AN: Sorry it's been awhile. I've been distracted with all this election stuff and my anxiety hindered my creativity. But it seems like we're at a standstill until both sides accept it, so it's time to power through and get back to it. Thank you again for your kind words, and continued support! Enjoy! :)

CHAPTER EIGHTY-FOUR

ALICE'S POV:

I loved spending uninterrupted time with both Bella and Tony—not having to share her with my siblings was truly a gift. Well, I did have to share them with Edward and his incessant phone calls, but I couldn't really fault him for that. He was missing them something fierce, and you could easily tell that those feelings were being reciprocated here. I was immensely pleased to see that even Bella was showing signs of longing for him. She never was far from her cell phone, texting sporadically throughout the day. From the smiles on her face, I just knew my brother was trying to stay relevant and on her mind. I really wanted to tease her about it, but I was worried that the situation was too new and precious, and I would hate myself if I scared her away. I was just glad to see that Edward had managed to start to repair this relationship, and that Bella was no longer trying to keep him at arm's length. I am hoping that my stay here will prove to be just as successful.

Some days, Bella and I fell back into old patterns; just hanging around and catching up. While I'm an overly friendly person, I tend to scare people away with my exuberance. Bella, thankfully, was never one of those girls that was turned off by my excitability, which is why we always worked. Like my husband, Bella was the calm to my storm. These days, it was not an uncommon site to find her sitting there laughing at my long-winded stories. She joked that even without her speech problem, she wouldn't be able to get a word in anyways with my need to entertain. But her speech was getting stronger every day, and she was relying on the whiteboard less and less. I could see that she was still frustrated to it took her so long to get her point across, but speed would only come with practice. I was hoping that by the time we made it to Chicago, she wouldn't even need that dreaded board. And I say dreaded because she wouldn't let me bedazzle it. Everything looks better with a little bit of sparkle.

But not everyday was rainbows and sunshine. Sometimes when I was learning about what went on in Bella's life in our absence, I felt the loss of Bella more prevalently. I—WE—had missed so much. Like I said, in some ways you couldn't tell we had been estranged for five years. Other days, I saw such differences in my once best friend. Not bad things, but enough for me to be happy I was taking the time to get to know her again. With every relationship, people adapt and grow, and I just needed to figure out what was needed to maintain this friendship now that we were older. It was definitely possible, and with them coming back with me, I foresaw great things for us.

Today was going to be a busy day. Bella was due for her next doctor checkup. She was hoping that she had healed enough to be deemed fit to fly out with Sophia and I next week. She hasn't had any setbacks, so I think we are due for some good news later, but I'm not doctor. I just hope my optimism is enough to manifest the results I want.

As I was getting dressed for the day, my cell phone began to ring. Smiling at the name on the display, I quickly answered, "You've got to stop calling me so much. My husband will get suspicious."

"Will he, now?" I heard from my favorite person. I loved that he would play along with me.

"Mm hmm, he's a very jealous person," I taunted.

"Sounds like he's too insecure for you. You should leave him for me," he crooned.

"Tempting," I drawled out, before breaking into laughter. "God, I love you."

"Love you too baby. I miss you guys."

"I miss you so much. While I am having such a good time here, I wish I could have you both. I don't like being away from you Jazz."

"The house is too quiet without my girls. Me and Shadow are at a loss of what to do with ourselves," Jasper said with a sigh.

"Well, you better take advantage of that quiet and get lots of work done because I expect you to spend all your free time with us when we get back!"

"Believe me, I am trying to distract myself with work, but you my dear are unforgettable, and I am just floundering here without you."

God, I love this man. Even over the phone, he manages to make me feel so desirable. "Four more days baby, then we'll be reunited," I promised, sad that he was lost without us.

"Pay no attention to me Alice. I think your brother's whining has rubbed off on me some."

"I wasn't sure if you've seen him with how much he's been throwing himself into his work."

"We met up for drinks last night. He looked like someone killed his puppy."

"And you didn't?" I jested, though I was concerned to hear Edward wasn't doing well.

"I have experience being away from my family. He does not. It'll come with practice," Jasper explained.

"Well, hopefully there won't be a need for practice. I hope that we get to Chicago, and they never leave. Then the entire family can be together again."

"Darlin', I know that that is what you most wish for, but we can't meddle in their business. You've got to leave this to them to figure out."

"But I want my best friend back. I love being together with them and rekindling things. I don't want this to end."

"It's not going to end sweetheart. Distance won't ruin your friendship."

"Well, it doesn't mean I can't make her fall in love with Chicago again when we get there," I huffed, wanting to get my way.

"Fall in love with Chicago, or Edward?" he asked me. Damn husband, knows me too well.

