soon as you can. Do you want breakfast?"
"Yeah," I said. "Thanks, Mom. This morning was a bit rushed. I spent the night with Bella and she got a phone call early. Katie has the stomach flu."
"Poor baby," Esme frowned. "I'm certain your father could take a look at her."
"Where is he?" I asked.
"Sleeping," she replied. "There was an issue with the pharmacy and wasting of meds. He was called in around midnight when a nurse and a couple of doctors were found with narcotics that should have been destroyed. He got back around five in the morning and he's down for the count."
"Yikes," I grimaced. "I'm sorry about that."
"Well, he's the boss. It's what he signed up for," Esme shrugged. "Eggs or pancakes?"
"Both?" I asked, smirking hopefully.
"Only because I love you, Edward," she smiled, kissing my forehead. "Call your doctor."
She walked into the kitchen and I settled next to Sam. He put his head on my thigh as I pulled up my therapist's number. I dialed it and he said that I could come in later on today. Normally, he didn't have weekend hours, but with the holidays, he offered extended hours since this time of year was tough for many people.
After I ate breakfast with my mom, I loaded up Sam into the car and drove back home. While I waited for my appointment, I wrapped the few presents I'd purchased for Bella and Katie. I placed them underneath my tree. My décor was modern and contemporary, silver and gold with white twinkle lights. However, Katie approved that I finally had Christmas decorations, even if they weren't as colorful as the decorations in her home. Bella and Katie had dinner at my place the previous weekend after we spent some time wandering Lincoln Park Zoo, enjoying the Zoo Lights.
By early afternoon, I drove to my therapist's office. I spent an hour sitting on the couch, telling him about my ex-wife and her betrayal. I also explained how Bella had calmed me down. I also told him about my fears that I was relying too much on her, but my therapist smiled at me. He said that I had someone who was giving me the solace I never had as a child. I was beginning to trust Bella.
As I stood up, I looked at my therapist. "Why can't I say that I love someone?" I asked.
"Because everyone you've opened your heart to give your love have hurt you, Edward," he answered. "When you truly feel safe, you'll be able to share your love."
"Do you think I'll … that … is it possible?" I whispered.
"The fact that you're here is proof that it's possible. How many years did you deny the pain you were in from your history? From the moment you walked in here a couple months ago until now? I've seen a change, a big change," he smiled. "Now, shall I pencil you for next week?"
"Yeah," I nodded. "Same time?"
"I'll see you then, Edward," he said.
I left the office, sliding into the driver's seat of my car. I added my appointment to my calendar. As I was doing that, a text came through from Bella.
She's finally stopped puking, and sleeping. Unfortunately, I think she shared the funk with me. I'm starting to feel icky ~ Bella
Do you need me to stop by? I can ask my dad to write you a prescription for medication ~ Edward
I do not want to infect you, Edward. Thank you for offering, though. Depending on how Kit Kat's doing, I may NOT be in on Monday. I've already reached out to Alice. She's handling my in-office work while I work remotely ~ Bella
I'll miss seeing your beautiful face, angel ~ Edward
Just like I'll miss seeing you, Grinchy ~ Bella xoxo
Call me if you need me. Okay? ~ Edward
Will do. Oh, one more thing … I REALLY liked what happened this morning before we were interrupted ~ Bella
You're not the only one. Soon … very soon, I want a repeat, maybe more ~ Edward
It's a date, baby ~ Bella
Counting the moments, angel ~ Edward
I felt a little better about myself, but was concerned about Bella and Katie. I wanted to go over there and take care of my girls. I would, however, respect Bella's request. But, it didn't mean that I couldn't spoil them. With the beginnings of a plan, I drove back home and walked directly to my laptop. I ordered some plain comfort food, along with some ginger ale and ginger tea for my girls from a nearby deli to be delivered this evening. I also ordered a pretty bouquet, to brighten Katie's bedroom. I got a separate one for Bella because I wanted to spoil her, as well.
As I was eating some dinner, my cell phone vibrated. I picked it up, smirking when I saw Bella's number. "You can't be mad at me, angel."
"You're too much, Edward," she grumbled. "Thank you for sending over the food. Katie is picking at the grilled cheese."
"And you?"
