A/N: I don't own this, we all know who does. If I did, Rpattz would be eating Pina Colada Yoplait yogurt with me for breakfast. I love that stuff...all the pineapple and coconut. :D
This is unbeta'd, so any and all mistakes belong to me. Everything is my fault, according to my kids & hubs, so why should fan fic be any different? :D
This is for my wifey, Mrs. Robward. She likes frozen Kit Kat bars. Well, I guess we all need to have at least one fault. I'm just glad I finally found one for her. :D It could be worse, she could like peanut butter cookies... Ewwww. :D
Thanks to Luxure & EdwardsBloodType for prereading this. I'm a lucky, lucky girl. :)
**disclaimer **
This story is a bit taboo. You've heard me say it 49 other times so far. I think you'll heard it about 10 more. :)
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… Chapter Fifty - Round … Edward …
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I'm sitting next to my father, both of us silent. Hospitals are funny places. No one ever truly feels comfortable in them.
Not even my father, a retired Army surgeon of over 25 years.
He was older when he met my mom, his early 30's. He was a lifer, a career Army doctor. He never even considered another lifestyle until my mother walked into his operating room.
His unit was helping out in local hospitals. She was a nurse. They were instant, from their first breaths in the same room.
They were together.
I only hope that he will understand it was like that for me, the first time I saw you all those years ago.
"Mr. Cullen, your wife is going to be fine. She's awake, asking for you. We're going to keep her over night for observation."
The portly man walks back toward the triage area, leaving us alone.
Neither of us seem anxious to see her, answer the questions she will surely have.
"We can't put this off forever, Dad. And besides, I was really hoping that you would want to meet Claire today, even if you can't get past me and Bella."
He sighs, rubs his hand over is face. Just like I always do.
"I would like that. I think it will just take a little time, son. This seems to be coming out of the blue, so forgive your mother and I if we don't welcome Bella back with open arms. Remember, she's the woman who, in our eyes, defiled our teenage son."
I huff, "Dad, it wasn't like that. Not at all. I pursued her, not the other way around."
"Yes, but she was an adult, she knew better. She was a married woman, Edward. You were dating her daughter, for heaven sake. What were you thinking?"
Round and round, I know it will be this way for a long time. Not until they truly understand us, until they can see us with their own eyes, will they ever get it.
"Dad, I love her. From the moment I saw her, just like it was with you and mom. I've heard the story a thousand times."
"The difference is that we were both adults, and single, Edward. I think you and Bella's story is missing those key factors."
"True," I admit. "But neither of us is married now. And we're both adults. Regardless of what happened seven or eight years ago, can you just take us for what we are today? And please...can you please accept my daughter? She didn't do anything wrong and she doesn't deserve to pay for me and Bella's choices. Please, Dad."
He's silent, thinking. I know he'll give in. As soon as he meets her, if not before.
"Of course, of course we will. Listen, I'm gonna go in with your mother, explain things. I assume Bella and Claire are here with you?"
"Yeah, they're at her friend's house. I dropped them off before I came to see you."
He sighs. "Go pick them up. Bring them to the house tonight, I'll order dinner. I think it's good that your mother will be here overnight, she can adjust to your news. I'll tell her what's going on. Will you still be in town tomorrow?"
I nod. We're staying the weekend. Claire's rather excited about the indoor pool at the hotel.
"Bring them over tomorrow around lunch. I'll make sure your mother's home. And civil, at the least."
"Thank you, Dad."
I leave him, anxious to get back to you. Curious how your day's gone.
I notice Alice's car missing when I pull up. But then to find her in the house, I'm suddenly nervous.
"Where's Bella?" I ask, seeing Claire on the living room floor, watching cartoons.
Alice fidgets, looks everywhere but at me.
"Alice?"
"I, uh, I gave her Leah's wedding announcement. She kinda freaked a little bit, but then she was like, totally calm and she left."
Panic. Where are you?
"Where?"
"She went to see Leah."
Shit! You were supposed to wait, we're going there next week. We have a plan.
"Watch Claire?" I say as I'm rushing out the door.
I only hope everything isn't completely ruined yet.
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A/N: Oh golly...we get the Bella & Leah conversation next. Hope you're ready. :)
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