FAGE...The 13th.
Title: A Certain Shade of Blue
Written For: PurlyFox
Written By: Rebadams7
Rating: T
Summary: He couldn't bear to remember, and she could only hope he wouldn't forget.
None of this is possible without our leader extraordinaire Deonne! and to my beta Tammygrrrl with a beautiful banner by Brookie Twiling
With gratitude to the request of PurlyFox, for a Bella and Edward Story. I was asked for my imagination on a Bella and Edward story. I present only my ideas; I own nothing of the Twilight Universe but my cherished souvenirs.
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12/30/2018 Friday, at 6 pm.
Bella frowned as Alice held up the dress. It was definitely a shade of blue that she had avoided since January. "Alice, I can't. If he's going to be there, it might set him off, and I don't want to spoil your parents' party."
"Bella, this will look great on you." She unzipped the dress and handed it to her. "It's your best color, and you know how many people will be there." Bella listened as she fingered the sweetheart neckline and the soft cap sleeves; it suited her well. Alice continued, her voice dropping, "It hurts me to say this, but he won't see you unless he decides to seek you out. Time to go forward. Like you said before, limbo sucks." Bella nodded her agreement.
She packed the dress, on a hanger, into the trunk of her Camry. It wasn't too dear to lease it, and it didn't remind her of the Volvo left in Seattle. It was time. If he'd made a year vanish, perhaps she could, or maybe she should do the same.
A little over 24 hours later, Bella got into her Uber for the ride to the Cullens' New Year's Eve bash at their home; Esme's description - dress up a bit or a lot, tasty nibbles, bubbly beverages, and good company. Her memories filled the car with her.
12/31/2016
Two years ago, she had come with Jasper and his fiancee, Alice. It had been a crisp evening; the bitter cold of a Chicago winter had not taken its grip on the city. Alice had convinced her to come to her parents' party after befriending her, Jasper's team teacher. Bella was completing her Masters at the U of C and frankly hadn't socialized much in her time since leaving Northwestern with her undergrad degree. Finances kept her from visiting family, with her dad in Washington and mom in Florida. Her roommate had also remained in town but spent the day with her boyfriend's family. Jasper had heard how she'd volunteered for Thanksgiving, and he insisted they have dinner together Christmas Eve, as Bella wanted to volunteer again on Christmas Day. Alice had shown her the royal blue cocktail dress, and for once, she wanted to wear it somewhere and maybe start the year with a kiss.
The circular drive was mostly open tonight, Bella pondering if she was not the only one choosing a safer mode of transportation. Carlisle, Edward's father, greeted her at the door, just as he had before, his warm whiskey eyes echoing the smile in his voice. "Bella, I am so glad you decided to come. It's been too long."
"Thanks. I don't mean to be a stranger, but I've just been working a lot, I took an activities endorsement, and I'm coaching the speech team."
"I heard you went to Florida for Christmas; Alice mentioned it to me. How are Phil and your mother?"
Before she could answer, she was saved from the recitation on what's what and who's who in her family by a pair of strong arms embracing her shoulders as her hands were held with a squeeze by another.
"Belly Bean! So glad you joined us!" Emmett boomed as he gave another friendly squeeze to her shoulders.
Rose inclined her head towards Bella and spoke in a much quieter, nearly a whisper of a voice. "Bella, how are you...really?"
Bella squared her shoulders and spoke in the most confident voice she could find. "You two, I'm...I'm good for now. Maybe this is how it should be, come full circle, and something new on my horizon." With that, she smiled and continued down the hall, carrying her coat toward the racks, the idea of a gin and tonic becoming more alluring by the moment.
There was a small queue at the bar set up towards the rear of the house. She passed several small knots of people, a smile and a nod all that was necessary to keep her moving. Jasper stood behind her, tapping her shoulder to get her attention. "Hi Bella, Alice will be glad you're here tonight. She's in the living room."
Bella nodded and requested her gin and tonic. The couple working the bar was efficient. Drink in hand, Bella wandered around the main floor, admiring the framed photos. Engagements, a wedding, and a holiday portrait of Rose, Emmett, Tyler, and Katie, the latest addition. She ran her finger along the frame of his graduation picture. There was an open space on the wall.
"I… I asked Mom to take it down."
"Of course. If it gives you those headaches…" She could not bear to look at him directly, keeping her eyes toward a window.
"That's not why now. I haven't earned my place in that photo." He lifted his hand toward hers, but she was already turning and walking away. "Bella, I want to earn you back," was his whispered request. He closed his eyes for a moment, regretting his cutting words over the past year.
"Pretty familiar with a patient. That's not our protocol" He could blame it on the injury, but it still rubbed at him that he had taken on such a cold persona. "Hot date tonight?" He'd brusquely demanded, not realizing why she'd had such an elaborate updo...recently, his sister had informed him of the inspiration. "You! you asked for her to wear it up, so you could take it down. That's why she kept it up for so long."
He had spoken to her in only short sentences, never saying her name until that last day. No wonder she had kept her distance. He would consider his next move, but there would be one. Tonight.
Meanwhile, Bella had settled onto a window seat on the landing between the first and second floor. She could see much of the party but not have to be in it. She preferred to remember her first New Year's in this house.
She'd gotten up to the bar and asked for a suggestion. While waiting for inspiration to strike the bartender, he'd come up next to her and suggested a gin and tonic. "I like the bite of the juniper. Reminds me I'm drinking. Keeps me in the moment, sharp." He'd looked better tonight, in the glance she'd allowed herself. If there is anything left in there, I'm here tonight. Her musings were interrupted by a masculine voice. "Is this seat taken?"
The first time, she'd snuck up to the window seat, unsure if it was ok to climb the stairs, but the window seat called to her as a place to relax for a moment. She slipped out of the heels, not used to wearing them for so many hours in one day. He'd asked if she minded his presence. She nodded a no, and he sat down. They watched the merrymakers for a few moments in silence. "I don't think my parents want anyone alone as the old year ends. I don't know half these people...take you, for instance?"
"Bella. I gather you must be one of Alice's older brothers?"
"Good guess."
"Well, you don't look like you played college football, so I will further guess...Edward"
"True. I'm more of a baseball fan, a little swimming."
"Then you must be over the moon about the Cubs," and that was all that needed to be said as they both reminisced about the World Series, where they watched the games, and where they were in the celebration that engulfed downtown. They recalled almost the entire Loop was one big party. They'd continued to trade bits of information, Edward finally offering his arm and requesting they rejoin the fray.
They'd danced, joined the countdown, and by midnight, he'd taken her in his arms, and before the countdown hit five, he was gently kissing her lips, and her hand slid up into his hair. It was passion and recognition. He'd reluctantly ended the kiss, and they rested their foreheads against each other. He'd cupped her cheek in his hand and asked for a proper date after his next rotation.