"Forcing down some crackers," she sighed. "Good thing? It's a twenty-four bug. Bad thing? I think I got it." There was a pause and a whimper. "No, I don't think. I know. I've got to go, Edward." I heard the phone drop, but I was still connected.
"Bella?" came the distant voice of Katie.
"Phone, Katie," she moaned as a door slammed.
"Hello?"
"Hey, Little One," I cooed. "Are you feeling better?"
"Yeah, but Bella's sick now. I got her sick, Edward," she sniffled. "It's my fault."
"Hey, it's not, Katie," I said. "She'll feel better, just like you. I promise. Do you know how to use Bella's cell phone?"
"Uh huh," she answered. "I press the button and it opens up."
"Do you think you can call me if Bella feels worse?" I asked.
"Can I try now? Hang up and then call you?" she questioned. "I think Bella added you to her favorites."
"You do that, Little One," I said soothingly.
"Kay. Bye!" she said, ending the call. A minute passed before Bella's number danced across my screen. I answered, but Katie asked, "Did it work?"
"It did, Katie," I chuckled. "I want you to call me any time, but especially if your sister feels really, really hot to the touch or if she doesn't really want to wake up."
"Ooookay," she mumbled. "She won't wake up?"
Crap. "Do you want me to come over, Katie? Watch over both of you?" I heard the phone rustle. "Hello?"
"Sorry about that," Bella croaked. "Katie is looking at me like I'm going to die."
"I told her to call me if you get worse, Bella," I said. "I think she will. I care about both of you a great deal. Let me help?"
"Thank you, Edward. I'm going to get Katie in the bath and then we're both going to crash," Bella breathed. "Katie, come say goodbye to Edward."
There was some more rustling and Katie came back on. "I promise to call you, Edward. Bella looks really sick, with white skin and she's sweating. Will she be alright?"
"She will, Little One," I said.
"Good night, Edward. I love you," Katie whispered.
I closed my eyes and blew out a breath. "I love you, too, Katie. Watch over your sister, okay?"
"I promise. Bye!" she chirped, ending the call.
I slid down to the ground and felt my heart beat out of my chest. I'd said that I loved someone. Granted, I said those three words to an innocent child, but I was able to say it. The oddest thing was that I believed it. I truly loved Katie. I took a few deep breaths, rubbing my chest. Sam ambled to me, cuddling close to me. "I'm okay, buddy," I whispered, rubbing his back. "I'm okay. Thank you for loving me, Sammy, even when I didn't know what it was."
He licked my jaw, snuggling close and giving me what I needed … unconditional love.
xx FFADS xx
My phone was ringing. Blindly, I reached for it and grumbled into it. "Hello?"
"Edward! It's Bella. She's really, really hot!" Katie cried. "And she got sick all over herself."
"I'm on my way, Little One. Can you open the door when I get there?" I asked.
"Yeah," she sobbed.
"Five minutes, Katie. I'll be there in five minutes," I breathed. She was inconsolable. I stuffed my feet into a pair of sneakers and swiped a hoodie, throwing it onto my body. I put on a winter coat, baseball cap and rushed out of the house. While I started the car, I was prattling to Katie, telling her how proud I was of her and that she was such a brave girl. She was crying, upset that her sister was so sick.
The parking gods were on my side. I was able to park on Bella's street. "Katie, I'm almost to your door. Can you open it up?"
The door flew open and she hung up the phone. She ran into my arms, clinging to me. "She's so hot and she won't wake up. Like you said, Edward."
"Shhh, I've got you, Little One," I murmured. "You're still sick, too." Her little body was too warm. I carried her back inside and crouched down in front of her when the door was shut. "Are you okay? How's your stomach?"
"I'm okay. My head hurts a little," she shrugged. "Help me with Bella, please?"
I nodded and she led me up to Bella's room. I could smell the vomit and I walked over to her. She was tangled in her sheets and her face was covered in sweat. There was a garbage can next to her bed. I wrinkled my nose. "Katie, do you have a thermometer?"
She nodded, darting into her room and coming back with a thermometer that went into the ear. I turned it on, brushing Bella's sweaty hair from her face. She barely stirred. Placing the thermometer in her ear, I waited for it register the temperature. When it chimed, I growled. "Damn it."
