AN: Just a reminder. Bold text = Bella writing on white board.
CHAPTER SEVENTY-NINE
BELLA'S POV:
I ran my fingers through my hair as a way to soothe my tired soul. I was exhausted, and the day had barely begun. Two hard conversations in such a short span of time was leaving me drained. The conversation regarding Tony's punishment was necessary. Now that we were co-parenting, I'm sure there would be loads more of these conversations to come.
I knew threatening to make Edward leave would get a response, but that was sort of the point. Tony needed to learn that he couldn't go breaking all the rules now that his father was in the picture. I never planned on acting on the threat. I knew it was enough to show my son how serious I was. I rarely ever needed to punish him—threat of punishment usually proved to be enough. But I guess this was the first time I had to really parent in front of Edward, and he wasn't pleased with the threat. I could understand that he was upset that I would use him as a punishment, and agreed that it wasn't something I would do again. I wasn't trying to be a ruthless person. I hoped Edward could see that.
I didn't realize that that one conversation would unearth a whole lot of…feelings? In some ways, I was feeling judged. Who was he to question how I disciplined my child? His father, my inner self replied to my rhetorical question. Yes, I'm aware that he is my child's father, but again, he's new to this. Shouldn't that mean he defers to me? We weren't going to see eye to eye on everything, but I didn't want him questioning all of my motives, especially when I have experience with this, and he's the newbie. Thankfully, he didn't get into an argument with me in front of Tony. I could tell after I said it that he was scared, and he could have reacted negatively. Instead, he simply stated his opinion of not using him as a punishment, which we later hashed out without little ears around. It gave me hope that maybe we would be able to work together going forward. I just didn't know what to do with these new feelings.
Maybe I was just feeling more critical due to that other conversation with Edward regarding my father. I could understand his desire to go visit his grave. I even appreciated the fact that he asked permission to do so. What I did not appreciate was him judging me. Again, he hasn't been here—who was he to say if I'd dealt with my father's death or not? Sure, we've been friendly this week, and have been getting on, but that doesn't make him a Bella Swan expert. He was sticking his nose into places that he didn't belong in. He needed to understand that he was here for Tony, and Tony alone, no matter how much he may want me to help sweeten the deal. I wasn't looking for a relationship, or a new best friend. I was looking to be civil with my son's father. Maybe I've been too civil if he thought it was alright for him to impose on my private life.
I was relieved when the doorbell rang, for that meant our visitors were here. Besides a few texts, I had not seen Angela since I'd left the hospital. And Ben, not before the accident, so I really was looking forward to interacting with other adults. I just hoped that this visit didn't prompt another strenuous conversation. Maybe, Angela could help me put my thoughts in order, and calm my overthinking mind. She's always been good at talking me off the ledge.
With the bell brought forth Edward from wherever he was hiding upstairs. I think he could tell I wasn't thrilled with him after our earlier conversations, so he gave me time alone. Though I wasn't happy to see him, Angela and Ben's arrival meant that he was leaving, so I could tolerate him for a few more moments.
"Hello Angela. Nice to see you again. And Ben. It's been awhile. How have you been?" Edward asked politely, addressing the guests.
"I've been okay. Trying to get things done and ready before the baby comes. So unfortunately, that means I'm putting in longer hours now so I can take off when I need to. But it'll all be worth it in the end," Ben explained, shaking Edward's hand. Turning to me, he added, "Which is why I haven't been able to swing by and see you before this Bella. But Angie has been keeping me well informed. How are you recuperating?"
"Slow. Going," I offered, with a shrug. "But making. Progress."
"That's awesome Bella. I'm glad. Angie was so worried for you—which of course made me worry about her and her stress level. But you know how that is, right?" he asked with a sheepish smile.
"Ang Always. Worrying. Nothing new."
"That she is," Ben chuckled.
"Well, I'll leave you guys to your visit. I don't know how long I'll be, but if you need to leave before I'm back, just have Bella send me a text," Edward interjected.
