A/N: Hello! Sorry for the very long time since the last update; there is just not enough hours in the week lately! I'm not sure if there was an email sent out about the latest update, so check Chapter 36 to ensure you're up to date before reading this!
This chapter was a little difficult for me to write, to make it flow the way I wanted that was also cohesive. Its only just worked itself out for me this morning, finally.
Also, I guess trigger warning: mensuration is discussed briefly in this chapter; so skip over it if you don't like it.
I hope you enjoy!
Chapter 37: The First Step
Edythe was feeling slightly anxious as Sky gave her a ride to her massage appointment. She had been told yesterday about the arrangements, that her parents and Sky were working to try other options of therapy to help with her back pain. She trusted them and was willing to try anything; but, she had been warned that the session would not be relaxing like a normal massage.
"She has to work through to get all the tension out of your muscles," Sky told her. "And with how they have been for the past few months, trying to compensate as you recovered, there's a lot of damage to undo." Edythe was hesitant but was assured that, eventually, it would help her body heal in the long term.
Earlier that afternoon, Edythe had recovered from her twenty-four hour flu. Her fever had broken in the early hours of the morning and had been able to stomach a bowl of soup and spend a quiet midday with her sister and mother. When Beau had returned home, they spent the remainder of their free time in their bedroom, Edythe curled up in Beau's side after the long day of being separated. He had kissed her goodbye, and her parents had given their own farewells, their embraces and expressions encouraging.
Sky had arrived an hour early though, and she spoke to her privately—at least, private in the human sense—before they departed. Sky showed her the scar that ran down her back, almost identical to Edythe's own, and told her that it had taken years before she had found relief, trying to bury the pain and ignore the weakness until it finally became too much.
"I just remember being in complete agony, unable to move or speak or do anything," she said, her eyes watching Edythe's, who had been fidgeting with the comforter. "I had let it go so long that I was nearly physically and emotionally incapacitated. In a blind act of self-preservation, and desperation, I Googled a massage therapist. And I was lucky enough to find Charlotte."
"It took a month of weekly sessions, but I was finally able to get relief. It is possible, and you don't need to be taking prescription drugs for it. That, combined with the ever traditional exercise and proper diet—just taking care of yourself—will do wonders." Edythe glanced up her.
"How did you get injured?" she asked hesitantly. Sky smiled slightly then chuckled.
"In a riding accident," she said, "But don't tell your mother that. It took enough to convince her to let you near the horses to begin with. We don't need to add fuel to the fire." Edythe smiled back halfheartedly, already knowing Carine had probably heard it anyway, and she would not need to tell her. She had been surprised, honestly, when the idea had been suggested; she was steadily growing used to her parents being very protective of her, and horse riding had never been on the list of extracurricular activities Carine was fond of.
But they both knew there had been groundbreaking research and studies done that at the very least strongly supported the positive effects of hippotherapy, if not confirming it. And so, Carine's desire to help Edythe heal out-shadowed her hesitation. Sky had invited her to come to the farm on Sunday, barring she was willing to move after her massage session tonight.
And so, when she arrived at the spa location, Edythe was anxious, but eager, hopeful this would work. She could take a little pain if it meant it would help in the long run. Sky walked besides her as they made their way to the glass front door.
The inside lobby was painted a cool pleasant green color, with sand-like tile on the floor; there was a spacious reception desk taking up the dominant part of the facing wall, with several comfy looking chair situated around the displays of various products. A young woman behind the counter, with hair as pale blonde as was physically possible and light blue eyes, looked up. She immediately recognized Sky and greeted her enthusiastically.
"And I'm assuming this is Edythe?" she asked, her eyes sliding to where Edythe stood awkwardly slightly to the side of Sky.
"Yes. Edythe, this is Debra," Sky introduced them; Edythe smiled hesitantly and exchanged pleasantries with the receptionist.