"Is she going to die? Am I going to be alone?" Katie cried.
"No, Little One," I murmured, kissing her forehead. She also felt warm. I took the thermometer and put in her ear.
"I'm fine, Edward," she said, wriggling.
"Just humor me, Katie," I chided gently. It beeped and she had a low-grade fever. "You're also battling something. I know you're scared about Bella, but you need to take care of you." I stood up, tossing my coat onto the chair in Bella's room. As much as I wanted to help Bella, I needed to get Katie calmed down. I picked her up, carrying her to her bedroom.
"But, Bella," Katie frowned.
"I'll help her, Katie. I promise, but I want to help you, too," I explained, finding a bottle of children's Tylenol on the nightstand. I read the instructions and poured the proper dosage. "Take this, please?"
She scowled at me, but took the medication. I found her stuffed dog and tucked him under arm. I went into bathroom and wet a washcloth. I gently wiped her face and arms. "Better, Little One?"
"Yeah," she yawned. "Thank you, Edward. Love you."
I kissed her forehead. "I love you, Little One. Sleep well. I'll be here when you wake up." Once she was completely asleep, I turned off the lights but left on her Christmas tree as a nightlight. I went back into Bella's room, taking her temperature again. It was really high. I frowned, but called my father.
"Edward, it's three in the morning. I had a late night last night and I'm still exhausted," he grumped.
"My girlfriend has a high fever and won't really wake up, Dad," I blurted.
"How high is high?" he asked.
"Over a hundred four degrees. Her little sister had the stomach flu. She's better. Her fever is low-grade and she was able to keep food down," I explained. "I asked her to check on her sister and she called me in a panic a half hour ago."
"I'd say try to get her to take a fever reducer, but if she's throwing up, she might not keep it down," Carlisle mumbled. "Give her a tepid shower. I'll be over. I'll bring over some medicine to help your girlfriend. What's her address?"
I prattled off her address. I told my dad that the door would be open, but to be quiet since Katie would be sleeping. I picked up Bella and carried her into the bathroom. She mumbled incoherently. I stripped out of my hoodie and sneakers. I took off her soiled shirt, holding her to my body. I turned on her shower, making it just shy of being cold. I got into the shower, sitting on the floor, cradling her in my arms. Her eyes flew open, clawing at my arms. "Edward?" she cried.
"I've got you, angel," I whispered, holding her tightly. "Katie got worried. You wouldn't wake up and you got sicker. Your fever is dangerously high."
"C-C-C-Cold," she chattered.
"I can't lose you," I whispered. "We need to get your temperature down. With the stomach issues, you would throw up the medicine."
"I want my mom," she cried. "Make her come back, Edward. Please?"
I closed my eyes, my heart breaking at her broken sobs. "I would do anything for you, angel," I whispered. I gently rocked her and washed what I could while I held her. She eventually cried herself out. However, she didn't feel as hot as before. I turned off the shower. I wrapped her body in a fluffy towel and balanced her on the toilet. I took off my sleep pants, finding another pair of Phil's sweatpants in her closet. I found the thermometer and brought it back into the bathroom. I crouched in front of her, brushing back her wet hair. She looked at me blankly. "You with me, angel?"
"I feel like shit," she sniffled.
"I can imagine, baby," I whispered. "Can I take your temp?" She shivered, but nodded. After a few moments, I blew out a breath. "It's lower, but it's probably only temporary. My dad's on his way."
"This is not how I imagined meeting your dad, or how we'd share our first shower," she grumbled, looking down at her half naked body. She pressed her hands to her eyes and groaned. "My head is throbbing and the room is spinning, Edward."
"Let's get you dried off and in some clean pajamas, Bella. Then, I'll move you to the couch in your bedroom. Your sheets are a bit of a mess," I grimaced.
"It's way too early in our relationship for you to be dealing with this," she muttered.
"Maybe, but I'm here and I'm helping you," I said, cupping her clammy cheek. "When Katie called me, I thought the worst. I just found you, Bella. Now, do you think you can take care of yourself right now?" She shook her head, leaning heavily against the cabinet next to the toilet. "Let me do that. Let me take care of you and Katie."
