Thank you to Fran, Ariel, Jill, and Pearly. Love you all endlessly. 3
"Mom's worried about you," my sister scolds, tossing her blond hair over her shoulder.
"Isn't she always?" I retort tiredly. If I had a fuck for every time I've had this conversation, I'd have all the fucks in the world.
Alas, I have none.
"She's only getting worse, Edward, and she just wants to make sure you're happy before she's gone."
"Yes, Rosalie, please continue to make me feel as if the lack of pussy in my life is the reason Mom is sick." As if it isn't already difficult enough that Esme Cullen, Heart of Gold, and Ray of Sunshine personified in human form is being ravaged by breast cancer.
My sister jerked back as if I smacked her, her perfect nose wrinkling in disgust.
"Well, I can see why the lack exists. You don't have to be so crass."
I huffed, throwing my head back to stare at the pristine, gold ceiling of the fine establishment we were dining in. Some French place whose name I could hardly pronounce, let alone remember. For as expensive as it was, the food was shockingly dismal.
"Rose. I'm not doing this again. You know my career leaves no room for women, let alone any desire." I leave out the part where I do indulge in the occasional female. One night only, just to scratch an itch, but my sister doesn't need to know that.
"Edward, if you're—"
"And I'm not gay, but even if I were, it wouldn't leave room for men either. I'm happy. Drop it."
"Are you, though? Do you even know what it's like to be happy?" Her soft hand landed over mine, giving it a loving squeeze. "All I'm saying is take some time and think about it. Really think. Are you truly fulfilled? Dad managed to make time for all of us. We never once felt neglected, and now look where he's at. It's not a crime to want to fall in love."
My wallet landed on the table with a smack, alerting the waiter that we were ready for the check.
"Rosalie, I swear to god, if I ever have to have this conversation with you again, I'll blow my brains out."
"That's not funny!"
"It's not a joke. Give Emmett and the kids my best."
Nothing about my obligatory meeting with my sister tonight surprised me. It was expected, yet I had hoped we might be able to skip it just this once.
And yet, somehow, as I slipped my bare skin between my charcoal sheets late that night, Rose's question continued to echo in my mind.
Am I genuinely happy?
Mr. Grumpy Gills needs to lighten up. I wonder who can help him with that? Let me know how yall are feeling!
