Chapter Nine

Bella

The next morning I got a message from Patrick. A huge bouquet of red roses with a card.' See you soon. Don't forget we're skiing in a couple of weeks. If you need anything please charge it to my card. Patrick XX.

P.S. Jealousy looks good on you. It's flattering! Oh, sorry I'm afraid I won't be back in time for the parade. Never mind, we can go next year, I promise. xx

How romantic! I hadn't even agreed to his Christmas plans yet and as usual, he was assuming I would go along with the family. A few weeks ago this probably wouldn't have annoyed me so much as amused me but something had changed. I was still sore about Chelsea going along to keep him company and his flippant words about jealousy didn't help.

I had half a mind to dump the flowers in the trash but that would have been petty. Instead, I ripped up the card and gave them to Patty to put in the gallery.

"I wish I had a boyfriend who sent flowers. A rich boyfriend who would shower me with gifts and take me to fancy parties."

I snorted, "You mean you wish you had a boyfriend at all. What happened to Diego?"

She pulled a face, "He went back to his wife and three kids."

Laughing at my horrified expression she explained, "Only joking. He was only interested in two things, beer and sex."

"Never mind. Better luck next time."

"I've decided to stay single, it's less complicated."

Shaun who overheard this pulled a face, "Yeah, till the next loser comes along. Who are you trying to kid?"

Patty stuck her tongue out at this, "The next handsome loser you mean."

The two of them wandered off still bickering softly and I closed my door. They were great workers but had the most complicated lives I had ever come across. Patty bounced from one loser to another to the despair of her wealthy parents and Shaun was living with a drag queen who had custody of his two kids because their mother was doing time for stabbing her latest boyfriend who had stolen her last welfare check. Suddenly my own life seemed very mundane and my troubles inconsequential.

I sat back and sighed, I was feeling out of sorts. I'd been looking forward to the Electric Light Parade. Patrick had promised to take me after having to pull out last year at the last minute. To him, it wasn't important because going wouldn't earn him anything. He didn't seem to care that it was something I wanted to see. Well, I'd show him. I'd go by myself. It wouldn't be the same but neither would be sitting at home alone watching it on TV.

I had checked my mailbox hoping for an invitation to the masked ball from Esme but there was nothing. I just hoped Jasper hadn't already left. If only I had known he was there. I could have looked for him. If I'd called his name I was sure he wouldn't have ignored me.

Luckily the gallery was busy the next couple of days so I didn't have much time to think about Patrick although I did wonder why it was taking him so long to get back if he had already concluded the deal as he said he had.

Magda, Patrick's stepmom called just as I was shutting up on Friday night.

"Bella, I thought I'd call and see how you were. Chelsea emailed me. Patrick is very upset after your argument the other night."

"Argument?"

"Now don't be coy. She said you two had words because he didn't tell you she'd gone along on his business trip to help him out. You really shouldn't be jealous. Patrick adores you. He just gets carried away sometimes. The family is a bit like that, single-minded. It's what makes them so successful although It can seem a little cold from the outside.

Anyway, she said Patrick had let you down for the parade. So, I wondered if you'd like to come to our place for the weekend. You can watch it with us on TV. Bruce has some friends coming over so you'll have some new people to meet. It's got to be better than staying all alone with it being so close to Christmas. I'm afraid our chauffeur is too busy this evening but if you call a cab I'll pay the fare.."

I was furious that Abigail's little sister had been telling Magda my business, it was nothing to do with her. She was so condescending, she made it sound like I was a charity case left all alone in the cold while everyone else was out having fun. Poor little orphan Annie.

"Thanks, but I've already made plans for the weekend."

She sounded a little shocked, "You have? Oh. Patrick seemed to think you'd be alone with him away. He is only thinking of you, sweetie. I know I'd be devastated in your place. Being a member of this family takes some getting used to. Bruce sometimes goes away for weeks at a time leaving me all alone here."

All alone? That was a laugh. She had more staff than the White House!

"I'll be fine."

"So, Bella, what are you doing over the weekend?"

"A friend is in town so we'll be catching up."

"Oh right. Well, your friend is welcome to come too. There's plenty of room for a girlfriend of yours."

She was fishing but I wasn't going to be caught. Let her wonder and even better still, Tell Patrick I had plans. Maybe that would encourage him to come back quickly.

