It makes me really happy when I read your reviews and see that we're (myself included) all on the same page regarding Bella's needs. Sure, Rose and Edward are doing what they've always felt the need to do - protect Bella at all costs. However, we know how strong Bella is becoming and we have to wonder how she would react when finding out they've been doing things (nothing bad, since it's all for the sake of her own safety) without her knowledge.
Let's find out. Thanks to my team, and you, for such wonderful support.
"Do you need anything from the store? I have to pick up a few things after work!" Edward calls out from his bedroom.
It's a Saturday morning in early spring, and I'm having a second cup of coffee when Edward calls to me from the other room. He has two jobs lined up for the day, and I can tell by the way he's up and moving that he wants to get them over with as soon as he can. He doesn't need the work, as he's a simple man and still receives a pension from the military, but he hates to be idle and enjoys spending time with the people he grew up with around town.
While there are still some remnants of winter remaining in the air, and on the ground, the worst of the cold weather is behind us. Hints of spring have begun to appear a little more each day, and Edward and I have been taking advantage of the respite from the dark and coldness of winter, walking along different trails and taking our sessions outside as often as we can.
I have a feeling he would rather do that today than work, but he's dressed and ready to go, nonetheless. He makes his way into the kitchen and opens the refrigerator, grabbing a handful of things he can eat on the run.
"I think I'm good," I answer, bringing my coffee to my lips and smiling behind the steaming mug. It's the little things like this, the way he asks if I need things while he's out, that make me smile like a little girl.
"I'll surprise you then," he smiles, kissing me quickly on the lips before making his way to the door. "Let me know if you go anywhere, all right?"
I nod and send him on his way. "Okay."
Edward asking me to tell him where I'm going doesn't have the same effect on me as when my husband did it. Edward is asking so he can make sure I'm safe; my husband had demanded it so he could keep me guarded.
There's a key difference, and the important thing is that I'm wise enough now to see a difference at all. It's mid- March, and I have been gone from Rhode Island, and my husband, for six months.
Sometimes I feel like I'm living a dream - but even my dreams can fade into nightmares, even when things are going perfectly and I least expect it.
It happens around lunch when I hear Edward's phone go off from his bedroom. He must have forgotten it in his haste to get out of the house quickly this morning, so I go to get it in case it's Esme, and she needs him for something important.
But it's not Esme's name I see on the screen.
It's a text from someone named Mike, and he's telling Edward there's been no sign of my husband and that he'd keep in touch if anything changes.
And just like that, everything does.
Change.
Edward senses it as soon as he walks in the door later that day when he's home from work.
"Why is someone named Mike Newton asking about my husband?" I ask him, my hands on my hips and a fire in my blood I'm unfamiliar with.
The look on his face says it all.
Edward knows something I don't.
I would be upset, too! See you tomorrow!