"Charlotte will be down in a moment," Debra informed them. As they waited, Edythe looked around the lobby, glancing over the posters and pamphlets for different services provided. A thought occurred to her though and her head snapped up to look at Sky; the woman noticed the anxious look on Edythe's face and came to her, situated in the far corner from the receptionist.
"What's up?" she asked, her eyebrows furrowed.
"What…how do I….I mean…how much am I supposed to take off?" she finally asked, her cheeks flushing slightly at the thought. No one other than Beau or her sisters and mother had seen her in the nude, and she didn't know how to feel about a stranger potentially seeing her like that, even considering she would be getting familiar with Charlotte touching her body. Sky realized what she asking and smiled comfortingly.
"You can dress down to your comfort level; she'll work around you," she assured her.
Edythe seemed to accept it, though her lip between her teeth still gave some of the tension away. At that moment though, a woman stepped through the side door besides them. She was shorter, though still slightly taller than Edythe, with a round build and kind brown eyes. Her messy bun pulled up on top of her head bounced as she greeted Sky before going to Edythe.
"Hello, Edythe," she said, her smile kind. Edythe smiled uncertainly, feeling shy, which was not a trait she was used to. Charlotte gestured for Edythe to step through and Edythe glanced back at Sky as she hung back. The woman offered an encouraging smile before Edythe followed Charlotte into the back of the building, leading down two long hallways before stopping at a door. Charlotte held the door for her and Edythe looked around.
The room was small less than a hundred square feet, a massage table taking up the dominant space, but with a counter and cabinet against the far wall, a towel warmer, Himalayan salt lamp, and diffuser plugged in and running. The room was dimmed and covered in dark paint, making it feel very private. There was a chair next to the door but Edythe did not sit, turning slightly to face Charlotte.
"Okay, hon, so from what Sky tells me, you've been having back pain?" Charlotte asked as she closed the door. Edythe nodded.
"Yes; I was in a car accident last September and fractured my spine," she said quietly. Charlotte beckoned her closer, and she obeyed, sitting on the edge of the table at Charlotte's instruction. She felt Charlotte's fingers gently touch her, running down her spine gently. She tried not to flinch as she passed over the tender area.
"Hmmm," Charlotte mused, "Between L2 and L3, right?"
Edythe turned slightly to look at her, shocked. Charlotte smiled. Edythe nodded after a moment.
"Do you have pain only at certain times, in certain areas? Is it aching, intense, like a bruise or white hot?"
"It's all the time, mostly in my back, sometimes in my shoulder. It only goes away when I'm sleeping," Edythe answered.
"Do you sleep well?" Charlotte asked; the tone in the question implied she already knew what the answer was. Edythe shook her head.
"I wake up often, a couple of times a night," she admitted. Charlotte nodded to herself as she continued to palpate up Edythe's back and across her neck. She asked more questions' nd Edythe answered them as best she could, detailing the pains and aches in her body as much as she was able.
"When is the last time you had your period?" The question made Edythe flush slightly, not just from chargin but from shame.
"It's…been a while," she replied; Charlotte looked up at her.
"Any chance you might be pregnant?" she followed up.
"No," Edythe said immediately, too fast. Charlotte raised an eyebrow.
"I'm sure. Believe me, I would know," she insisted, but in her head, she knew it wasn't necessarily that she would know as much as Carine or Archie. Charlotte said nothing but seemed to accept it, asking about her diet.
Charlotte's questions continued for another few minutes; once she seemed satisfied, she reiterated what Sky had told Edythe to dress down to her comfort and she would be back in a few minutes. Edythe nodded and she was alone. She stripped down as she was told, debating for a moment before discarding her bra but leaving her underwear. She eased down onto her stomach on the table, underneath the plush blanket and sheet. She appreciated the table warmer underneath, allowing the heat to soak into her skin and settling down just as Charlotte returned.
The massage therapist began to run her hands over Edythe's shoulders over the sheet.
