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Chapter 6 Why
Renata's POV
A raised voice woke me up. I heard mommy yelling. "Please, don't do this!"
Climbing from my bed I followed mommy's voice.
"I'm so sorry I didn't mean to hurt you." Mommy cried.
She was sitting on the couch with her head down, with the phone to her ear.
"Are you okay, mommy?" I whispered.
I must have scared her because she jerked in surprise. "Hey, sweetheart I didn't hear you." She stated looking at me. "I'll call you back Renata's up." She spoke into the phone once more before quickly ending the call.
"Mommy, why were you crying? Was that daddy?" I questioned softly, touching her cheek.
"Oh, honey just some grown up stuff. Nothing for you to worry about." She assured pulling me into a hug. "How about breakfast?" She questioned once her release on me lessened. She kissed my forehead lovingly and I snuggled into her affection.
"Okay, mommy."
Things have been weird since we left the big house. Mommy and daddy aren't together anymore and now I have two different bedrooms in two different places. When I'm not with Mommy I'm with daddy at MayMay and Coco's house. I miss how things used to be.
I've had fun with mommy all week. We went to the zoo, Navy Pier, and we even got our nails and feet polished and went shopping for new clothes. I liked everywhere we went but I missed my daddy a whole lot. We would always go to the zoo together.
I took a bubble bath, after breakfast and played with some of my favorite toys. While I was splashing about, mommy came in and sat on the floor beside the tub, "Let me help you wash your hair, you're going to look so pretty for your first day of school." She smiled.
"Are you nervous?" Mommy asked as she began to put shampoo in my hair.
"A little. I hope I make some friends." I replied nervously.
"It's okay to be nervous, that's natural. And why wouldn't' you make new friends? You're kind, sweet and funny. You'll have more friends than you can count." She responded, kissing me on my nose causing me to giggle. Her words helped me to feel better.
When she rinsed the shampoo from my hair, "Do you like your new room?" She asked while rinsing the shampoo from my hair.
"It's okay but I miss my old room. Why did we leave our old house?"
"Well, this is mommy's new apartment, but you can have just as much fun here as you did in your old room."
"But I miss my old room. Why did we have to leave it?" I queried while mommy helped me out of the tub before wrapping a towel around me.
Leaning on the counter she took a deep breath, "Mommy made a mistake. That's why things are different." She explained. "Sometimes you'll be with daddy, MayMay and Coco and other times it will just be you and me." She added.
"What mistake, mommy?"
She turned back to me and took my hand guiding me to sit on her lap while she sat on the edge of the tub. "I hurt daddy and I didn't mean to. But it's not something you have to worry about until you're older."
"Why did you hurt daddy?"
She signed quietly, "It's just something that happened, and that's not a good enough answer. Mommy is so sorry that your life has changed because of me." She cried.
I wiped her tears away because I don't like to see mommy crying. "You pinky promise you'll tell me when I'm older?" I questioned, holding up my pinky finger for her to promise.
Mommy wrapped her pinky around mine, with a breathy laugh, "I promise." While sniffling. "Mommy wants you to know no matter what's going on between me and daddy, we love you so much ReRe and we always will." She kissed me on my forehead and tapped my nose, taking another deep breath and smiling. "Now, let's get you ready for school.
On our ride to my new school, mommy let me pick what we listened to on the radio. There were a lot of songs I liked but we got to my school before I could finish singing my most favorite song.
I saw Daddy standing on the sidewalk smiling at me as Mommy unbuckled me from my booster seat. His arms were held open wide waiting for me, and I ran into his embrace. I gave daddy the best bear hug I could because I missed our hug time this week.
"How's my little ReRe doing? I've missed you sweetheart." Daddy said.
"I've missed you too! Do I get to go home with you today after school?" I asked.
Daddy's smile got bigger. "You sure do, and we've got some things to do too."
Mommy was quiet when me and daddy were talking at first. "Uhm, hi Edward. How are you doing today?"
"Fine." Daddy said but he didn't smile at mommy the way he used to.
Daddy sat me down on the ground and took my hand in his, "Come on big girl, let's get you to your classroom so you can meet your new teacher."
Mommy didn't say anything, but she did grab my other hand before we started walking.