Edward, Emmett, and Rose were all MDs - Emmett, for his all size and strength, was a pediatrician specializing in sports medicine, Rose an oncologist specializing in blood diseases, and Edward was the surgeon. Most would have said he was a plastic surgeon, but his main focus was the intricate surgeries to restore function and form or repair. Edward was the middle child, Emmett being from Esme's first marriage. George McCarty had died on duty, a Marine helicopter pilot. For that reason, Emmett kept his name. The family history had come in bits and pieces over time, from Edward and Alice. Emmett and Rose, being busy with a preschool son and a just now toddling daughter, only made a brief appearance at the party in 2016.
Edward had pointed them out, but by the time they made it over to where they had spotted the pair, they had already left the party. He had turned toward her, a sly smile on his face "Bella, come to brunch next Sunday, you can meet them, and I'd love to sit next to someone who's there for me and not for me to cut their food…"
She turned her face up to the wrong voice. "No problem…"
"Riley, Riley Biers." He smiled as he spoke. Bella stood and motioned to the seat.
"It's all yours, Riley...and thank you."
"You're thanking me?"
"Riley, consider yourself the wrong man at the right time. Best of luck tonight." She gave him a final nod of her head and descended the stairs. There was only one kiss for her tonight, and just maybe, she still had a chance to claim it.
January - November 2017
It took her several weeks to finally make the brunch, as it was postponed a few times that January. He'd asked if she was superstitious, as their first date was on Friday the 13th. On February 14th, he'd sent a bouquet to her apartment and one to her school and knocked on her door at 10 pm with a heart-shaped pizza. He stayed. She made him breakfast before he headed back to the hospital. They met for dinner when they could, and to avoid the crowds, they went out for Sushi on with Alice and Jasper. His reasoning made her smile. Wasabi is green, and there are no crowds.
Her relationship with her roommate was a ship passing in the night situation. Lauren had begun to spend more time at her boyfriend's, and Bella had given Edward a key. Edward had been "crashing" at his parents since last April after a messy break up where he "lost" his apartment. Their offer for him to use the mother-in-law suite with its outside entrance was a quick and secure solution, but neither he nor Bella ever felt their most comfortable there.
Esme included Bella in the invitation to Easter services, Edward skidding into the pew just as the organ began for the processional. She'd helped Tyler and Katie with the easter egg hunt, and as Edward watched her with his precious niece and nephew, he'd realized a search he hadn't known he was conducting had been fruitful at last.
Before he could accompany Bella to her father's - or down to Florida to meet Renee and Phil, it was May, and he met them all at Bella's graduation. She hadn't walked at Northwestern, as then her father had just lost a deputy and was pulling double shifts, and her mother was helping Phil with an injury of some sort that required him not to be alone for a few weeks. This time she knew there would be folks there just for her, so she happily donned the academic regalia and trooped across the stage as her name was read. Renee and Phil had seemed nice enough that weekend, much as Bella had described them, but Charlie was a more demanding read. He'd been very cordial to Renee and her husband and also to his parents. He'd left Edward with a cryptic comment that showed his shrewdness, why he made a good cop and a fine chief of police. "Edward. I'm sure I'll be hearing from you. Soon."
When they coordinated their schedules just enough, Edward and Bella visited what she considered her "home" town, Forks. It was a 4-day break; Edward had earned it by working Memorial Day and promising to work Labor Day as well. A small-town Independence Day, with a parade and fireworks, a community picnic, and a dawn patrol fishing expedition, filled the time to the brim. The sofa in the front parlor at Bella's was surprisingly comfortable. He learned the story behind it. Bella had slightly tripped while carrying in Charlie's lit birthday cake - the candle had flown off and hit the old sofa at just the right spot (Charlie had commented it might have been an old pizza stain) and caught fire. No damage to the house. He just carried the cushions outside, and the rain took right quick care of those flames. Bella had helped him choose a new couch the next week. She wanted a comfortable place to nap when her father was out late, so she chose carefully. Edward truly appreciated her choice.
When Charlie broke the silence, as they fished that 5th of July morning, Edward had no trouble telling her father what an amazing daughter he had given the world. Charlie had lapsed back into silence after Edward asked his blessing. He put Edward out of his misery when he smiled and wished him all the luck in the world. He could only hope his daughter would accept. She'd always been a stoic, independent soul and would surprise him at every turn.
August of 2017 needed a day to celebrate. According to Edward, as a month, it was lacking, and he declared August 12th as August Day, an august day. Bella had wondered why Edward was so enthusiastic about a hot August Saturday. Chicago was beastly humid, and even a bit of breeze off the Lake could only help so much. As the sun set that night, they took a stroll around Buckingham Fountain, where the colors came out to play with the water. They watched, and then, he went traditional, dropping to one knee.
Of course, she said yes!
He put his grandmother's paveé diamond ring on her finger. It was a perfect fit!
They spent the rest of the weekend in a private celebration in a deluxe lake view room at the Drake. The warm afternoon sun, the silver moonlight would forever linger in her mind. It was the perfect illumination of his back or his strong arms as he'd encircled her, making her feel safe as well as satiety in their union. Edward had never disappointed her, but their union's velvety energy had increased tenfold with the ring on her finger. They finally called their families after brunch.
Her position with summer school at the U of C Lab School was finishing up, and she was offered another partial situation, to cover a maternity leave through the end of the year. Edward was hoping for a fellowship placement for the new year. Since neither of them wanted a big fuss, they decided to ride on the coattails of his parents' festivities. A two o'clock wedding on Sunday, December 31st, and then an NYE reception was planned. It was moved to the Drake when a burst pipe in early November proved to be the start of extensive repairs that led to several renovations at his parents' home. A private party had canceled, they were able to get a small salon overlooking the lakefront for the reception. Her folks came in on Christmas day; they were slated to fly back out on the 2nd.
They'd had to change their flights. Bella still felt a twinge of guilt whenever she remembered that fact.
December 31st, 2017
The ceremony at the church was beautiful. Jasper arranged for a string quartet of Suzuki students to play for the ceremony. Alice stood up for Bella and Emmett for Edward. Tyler and Katie rounded out the wedding party as ring bearer and flower girl. Bella had felt like a princess with her prince, charming. They had laughed and taken a few selfies in the limo they had to themselves, as the rest of the wedding party and the parents were riding in a Mercedes Sprinter Deluxe "Bus."
The mermaid silhouette gown had a sweetheart neckline, an illusion plunge in the back, and minimal lace. It was a heavy brocade, with a little velvet cape to ward off the winter chill. Not the easiest to run in. Alice had shown Bella the dress in her studio. She was working to develop her line, and she was beginning to have some successes, so she'd asked for a location shoot for the dress.