"Let me know if the pressure becomes too painful, alright, hon?" she said. Edythe nodded and tried to keep herself relaxed as Charlotte set to work.
Approximately two hours later, Sky was pulling into the driveway of the Cullen mansion. Edythe thanked her before gingerly stepping out of the car, closing the door behind her as she made her way to the house. Sky waited as Edythe let herself in, but stayed as she noticed the incoming phone call from her cell phone on the dashboard. She picked it up as the Cullens looked up at Edythe's entrance.
All the Cullens were present and accounted for, and they all watched as the youngest Cullen moved slowly in from the mud room, placing her key and wallet on the counter. Edythe's eyes immediately met Carine's; she could see the question there, but she did not respond. But it seemed her posture was answer enough; as Edythe gripped the edge of the kitchen counter for support, her mother came to her, placing her hand lightly on Edythe's aching lower back.
"Ow," Edythe breathed, the sound coming out subdued and pained. Carine made a sympathetic noise under her breath as she ran her fingers tenderly down Edythe's spine, watching as her daughter seemed to double over. One of her hands wrapped gently around Edythe's front, her palm pressing gently into her stomach, taking some of her weight.
"Oh sweetheart," she murmured sadly. Edythe tried to breathe deeply, but the sucking of air through her teeth made her discomfort that much more obvious. Beau was on his feet immediately and moved toward her. At the same time, Earnest and Archie stepped forward, loosely clustered around her. Archie ducked his head down to meet her gaze, one hand taking hers and squeezing it encouragingly.
"You're going to be okay, Edy. I know it's painful now, but trust me, it will be worth it," he told her; the statement was said with certainty, but his expression was still visibly upset by her discomfort. She tried to smile and nod that she understood, but it came out more of a grimace. Beau stepped forward and she reached out to take his hand. He leaned down to press his lips to the top of her head, murmuring in her ear as his arms went to her waist.
"Do you want to go upstairs? I can help you," he asked. She nodded, and moved to wrap her arms around his neck. He understood the queue and acquiesced—though surprised and saddened that she was in so much pain that she was wanting him to carry her. The Cullens stepped back as Beau lifted Edythe into his arms, and she felt her parents' gentle touches on her face as Beau moved toward the stairs. Carine and Earnest looked after the two humans before their eyes returned to where Sky stood precariously on the front porch, her hand holding her cellphone as she spoke on speaker. Archie moved to let her in and she stepped into the entry, the Cullen parents moving to join her. The rest of the Cullen children moved upstairs at their request, to have a 'private' adult conversation.
"Charlotte, Carine and Earnest Cullen are listening in," Sky announced, "They're Edythe's parents." Carine and Earnest stepped closer, not that they needed the proximity to hear the woman on the other end of the receiver.
"Hello, Dr. and Mr. Cullen," she said cordially, "Your daughter is an absolute sweetheart."
"Thank you," Earnest said, smiling despite his concern
"Repeat what you told me, Charlotte," Sky requested, brandishing the phone to point the speaker in the direction. Charlotte sighed.
"Poor girl," she lamented, "She's hurting more than even she realizes." Carine and Earnest exchanged a worried glance before the woman on the phone continued.
"From my session with her, Edythe is very good at hiding pain. I could tell she was being as honest with me as she could, but the discomfort she feels is so prolonged that she has been unconsciously ignoring it. Her back is, of course, the worst area, but even her hips, her legs, elbows, and neck are tender. She was very uncomfortable no matter where I seemed to touch her. There has been a lot of damage done, for someone so young. I'd say she is even a worse state than you, Sky."
Sky nodded, suspecting this, but didn't say anything, letting Charlotte continue.
"Her muscles have been so tense and stressed to try to compensate for the weakness in her back and shoulder. Then, add in stress and working herself up, it's no wonder her body is such a mess. But I made good progress today with her, though I know she probably was close to limping when she got home." Charlotte's comment was on point. Carine and Earnest had been pre-warned, but they weren't prepared for Edythe to returning that way, in such obvious discomfort that she did not even try to hide it.