"I don't think I will have to work too hard on that front. You should see them Jazz. Always texting each other. It's like courting in the early stages of a relationship. You don't know how badly I want to ask her about it, but I'm worried that she'll think I'm overstepping, or have ulterior motives."

"I think you have the right idea Alice. She'll come to you when she's ready to talk about it. You've got to understand that she's got to be feeling pretty confused by all this. While yes, Edward has changed his mind regarding kids, it doesn't erase the hard feelings his words and actions caused, as well as the damage the time apart inflicted."

"I know all this Jasper. Its just—why can't things just be easy for them? They've had it so hard these last few years. To know how much they both suffered, and for silly reasons. I just hate how much time they lost. I guess I just want them to get to it quicker so that they can make up for lost time."

"Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way baby. They can't get those years back, but if they take the time to establish a strong foundation now, they will never suffer from miscommunication again. Let them take it at their own pace."

"I know, I know," I grumbled, though I wasn't mad at him. I was just impatient and wanted to see results now.

Sensing I needed reassurance, he added, "From listening to the poor bastard, I really don't think you will have to wait long Alice. He's hell bent on wooing her hardcore once they get here."

"Really?" I squealed. "What did he say?"

"Bro-code, Alice. If he wants to tell you, he'll tell you. But the gist of it is that he's all in, and he will do what it takes to show Bella that."

"He needs to tell me what he's thinking. I can help!" I demanded.

"That's up to him Alice. But I'm staying out of it, and really, you should too."

We caught up for a few more minutes before he had to excuse himself to meet with a patient. I was glad that I was able to start my day with my daily dose of Jasper. Making my way downstairs, I found both Sophia and Tony already up and dressed. I was surprised to see them so animated this early.

"Good morning munchkins. What are you two doing up?"

"Morning Mommy," Sophia said quickly, before returning her attention back to whatever she was writing.

"The sun is the in the sky Aunt Alice. That means its time to be awake," Tony explained, looking at me like I was dumb for asking such a stupid question.

"I know that silly. I just mean usually I need to pry you from your bed, so I'm just surprised to see you up and about without assistance."

"We're on a mission. A secret mission," he whispered the last part to me.

A mission, eh? The last one was to get him a father. I wonder what these two had in store this time. "Oh? Am I allowed to know of this mission? I was able to help last time."

Tony and Sophia looked at one another, and started whispering. I waited, getting more and more curious as time went on.

"Right now, we are thinking and planning. We don't wanna say," Tony explained. Shucks. To push, or not to push, I thought.

"Okay, but know that I am here for you if you need me. Now, have you seen your mother yet today?"

"She's in the back with Sue getting ready to go to the doctor. Aunt Alice, after the doctor, can we go to the park? I want to show Sophia my favorite slide on the playground."

"We'll see Tony. Depends on how your mom is feeling after seeing the doctor. She might be tired, and need to come back and rest."

"I hope not. She rests too much," Tony complained.

"It may seem that way, but at least she is awake. Being in the coma was scary. She can rest all she wants now as long as she wakes up with no problems."

"I guess that is true. I just didn't know grown ups took naps like babies."

"That is the one thing that you will never grow out of. Adults love naps. Its like a reward for us to break up our busy days," I explained.

"Grown ups are silly, Tony. They don't make sense sometimes," Sophia offered when she saw Tony's doubtful expression.

I left the two of them to plan in the living room, and made my way into the kitchen to start on breakfast. I wasn't a master chef, but breakfast was my specialty. There really wasn't much room for me to mess it up. In no time, Bella joined me, with Sue making her way out behind her.

"Okay ladies. I am off. I will be back this evening. Good luck at the doctor Bella. I hope you get news you are hoping for," she said, while putting on her coat.

"Me. Too. Thanks Sue." Bella offered, before Sue left for the day.

Handing Bella a cup of coffee, I said, "Well, I don't know how your morning is going so far but I feel left out. Thing One and Thing Two are in there conspiring, and they won't tell me what the new mission is."

"They. Can't keep. A secret. Will share. Soon." Bella placated me.

"Soon isn't now though," I pouted, but winked at her to show that I really wasn't that upset. "Are you ready for your appointment?"

"Yup. Think ribs. Are pretty. Healed." She said, smiling.

"That's great news Bella. I'm so glad. I just hope that I don't inflict more damage on you trying to get you in and out of the car today."

"We'll manage. Easier. To move. About now."

"You wouldn't tell me if I hurt you anyways. My brother will murder me if I ruin your chances of being allowed to fly."

"True," she offered. Her phone vibrated, distracting her from continuing our conversation. I watched her face, waiting for the wistful look that I've been so used to seeing. Yup, there it is. Must be Edward.