"Where are you off to?" Angela asked, looking between Edward and I. I'm sure she could sense the tension between us, especially since I was looking anywhere but in his direction.
"Just to the cemetery. I wanted to visit Charlie, and give my regards," Edward explained.
"How thoughtful," Angela supplied, though she looked at me to see if I was going to react. I simply ignored the conversation, waiting for Edward to leave.
"Just feels like something I ought to do. Anyways, enjoy your time," he said, making his way to the door. "Call me if you need anything, okay Bella?" he implored, though his eyes seemed to be conveying way more than what he just said. I simply nodded. With that, Edward made his way outside, leaving just the three of us in the living room.
"Well that was awkward. I thought you said things had been getting better? You certainly couldn't tell based on that interaction," Angela said to start the ball rolling.
"Angie, sweetie. Do you have to jump right into it? Couldn't you have slowly worked up to that?" Ben stressed, clearly uncomfortable with his wife's abrasiveness.
"With Bella? Sometimes you need to be blunter. You get to the answers quicker that way," she explained, clearly unbothered that she might have made me uncomfortable.
"I think I'll leave you ladies to your conversation then. I wouldn't want to get in the way. Where's little man? Think he'd want to save me from girl talk?"
"Upstairs. Love to. See you." Ben made his way to the stairs, leaving me and my best friend alone.
"So, you gonna explain what just happened there?" Angela asked, her arm on her hip. Her stance showing that she meant business.
"Come in. Need white board. Sit." I said, while I went off to retrieve my writing instrument. This was a conversation that was going to require more than a few spaced out words here and there.
I rolled back into the living room to see Angela awkwardly lowering herself down onto the couch. I chuckled, remembering how hard it is to carry so much weight in your middle, throwing your sense of balance out the window.
"Are you laughing at me Swan? Out of everybody, I figured you would understand," Angela pouted, though you could tell she was joking with me.
"I do. But still. Funny. To see," I said, glad to mess with my friend some more. I was always the butt of everyone's jokes. It was nice to be on the other end for a change.
"Sure, sure," she said, using Jake's catchphrase. My heart stuttered, but I ignored it. I wouldn't let Jake bother me today. "So, what's going on Bella? All I've heard all week long is how much you've been getting along. It sounded like things were truly moving right along."
"Hard morning. Tough talks," I said, offering a shrug.
"Care to elaborate? I know you didn't just go get your latest accessory so you could just hold it," she sassed at me, gesturing toward the white board.
I scoffed at her, but began writing my response. "I'm sorry. I'm feeling a little out of sorts this morning. These feelings seemed to hit me out of nowhere, and I'm just not sure what I'm supposed to do with them."
"That's understandable Bella. A lot has changed in a short amount of time. Talking is bound to help though. Tell me, what brought this on today?"
"Well, you know how Edward and I have been talking in the mornings? Just the two of us? I figured today would be more of the same. However, when I found him this morning, he seemed off. I soon realized it was because he wanted to talk about Charlie."
"And getting you to talk about Charlie is like pulling teeth," Angela pointed out.
I shot her a glare, which she raised her hands up as if she were surrendering, then waited for me to write my next statement.
"He asked if I go to visit Charlie, and I said that I didn't. He asked if I wanted to, which I said I didn't. I figured the conversation would end there, but then he had the nerve to question if I ever really grieved his death. He was out of bounds."
Angela hesitated, before asking, "Was he really?" I looked at my friend, appalled that she wasn't taking my side. "Bella, please, just hear me out. I am your best friend, and will always have your back, but I really haven't been a good best friend to you. I could see that you haven't handled your father's death well, but instead of forcing you to see it, I simply left you be. I thought I just needed to give you more time, allow you to come to terms with things. But you never did. You just moved on, almost like you pretended it didn't happen. But it did happen, and you haven't dealt with it."
I huffed and crossed my arms defensively across my chest. It was a little hard with one arm in a cast, but the action was enough to show that I did not like what I was hearing. Angela sighed, before continuing, "You might not have liked what Edward said to you this morning, but it's the truth. And maybe he's a better person because he didn't let the fear of upsetting you stop him from addressing it."