"Is there anything we can do for her, in the interim?" Carine asked.
"Well, for tonight and tomorrow, just leave her be. The majority of the soreness will go away after tomorrow night, hopefully. The post-session pain will dissipate as she continues, as I'm sure Sky has informed you."
"Yes, I have," Sky said, "but do you think this kind of therapy will help? She's in a lot of pain." The worry in her tone was a mere fraction of the vampires besides her; they had wanted to ask this question as well, and Sky seemed to sense that.
"Oh yes," Charlotte said immediately, "it will help. She's far from a hopeless case. It's just going to take a little bit of time, and TLC. She needs an exercise regimen; not an intense one, but enough to make her work the muscles in between the sessions with me. Mental health and stress should, obviously, be considered, and of course, good diet. Just taking care of herself."
"You think this will heal her?" Carine asked, "Nothing else has helped."
"I do," Charlotte responded, "you should know well how good the human body is at recovering from even the worst of injuries, Dr. Cullen. All we have to do is create an environment where it can do that. And that starts with working out all the knots she's knitted into her muscles, and helping her not create more. Keeping her healthy and loved. It's hardly innovative medicine, but I've found it has fantastic healing powers." Carine smiled slightly.
"Then we can do that," Carine said, looking over at Earnest who nodded. "We can get her there." Sky smiled as well, seeing the light of hope in the parent's eyes since she had entered the house. She knew it was hard for them to see Edythe in this state.
"Dr. Cullen, there is one more thing; I think you need to speak to her about her cycle, or lack thereof," Charlotte added, the tone not concerned, but cautious. Carine sighed internally, knowing what Charlotte meant as she confirmed what she suspected for a while.
As a vampire and human doctor, Carine was acutely aware of biological processes; she had trained herself to be attuned to it for the purpose of practicing medicine. But she could not help but acknowledge that she had been in denial about Edythe's cycle, something that, from what she could tell, Edythe hadn't had in months. She hoped it was only because she somehow was unable to smell the change, but from Charlotte's words, she knew it was because Edythe had admitted to not menstruating. She hoped dearly it was not a result of the car accident, but her internal fear that her lack of a cycle had resulted in infertility was a prospect Carine could not bear to put upon Edythe, when she already had been struggling so much. And Edythe had never asked her about it, so she had chosen to simply monitor her, hoping for the issue to resolve without intervention.
"I know," the doctor said now, "I will speak to her as soon as she is well enough."
"I would assume it is secondary to these issues and that they will resume once she is feeling stronger, but, of course, one cannot be sure," Charlotte noted. Carine was slightly confused, but didn't comment.
"Of course," she simply agreed. Charlotte bid them good night soon after, insisting for them to call her if they needed to. The Cullen parents thanked her profusely before ending the call.
"Charlotte used to work as a family practitioner," Sky said as she returned her phone to her back pocket, seeing the look on Carine's face. Understanding came to the doctor's eyes as the connection of Charlotte's unconventional knowledge. Sky sighed after a moment.
"I'll be around all weekend; you know how to contact me if you need me," she told them. They nodded and, after a moment, she added, "I know it's hard to see her like this. But this will hopefully be the worst it gets."
Carine and Earnest smiled sadly in acknowledgment, then watched as Sky returned to her car, waiting until she had disappeared beyond the far span of trees before closing the door. Carine turned to Earnest, her eyes far away as she thought. He took her hand and pulled her to him; she moved willingly, her head dropping to his shoulder.
"She's going to be alright, isn't she?" he asked. Carine pulled back slightly.
"Yes, in time," she said vehemently, "We just need to help her, get her healthy."
Earnest nodded in understanding and Carine felt rather than heard the rest of the family's agreement. All of them had been listening in on the conversation, of course, concerned as they were for the youngest human of the family. It hurt them all to see her like this; it felt wrong, for her to go through a process that would make her in more pain than she already was. But they had to bare it, in hopes this would be the first step down the road for long-term recovery for Edythe.