"Okay," she nodded.
With her instructions, I found some fresh clothes for Bella. She was as weak as a newborn kitten and I helped dressing her. I carried her to the couch, wrapping her in a soft blanket. She curled up, with a fresh garbage can next to her while I stripped off her bedding. I went down the basement, loading the bedding into the washing machine. I was walking back upstairs when my father walked in. He had his medical bag. "Thanks for coming, Dad," I said.
"I had to stop by the hospital to pick up some supplies. My fear is that your Bella is dehydrated, so I got some saline and anti-nausea medication that can be administered through an IV," he said.
"Why was Bella so much sicker than Katie?" I asked, walking up the stairs.
"Kids are resilient," he chuckled.
Inside of Bella's room, my father and I put on some fresh sheets. I put my sleeping girl into the bed. My dad told me that he needed her permission to treat her. I hated to wake her, but did so to help make her better. She was a bit out of it, but agreed to my father's treatment. He put in the IV and gave her the anti-nausea medication along with a fever reducer within the IV.
"I'll be downstairs, Edward. Let me know if she gets any worse," he said, squeezing my shoulder. "You take care of your girls."
I settled down on the couch, watching Bella sleep and I allowed myself to drift off. When I woke up again, it was daylight and my dad was checking on Bella. "How is she?" I asked, scrubbing my face.
"Her fever broke," he answered. "She's resting comfortably."
"I'm going to check on Katie, while you examine Bella," I said, stretching and making my way to Katie's room. She was snoring quietly and clinging to her stuffed dog. I pressed a kiss to her forehead. Her skin wasn't overly warm and her skin had its normal pinkness to her cheeks. She opened her eyes, giving me a sleepy grin. "How are you feeling, Little One?"
"Hungry," she answered, smiling at me. "Is Bella better?"
"My dad is here checking her out. He's a doctor," I explained.
"Like my daddy," she yawned.
"Exactly," I said. "You want something to eat, Katie?"
"Some toast, please," she replied, standing on the bed and holding her arms up. I picked her up, balancing her in my arms. "Can we see Bella first?"
I nodded, carrying her into Bella's room. My dad stood up, giving Katie a smile. "Little One, this is my dad, Dr. Cullen," I introduced. "Dad, this is Katie Dwyer."
"Hi," she said quietly, leaning her cheek against my shoulder. She was being shy. "Is Bella better?"
"She's getting there, Katie," Carlisle replied to her. "She's going to sleep a little more, but Edward and I are going to stay here until she's awake."
"Thank you, Dr. Cullen," she grinned, playing with the hair at the nape of my neck. "Toast, Edward?"
"You got it, Little One," I smiled, carrying her downstairs. I made her some plain toast, slathered with grape jelly. I poured her some milk, but she wrinkled her nose. I switched gears and gave her some juice. I used the milk in a cup of coffee. Katie nibbled on her toast, holding her stuffed dog. "Is it okay, Katie?"
"I'm afraid to eat. I hate puking," she grumbled.
"When did you throw up last?" I asked.
"I thought I had to when I checked on Bella, but it was yesterday," she shrugged.
"Eat what you can, Katie. It's not a big deal if you don't finish it. If you throw up, we'll clean it up," I said, brushing my fingers through her messy curls. She finished eating one piece of toast, pushing her plate away. I tossed the other one and encouraged her to finish her juice.
After breakfast, Katie asked to snuggle with me while we watched television. I sat down on the couch and she immediately curled up on my lap, falling asleep. I gently rubbed her back as I watched a news program. My father came downstairs, smiling tenderly at the little girl clutching to my shirt. "You're so good with her, Edward," he murmured. "You love her, love them both."
I didn't respond verbally, just pressing my lips to Katie's hair. We sat quietly, with the television playing in the background. "How's Bella?"
"I think she's over the worst of it," he answered. "I removed the IV, but I have a prescription for Zofran for any residual nausea. It's on the nightstand. I think that Katie could go back to school on Tuesday, but Bella will need a couple more days."
"Will I get this?" I asked.
"You have the constitution of an ox, Edward," he teased. "You've never really gotten sick. Headaches, yes, but never physically ill. If it does hit you, it might be mild."