"And how is my fair brother this morning?" I asked.

"How do. You know. It was him?" Bella countered, while responding to whatever my brother texted.

"Its always him," I teased, before adding, "Plus your face gave it away. When it's him, there's always a wisp of a smile on your face." This of course, caused Bella to blush, which only made me chuckle harder. She didn't reply to me; instead she let her fingers fly over her phone's keyboard, and conversed with him. I was so focused on finishing up my batch of French toast, I was surprised when she spoke again.

"Do. You know. Where. We'll be. Staying. In Chicago?" I turned around to see a worried look upon her face.

"I don't think any plans have been made quite yet Bella. We didn't want to put the cart before the horse, just in case the doctor said no. I figured you'd stay with Edward though, so Tony could see him after work, and when he's off." Bella bit her lip, which made me wonder if that was the answer she wanted to hear or not. "But I'm sure staying at Mom and Dad's is also a viable option. You know they have plenty of space, and would love to host you guys," I offered, trying to gauge her mood.

"Worried that. If we stay. With Edward. Tony will get. Too used. To it." Bella explained.

"I could understand your worries if it were a quick visit Bella, but if you truly are planning to rehab there, you're going to be setting down some roots for the next few months, at least. It would be good to settle into a new routine," I cautioned.

"But what. About when we. Go back. Home? Will. Confuse. Tony more." Bella shrugged, trying to show nonchalance, but I could tell she really was worried about this.

"Bella, until you and Edward figure this whole thing out, Tony is going to be doing a lot of adjusting. I heard about how downtrodden he was after Edward left. I'm sure that is going to be a familiar response as future visits occur. But shouldn't they get to spend as much time together as they can, while they can? I'm sure leaving Chicago will cause Tony some distress, but his happiness while there should be worth that I'd think."

Bella pondered over what I just told her, but didn't offer any other insight. I was curious what brought this on, but didn't have a chance to ask. Bella took control back of the conversation. "Let's eat. Doctor is soon." And with that, the conversation was closed, for now.


"Well, Ms. Swan. It seems that everything is healing accordingly. We will have to kept monitoring how your broken leg is healing to see if more surgery is needed, but right now, nothing seems too alarming," Dr. Eleazer Denali said, turning off the light board that showcased Bella's X-rays.

"Ribs. Better?" she asked him.

"I'm sure you could tell me the answer to that better than I can, but your films appear to look just fine. As long as you continue not to jostle about too much, they should hinder your movement less. I think the chair is helping you stay more stationary, which in fact is helping your recovery."

"Good to hear. Thanks. Doctor."

"I always enjoy giving out good news Bella. Makes all those years of schooling worthwhile," the doctor joked.

I was biting my tongue, trying to let the two of them talk, but I couldn't wait any longer. "Dr. Denali, do you think that Bella is healed enough to fly? We'd like to go to Chicago so that father and son can be reunited again."

Dr. Denali gave Bella an understanding look. "I see. I was wondering why your shadow wasn't here for this appointment, being that he hasn't missed one yet. From what I've seen here today, I don't see any problems with you flying. You probably will experience some discomfort from being up at that altitude, but nothing a little pain medicine won't aid. So, will this be a short visit, or a prolonged one?"

"Not. Many rehab. Options here. In Forks," Bella explained. "Easier. In bigger. City."

"I certainly would have to agree with that Bella. You'd be spending more time in the car if you stayed here. I think this move might be good for you. Let me know what doctors you settle on when you get there, and I'll be sure to call and fill them in on your prognosis, and send over whatever files they may need."

"Thank you. For every-thing."

"It's my pleasure Bella. Like I said, I like when there's positive results. I'm looking forward to hearing all about your recovery when you guys get back."

I made a face at that. If I had it my way, they wouldn't be coming back, but now wasn't the time to air that laundry out to outsiders. I quickly hid my expression, and helped Bella prepare to leave. We found Tony and Sophia at their beloved Lego station. But instead of building, they were back to whispering. This must be some mission if they were still working out all the kinks. I would definitely have to offer my assistance again. Remembering what Tony asked me earlier, I turned to Bella, and asked, "Are you up for a side trip before returning to the house? The kids asked earlier if they could go to the playground."

"Sounds good. To me. Nice day out. Should. Spend it. Outside."

I called the kids and told them the plan, their smiles growing bigger with the news. In no time, we were at the park. Bella and I sat off to the side and just watched the two of them play.

"They're so good together. I never thought I'd see this day Bella, but I'm so glad that it happened. I want them to be best friends just like you and I are, or—I mean, were."