"Bella, I know I shouldn't be telling tales but I think I know why Patrick took Chelsea with him. He wanted some advice."

"About what?"

She hesitated, "Well, I'm sure you know he's crazy about you and you are aware that Chelsea is a realtor."

"Yes. So?"

"Oh gosh, he's going to be furious with me but I don't suppose it will matter much very soon. He's not back yet because he's busy looking for just the right place and an interested party."

I was now totally confused, why couldn't Magda just come out with things instead of trying to act so cryptic?

"The right place for what?"

"A home. You know, for the two of you. He's been looking for a while. He wants somewhere not too far from us and I think Chelsea is helping him."

"How sweet of her."

I clenched my teeth, how dare he!

"I suppose it will be OK to tell you the rest."

There was more?

"Patrick wasn't sure if you wanted to sell the gallery or just rent the space out so he asked Chelsea to put out some feelers. It's so much easier if you have a buyer standing by."

I was speechless!

"Sell the gallery?"

"Well, of course. I mean you're not going to have time to run it once you're married. I barely have time to keep this place up. There is so much to think about, social events to coordinate, playing the gracious hostess, and still finding time for yourself. Don't worry about that yet. I'm sure you'll cope and I can give you some advice."

I was stunned, unable to speak but she didn't even notice. She just kept on talking.

"I need to talk to you anyhow. I know you think there's plenty of time but trust me, weddings take a lot of organizing. Have you given any thought to a venue or a party planner? Probably not, but don't worry I have plenty of contacts or you could try that new company. They seem very efficient."

Unbelievable! It appeared I would have no input in my wedding, all supposing that I actually agreed to marry Patrick. And on top of that, it was assumed that I would give up the gallery. Well, someone was in for a rude awakening.

"Excuse me Magda but there is just one small detail everyone seems to be forgetting. Patrick hasn't asked me to marry him yet."

"I know that, but we all know it's going to happen soon and he hates to rush things. I'm sure he will as soon as he gets back. Oh yes, that reminds me. I know a great little boutique that does the most divine ski wear and the guy who runs it is amazing. Cute too which helps. We could go there Saturday before the guests arrive."

"Thanks, but as I said I've got company."

"That's OK, she can come too. Then we can have lunch out and drive back in time for you to watch the parade. The chef we hired for the weekend is great. He can do things with lobster you can only dream of."

I could think of a few things I'd like to do with a lobster right now too!

"I'll pass, Magda, but thanks."

I was almost choking with rage, how dare he try to arrange my life for me? Did he think I would just sit there and nod like his stepmom?

Screw you, Patrick. I'm going to see the parade anyway. I don't need your charity, your company or your permission.

Esme

I know I shouldn't have been listening in but as Jasper was out hunting and I was watching Bella I could hardly help it. This was just what I needed.

When Jasper turned up I was ready.

"Anything going on, Esme?"

"No, it's quiet. By the way, Bella is going to watch the parade tomorrow. I thought we could join her."

He frowned, "Join her? Do you mean to go to the parade? You and me?"

"Well don't sound so scandalized. I promise to behave myself. There will be plenty of people around and it won't be so easy to watch out for her if we're on the outside."

"I don't think anyone will try anything. There are too many people around."

"Oh come on. The least you can do is take me to the Christmas parade. Humor me."

He hesitated then nodded, "OK. I guess we can stay out of sight of Bella among the crowds."

"Good."

"Esme, are you sure you don't want to get home? I mean it's almost Christmas and you love to spend time with family over the festive season."

I patted his cheek, "It's only Christmas when the family is all together and right now my loved ones are scattered all over. Besides, Edward and Sasha might still be there. I'm not sure I could generate any festive spirit with that girl in the house."

"I'm so sorry, Esme. You don't deserve all this."

"Never mind, Jasper. I'm happy here for now. There will be plenty more Christmases to celebrate and who knows. Maybe the magic of Christmas will do something special. "

I left him watching Bella and went back to the apartment hoping that this plan of mine wouldn't backfire. As long as Patrick didn't turn up out of the blue we should be OK. It was silly but I felt quite excited. I loved this time of year and the thought I might be bringing happiness to two special people who deserved it made it even more special.

With Jasper out of the way watching Bella I decided to do a little Christmas shopping. I wasn't going to forget my family even if I wouldn't be seeing them this year.