They'd decided to take photographs along the lakeshore before entering the reception. Bella was posing with her parents when she heard the shout and screech. She didn't see the accident.
As best she could piece together, Tyler had darted into traffic after a gust of wind had snatched his sister's hairpiece. Edward had darted out after him and slipped on ice as he was heading back to the sidewalk.
Tyler screamed for help.
Edward was too still.
Chicago's finest were on the scene quickly, and the paramedics carefully loaded Edward into the Ambulance, Bella at his side. They were closest to Cook County, and it was a level 1 trauma center; he'd be in good hands. Bella was stopped at the treatment room doors. It was about 30 minutes before anyone else joined the bride in the waiting room chairs.
Alice and Rose wrapped their arms around Bella, and they prayed together. With a squeeze to her hand, Rose explained that she and Phil would go to the reception and make sure their guests were informed and invite them to stay for the dinner. Bella was hoping for the best, that maybe they'd be back in time to at least cut the cake and share a midnight kiss. She remarked that this was the worst wedding limbo ever. Totally sucked!
Emmett barely cracked a smile.
The sun had long set, and the harsh fluorescent lighting had washed the color off of everyone's faces before a doctor came calling. Dr. Gomez recognized Emmett and was introduced to Carlisle, and the good doctor launched into a very technical description of Edward's injuries and condition. Bella could only comprehend a bit; pressure and fissure, concussion, CT scan, etc. After a few moments, she raised her hand for quiet. "He's my husband. Please give me the gist of this in layman's terms."
Emmett nodded to Dr. Gomez and then to his father. He proceeded to walk Bella through each diagnosis - skull fracture, concussion, slight brain bleed, and swelling, and the treatment and prognosis for each. Rest, in the form of light, induced coma and extra oxygen for a while, then see what develops.
A little before midnight, they got the word Edward had been settled in his ICU room. Bella kissed his oddly cool lips as midnight was softly called out on the unit. 2018! One visitor at a time. Bella picked up Edward's left hand and held it to her cheek, noting his ring was still on his finger. She twisted around him and kissed the palm of his hand, curling his fingers over the kiss, and went to sit on the ICU waiting area couch. After his parents had their moment with him, Bella curled up in the lounge chair next to his bed and closed her eyes. This was not the start she'd envisioned, but there was nowhere else in the world she would rather be.
JANUARY 2018
Bella was finally coaxed out of her dress that afternoon and donned a pair of hospital scrubs, her hair still up in its lovely form, a little worse for wear and missing the bridal comb and short veil. That hairdo was the first indicator of a problem.
On the second, they decreased his medication, hoping he would wake up in a few hours. It took till midmorning on the third.
Bella would never forget him opening his eyes...and not seeing her.
She'd felt the wiggle in his fingers and heard his slight groan. She stood up closer to his bed. "Edward, Edward honey, I'm here," and then her heart experienced the first stab.
Edward groaned, and then his eyes focused, a sharp look crossed his face. "Pretty familiar with a patient; that's not our protocol," He barked in a raspy tone.
Bella had been shocked but tried to put herself into his shoes. "I'm sorry, Dr. Cullen, I'll get your physician right away." She had fled his room and remained outside as doctors, nurses, and finally, his parents made their visits.
Carlisle was still in the room when Bella ventured to return. She watched him sleep, the beginning of a habit that would be hard to break. When he slept, she could pretend for a moment that this was just a bad dream, a nightmare. This one, she cannot wake from; there is no breaking dawn to thwart the night.
She was sitting by his bedside when he again gazed at her. "Hot date tonight?" He'd brusquely demanded.
Carlisle had just stared at his son, asking a dreaded question. "Edward, what's the last thing you remember?"
Edward looked at the window for a moment, then spoke. "Dad, I feel some time has passed, but I do remember asking...I don't remember who I was asking about Cubs playoff tickets. I can't...I? How did they do?" Bella bit her lip so hard it bled. Her heart was stabbed again. She said nothing, grabbed her bag, and left the room.
Bella called the one family member who might offer some counsel. "Rose?"
"Yes? Bella? How is he?"
"Rose, he doesn't know me. He doesn't remember...well, lots - He doesn't even remember the Cubs," Bella's voice broke at the end.
"Oh, Bella, I know him. I don't think he can forget you, not forever."
"What can I do?"
"Bella, I can't tell you what to do, but I would not give up. I would be there, as long as you can. He's got to be in there. He's too stubborn to quit, and that goes for you as well. I'm here, as much as I can be for you. Cullen's can be a lot, but they are good people. They're on your side too. I am sure of it. Only you ever made him smile the way he has. I know you can do this."
Bella ended the call with a promise to stay in touch after a bit of discussion of practical matters. As Rose closed her phone, she sent a prayer that they could last until...well, one way or another; they would go on. She could only hope it would be together.
The next week Bella only saw her husband as he slept. He transferred to a private room from the ICU. The medical team ran numerous tests and realized his medical knowledge was intact; Edward could remember the cases he'd consulted on and treated. Still, his personal life from mid-October 2016 to January 2018 had vanished. Otherwise, he was now fine and should be discharged.
His brother, either without thinking or hoping to pop the bubble, wore a 2018 campaign shirt into his room, and Edward realized how much time he'd lost. Bella and his parents followed, entering his room, carrying a bag of clothing. Where he was going was to be determined.
Bella and Edward had leased a condominium from another doctor who had completed his fellowship in Seattle and wanted to keep it for a while. It was convenient to the hospital, and with two bedrooms and a nice view, it would suit their needs perfectly. Their items had already been shipped, and Bella had stayed with Alice for the last few days before the wedding; Edward was still in the apartment at his folks' home. They could stay there while figuring out their next moves. One fly in the ointment, Edward yet didn't realize he was married.
As the family trooped in, Edward's agitation and confusion spiked as he realized that girl still had her hair in a messy updo, wasn't in professional clothing, and seemed to be wearing a very familiar item of jewelry.
Edward's doctor explained that returning to a normal routine would be best, that airplane travel should hold off for at least a month, and a referral to a top neurologist and counselor was being arranged through Virginia Mason in Seattle. The hospital in Seattle was aware of the injury and granted him a few more days before he had to report for his fellowship. Bella noted these items in a notebook, feeling Edward's cold stare as she wrote. Dr. Aro shook hands with Edward and Carlise, clasped a hand to Bella's shoulder, and departed. He'd been straight with Bella and the family from the start and had only held out realistic expectations. His memory would most likely return with time, in bits and pieces. No promises could be given.