"He's been here all of three weeks, and half of that I've been asleep for. He doesn't know anything. He doesn't know me. He was just upset that I wouldn't go with him to the cemetery. He's pulling at strings."
"Bella, if he could see it in such a short amount of time, then you aren't hiding it as well as you think. You couldn't fool him. Talk of Charlie makes you uncomfortable. You practically tense anytime his name is mentioned. It's a dead giveaway."
"I don't understand what there is to talk about. Charlie is gone. I'm not in denial or anything. Its not like I'm watching the door, waiting for him to come home. I don't understand why you think I haven't dealt with it."
"Why haven't you been to the grave Bella?"
"I don't have to visit the grave. He's not there, not really. It just a rock on top of some bones. How is that supposed to make me feel better?"
"True, you don't have to go to the grave, but there are other ways to mourn him Bella. Where are all his belongings Bella? How about the flag given to you at the funeral? Why aren't those things on display?"
"Why do I need a daily reminder that he's gone? I don't want to look at those things," I angrily wrote.
"They may remind you that he's gone, but there's good things to remember too Bella. He loved his job—that should be honored. His badge should be on the mantle place for all to see. Hiding it away makes it feel like you're ashamed of it."
"His job is what got him killed."
"Bella, he wasn't even working the night he was killed. It was just bad timing. How was he supposed to know that the Thriftway was going to get robbed the day he stopped in for groceries?"
"He shouldn't have been there. He was only there because I forgot the onion I needed for dinner."
"So, you blame yourself? That's why," Angela mused, more to herself than to me. "Bella, regardless of why he was at the grocery store, it happened. You didn't make it happen. You can't blame yourself for his death."
"Why couldn't he just leave the man alone? Why did he have to try to talk some sense into the gunman? If he just shut up, and stayed down, everything would have been just fine. He would be here now."
"That's just not who Charlie is Bella. Charlie would never sit back and watch an injustice happen. He's a man of action. I'm sorry that he lost his life that day, but by trying to talk the gunman down, he saved how many other lives Bella? 15? 20? 50? He did a good thing."
"He got himself killed, and you think it's a good thing? What about me? Tony? We needed him. We needed him, and he left us."
"Not by choice Bella. You think he wanted to leave you behind, alone? You and that boy were his pride and joy. If anything, he was trying to protect this town, the town you live in, to ensure that you could live on and be safe."
"Not. Good enough. Need him," I whispered, as I wiped an angry tear that escaped down my cheek.
Angela came forward, and wrapped me in her arms. "I know sweetie. It isn't fair. But this is exactly what me and Edward mean. You haven't dealt with this. It sounds like you have a lot of guilt meshed in with the usual grief, which just makes it even harder." I scoffed at her bringing Edward back into the conversation, but she continued. "Charlie was a great man—he needs to be commemorated. Especially to Tony. Tony deserves to live in a world where he can talk about his Poppa, without fear of upsetting his Mom."
"Too young. To know better," I tried to explain, but Angela quickly set me right.
"He knows it upsets you Bella. Think about it, does he talk about his Poppa to you? Asks you for stories? He's taken to asking me questions at daycare. When I asked him why he doesn't just ask you, he told me it's because he doesn't want to make you sad. Don't let Tony's memory of Charlie squander away because you're too upset"
My heart broke upon hearing this. I hadn't really thought about Tony and what he made of all this. He understands the broader picture that Poppa Charlie is gone, and never coming back, but that certainly must not be enough. That kid is too curious for his own good. And he loves stories—and yet, he rarely asks for ones about Charlie. Is Angela right? Is that because he knows I don't want to talk about it? Am I forcing him to grow up too quickly? He shouldn't be worrying about such things. He should be talking to me about it.
"Why didn't. You tell me?" I asked, upset that I wasn't made aware of this development in my child's life.