"Hmmmm," I replied, tightening my hold on Katie. She sighed contentedly.
"I'm seeing a side of you I never thought I'd see, Edward. You were born to be a dad," Carlisle breathed. "This is what you deserve, son."
"Let's not put the cart before the horse, Dad," I chided. "I will always be here for them, even if our relationship doesn't last."
"I beg to differ, Edward. I'm seeing something in your eyes that I never saw before," he explained.
"What's that?" I asked.
"Serenity, contentment, true love," Carlisle answered. "Hope is probably the biggest one." He stared at me, a tender smile on his face. "I love you, Edward. You didn't hear that enough as a child and I need you to know that you are so … loved."
"I'm starting to see that," I whispered. "I'm sorry that I haven't said it back, ever."
"I get it, son," he replied. "When you're ready, you'll open up. But, it's already starting. Relish in that." He got up and pulled out his phone. "I'm going to call your mother. Do you want me to ask her to check on Sam?"
"That would be great. I don't know when I'll be heading back to the condo," I answered. "Thanks, Dad."
Katie slept most of the morning in my arms. It was nearly noon when Bella padded down the stairs on the arm of my father. I was trapped on the couch, unable to let go of the Little One. "Thank you, Carlisle," Bella said weakly, sitting down next to me.
"It's my pleasure. My son was looking out for your sister. It's the least I could do to look out for my son's girlfriend," Carlisle smiled. "Do you want anything to eat?"
"Just some ginger ale," Bella answered. "I don't want to push it." She looked at me and she had more color, but her eyes were still unfocused. "Has she moved at all?"
"Nope," I said, caressing her cheek. "She curled up, gripped my shirt and conked out."
"She would do this with our mom," Bella said softly, sadness coloring her tone. "When she was sick earlier this year, she did it with me, but she never slept so deeply. Thank you for being here." Carlisle gave her a glass of ginger ale. "Both of you. I never expected to get as sick as I did."
"You scared Katie and you were sobbing for your mom," I frowned. Bella sniffled, a few tears falling down her cheeks. I gestured to her and she put her cheek on my shoulder.
"Bella, sweet girl, I'm going to go," Carlisle said. "You have a prescription for Zofran and you're not to go back to work until, at the very least, Thursday."
"Can I work remotely?" Bella asked.
"On Wednesday," he smirked. "Your body went through an ordeal. You need to heal. Edward, I'm going to take Sam back to our house so you can stay with your girls."
"What about Katie?" Bella questioned.
"Tuesday, she can go back to school," Carlisle replied. "Call me if you feel worse, okay?"
"Thank you, Carlisle," Bella said.
He left, signing for the floral arrangements I'd purchased for both Bella and Katie. Bella gave me a glower, but I grinned widely. She thanked me for my kindness and we spent the rest of the afternoon just lazing on the couch. Katie did eventually wake up and she was hungry. Bella's stomach was still unsettled, so she ate some dry toast with more ginger ale.
By the end of the evening, Bella was exhausted, but had been able to keep down the toast. She gave Katie a bath and called her at school and daycare. Once Katie was tucked into bed, with her flowers in her room, Bella walked to her bedroom. I was putting away the laundry I'd washed. "I know I was stubborn in saying I didn't want you here. But, I'm grateful you came when Katie called."
"What would I do? Tell Katie to fuck off and leave you to sleep in a puddle of your own vomit?" I snorted, running my hand through my greasy hair. "Bella, I care for you a great deal and seeing you so sick frightened me. I'm glad you're feeling better."
"Are you going to go?" she asked, sitting down on the bed, pale and panting heavily.
"Do you want me to stay?" I questioned. She turned and looked at me. She nodded, playing with a string on her hoodie. "I'll stay, but I have to get up early. I have to go back to my condo to shower, shave and get ready for work. You are off for the next couple of days, angel. Boss's orders."
"Are you talking as my boss or my boyfriend?" she quipped, arching a brow.
"Both, angel," I smirked.
xx FFADS xx
Bella was off for the rest of the week. She started to feel better by Tuesday, but had a minor setback that night. I also had a mild case of the stomach flu. I didn't run a fever, but my stomach was unsettled for a couple of days. By the following weekend, we were all feeling so much better.