Edward's personality had seemed to have also vanished, almost as if it had never existed. His speech was now clipped and precise, no jokes, no easy family banter. No words at all for Bella since he'd been informed of their relationship. Just a nod of his head. That was two days ago, and now he was going home…
Trying to remember was more a curse than a blessing. A sound, a smell, a color brought on the elusive sensation of something that was just beyond his grasp. He felt like his mind was continually slipping into a state like a stuck web page - the little spinning wheel never stopping, never giving an answer other than a headache. Thus he retreated from things that might spark the very memories he chased. Only in confusing dreams that he knew he had but could not hold on to past waking did he see what he was chasing. If only he knew what that was.
He stared at the hand...Bella's hand. "Did I, I mean? When did I give that to you?" He tentatively reached toward her hand, and she placed hers into his outstretched palm. She felt his warmth and reveled in his touch, realizing how much she missed those simple gestures and hugs. She could not find her voice and only nodded her ascent. He barely listened as his father reminded him that he had married the brown-eyed girl.
In consultation with Edward's doctor and parents, they would return to his parent's home until arrangements could be made to take the train to Seattle. Flying was off the table for at least a few months. With a heavy heart, Bella realized she should set up the guest room in their Seattle condo. They were barely speaking enough to share a meal, much less living arrangements. She was little more than an aide for the moment.
Arriving at the house, Edward wandered from room to room in the main residence. There were still trappings of the holidays and the wedding scattered about the place. It honestly gave him a headache as he tried to remember or feel anything as he looked at the tree, or the photo on the mantle, or those in the hall. There was only a gaping hole in his chest and the growing ache in his head. He retreated to his childhood bedroom, only to find the large garment bag from a gown on his bed and a small suitcase open at the foot. Bella came through the shared ensuite door to find him staring at the evidence of what he could not recall.
"I'm sorry, Edward. I stayed here the other night, and I'll get this out of the way. I... I will stay in the apartment if you'd rather be here."
"No, no, I am just wandering. I'm sorry too. I.. we… We need to talk some more." Edward hated hearing his clipped, unsure speech. It was all he had, and he'd have to learn to adjust to this reality sooner than later. He knew he would feel better once he was the doctor and not the patient at the hospital. The coming attraction of Virginia Mason, the Fellowship in Maxillofacial surgery; that, he knew. That he could feel himself again when contemplating a surgical procedure.
"I understand. If you aren't hungry now, perhaps you want to go over to the apartment and settle in; I can cook there or bring over something from the kitchen here." Bella tried to keep her voice level. The doctors had recommended a return to routine, to normalcy. They had no concept of how far that was from their reality. She would remain by his side. Well, she would until he couldn't stand it-. until he ordered her away.
"Good idea, I'll head over there, and maybe you can bring some food over in a couple of hours." He closed the door to his old room behind him, wondering if being in his current space would help in any way.
A few hours later, around one in the afternoon, Bella knocked on the door of the Mother-in-Law apartment that had been his home for over a year, and hers for more overnights than she could count. He called for her to enter, and she found him on the couch in the living area. It was an open plan of a dining/kitchen space, a bedroom and bath, and a living area. She set the food containers on the small table and went to sit with him on the sofa. If you'd looked through the window, it would appear to be two strangers on either end of a waiting room, a dentists' waiting room, for the tension in their shoulders, even as they turned slightly to one another.
"Are you mad at me?" Edward opened with a flat tone to his voice.
"No, not at all. Edward, you love those kids; of course, you went after Tyler. You have to know I am not upset that you saved your nephew. I miss you, but I'm not giving up." She took his hand from the back of the sofa and held it. "I have patience. I have a position in Seattle. I am going to be with you and take care of you. You are still my Edward, even if you don't know it yet." She finished by giving his hand a gentle squeeze. She was used to him squeezing three times in response. He didn't move his hand.
"Thank...Thank you. I think I will just have to ask for time. I have hope with time. I'm sorry, I can't give you more than that."
Bella nodded, noting that he did not speak her name. She missed hearing him say it, but there was nothing to do for now. She turned to the kitchenette and plated up a meal for each of them. Other than a perfunctory "thanks," they ate in silence. When he finished, Edward got up, put his plate in the sink, and went silently into the bedroom, closing the door.
Bella put her head into her hands and allowed herself one long sob. Then she straightened her shoulders, cleaned up the dishes, put another plate together, and left it in the fridge. She did hope to see Edward again that day. She did not expect the silence to come.
Carlisle arranged they would take the Empire Builder from Union Station to Seattle on Thursday, putting them into Seattle on Saturday. They would have the next week to get acclimated and then be at their position on the following Monday.
They adapted a routine, Edward walking with his father or his brother for an hour or so each day, then Edward would eat, retreat to Carlisle's study till dinner, dine with whoever was around, and then go off to the apartment. Other than basic please and thank you, Bella was ghosted in his presence. Neither Esme nor Carlise could say much. Bella took the time when Edward was not in the apartment to tidy, to pack everything left up for the trip or shipping, and whatever else she could find to occupy her time.
All too soon, it was Thursday, and they found themselves alone in a deluxe room on the Amtrak Empire Builder. Bella opened a pack of Wrigley's spearmint gum and handed him a stick as they pulled out of the station. Edward accepted the gum, wondering how she knew that's exactly what he wanted when he was a passenger. His lack of memories still pricked him every time he realized he didn't know what he didn't know. He merely nodded thanks to ...Bella… and put in his earbuds. Classical music or ancient rock and roll was the most soothing. He closed his eyes, settling in for the long ride.
Bella put the rest of the pack in her bag, crossed her arms, and just watched her husband for a few miles. The train chugged quickly thru the city and on to Wisconsin as the trek west began. She resigned herself to work on her laptop or read on her Kindle. She would give him space, and with her actions, she would show him she was no stranger.
If Bella had been keeping track, all their conversation would maybe consume one hour. Sleep about another 18, So, 27 hours of silence was merely a prelude to their life in Seattle.
Esme had reached someone at the building's concierge desk and made sure the basics were stocked in the kitchen, and the bed in the spare bedroom was assembled and made up when they arrived.
Bella decided to order in Thai that night, and once again, Edward was surprised she knew what to get for his dinner. After dinner, he sat on the end of the bed in the main bedroom and watched her begin to carry clothing from the walk-in closet to the smaller closet in the other bedroom.
"You… you don't have to move all your things. That seems too much." He put out his arm to stop her from taking another load.
"Edward, I know you aren't comfortable around me. I want you to heal, to feel better. Let me…"
"No, no, please don't. Just take what you need for now." He stood and looked at her with pleading eyes. "Please." It didn't seem right to him, but he only felt it was wrong, without a clue as to why.
Bella agreed, leaving much of her clothing in the large closet. What she had taken did fill the small one quickly. When she turned back, the bedroom door was closed. Bella returned to the kitchen, tidied up, and went to the other room. Another wrong bed, in the right place, nearly. Another night of more sleeplessness than rest. Only a few days until they rejoined the professional world. This was their January.