STB
Edward POV
"Good morning ma." I greeted closing the front door and walking towards the kitchen.
"Good morning honey. Would you like some coffee?" She questioned.
"Yes, that'd be great." I replied taking a seat on the barstool at the island.
"So, do you want to talk about it?" She questioned gingerly.
"No, I don't want to talk about Gianna."
"Okay, here's your coffee." She began handing me the mug, "Are you looking forward to going back to work?"
"Honestly yeah. I am ready to get me and Renata's life back on track."
Esme perked up in shock, "Really?"
"Yeah, ma really."
"That's great! I'm so happy. I'm going to make you a quick breakfast!" She beamed.
"What's great?" Carlisle asked walking into the kitchen kissing Esme on the cheek.
"Edward is ready to move on! Isn't that great Carlisle? I'm going to make everyone breakfast!" Esme rushed her words in excitement while trying to grab a pan.
"Thanks ma but I have to leave. We'll see you for dinner tonight." I stated standing up from the barstool and putting my now empty mug in the sink.
"Okay, yeah. That's fine. I'll make a big dinner for you and Renata. And tell Emmett to stop by too." She orated.
"You can make me breakfast." Carlisle said in a jovial tone, as I headed towards the front door.
"Hush Carlisle I'll make you something later." She teased while lightly hitting his shoulder. "Wait, what time should I have dinner ready?"
"Uhm, actually me and Renata are going to go look at a few condos after I pick her up from school. We should be back around 7:00."
"That's great son. I'm proud of you." Carlisle said.
"Yes, we're so proud of you, Edward." Esme affirmed.
"Thanks guys, I've got to head out." I stated before leaving.
Before I could get in the car the front door suddenly opened surprising me. "You're going to have a great day honey; I just know it!" Esme shouted with half of her body hanging out of the front door.
"Uh." I began looking around hoping there weren't any neighbors that could see her in her bathrobe. "Yeah, ma. Thanks, bye." I rushed out before finally getting into the car.
While backing out of the driveway Esme stood on the porch waving and smiling enthusiastically. 'I don't think my mom knows how funny she can be without even trying'. I thought to myself with a chuckle.
STB
Pulling up to the school I take a deep breath to calm my nerves; this will be the first time I've seen Gianna since we were in court a month ago. I take another deep breath hoping to conjure up the same optimism as my mom.
Still feeling jittery I get out of the car and take in the fresh air. Once I calm myself down, I lean against the hood of my car. Glancing at my phone I notice it's 8:10, 'Gianna and Renata should be here any moment', I think to myself.
Slipping my phone back in my pocket a loud screeching noise. Looking up, I notice a guy gets out of his car and loudly calls, "Hey lil man!"
'Well, that was an entrance'. I think to myself.
"Dad you made it!" A little boy calls in excitement.
I paused seeing a gorgeous woman standing behind who I assume is her son. She was beautiful with her long brown flowing hair, a form fitting skirt and her heels that accentuated her shapely legs. I couldn't take my eyes off her.
I didn't realize I was staring for a beat too long when a horn pulled me out of my haze. I looked up and saw Gianna's red Audi RS 6 pull into a parking space. I could see Renata's copper-reddish hair peeking around the seat looking for me.
I missed my little jellybean so much this week.
Gianna is out of the car first, walking around to the back-passenger door to help Renata out of her booster seat. At that moment I realized just how much joy Renata brings me. All previous feelings of being nervous suddenly vanish as I see her run towards me. I smile, with my arms open wide to her. "How's my little jellybean doing? I've missed you." I chuckle at her exuberance, tugging her into my embrace.
Renata jumped into my arms, "I missed you too daddy! Do I get to go home with you after school?" She questioned in excitement.
My smile got wider. "You sure do, and we have some things to do today too." I reply.
Gianna was quiet during my exchange with Renata, but I saw her watching intently. "Uhm, hi Edward." She waved with a tight smile. "How are you doing today?"
I didn't even look at her, but I knew I had to at least speak to her because of our daughter and her watchful eyes. "Fine." I said in an aloof tone while still holding Renata in my arms.
It was time to walk Renata to her classroom, so I sat her down on the ground grabbing her hand in mine and began to walk towards the main entrance of the school.