Beau lay with his back against the headboard. His arms were looped around Edythe's small form, curled up on his chest, still asleep. He had only just woken, but moved immediately to resituate her to be in the least painful position when she awoke. He had chosen the most comfortable set of bed clothes he had, and Edythe had pre-selected her own as well, preparing for what Sky warned them would be a full day in bed.
Beau had to help her change when she had arrived home last night, so pained in that she didn't even want to stay standing, even after downing the painkillers he and Carine had insisted on. Once she had gingerly replaced her clothes with the current gray long-sleeve T-shirt and white pajama shorts, she had slowly climbed into bed. Beau had gently pulled her up into his side, allowing her to snuggle into him as close as she could. He held her securely, saying nothing, only allowing himself to sleep when he was sure she had drifted off into unconsciousness.
Now, he lay quietly, his fingers running softly down her back as she slept with her head on his chest. She was peaceful in that moment, one of the few times where discomfort did not plague her. Though she often woke during the night, during the times in-between, her body allowed her to relax and to succumb.
Beau knew immediately when she was awake; her body tensed under his hands, then seemed to go limp, a low groan issuing between her lips. He leaned down to press his lips to the top of her head and she shifted her neck slightly to see part of his face. From the angle he was sitting in, he could just make out the crystal tears under her eyes and he hushed her quietly, pulling her closer.
"I'm tired of this," she whispered. "I'm tired of feeling like this."
"I know," he murmured; feeling completely helpless, he ran his hands gently down her arm.
"I don't remember anymore what it's like to not be in pain," she continued. Beau let her talk, knowing that her words were as a result of the pain, but also feeling as each word cut through him and formed a bigger and bigger knot in the pit of his stomach.
"I didn't know being human could hurt this much," she said quietly. "At least the burning ended after three days." Beau froze, shocked at the statement, the first time she had ever actually said anything to hint that she wasn't fully accepting of her human self.
The Cullens heard it too, as well as the rest of their conversation, and they were all affected by it; partially from their own interpretation of the human life they all had secretly coveted in the past, but mostly by Edythe's admission. They had kept telling her over and over to not hide her feelings from them, but now, as she finally seemed to candidly reveal her emotions, they were unprepared for how helpless they felt.
Beau hugged her tighter, and she allowed him to comfort her; he didn't say anything, knowing there was nothing he could say that would change much. So, he settled for just being there, and Edythe was comforted by his presence. She knew he could do nothing to take her pain away, and it hurt him deeply, just as much as it would hurt her had the situation had been reversed. She remembered all too clearly how she had felt when he was in the hospital in Phoenix.
A brief knock at the door caused both humans to look up; Archie stood in the frame, stepping into the room at their permission. He flopped on the end of the bed besides them, his eyes somber despite the smile on his face. He reached out to brush his hand against Edythe's elbow.
"I know this sucks," he told her, "But I see you going to the barn tomorrow, so you'll feel better by then." Edythe nodded slightly and sighed. She knew Archie well enough to trust him, and there was relief, but she just kept thinking about it seemed she would never be able to get out of the ditch she was in. Despite her climbing and tiring herself out, she never seemed to make any progress.
"This is not something you just get over, Edythe," Archie said before she could speak. "You don't have vampire healing anymore; you need to let your body recover."
"It just never seems to end," she lamented with a slight groan as she readjusted in Beau's arms.
"It will," he insisted, "This is the first step; this is was the piece of the puzzle that was missing. I see it." Edythe looked up at him, slightly surprised. At the same time, she felt another pang of the age-old aggravation.