February - March 2018
A new rhythm was established. Bella knew Edward had been to the neurologist, and he'd left the card for Dr. John Caius on the dining room table, along with a card for Dr. Doug Allistair, his counselor, so Bella knew he was following his instructions. He'd rise, go to the building's gym or walk outside every morning, leave for work, Bella leaving him a lunch most days, as he often worked through his break and this way she knew he had something, and they would eat dinner around 6 or 7 each night. She would tell him about her day, her students, and whatever else crossed her mind. She asked about his day. On a good night, he'd actually tell her about a colleague or a case. He didn't offer her any information or say her name. Early in the week, she got a calendar alert that he had taken a shift for the evening of February 14th.
Bella went out for Margaritas and Mexican food; it did not have a romantic overtone that night, celebrating a Galentine's dinner with a few of her colleagues from the school. The other teachers had been as welcoming as they might be for a long term sub - Bella covered maternity leave for the creative writing teacher at a junior high. She preferred to teach secondary school, but this was a good foot in the door position at a Charter school with generous support. It was the bright spot in her day to go to work, as this was not the beginning of her married life that she had imagined. It was far colder in Seattle than Chicago had ever felt.
For Edward, life was simple when he was at the hospital. There he had not lost over a year; he was as competent and skilled as he ever was. He was quiet and communicative with the staff and patients, but something was lacking. His usual warm smile and empathy for the families and patients were so muted as to be non-existent. Dr. Dean Marcus, head of the program, was aware of the accident and the memory difficulties, but it was becoming more apparent that this version of Edward might be the one that remained. He had only met Dr. Cullen at his interview, but he was beginning to be keenly aware of how much he missed the vibrant man he had hired. Dr. Marcus was crossing the lobby when he witnessed Dr. Cullen meeting with a lovely brunette, who squeezed his hand and gave him a small sack. He remembered that Dr. Cullen was to have been married before he arrived.
Later in the day, he found himself sharing an Elevator with Dr. Cullen, and he asked him about the lady in the lobby. "Dr. Cullen, who was that lovely lady I saw earlier today?"
"My...wife. I apparently did get married...before."
Dr. Marcus had not realized he had married. He smiled. "Lucky man, Cullen."
He was exiting the elevator when Dr. Cullen softly answered, "I suppose so." He suddenly realized why someone had asked him to cover the night of the 14th. On the 14th, there were no bouquets to be found for delivery in Seattle, so he sent her a plant to their apartment; he couldn't recall her school's name. It arrived on the 15th. Bella set the plant on her windowsill, glad that he'd remembered, but the card said "From Edward" and nothing else.
March brought the hope of spring, and the routine continued. Bella took care of the apartment, and Edward, and the flotsam and jetsam of domestic life. It was almost like being back with her mother in her teen years. Only Renee had injected fun into every week; even those exasperating days looked much better in her memory. Quiet dinners are one thing, but silent ones are unappetizing. Their days off rarely collided. It was becoming more apparent that he was avoiding anything that might jog his memory. Bella continued to cling to hope as the stores and the schools went from the green of St Patrick's to the bright pastels of the coming Easter. She had gotten sushi for the 17th. It ended up in the trash as Edward worked that weekend.
Bella marked the calendar as April 1st would be Easter. She wanted to see if there was any chance they could spend part of that day together. To her surprise, Edward agreed to "see" her that Sunday, but it was not the day she'd hoped to enjoy.
April 2018
When she came into the living room that day, Edward was standing by the window, in a polo shirt and chinos. Bella felt overdressed in the floral dress she'd worn to a local church earlier that morning. "Oh, should I change? I feel overdressed."
Edward's heart was heavy. He'd had many discussions with Dr. Allistair on how to improve or cope with his situation. The very sight of this woman, her soft, gentle ways and endless patience, along with any other reminder of the lost year, was a constant source of pain. There even was a floor on the hospital he avoided, finally realizing it was a certain shade of blue worn by the staff that gave him headaches. He knew he had to do what he was about to do, it would be for the best, but it still gave a vague ache and not the relief he sought. He was committed, he'd made the arrangements, and now he would carry this plan to conclusion. "No, you look...very nice. Let's go have brunch."
They were close enough to walk over to a nearby hotel that was holding an Easter brunch extravaganza. He managed to keep up some conversation, reaching to his childhood for a story, and when he saw parents with their little ones, he had a flash of this woman, his...wife, with his niece and nephew, searching his parent's porch for eggs. As he passed a basket, he picked up one plastic egg in that certain shade of blue and slipped the small plastic bit into his pocket.
The food assortment was decadent, and with a vast assortment, they both found favorites. Edward watched her select items, sometimes she bit her lip, and he'd pick up whatever one she didn't choose...maybe she'd want one later. She had such a presence around her; it should be brighter. A student of hers came to their table to say hello. The smile she gave the young man was a stab to his heart. Those smiles had probably been more frequent, maybe even for him. It made him more resolute. She should have that chance to smile. Who knows if he'd ever feel at home in his head. He stood from the table and extended his hand. It was time.
Instead of going up to their floor, Bella was surprised when they got off the elevator a floor early. Edward had kept a hold of her hand and led her to a door on the opposite side of the hall from theirs up on the next floor. He opened the door and motioned for her to enter.
Bella held her breath as she realized some of her things were on the counter and the main room's coffee table. The decor and furniture were tasteful but bland. The view was of the city, not the open view on their side of the building. A chill ran up her spine, and not the right kind, but an evil shiver. She noted he had dropped her hand and was at the open door of the probable bedroom. This was the worst kind of Easter surprise. It was April first, and she felt the worst kind of fool.
"Edward, why are we here? Those things, those are my things." She came to stand in the small kitchen area, where her bright mug and hot water kettle sat on the counter. She turned toward the living area, noting the muted colors of the furniture as she waited. Edward stepped out of the other room.
"I... I have had a few discussions with my counselor. Perhaps you should talk to him as well. I had to jump on this space; I didn't want to set you adrift. This is yours now. I'll cover the rent and expenses. I just need more space. Maybe time. I.."
"I get it, Edward. You, you know I said I would stay. I would take care of you...till you sent me away."
"I'm sorry. We can still meet from time to time."
"Of course. I can still take care of things. You need to concentrate on your Fellowship till your break."
"You don't have to if it's too much." He held out an envelope, a sizeable legal-size envelope that seemed heavy in his hands.
Bella took the manilla from his hand and made a move to open the flap.
"Don't open that yet. Only if you really need to sign it. It's all drawn up; you can use it if you...when you...it's for an annulment in Illinois." He stated as he turned toward the window, bracing his hand on the glass.
"What do you want?"