Gianna let out an exaggerated breath, before quickly walking to the other side of Renata and taking her other hand. I saw out the of my peripheral vision of my eye that Gianna kept looking at me as if she was waiting for me to meet her gaze, but I ignored her. Today was all about our daughter.
Renata squeezed my hand just as we entered the building. "Daddy where are we going after school?"
"It's a surprise!" I eagerly responded eagerly as I leaned down to kiss the top of her hair.
"You know I love surprises daddy." She cheerfully replied. "Mommy is my classroom far?" Renata questioned.
"No, honey. Just a few more doors down." Gianna responded quietly.
Walking through the hallways I could see the difference from how it looked when we came for the 'Meet the Teacher' night. There were all kinds of decorations on the walls with each teacher's name and the grade level they taught.
We finally made it to Mrs. Cope's classroom to find her outside talking to other parents as their children were entering the classroom. I noticed some of the children were having a harder time than others. Renata can be a shy little girl, but I was thankful we didn't have to drag her into the classroom kicking and screaming.
"Well, Mr. and Mrs. Cullen good morning, how nice it is to see you again." Mrs. Cope smiled in greeting extending her hand to Gianna first.
Gianna accepted her hand with a shy smile, "Good morning Mrs. Cope. It's good to see you again as well." She stated, before lowering her voice, ", but it's actually Ms. Davis now."
"Oh! My apologies." Mrs. Cope offered before immediately turning and extending her hand to me with the same inviting smile. "Good morning to you, it's my pleasure." I replied.
Mrs. Cope looked down at our little girl, "And you must be Renata." She greeted with a beaming smile. "Yes, my name is Renata Cullen." She confirmed.
"It's nice to meet you! I'm looking forward to us learning about each other and having some fun today. What about you?" She happily asked holding her hand up for a high-five.
Renata jumped with excitement and accepted the gesture as their hands clapped together. "Let's have some fun!" Turning back to us she said, "Bye mommy and daddy. I'll see you later." Renata ended with a smile and a wave before entering the classroom hand in hand with Mrs. Cope.
I couldn't help the smile that overtook my face as I watched Renata enter her kindergarten classroom with ease.
Turning to leave, Gianna and I make eye contact for a second. My hands were stuffed in my pockets, and I looked down at my shoes suddenly finding them extremely interesting. Leaving Gianna where she stood, I head back out to the parking lot.
Once outside and feeling the cool breeze hit my face, I felt more comfortable since we were no longer in close proximity to each other. I felt a sense of accomplishment that I actually got through it this morning. I began to open my car door when I heard Gianna, "Will you ever look at me again?" She questioned softly.
My shoulders slumped and I exhaled, 'I was hoping we would avoid this' I thought to myself. "What do you want from me Gianna?" I counter with my back still facing her.
Hearing her footsteps, she makes her way towards the passenger side of my car, before looking me in my eyes. "Edward, please. I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to hurt you." She cried.
"I don't want to have this conversation."
"If not now when? You won't even see me when I drop Renata off. I have to communicate with your parents when I drop her off and pick her up. I know I messed up but please talk to me. You only speak to me when Renata's around.
"What is there to really say to you?" I counter in frustration.
"I didn't mean to hurt you. I'm sorry, please Edward."
"Too late." I spout in retrot before getting into my car quickly and driving off.
STB
"Good morning Mr. Cullen." The receptionist greeted as soon as I walked through the door.
"Good morning Carmen." I replied.
"It's so good to have you back, Mr. Cullen." She stated suggestively with what I assume was supposed to be an alluring smile.
'Ah, there's the Carmen I know'. I thought to myself. She's been flirtatious with Emmett and I since she was hired. While it was never offensive, I noticed she became even more tenacious when she found out I was getting divorced. Its comical how she tries to be suggestive but yet remain professional at the same time. Don't get me wrong she's attractive. Even if I wanted to, I refuse to mix business and pleasure. But more importantly I don't stick my wick in the shared inkwell. Especially when that 'sharing' includes Jacob.
I decided to ignore her last comment, "Do I have any messages?" I request.
Her flirtations seemed to deflate from my lack of response, "Yes, Mr. Boyd and his finance team would like to set up a conference call with you and Mrs. Simmons from Evans Fur & Clothing would like a meeting with you and Mr. Cullen."