If she had thought not being to hear Beau's thoughts was inconvenient, it was nothing compared to how she felt consistently, especially in regard to Archie. She had never experienced a time where she could not privy to his visions, where they couldn't be on the same page because of the way their talents overlapped and connected with each other. It was a strange feeling, one she had begrudgingly gotten used to over the past few months. But, ever skeptical, Edythe knew being able to see Archie's visions herself would ease her mind more than just him telling her, especially when she couldn't know for sure if he was lying to her just to make her feel better.
Archie grinned suddenly. "I wish you could too," he said, "but this is what you wanted. You'll just have to trust me." Edythe didn't respond, just gave him a look that he easily could interpret, even without the benefit of foresight to see what she would ask.
"You're going to be an amazing vet," he said, "Amanda is going to have to fight some of her colleagues to keep you when the time comes."
Edythe raised her eyebrows, skeptical And Archie continued, exchanging a glance with Beau, who was fighting a grin.
"You'll get your strength back, and more. Just no more car accidents, please. And I say that from all of us."
Edythe couldn't help a small laugh, just short and half-hearted.
"I can't exactly stop sadistic vampires anymore, you realize."
"Leave that to us. You know Eleanor would be more than willing," Archie said.
Edythe laughed again, a little stronger, and nodded.
"You'll be okay, Edy. And one day, the family will get bigger."
The light that sparked in Edythe's eyes was hopeful and Archie smiled, more tender now.
"Your daughter is going to look exactly like you, but with Beau's eyes. She'll be a spitting image, both in look and attitude," he teased.
"So you're saying there's going to be two of them? Lord, give us strength," said a new voice from the doorframe. Edythe and Beau glanced up to see Jessamine coming to join them, a wry smile on her face. Edythe couldn't help but giggle at her statement, ignoring the ache in her ribs from the movement.
"Yes, and she'll have the combined stubbornness of the both of them," Archie commented.
"I see there will be many colorful arguments in the future," Royal said now as he leaned against the door jamb behind Eleanor. Carine and Earnest were standing next to the door way just on the inside of the bedroom, watching the teasing with bemused expressions.
"Karma's gonna be a bitch," Eleanor snickered, "I can't wait to see who comes out victorious on the other end of those fights."
"I will," Edythe said immediately, "I was a vampire, after all."
The Cullens laughed together, and the conversation continued , talking about the when's and where's and how's. Archie couldn't see an exact timeline, but he knew it was coming. It was true; Edythe's decision to allow the massage therapy, to allow herself to be helped, was the first step that Archie could see would lead to the next part of their lives. It was the first decision that lit the way for the future all of them had been hoping for. He could see the happiness, the adventure, the excitement, the love that was coming to them. And it gave him peace. Yes, Edythe was in pain now, and she would be for a little while longer, but she would get there, and she would be better than ever.
Edythe and Beau's human lives were intertwined with the rest of the Cullens and, in living their own, the vampires got to have a taste of the human lives they had all yearned for. Archie could see what was in store, and was so excited he couldn't stop grinning. Regardless, he didn't reveal the specifics, knowing it would be better for them to experience it as it happened. There was less joy from reading a chapter from a book if you knew the results at the end; it would just be going through the motions at that point. So he stayed silent, just happy to get to see his visions play out.
Though still in discomfort, Edythe felt lighter and more normal than she had in a while. Archie's promises gave her a lot of hope, and she latched onto them, trusting him when he said this was the first step to the rest of their lives. She trusted him and trusted the rest of her family to protect her.
Their new-found protective edge was a little disorienting, as she was not used to having to need protection like that. But she knew vampires were protective creatures, not just of mates, but of family. And she knew their protective tendencies were stronger given her human state, just as she had been extra protective of Beau in the beginning. She understood where they were coming from, having had to live it all herself for the first few months of Beau's and her relationship, and was more than willing to accept it and take it in stride.
She was comforted, and she was loved. And, in this moment, Edythe felt it was worth than enough, and it made her feel alive. This hope from this first step was infectious, and she knew, with the help of her family and Beau, she could continue to move toward the sky, out of the ditch she was climbing out of.