"I want to remember. I want to feel...the joy I see in others. I want to remember the Cubs. I want to remember who you are. I want to stop the pain in my head when I try. I want to be me again, not the me of 2016 or whatever. I want lots of things I can't have. Maybe I don't deserve them." He pinched the bridge of his nose and took a step back.
"I'm...I'll. I'll be here. I have school till the end of the semester. I do have to find a new position. The other teacher is coming back in the fall. Don't worry. Don't worry about me."
"Everything from your room is here. If you need anything, come on up." He spoke as he moved to the door, setting the keys on the table as he passed. "Take care…."
He whispered "Bella" on the outside of the closed door.
Bella paced in the small space. Her things were in the closet, some dishes and such in the kitchen, food in the pantry and refrigerator. The bed was made with stiff, new sheets. She sat down and finally let herself cry. She curled up under the tee shirt blanket her mother had given her for her dorm room and did not move until long after the sun had set.
May 2018
They sometimes met in the elevator. Bella still went up several times a week to leave food for Edward, to check his laundry, and do the tiny bit of tidying necessary. She read a lot more books and even succumbed to the temptation of binge-watching. Outlander was a new favorite. April gave way to May, she left a card for Edward to sign on his counter, and she mailed it along with one for her mother. She called Esme after talking with her mother, promising her a holiday visit to Florida this year. Renee heard the hurt in her daughter's voice but didn't pry. Esme held no such restraint on her call.
"Esme, happy Mother's day. I hope you have a nice one. "
"Bella, thank you for calling. Edward texted he'd talk after his shift. He told us. I hoped you'd call. I am so sorry, darling."
"It's not your fault Esme. It's just life. It goes on."
"Are you..?"
"Esme, I'm looking...everywhere for a position for the fall. I'm putting that plan for a Ph.D. on hold for now. I have… I have to keep moving, and I can't be a ghost. Maybe it's still too soon, but I can't just sit and do nothing."
"Bella, we don't expect you to do anything. You've cared so well for him. You are a part of this family. That will never change."
"Esme, he said my mere presence hurts him. I can't be his pain."
"I understand. Promise me you will come for New Year's."
"Esme, that's months away. Why?"
"Oh, you know Alice. She just insisted I get your promise f I heard from you today."
"I really should call her. We've just been emailing for a while. Rose too, I'm not much as a sister in law either."
"Bella, you've done your best. Don't worry about us. Let us worry for you both."
It was the kindest thing Bella had heard in months.
June 2018
June arrived with clouds and a day-long rain shower. Saturday the 2nd dawned much the same as Bella looked over her options. The Lab School in Chicago had offered her a one-year placement in the upper-division with the gifted program and a creative writing elective course. There were a few openings in Seattle, but they were at Junior highs and even a few elementary schools. There was Tacoma, but she didn't have anyone there, and nothing even close to Forks so far.
Bella emailed her acceptance to the Lab School, notice on the apartment for July 1st, and then to Alice and Jasper to see if she could use their guest room if she couldn't line up an apartment for the first of July. Then she drove the Volvo, really it would be Edward's now, even if he didn't drive it often, to a local liquor store for boxes. The first thing Bella packed was the manilla envelope. She still hadn't opened it.
Bella knocked on Edward's door a few hours later. It only took him a moment to usher her into the condo. She noted how little had changed since she had been inside a few days previous, no personalization, no mess, just a few medical magazines on the coffee table. He motioned for her to take a seat. They faced each other from opposite ends of the couch.
"What brings you by tonight?"
"Edward, I wanted you to hear this from me, not the staff here or anyone else. I don't have a place at the school for the fall. I looked around, and the best position for me is at the Lab School."
"That's ...that's in Hyde Park, in Chicago."
"Yeah. I'll leave the Volvo for you. I'll be out by the first. You won't have that expense any longer. I'll see about a cleaner for you. I know there are healthy meal delivery services; I'll set that up for you as well. I won't leave you in the lurch, but I really have to get settled early. Will you stay here for your break?"
"You're leaving."
"You had me leave - you sent me off months ago, Edward. I have to… I can't let you just keep me on a shelf. I'm more than happy to care for you when there is an us, and right now… right now, us is only in my memory. A one-sided one. If I've given you pain, or if I hold you back, the best place for me is…"
"No. No, but maybe…" He steepled his hands, his elbows on his knees. He took a deep breath and resumed, "the papers…?"
"No, Edward. If you get to a place where you need me to sign them, just let me know. I will do the same, but for now, they are in my things, unsigned. I'll leave the card on the joint account and"
"No!" He interjected quickly, with more force than he'd shown in months. "Keep it, in case. Bella, I …I need to know you have it. Please."
Bella merely nodded and stood. Looking around, she made mental notes of what to tell a service. She crossed to the door and left the apartment.
Her I love you died on her lips as a tear rolled down her face in the elevator. She could love, but a one-way street usually came to an end. This road seemed to go nowhere. She had to find herself as much as he did. Still, that final signature was beyond the strength she had. This move was taking it all.
Edward felt a hollowness in his body; a physical hole in his chest had just opened wide. It was a different ache from those in his head. Those had slowly ceased as he stopped trying to remember. This hole felt so bottomless. He imagined it, and in his mind's eye, it was a familiar shade of blue. There were a few things he remembered at the back of his closet. Over the preceding months, she had removed most of the items, but one or two remained. He dug out the wrap, left behind on a hanger. There was the Blue. He still struggled to remember who's blue it was, but he clung to the wrap like a life preserver, tucking it under his pillow.
Sleep eluded him much of the night, but at least he knew he dreamed. He just couldn't see the faces in his nighttime visions.
She did send a Bundt cake to his office on his birthday. She signed the note with just Love, Bella. He worked the entire day.
He tried to catch her again before she left, but finally, he used his key at the end of June. Only the items that came with the apartment remained. A cleaner must have already paid a visit because it didn't even smell...like whatever her scent had been. Bella's wasn't lemon and pine; hers was floral; it ran around his mind even if he couldn't remember it precisely; he just knew it gave him comfort that now was lacking.
He felt a buzz in his pocket. He pulled out his phone. His photos were still on it; they had transferred to the new one that replaced the one broken in his fall. Her face glowed up from her message.
Thanks, Edward, for everything. The Volvo keys are on the counter. Take care.
Love
Bella
He read her texts, realizing he had just missed her. His eyes ached as if he would cry, but the pain in his chest took his breath more than his eyes burned. He just wished he knew why he had found her so important. If only wishing could make it so. He then did something he had not done in months, without prompting. His parents answered on the first ring. "Mom, can you put dad on as well? I need to talk... to... to... to you both."