"I haven't mentioned it before because like I said, I knew you weren't handling it well, but I thought you just needed time. But you just never wanted to deal with it. I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier. I'm just trying to show you that you didn't hide it as well as you thought—I can see it, Tony can see it. And Edward can apparently see it. You really shouldn't be mad that Edward brought it up."
"Fine, but he still has some balls to interfere into my affairs. He's here for Tony. Not me."
"Oh Bella, you can tell yourself that as much as you want, but you and I both know that's not true. Where is all this hostility coming from? I understand that Edward bringing up Charlie set forth the mood for the day, but is there more?" Angela asked.
"With Edward here, Tony has been breaking the rules. I threatened that if he can't follow the rules, Edward can't stay. Needless to say, they both didn't react well to the threat."
"Oh Bella. Why would you threaten that? Especially with Edward's time here so limited?" Angela asked, her expression showing that she, too, did not like what I had done.
"It was just a threat. I knew it would show Tony I was serious. I never would have followed through on it. But I'm not liking how judged I'm feeling right now. It pissed me off that Edward was questioning me, but you're no better. I'm a good mom."
"No one thinks you're a bad mother Bella," Angela soothed.
"It feels that way. And no matter how good of a mother I am, I make mistakes too. I'm only human. I'm bound to mess up. I just don't like that now all my actions are viewed and critiqued by another. This is all new for me too. And today, it just rubbed me the wrong way."
"I'm sorry you are feeling judged Bella. I didn't mean to make you feel like I was questioning your parenting. And I doubt that was what Edward was doing as well. Threats work—I've seen it myself from numerous parents. I use it to get the kids back under control at work. Take away snack or their favorite toy. Send them to the corner for a time-out. It's just that this type of threat may not have been the best to use with Tony. Especially with how fresh all of this is."
"I realize that now. As I said, I'm not perfect. I knew it would get a reaction, but I didn't think about the consequences of that reaction. Tony already is going to have a tough time when Edward leaves next week. Threatening to take away his father when his father is going to be coming and going in his life was a poor choice."
"That just there proves that you're a good mother Bella. I would be more worried if you were steadfast denying you did anything wrong. And I really don't think Edward is judging you. Unless there is more? Did he question you in front of Tony? Start a fight?"
"No, he waited until after, which I appreciated. But it still is making me feel bitter. I'm sure that this was bound to happen regardless of the situation. So far co-parenting has been working smoothly, but I know we're going to have disagreements. I just need to not be so sensitive when it happens. This wasn't even a blown-out fight. He simply stated he didn't want to be used as a punishment."
"That's mighty mature of him Bella. I really have seen such tremendous growth with him. He is going to be a good father. You guys just need to figure out how to do this parenting thing. It's hard enough under one roof. It's going to be even harder when there is distance. You need to be prepared that when Edward asks questions on why you are doing things, he's not questioning you on how you are mothering. He's just trying to understand better what is happening in his absence."
"Logically I know that. Internally, I can't seem to get passed the thought that Tony's my son, and who is he to question me. I just need more time to get used to all this. I don't like feeling this way, but I'm sure with time, I can learn to manage better. While I'm sorry that Tony is going to suffer when Edward leaves next week, I think I'm personally looking forward to him being gone so things can go back to normal."
"Things are never going to go back to normal Bella. Regardless if Edward is here or not, he's going to be involved. Daily phone calls, more visits here or there. You will just have to get used to a new normal. And that includes Edward."
I hesitated before writing my next statement. "He said he's going to transfer here."
"Excuse me? No wonder you're all out of sorts. That must have been one hell of a conversation this morning. Or at least it explains why your feelings are so out of whack," Angela mused.
"Wasn't. Today. Last Week." I explained slowly, ready for the blowout I was about to receive.
"And you're just telling me about it now?!" she roared at me. I could clearly see the frustration on her face.
"Avoiding it," I said, which was the truth. If I didn't talk about it, then I didn't have to think about what his relocation meant.