"Alright, look at my schedule and then you can set up a meeting with Mr. Boyd this week. Then check Emmett's availability and see what we can work out for Mrs. Simmons this week as well."
"Will do. Is there anything else I can do for you?" She questioned, batting her eyelashes flirtatiously, and sticking her chest out.
Trying to suppress my laughter, I quickly turned and headed towards my office, "No, thank you. Ask Emmett to come to my office when he gets in." I directed.
The first thing I saw when I walked into my office was five piles of business presentation folders with business plans. With me being on my "vacation" the work sure had mounted up. I glance over to my office phone to see the blinking number count with fifty voice mails awaiting my reply. I'm almost afraid to check my emails.
I'm not complaining at all, I'm actually smiling to myself when I look at all of the business plans. How many people can say they have a job they absolutely love to do. Emmett and I are both Certified Business Brokers, however, I have my MBA in Business Finance and Emmett has an MBA specializing in Marketing. Cullen & Cullen helps private owned companies with something called 'angel investing'. This is when we help entrepreneurs first start a business; usually the aspiring entrepreneur would go to a close friend or family member to help them with the funds needed to start the business. But instead of them going to their family or friends they come to us. Now, we don't accept everyone that comes to us, it has to make business sense.
Next, there are those businesses that are passed the start-up phase and they need more savvy investors that can offer growth capital and managerial know-how, along with other operational assistance. We usually have a long-term relationship with businesses such as these.
Then there is 'mezzanine financing', which is just a fancy way to say debt and equity investing. Fortunately for us, if a business can't meet its interest payment and other financial requirements, we have the ability to pull our funding which will convert into equity if the company couldn't meet the contractual obligations. Since the goal is for every business to be a success we work with the companies as much as we can so that we don't get to this stage. I won't lie to you and tell you there haven't been times we've had to pull equity out of some companies that couldn't meet their financial responsibilities, but thankfully it hasn't been many.
Yes, it sounds like a lot of work and to some it may be boring, but I love every minute of it.
Deciding to jump right into my day, I begin to go through the potential business investments.
'PumpNGo', a gas station. We've done that before and it can be lucrative.
'Up 2 Speed', a technology company. That's never going out of business.
'KaBloom', a floral business. That can go either way. Either it will work or it won't. I'll have to look into that a little more.
"WHAT!" I call out abruptly.
'Chix on Dix', A strip club. It could be fun, but a new name is a must. I had to look more into their business plan because declining based on a bad name could mean we lose out on a lucrative idea.
Emmett walked into my office and before he could say anything, I hold up a folder, "Dude, you have to look at this." I chuckle handing him the 'Chix on Dix' folder, while I await his reaction.
"Chix on Dix! Sounds like my kinda place but…is this a good investment?"
"Actually, the business plan has a lot of potential."
"But the name."
"Yes, it needs work, but this could very profitable."
"I'll look at it later today. Carmen told me you wanted to see me, what's up."
"Ma wanted me to tell you to come by for dinner tonight, she's doing this big thing in celebration for Renata's first day of school and because I'm putting my big boy drawers on, as you would say. Me and jellybean are going to look at some condos after I pick her up."
He let out an exaggerated gasp.
'Here comes his bullshit' I thought to myself.
"Is Edward Cullen getting his balls back?"
"Yes, yes I am."
"Congratulations baby bro! So…did you talk to your daughter's mother or can we say her name now?"
"Yes, you can say her name."
"Say it!"
"Gianna."
"Oooohhh Gianna, is it like saying Mufasa, did you shutter?! Say it again!"
I couldn't help but laugh.
"Emmett you ass!"
I continue to laugh before calming down and replying, "She did try to talk to me, but I don't want to talk about it right now."
"Okay, Eddie. If and when you're ready to talk about it, I'm here. Now let's get down to business, 'Dark Dining'. What are your thoughts?"
"Honestly Emmett; I didn't even look at their portfolio, I don't feel that would be a good investment. Who wants to eat in the dark?"
"This wouldn't be the first one, there's a smaller business in New York that's similar and it's doing good. You have to trust me on this. I have a gut feeling about it." Emmett urged.
"A gut feeling, huh? Get together a presentation and WOW me."