Bella sent a text to Esme and Carlisle, along with an email with all the details of what she had put in place for Edward from her Uber on the way to Sea-Tac. She'd debated a side trip to Forks or Florida, but she didn't feel up to the conversations the company would require. Bella had a hotel room for tonight in Chicago; she'd get her keys to the apartment tomorrow. Renting online was a bit of a risk, but she knew that neighborhood and trusted the agent. Tomorrow was at least a detour from the one way life she had been living. She debated taking the rings from her finger but decided to leave them for now.
July - December 2018
July was spent in acclimation, for her, to a studio apartment and cooking for one. For Edward, to the odd smells left from a cleaning service and meals delivered in little boxes that weren't quite the way he liked them, but at least they were there. To new routines and new personnel. Time marched on, neither one of them bothering with fireworks on the 4th; even though they loved the holiday, neither had the heart to celebrate this year; Edward taking a shift, and Bella just went to bed early. In August, Bella did buy herself a beautiful chain on the 12th. She then took off her rings and put them on the chain. One day it would be put away, but she wasn't there just yet.
Esme called weekly now, hoping they could get together, but it became another thing that Bella wasn't ready to face. All too soon, she was prepping her classroom and lesson plans, the start of school just days away. Edward had no idea what to do on his break, so with the guidance of Dr. Allistair, he started a journey of Memories. He flew home but was too afraid to try to contact...Bella. Her name finally came to mind without work or pain. He stayed with his parents. He visited the hospital; he ran at the lakefront. He took his niece and nephew, young as they were, to a Cubs game. He began to get snippets. He remembered the bar where he watched game 6. He remembered being at Tyler's birthday. Every time he spotted that certain shade of blue, he remembered Bella, but it was never her wearing it. He returned to Seattle, promising his parents he would come for Christmas and New Years'. He'd worked all the other holidays and would do so for Thanksgiving. He flew out on the last day of August, absolutely sure he had forgotten something. Something in August, but nothing came to his mind. He hadn't been to Buckingham Fountain this trip.
Bella avoided the downtown and the lakefront there. She'd gone out to the Indiana Dunes with a few friends from her Master's program for a picnic on Labor day - a Teacher's final fling. Everyone noticed her bare finger, but no one felt the need to ask.
Her birthday dawned crisp and clear. Her folks called, and there were cards and a cake at lunch. That was all. She indulged in a margarita and Mexican food for dinner, something she had never done with Edward.
Halloween was celebrated in full style by Tyler and Katie, and Bella, at last, could not resist any more of Rose's pleading for her to just visit the kids. For them, their Aunt Bella was simply a part of their lives, and they greeted her with unreserved hugs and sticky Halloween kisses. She greeted them as they came home with Emmett from trick or treating, sitting on the porch with them while giving candy to the older children who were out later in the full dark. Rose and Emmett did not push too much; they were grateful for the care she had given Edward and yet saddened that there seemed to be no progress on his end. They watched her, feeling her slip out of their family bonds, knowing there was little they could do to entice her to stay.
Edward did work that night and Thanksgiving, but his heart was not as heavy. If he could not remember it all, perhaps he could start over. He knew he was missing something, and if that something was her, maybe he could rekindle his own heart. It gave a veil to the hole in his chest and hope to continue to hang on.
Bella worked hard with her students; the activity gave each day a meaning and a joy she had missed over the summer. She took on the speech team, chewing up the empty weekend hours and easing the lonely evenings. Too busy was better than brooding, and before Bella knew it, Charlie and Sue had arrived for Thanksgiving. She was glad not to be alone, and the hotel where they were staying had an excellent Thanksgiving buffet. Her studio kitchen was fine for a simple meal, but having that off her plate was a godsend. After some 'big city' shopping, she was relieved to put them on their plane at Midway. Early in December, she received the formal invitation to Esme and Carlisle's party, back in their now repaired and renovated home, for New Year's Eve.
December 2018
Edward flew in on Christmas morning, right after finishing a shift on Christmas Eve. His brusque shell was indeed thinning, and he scooped up his niece and nephew as soon as he was inside his parent's home.
Bella spent her Christmas eve on the phone with Charlie, and she got a great deal on a ticket to Tampa on Christmas Day. Renee and Phil scooped her up from the airport and went straight to a holiday buffet at a restaurant overlooking the ocean. It was a very warm Florida holiday, and Bella soaked up the sunshine. It took a few days before Renee asked about her rings.
"Bella, I see the rings are on your neck now. Have you decided what you want to do?"
"Mom, you may be the first person in a long time to ask me what I want." She and her mother were sitting on the chaise loungers that faced the beach from the deck at the house's back. Bella sat up and turned toward her mother. "I don't know if what I want is part of the equation. I haven't spoken to him in ...months. I sent him a Christmas card. What I want...may not matter."
Renee put her arm around her daughter, wishing with her entire heart, she could fix this for her daughter, and knowing she could only comfort. "Whatever it is you want, Bella, I want it for you. I want you to have it. If I could fix it, I would. As is, I can only gather the energy of the universe and point it your way."
Bella smiled in her mother's embrace. Knowing you can't fix everything was definitely an adult moment she could do without, but she did not feel quite so alone. That would buoy her at least till New Year's eve.
December 31, 2018
Edward watched the living room from the dining room arch. He'd know that certain shade of blue amidst the sea of black, silver, and mostly red swirling around the room. Edward saw the back of his sister's head from her perch on the sofa facing away, toward the fireplace. He scanned the rest of the room and missed her entrance. She'd come down the stairs; Edward surmised as he saw her now sitting next to his sister. He moved closer, next to the tree. He had to hear her voice, to see if it matched the one that kept cropping up in his head.
"Bella, you made it. I'm so glad you came." Alice waved her hands toward Bella as soon as she spotted her walking in her direction.
"Alice, Jasper told me I'd find you here. You aren't wearing your ring?" Bella took the seat next to Alice and gave her a side hug. "I don't know why you pestered Esme to get me here, but I am glad I came."
"Bella, we aren't making a big announcement yet, but we wanted to tell you and Edward both in person. Jasper and I eloped on the 4th in Vegas. We just did not want to wait any longer, and we wanted you both at our wedding, and it won't be for a while because for a fancy ceremony, well, I want to wait till after April. Our baby is due toward the end, or early May." She watched Bella for her reaction and was thrilled to see the joy light up her face; only a twinge of guilt flashed over her eyes.
"Oh Alice, I'm so happy for you and Jasper - Esme must be over the moon at more grandchildren, as well as Mama Whitlock. " Bella spoke from her heart. It would be a thrill to be an aunt again, well, for as long as she could. "I'm here in town for the foreseeable future, so I will be happy to lend you a hand next summer."
Edward felt a hand clap his back. Jasper had come to stand beside him, handing him a gin and tonic. "Hope I guessed right; you liked these if I haven't forgotten."
"No, you got it right. So, eloped and now to be a father. Good for you, Jasper." He spoke while he continued to watch the pair on the sofa.