"Of course. And you wonder why Edward was able to tell you hadn't handled your father's death well. It's a classic Bella response. You avoid things when they get difficult," she jabbed at me.
"No need. To be. Mean," I said, trying to get her back on track. "Surprised me. Needed time."
"Well, it's been a week. What have you to say for yourself now?" she asked, arching an eyebrow at me. Pregnancy has made Angela way sassier.
"He explained that he plans to try and see Tony twice a month. I told him I didn't think he should commit to something when we don't even know how all of this was going to play out. I figured once he got back home, he'd get busy, and we'd veer off from his attention. Stick to seeing each other at holidays—that sort of thing."
"Okay, and transferring came up how, then?"
"He said he wasn't going to lose interest. He wants to be a family. Yes, all of that commuting back and forth is going to be a hassle, but that it was only temporary until he could relocate out here. I asked him about his job, and his family. His life back in Chicago. He had an answer for everything."
"What were his answers? Come on Bella. You have to give me more than that."
"He said that he doesn't have much of a life in Chicago. He works, he goes home. He sees his family. It wasn't much of a life, so he wouldn't be giving up much. He said if it was up to him, he wouldn't go back at all, but he doesn't want to screw over the hospital, and he needs their recommendation for a transfer to go through."
"Sounds responsible. And his family? What was his answer for leaving them behind?" Angela asked.
I blushed, but wrote, "He said that we were his family. And if we were here, he wanted to be here."
"Seems that he's putting all the cards on the table hon. Seems to me that he is serious about this, or at least trying to show you that he is. It proves that he's not looking for an out Bella, if he wants to stay here."
I ignored her, and kept writing. "He says that we have just as much of a life here as he does in Chicago, and it isn't fair to uproot Tony to go to him. So, transferring here is the only option he sees."
"He's obviously put a lot of thought into this Bella."
"I can see that, but I still am hesitant about all of this. He swears the novelty isn't going to wear off, and that he wants to be apart of Tony's life for good. But that is night and day from the Edward I knew before. Its hard for me to throw away all that I know just because he wants to play happy family now."
"He loves you Bella, and he wants to be with you. I know you don't want to hear that, but its true. Yes, he's fighting for his family, but that includes you too. Hearing about how well you guys have been getting on this week shows me that you guys are good for each other as well. You both never moved on—and you still love him as well. You can't really fight the inevitable."
"So Tony is just stuck in the crossfire? Sorry Edward, you only can be with Bella if you pretend to like her kid? At least I knew where I stood with him when I knew he hated children." I scratched out angrily.
"That's not what I'm saying, and I don't believe that for a second. Watching him with Tony, can you honestly say you believe that yourself?" Angela questioned me. "Edward might have been hesitant in the beginning, but he truly loves that boy, and I believe he would be in Tony's life forever regardless if you never gave him the time of day again."
"I don't know what to do Angela. Last month, Edward wasn't even a blip on my radar."
"That's a lie, and you know it. Tony looks more and more like Edward every day, and from all the stories you've shared with your son, the Cullens and him have never been far from your mind. What you mean to say is a romantic relationship with him didn't seem possible. Well, now it is."
"Everything isn't that clear-cut Angela. I can't ask him to give up his life in Chicago to come here, especially if its only because he has this notion in his head that we're going to be together. That isn't something I can offer him right now."
"You seem hung up on the fact that he would drop everything to come here Bella. What the alternative? Would you go there? Besides your job, which you can't even do right now, what exactly is keeping you here?"
"I don't know Angela. These thoughts weren't even on my mind until he thrust them upon me. I was still banking on him disappearing from our lives as more time went on. All of this screams permanency. And I really can't afford to get my hopes up to only be hurt again."
"Why are you so sure that you're going to be hurt again? He's here Bella. He didn't go running when he learned he had a child. He isn't suing your ass, or fighting you for custody. He's been nothing but civil, and rather straightforward about what his end goals are here. You're the one that seems to be the flakey one here."
"I don't. Want to. Get. Hurt."