"When will you learn not to doubt me?"
"Prove me wrong then."
"Already done."
"Okay, do you have any other potential projects?"
"Kind of. Do you remember Carl, my old college buddy?"
"No, not at all."
"Anyway, he asked me if I could look into helping one of his friend's out. I'm meeting with them today; he thinks I may be able to take her business to another level."
"What's the name of the business?"
"Touch of Butter. It's a bakery on Michigan Avenue. The owner is Rosalie Hale."
"That's the most popular bakery in Chicago. Is she looking for investors?"
"I wish she was looking for an investor, she just needs help with her marketing."
"See if she's interested in someone investing so she can expand."
"Way ahead of you. I'm about to go prep for this meeting now, you know work the ole Cullen charm."
"Don't do that. We want her business." I joke.
"Ha, ha. Very funny. Bye douchebag." He ended, walking out of my office.
I chuckled at my own joke before getting back to the business plans.
STB
Making my way towards the main entrance of the school, I noted there were a lot of kids around. I was able to quickly spot Renata standing next to the teacher's aide, Ms. Murphy.
"Daddy!" Renata bellowed when she spotted me. Her little legs running towards me.
"Hey jellybean!" I grinned, picking her up. "How was your first day?" I questioned walking to the car.
"I liked it. It was really fun." She announced.
"What was fun about it?" I probed, gently.
"I made a name tag for my desk, then we had story time on the rug, I counted all the way to one hundred and I met the music teacher, Ms. Moon."
"You did a lot today. I'm glad you had fun. Are you hungry?"
"Can I have McDonalds?"
"Sure. But there's something I want to tell you."
"Okay, daddy."
It was a quiet ride to McDonalds. I peeked back at her to make sure she wasn't asleep. Renata has always been a quiet child but sometimes I was concerned that these sudden changes are affecting her more than we know.
After parking in the McDonalds lot, I help Renata from the car and take her hand in mine.
"Do you know what you want to order?" I ask, while we wait in line.
"Nuggets please." She responded with a smile.
I placed our order and once we got our food, we took a seat at a table in the back for more privacy.
"How do you feel about me and you getting our own home?" I questioned hesitantly, nervous about her response.
"So, we're not going to stay with MayMay and Coco no more?" She questioned with puzzlement.
"We wouldn't. But you could visit them at any time." I try to compromise.
"I'll have three bedrooms now?" She asks confused.
"Yes, you'll have a room with me, one at mommy's and you'll still have your room at MayMay and Coco's house." I explain.
"But I liked my old room." She states.
"I know you do but I'll do everything I can for you to like your new room just as much. As a matter of fact, we're going to go look at some places as soon as you're done with your nuggets. Do you think you can help me pick the best new home for us?"
"Okay." She replied simply.
"We can decorate your bedroom however you want. We can even paint your room your favorite color; orange." I state with animation, hoping to excite her.
"Really?" she asked in delight.
"Yes, really." I repeat. "We're going to have fun getting our own place."
After we finished eating, I called my realtor from the car, to confirm our first appointment.
Pulling into the private garage of our potential new home I look back at Renata, "What do you think?"
"This is a big house!"
"It's not a house, it's a condo. It's like mommy's apartment but bigger."
"Oh, okay."
Getting out of the car we make our way towards the doors and enter the lobby. I notice a very short petite woman with long brown hair and green eyes as she stands near the security desk. The name plate on her jacket informing me she is my realtor.
"Hello, are you Mr. Cullen?" She queried.
"Yes, and this is my daughter, Renata." I confirm.
"It's nice to meet you, Mr. Cullen." She responds in greeting, holding out her hand.
"You can call me Edward, and it's great to meet you, Ms. Swan." I responded, shaking her hand.
"You can call me Alice." She countered. "And it's nice to meet you too Renata." She smiled bending down to shake her hand as well.
"Nice to meet you." Renata states as they smile at each other.
"Alright, I have a couple places lined up for you today. So, let's get to viewing!" Alice stated, leading us towards the elevators.
On the tenth floor, Alice led us into a condo and began to give us its specifications. "This condo includes three-bedrooms, four bathrooms." She began. "It has a good amount of space and measures 2715 square feet, plus a library. It has an open floor plan with high ceilings and a stunning lake view with two separate balconies. She added. "There are high-quality finishes throughout as well as top of the line appliances. It also has newly installed wide- plank, wood floors." She finished.