When my phone rang I thought it was Jasper checking in so hearing Rosalie's voice was quite a surprise.

"Hi, Esme. We called Carlisle and he said you were off on an adventure. What's going on? You're always home for Christmas."

"I'm not sure I'll make it home this year, Rose. How are you and Emmett? Still traveling around Europe?"

"We're presently in Germany. You know how Emmett loves the season. He's been having a ball at the Christmas markets. We were hoping to come home for the festive season but if you're not going to be there ..."

I interrupted quickly, "You could join me here."

"Where's here exactly?"

Her reaction was going to be interesting.

"I'm in Phoenix with Jasper."

"Oh."

Well, that was a better response than I had expected.

"And I take it he's still on his mission to save Bella Swan?"

"Yes, and I happen to believe what he's doing is right."

She sighed and what she said next floored me, "We do too. Emmett and I have talked about it a lot. You know he was all for helping out in the beginning. I was the one who couldn't see it."

"But you see it now, that's all that matters. We virtually ruined Bella's life and it's only fair that we try to put things right if we can."

I heard Emmett mumbling something into her ear, "Esme. Emmett wants to know if there's anything we can do? I don't suppose Jasper would welcome our help."

"I think Jasper would be very pleased to see you and I know I'd love it if you joined us."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm positive. Can you just do me a small favor? Don't mention to him that you've spoken to Carlisle."

"Okay, but can I ask why? You're being very mysterious."

"I'll explain everything when I see you. I should know more by then."

I knew she was dying to quiz me further but Emmett wanted to say hi and then we arranged that I would pick them up from the airport on Sunday.

It was wonderful to know that I would be seeing them again soon and if the family was coming to me then I needed a home for Christmas. That meant some quick work finding a suitable rental. What I needed was a few hours with the infamous Chelsea!

It didn't take long to track her down and I was amused to find that she was busy with a client, for that read Patrick, but would be free to help me the next day.

"I have somewhere I think will more than meet your requirements, Ms Platt. I wish I could help you sooner but I'm actually out of town until Sunday. Would three o'clock on Sunday afternoon be OK?"

"As long as I can have possession before Christmas."

"Oh yes, the property I'm thinking of is currently available. It's in the best area of the city and has only just come onto the market. I'll send you the details and meet you there at 3 on Sunday."

I was more than happy about that. If she was out of town until Sunday then so was Patrick. The last thing I needed was him turning up before the parade.

I just had to call Carlisle. I felt excited to think that at least some of the family would be together for the festive season.

"I'm pleased for you, Esme. I thought perhaps that's why they called. I hope you didn't mind my telling them you were on an adventure. I miss you. Edward and Sasha are leaving tomorrow. They are planning on spending Christmas in Milan with Sasha's friends."

I was so relieved to hear that.

"You could join me here, Carlisle."

He hesitated and his voice was thick with emotion when he finally replied.

"I didn't want to ask. I know how badly I behaved. I don't know what came over me. The smallest thing seems to irritate me at present but I would never… at least I never meant to hurt you but I did. All I can say is that I promise it will never happen again. Are you sure you want me there? And what about Jasper? He's not my greatest fan."

"Jasper wants me to be happy and he knows that you make me happy."

"I'm not sure I agree with him, not after the past few weeks."

"Carlisle, this is just a theory that we have and it has nothing to do with the fact that I don't particularly like Sasha. I think she causes friction between people. It's not something she does purposely but she sows discord wherever she is. I remember you telling me that Edward told you he had fallen out with his friend Martin when they met up. Perhaps whenever she gets jealous it just happens. I know she was jealous of the fact that Edward had a family."

"I suppose it's possible and you think that's why I pushed you away? That takes the onus off me but it seems to let me off the hook too easily."

"Let's put it behind us. Christmas won't be Christmas without you, Carlisle. Do come."

"Thank you, my love. I won't be able to make it until Christmas Eve, I'm working at the clinic until then."

"Just get here as soon as you can. I love you, Carlisle."

"I love you too, Esme."

I was sure my theory was right. I'd thought about it a lot since arriving here. His attitude was so unlike Carlisle that there had to be an outside influence responsible. We loved each other, were devoted and I wasn't about to let Sasha ruin our lives.