"And there's no guarantees in life Bella. Just like you never imagined getting into that car accident. No one is safe from getting hurt. But I truly believe that Edward would never intentionally hurt you again—especially now that he knows the truth. I know you were hurt that he never came after you when you first left, but he thought you had found someone else. Now that you both know that neither of you have moved on, what's stopping you?"
"Tony. He is my priority, and he needs to come first here. I can't start something with Edward, and have it all go south. That wouldn't be fair to him. Co-parenting is safer. Being friends is safer."
"Safer, sure. But why are you being so pessimistic? It could go the complete other way. You guys could be a true nuclear family—Mom, Dad, and child. Hell, maybe even add a couple more of those."
"Be realistic Angela. He barely wanted Tony. I don't think he would want anymore. And this is why we fell apart to start with. As much as we mesh well, and love each other, there still is so much that we don't agree on. That is why the relationship didn't work then. And that is why the relationship wouldn't work now. Love isn't always enough to make things work."
"You don't know that a relationship wouldn't work now Bella. Five years is a long time for people to reexamine their lives and change. That is why you've taken the time to get to know one another again. I'm not saying jump his bones and start a relationship tomorrow. I'm just asking you to open your heart here Bella. If you continue to be so closed off, and run at the first sign of trouble, you're going to have more mornings like today."
How did this conversation shift from Charlie to this? I thought, as I closed my eyes to ground myself.
"I'm scared," I whispered.
"I know you are. But what do all those motivational sayings spout? Take the risk, or you'll always be left wondering. Learn from your mistakes. You didn't give Edward a chance to be a Dad back then. He's showing you with both actions and words that he's all in Bella. You've got to meet him at least halfway. Show him that his efforts aren't all for nothing."
"How?" I timidly asked my best friend.
"Well, you could start by talking more about this relocation thing. He really put himself out there, and by ignoring the elephant in the room, I'm sure he's worked himself into a tizzy. You guys are so much alike sometimes, its scary," she laughed. "Figure out what will be best for all three of you. Whether he comes here, or you guys go there—it sounds like you all want the same end goal. As much as you say you want things to go back to normal, can you honestly say you haven't enjoyed having another person here this week?"
I truly thought about it, and Angela was right. Just having another adult around alleviated a lot of things in my day to day life. Why was I so quick to want him to leave then? Was this just to protect my heart, and Tony's heart? Could we make this work?
"I'll talk to him about relocation later. If anything, I'll tell him I'm not opposed to the idea. I already offered to do some of the flying back and forth with Tony since I'm out of work, and it would be easier for us to come to him. I don't think I'm quite up to it just yet—but that should help show that I'm onboard, and willing to work with him."
"Truthfully Bella, with all the rehabbing you have to do, it might be better to recuperate in Chicago. They have far superior doctors and facilities than Forks. Anything here, you'd have to drive a minimum of two hours. And you'd have all of his family around for your support team. You don't have that here."
"I have. You. And Ben."
"You do, but I'm limited in what I can do for you being pregnant. And with Jacob and this legal bullshit, it might be safer to get away."
"You think. We should. Move there?" I asked her, trying to fully understand what she was implying.
"If you guys are talking about relocating, shouldn't you see what the other side of the coin has to offer? Call it a trial run maybe. See if you could see yourselves there."
"Will. Mention it. To Edward."
Angela grabbed my hand, and said, "I'm a selfish person Bella, and I would hate to see you go, but if it is what is best for you and Tony, I would fully support it. But again, we won't know that until you try."
"Thank you. Always settle. Me. Down."
"That's what best friends are for Bella. I'm sorry that you are feeling so overwhelmed, and these feelings are still going to continue to creep up on you. You just need to talk about them, instead of shutting down. Communication is key here. If there is a problem, or you don't like something Edward did or said, you need to address it as it happens. That is the best advice I can give you, and really, it's just recycling the advice you've give me time and time again whenever I'm fighting with Ben."
"What's the saying? Those who can't, teach? It's easier to fix someone else's problem—not when it's for yourself."