"It sounds amazing." I smile.
"I'll give you a few moments to look around. I'll be in the kitchen, let me know if you need anything." She informed, leaving us to tour the space ourselves.
"Thank you." I reply, before taking Renata's hand.
Once we looked through all of the bedrooms and bathrooms we went into the library.
'It's nice but it doesn't feel kid friendly'. I think to myself.
I looked down at Renata asking, "Do you like it?"
"My room looks small." She pointed out.
"Yeah, for the price the bedrooms are too small. I thought to myself." I mummer quietly to myself.
"I don't think I like it too much either." I agree. "We can keep looking."
We walk towards the kitchen where Alice is.
"Are you interested in this property?" Alice questioned.
"I don't think this would work for us."
"Okay, no problem. I have three other properties to show you."
We looked at two more condos, but we didn't like either of those. One was too far from my parents' house and her school, and the second one was outdated and too dark.
When we pulled up to the last condo we would see for the night, I immediately liked the area it was in. It would only be ten minutes away from Renata's school, fifteen minutes away from my parents and less than twenty from my job. The added bonus was, Lake Shore Park was just around the corner.
"What do you think of the neighborhood?" Alice asked, once we were out of our cars.
I look around and nod my head in approval, "I like it so far." I comment, looking down at Renata, "What do you think ReRe?" I pose.
"It's pretty." She smiled shyly, looking up at me.
"Alright, let's head in." Alice directed, leading us towards the elevators. "This one is actually a penthouse; I saved the best for last." She announced, while entering a code into a keypad.
'Oh, that's different'. I think to myself.
My eyes widened in surprise, when the doors opened with a 'ding'.
"As you can see this would be your private floor, no one else would have access without your code." She informed. "And you can reset the code at any time to one of your choosing." She added before detailing the specifications. "There are three-bedrooms, three-bathrooms, and 3800 square feet. It has a private terrace, formal living room, dining room and bar area." She informed. I nodded in acknowledgement. "The kitchen newly renovated and has been upgraded to the highest technological advantages. So, it is considered a smart home, with a private basement." She concluded.
"It sounds pretty perfect." I commented.
"I'll let you two look around and I'll be in the living room." She smiled and I nodded in response.
Renata and I walked hand in hand from each room 'oooing' and 'ahhing'. The kitchen was perfect, plenty of counter and cabinet space. The bedrooms were spacious, so Renata would have plenty of room. Not to mention we could convert the private basement into jellybeans' playroom, and I could take a corner for office space.
"So, do you like it?" I asked Renata while we stood in the basement.
"I do daddy, can I still paint my room orange?" She questioned with hopeful eyes.
"Yes, of course. How would like if we make this your playroom?"
"Really?! I could have a lot of toys!" She stated assuredly. The look on her face was priceless, as though she was mentally measuring where to put all of her toys.
"You sure could." I reply with a chuckle. I looked around once more, "How would you feel if I bought this place?" I pose.
"I like it, but will we have to move again?"
'How the fuck am I supposed to answer that?', I thought to myself.
"Maybe when you're older but we'll be here for a while. Is that alright?"
"You promise?" Renata asked.
"Yes, I promise." I confirm.
We headed back upstairs to the living room where Alice was waiting. She turned around with a smile, "Whatcha think?"
"I'd like to make an offer." I declare.
"Great! Let's get started on the paperwork." She chirped.
STB
After a change of our clothes, we headed to the main house for dinner.
"There's MayMay's girl. Come give me a hug, I missed you so much." Esme greeted as we entered the kitchen.
"Hi MayMay!" Renata squealed running towards her open arms.
"Coco missed you too." Carlisle pouted, walking towards Renata and Esme.
"Hey squirt!" Emmett shouted already sitting at the dining room table, surrounded by food.
"Hey guys I'm doing great, thank you for asking." I joked sarcastically.
"Oh, honey!" Esme began walking towards me. "We missed you too." She indulged, kissing my cheek.
"Stop being so whiney Eddie." Emmett yelled remaining in his seat.