"You can. Say are. Still my. Best friend." I rushed to give her a hug, but was mindful not to squeeze her too tightly. She patted my back with her good arm, then added, "Have to. Share me. With Angela. Though."

"I would happily share you with her. I just adore her," I said, wiping a tear from my eye.

"Don't cry. Alice. What's wrong?" Bella asked, worried she had upset me.

"Just happy tears Bella. You just made my life."

"Wouldn't go. That far. Maybe just. Your day," Bella smirked. I was pleased to see that we could joke about this. Figuring that we were on good footing, I decided to pick our conversation from this morning back up.

"So, did you tell Edward what the doctor said?"

"Sent him. Message. On way here. That Chicago. Is a go."

"I'm sure you just made his day too. Who knew you had such magical powers," I joked.

"All in. A day's work," she said, while brushing her knuckles on her shoulder. I love this more playful side of her.

"Have you guys discussed what's going to happen when you get to Chicago?" I asked her. This question caused Bella to blush, driving me insane with curiosity. I couldn't help it, but to ask, "What has your cheeks turning such a lovely shade of pink, Bella?

She shrugged at me in response. I could see her reluctance to talk about it. I turned to watch the kids, and not press her further. I was surprised when she continued on herself. "Edward has. Plans. For Chicago."

"Really? And do these plans have to do with your living arrangement? Is that why you were asking questions earlier?"

Pulling out that dreaded white board, she began to write her response. "I told him that Tony is looking forward to spending time with him, to which he responded that he intends to spend just as much time with me. When I told him that wasn't necessary, he told me that we both held the key to his heart, and he wasn't going to deny himself either of us."

I swooned when I heard what my brother had said. "Aww, how sweet."

Bella again shrugged, before writing, "We hadn't discussed living arrangements yet, but if what Edward said is true, and he wants to," she hesitated briefly, before writing "date, then I don't know if living together is the right thing to do. It would blur way too many lines."

Nodding my head, I conceded, "I can understand that logic."

"Worried. Edward won't."

"Oh Bella, Edward wouldn't fault you if you couldn't live with him now. This entire situation is unchartered, so there is no right or wrong way to do this. I know his staying with you before he left was more out of necessity than want. But there's enough of us Cullens to go around to aid you in this endeavor. You don't have to stay with him if that is what will make you most comfortable. I'm sure Edward would be just as happy to know you are willing to date him-that should soothe him if he's disappointed with your decision."

"But how far away do Esme and Carlisle live from him? I don't want to put more work onto his plate. He already is working crazy hours, and you are right, he should use whatever time he can to see and spend time with Tony. I would hate it if he had to spend half of that time he has off in the car commuting to see him."

"Bella, our family is so close, its slightly unhealthy. While yes, Edward does live in the city, like me and Jasper and Sophia, we all pretty much can get to Mom and Dad's in about twenty minutes. There really isn't a commute. And with the way he drives, probably about ten minutes," I amended my previous statement.

"Just don't. Want to. Make this. Harder."

"No one thinks that Bella. The fact that you are coming at all is a huge deal. He will take you any way he can get you." I chuckled when I realized how suggestive that comment was. Bella sent a glare my way, realizing it as well. "I didn't mean it that way, but you know that that was true as well."

"Lay off," she warned me.

I held my hands up in surrender. "I did walk myself into that one. I really didn't mean to discuss that with you. When you are ready though, I'm here for you. After all, we are best friends again, and best friends talk about boys and the dirty dirty things we want to do with them."

I got a laugh from her, which showed me I hadn't ruined my chances. Staring again at our devious, scheming children, I was struck with a brilliant idea, and began bouncing in my seat. "Oh Bella, I just had a wonderful idea." She cocked her eyebrow at me, silently telling me to go on. "I know we weren't due to leave for another couple of days, but now that the doctor has cleared you, nothing is really keeping us here. What if we went back early? I'm sure Tony would just love it if he could see his dad earlier. And from the sounds of it, Edward could really use the pick-me up."

Bella gave me a worried look. "What's wrong. With him?"

"Nothing is wrong hon. It's just, he isn't taking the separation well. Seeing you guys will certainly brighten his mood. And I'm sure Tony would love to surprise him—we could frame it as a secret mission. You know how much he loves those."

"Would like. To see Angela. Before we go. But I. Think that. Sounds okay."

"Oh Bella. Thank you. This is going to be so much fun. You get in contact with Angela and see if we can see her today. Once we have that nailed down, I will worry about rearranging our flights."

Angela of course was working, but promised to swing by for dinner. With that settled, I quickly booked our flights. This time tomorrow, we would be in the windy city. I had a good feeling that this was the right decision for us all. Now, do I tell my husband about the change of plans, or do I surprise him as well. Decisions, decisions.