"Well, we'd hoped...Anyway, we just decided on the spur of the moment to head to Las Vegas for the holiday. We saw a couple coming out of one of those chapels, and I asked her how she felt about Elvis."
"Seriously?" Edward was a little surprised, his ever so fashionable and chic sister..no, he found it a stretch and was surprised when Emmett chimed in.
"Edward, even I didn't believe it till I saw the photographs." Jasper pulled out his phone, and sure enough, there they were, a sunglassed and pompadoured Elvis with them at the altar. He looked between his brother and now brother-in-law and broke out in a deep chuckle as he shook Jasper's hand.
"Good for you, man, good for you." His smile faltered for a moment as he realized Bella was no longer with Alice, only to lift again as he saw her with Rose, exchanging hugs, and then their heads were bent over Rose's phone, checking out the latest photos of Tyler and Katie. A pang of longing shot across his midsection, reminding him that if he still wanted it all, he'd better get busy trying.
He watched Bella move through the room, and he decided it was time. Too much time had passed already; he followed her path toward the great room at the rear of the house. He found her perched on a loveseat near the open fireplace.
The flames were steady and warm. Bella leaned closer to the hearth, chasing away a slight chill she felt in the air. She didn't notice that someone had taken the other end of the loveseat until she heard his voice.
"I still don't think my parents want anyone alone as the old year ends. I don't know half these people...take you, for instance?" He reached for her hand, and she lifted hers into his palm. "I've learned a lot about you this past year. Maybe I re-learned some things; others are new. I want to learn more."
Bella turned, and they found themselves only inches apart. She leaned even further into him, and he responded by putting his arm around her shoulder. It was the closest they had been since they had taken selfies in the back of their limo a year ago.
"Edward, wow, that's...that's the best thing I've heard all year. Even if there is not much left of 2018."
"I'm looking forward to filling in 2019 with lots of new memories. I may never remember what was, but I am sure I want to find out what can be."
"Edward, you should know I can't leave Chicago till June. I…"
Edward raised his palm to hold her thought. "Bella, I've been a busy beaver, nose to the grindstone and all that. I believe I can make it back here. I know the long-distance courtship isn't ideal, but I am sure about you. These past months have shown me what I lost, and now I am sure I have found it; I'm going to do whatever it takes to eclipse that gap and fix us." He squeezed her hand three times. "I do remember a few things, and the best things I remember have flashes of you, and that certain shade of blue, in each memory."
The hour may have been marching to midnight, but the smile that broke out on Bella's face at simply hearing him say her name was like the light at high noon.
Edward grew a bit nervous, as they were dancing a little later when the countdown started. As soon as he looked at Bella's face, his nerves dissipated. This was the right girl in the right place for a kiss to open the new year.
Time rolled back. It was like that first kiss all over again. He knew precisely how to ignite her passion, and her hands slid effortlessly up his neck and into his hair. They only stopped kissing when they realized everyone was clapping for them, and Edward knew he would keep the image of her deep blush as a cherished memory he would not allow himself to forget.
Carlisle and Esme Cullen
Request for you to
Come Celebrate
the 31st of December, 2019
A year to remember
Above the Rest
Join us at the Drake
At Half-Past Seven
With Edward and Isabella
Who will at- last serve the cake
No need for gifts; your presence will be best
Let us know by 12 December
For your place to be held and all the Rest!
Yes, he'd gotten to Chicago each month for a long weekend, Valentine's came complete with a heart-shaped pizza. Even if it was a quarter to midnight, she welcomed him in with open arms. It was the first time they'd shared a bed in their marriage. March brought sushi and wasabi. It wasn't the spiciest event that weekend. April brought him home for Easter weekend with their new nephew, William Peter Whitlock. Edward joined Bella in celebrating Mother's day with his family. In June, Bella flew out to Seattle in time to celebrate Edward's birthday, and they turned around together to fly to Alice and Jasper's big wedding day on a Caribbean Cruise. Bella began considering a Ph.D. program for the next year and quit worrying about a full-time position. They celebrated the 4th on the hospital parking garage roof with a trunk picnic. He convinced her to take a trip to Chicago in August, where he put the engagement ring back on her finger next to her wedding band. Then he'd contacted the Drake and luckily found the same room was still open for the 31st.
They spent Labor day weekend in Forks as well as a private not quite Halloween in a bed and breakfast and a quiet Thanksgiving with just the two of them in Seattle. Christmas brought everyone together in Chicago, and at midnight on the 30th, Edward was coaxed out of their suite, and Bella was kept company by Alice and Rose. At the same time, Jasper and Emmett took guarding Edward as a do or die proposition. At six pm, Edward enjoyed seeing his bride enter a private salon on her father's arm, and this time, they kept all the photographs inside. By quarter past seven, the doors were opened, and they began to greet their guests.
Appetizers, dinner, cutting the cake, dancing, and all the other traditions were completed. As the night continued, Bella and Edward found themselves slowly circling the dance floor, with eyes only for each other. Edward kissed his bride and held her tight, whispering in her ear. "It was such a road to reach this dance. Bella, I am so glad you didn't forget me. I may not have always remembered you, but I never forgot you in my heart." Bella just held him tighter, content that 2020 would continue to bring them closer.
Here it is, at last, The first edition of the Cullen Cheesy Christmas Letter - note the bright gold paper!
We consider ourselves lucky to have been able to take our Honeymoon in January. The Brazilian island resort was what we needed and hoped for. This year, it was an especially required memory.
Edward began to see the "new flu" as soon as we were home, and he rotated between on unit duty and seeing most of his patients via video visits. Bella began to tutor as the schools closed. We made one short trip to Chicago in August to meet our newest niece Elizabeth Grace Whitlock. Like everyone, we were thrilled to hear the vaccines as being approved. Bella was an essential part of the Moderna trial. Edward was one of the first physicians to receive his vaccination as part of the ER staff.
We look forward to the Zoom holiday visits with our families this year and in-person again in 2021, as our latest project, baby Cullen will be joining the family in June - who knows? Maybe the baby will share dad's birthday. We know this has been a very different year for all, but we are fine out here and wish the best to each of you and an excellent 2021
With love,
Edward, Bella and the Baby
PS Here is the Zoom code for the New Year's party. 000000000000! Not even a pandemic will stop my parents!
Edward
~FIN~
Thanks again to my Beta, Tammygrrrl! Also, again a huge thank you to my banner artist extraordinaire, Brookie Twiling, who brilliantly captured the mood! Thanks to all the authors who have participated in this year's FAGE version - the 13th seems fitting for the times. Here's to the day when a TFMU happens - I hope to be there! (Austin? - I have my hotel!)
For authors, reviews and comments are our applause. Please be kind and...review!