Esme interjected before I could respond, "Dinner's ready, let's sit down to eat."
Once we were all enjoying our meal, Carlisle started the dinner conversation, "How was school, sweetheart?"
"It was really good Coco, but there was this boy that said I was staring at him and that I have cooties. What are cooties? Does it make you sick? Like the people you help at work?" Renata asked with a concerned expression on her face.
She didn't mention that to me. But I know how goofy boys can be at this age. 'I definitely remember how I was'. I thought to myself.
Carlisle put his fork down on his plate and leaned forward and began to explain. "No honey, cooties are not a real disease, it's nothing like the people I help at work. It's made up so there's no need to worry."
"Oh, well that's not nice. If he says you have cooties again tell him your Coco is a doctor and he said cooties are make believe." Esme interrupted.
"You tell him if girls have cooties, boys stink!" Emmett instructed, causing Renata to giggle.
"Jellybean you don't have cooties. That boy probably said that because he thought it was funny. Little boys are silly like that." I reassured. "Why don't you tell them about the rest of your day?"
"Oh yeah!" She began before regaling them with her first day. Seeing her talk with such excitement brought a smile to my face.
"How was house hunting? Did you find anything you liked?" Esme queried, once Renata was done with her retelling.
"Actually, yeah we did. We put an offer in. It's not too far from you guys."
"Oh, that's wonderful! Where is it?" Esme inquired.
"On Lake Shore Drive on the Gold Coast."
"That's a great neighborhood." Esme replied with approval.
"Yeah, we really like the layout of the condo and jellybean gets her own playroom. Why don't you tell'em about it." I encourage, hoping to keep her involved.
"Daddy is going to let me have the whole basement for all of my toys and we're going to paint my room orange!"
"Is that right?! It sounds like you're excited. We'll have to go shopping for your room!" Esme replied, eagerly.
"Can I pick the covers for my bed?" Renata asked with elation.
"Of course, you can, we're going to have so much fun." Esme smiled.
"Congratulations bro. I hope it works out." Emmett commented.
"When do you think you'll know when your offer has been accepted?" Carlisle questioned.
"I should know in a few days, but I feel good about it." I admitted.
"Good thing I made dessert, we have so much to celebrate!" Esme exclaimed.
When we finished dessert, Renata and I made our way back to the pool house. I wanted to have a talk with her to see how she felt about the abrupt changes for our family.
"I thought I was sleeping in my room in MayMay's house." Renata inquired.
"You are going to sleep in your room, but I just want to talk to you." I explained as we walked into our current living quarters.
Taking a seat on the couch, I pat, the cushion next to me. I hold her hand in mine. "I know that there are a lot of things happening and you don't fully understand. But I want you to know you can ask me anything and I'll explain as best as I can. Do you have anything you want to ask me?"
Renata looks pensive for a moment. "Will we all live together again?"
'She would ask a hard question first'. I thought to myself.
"Renata, I have to be honest with you, no. Sometimes adults can do things that really hurt each other and even when they say they're sorry, it doesn't take the hurt away. That's why they can't be together anymore, because it hurts too much. That's what happened between mommy and daddy sweetheart. We were both hurt and saying 'sorry' couldn't fix it. I answered, watching her intently.
"I still don't understand." Renata confessed.
"You're not going to understand everything right now. And you know what, even I don't understand everything and I'm an adult." I confess
"Wow! Daddy you don't understand everything." She questioned with a look of shock on her face.
"Not everything, no, and that's okay." I affirm. "But I'll do everything I can to make this change as easy as possible for you. No matter how confusing it gets I'll always be here for you and for whatever questions you might have."
"Do you pinky swear?" She queried, holding up her pinky.
"Yes, I pinky swear." I smile, looping my pinky finger with hers.
A/N: So, what did you think of Renata? Who do you think Gianna was talking to on the phone? How do you feel about how Edward handled Gianna at the school? Your thoughts on Carmen? Oh! What about the name of the strip club? LOL
Rec: Take the Ice by BellaMarie117, it's an oldie but goodie! I absolutely LOVE Edward and Bella's relationship and how Bella allowed herself the room to grow.
First & Ten by Nolebucgrl, this story is on my Top 5 List! Please go and read if you haven't. I'm going to read this story again!