"Let's see what our men our up to. I've been missing little man myself with him not coming to day care. I'm going to guess he won't be coming this week either. He needs this time with Edward. I understand. But if that's the case, then he's mine for today," Angela joked, as she tried to get up from the couch, but failed to lift her extra weight herself. I laughed at her predicament, but then sobered when I realized I couldn't help her with my injuries. Shit, I couldn't even call for help either. Thankfully, there was nothing wrong with Angela's vocal cords.
"BEN! I need you now," she bellowed. In no time, Ben was rushing down the stairs, with Tony following right behind.
"What's wrong? Is it the baby? But it's too soon. Isn't it too soon? What do we do?" Ben was stressing out, which only made me laugh harder. I really appreciated the humor—it was a nice break from all the heavy stuff lately.
"Not the baby. Can't. Get up," I tried to explain between chuckles.
"What Ms. Giggles over here is trying to say, is that I can't get myself up from the couch, and she's no help being a gimp and all. Can you please assist me? I'm in desperate need of a hug from Tony."
"Ms. Angela, why can't you get up?" Tony asked, confused by the entire situation.
"Tony, the baby that's inside my tummy is heavy, and sometimes I need help getting up after I've sat down. That's why I can't sit on the bean bags at the fun center anymore, because I would never be able to get up all by myself. They are too low to the ground."
"Oh, I was wondering why you would only lean on things now, or sit on the boring chairs. But I can help you up if you want to sit in the bean bag chairs. I'm a big boy," Tony championed. Once Ben helped his wife up off the sofa, she opened her arms to receive Tony.
"I appreciate the offer Tony, but I'm heavy. I wouldn't want to hurt you trying to lift me up. And plus, you haven't been around—I miss my helper at the fun center."
"I miss you too Ms. Angela! But I'm having so much fun here with Daddy."
"Really? I want to hear all about it. How about we head to the diner and get some lunch? The baby is craving some cobbler."
"Baby. Or you?" I asked, which caused Ben to snort behind me.
"Watch it Swan. At least I'm not craving weird things like you did," she teased.
"There was nothing wrong with dipping Cheetos in yogurt. It's like chips and dip."
"That wouldn't sound so bad, if the yogurt wasn't strawberry Bella," Angela outed me.
"Ew, really Bella? I didn't know about that one" Ben replied, coming to his wife's aid.
"Don't knock. It. Til. You try. It," I said with a shrug.
"Uh, I think I'll pass on that one. Are you guys up for an outing at the diner?" he asked me. I could see Tony bouncing around excitedly, hoping that the answer was a yes.
"Sure. In your. Car?" I asked, wondering what car they brought with them. Ben wasn't as built as Edward, and I wasn't sure if he could handle lifting me into an SUV.
"We brought Angela's car, so it shouldn't be that hard getting you in and out of it. Should we let Edward know that we're heading out? See if he wants to meet us?" Ben asked, a little hesitantly. I guess with him being upstairs, he wasn't sure where things stood.
"I'll text. Him now."
While Ben helped ready Tony for our outing, I grabbed my phone and purse from the back room. I composed a text to Edward. I wasn't as upset with him anymore, after talking with Angela. But he didn't know that. I figured straight to the point was the easiest way to go.
Heading to diner with A, B, & T. Join us when you're done? -Bella
I wasn't sure how long he had planned to be at the cemetery, but I didn't want to cut his visit short. Either way, he would want to know that we were leaving the house, so he'll read the message when he gets a chance. My phone vibrated in my hand, showing that I already had a response.
Perfect timing. Just heading out now. Will meet you there. Thanks for the invite. –Edward
:) See you there. –Bella
I worried that the smiley face might have been too silly to send, but I was hoping to show him that I wasn't angry with him. And technically, it was Ben that invited him, not me, but I was going to keep the credit for that; especially if it would help fix our situation. All I could hope was that things wouldn't be so awkward at lunch. Our afternoon conversation depended on it.