On Friday, Bella and I went out, just the two of us. Rose and Emmett babysat Katie at Bella's brownstone. We went out for dinner and a movie. It was a welcome since the past week was all sorts messed up with seeing Tanya the previous week, being sick. We went to a tapas bar before going to see some spy movie that had been highly regarded, but its release was pushed back due to movie studio drama.
Saturday, I spent the morning on the couch with my therapist. I told him about how I told Katie that I loved her. He seemed overjoyed at my admission. His reasoning was that I saw Katie as someone safe, who would give me unconditional love. I wasn't sure if I agreed with him. Katie was a sweet, lovable girl and I would move mountains to keep her safe and happy. She had completely shattered my walls and I did love her, very much. With Bella, some walls remained, but seeing my girlfriend so sick had broken me. I wanted to say that I loved Bella. Fear overrode my heart.
When the time was right, I'd be able to tell Bella my true feelings.
For now, I'd just enjoy spending time with my girls.
After my appointment with my therapist, I went out with Bella and Katie. We decided to go to the Museum of Science and Industry for the Christmas Around the World exhibit. Bella found a scavenger hunt to play while we were at the museum. We spent the day, laughing and creating some wonderful memories.
When we finished, we went back to my place to hang out with Sam and watch a movie. I ordered pizza for dinner and we were dazzled by the classic movie, White Christmas.
"I can't believe that Christmas is just around the corner," Bella said, her fingers running through Katie's curls. She was sleeping, her cheek on Bella's leg. "I still need to get something for the office celebration, plus my secret Santa gifts. Being sick knocked me out."
"At least, you're feeling better, angel," I said, kissing her temple.
"Can I ask a favor of you?" she asked. "You can say no, but I need to finish getting presents for this one …" Bella gestured to her sleeping sister, "Plus, my secret Santa gifts."
"What do you need, Bella?" I asked.
"Tomorrow, can you watch Katie while I get that done? A couple hours, at most," she questioned, looking up at me. "I know that Sunday is your usual day with the guys, but it's the Bear's by-week."
"That's totally fine," I smiled. "Do you want me to come over to your place or have her come here?"
"Hmmm, probably my place. Your condo is gorgeous, but it's not really child-proof," Bella snorted, giving me a wry grin. "But, I need a place to wrap …"
"Stay here, angel," I said, getting up and walking to the kitchen. I found a spare key and closed it in my fist. I walked back to the living room, pressing the key into her hand. "When you're done, come over here and wrap your presents. I've gift wrap and stuff in the office."
"You'd trust me in here without you being here?" she asked.
My brain was thinking of all the things that could happen with Bella in my home, the ways she could fuck me over, but I needed to move past that. "Bella, of course I trust you," I replied. "I want to help out. Besides, Katie and I can work on your presents."
"I'll give this back to you when I come home," Bella said, clipping the key to her keychain.
"Keep it, angel," I murmured. "I know we spend a lot of time at your place, but I want you to feel comfortable here, too."
"Thank you, Edward," she murmured, snuggling closer. "I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have you in my life. Both Katie and I are extremely blessed. Thank you for being a friend, a confidante, a boyfriend and so much more." She squeezed my waist, sighing contentedly.
"I feel the same way, angel. You've given me … so much more than you could possibly ever realize," I whispered against her hair. "It's you who is a blessing. Always and forever, you."
A/N: I really wanted to get to Christmas, both at MAC and at their respective houses. That's the next chapter, I promise. We'll also have some citrusy action … nothing too over the top, but progressing their physical relationship.
Next chapter, it will be in Bella's POV for the MAC holiday gathering and the Christmas Eve celebration with their friends. The following chapter will be in Edward's POV, for Christmas Day at the Cullen's home. I haven't decided if the citrusy action will happen on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. I do not want them to be interrupted, by ill-timed phone calls, the stomach flu, Katie having a bad dream or Sam scratching to go outside.
Pictures from this chapter are on my blog. You can access through a link in my profile. I suggest you follow me on blogspot since Facebook won't let me post teasers that way. Something about spam. Really? Whatever … I'm also on Facebook: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation. I'm on twitter, too: tufano79.
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