News of the sequel went down swimmingly, just as I hoped!
I'll be posting the cover over on thePay It Forward Facebook
page as well as my author page, 'Ciara Shayee – Author' so keep
your peepers open for that. It's pretty cool, if I say so
myself ;)
As always, I need to say a huge THANK YOU to
SunflowerFran and annaharding
You're both amazing, wonderful ladies and I couldn't
do this without you!
Any mistakes in here are all mine. I tinkered *covers face*
Pay it Forward will be featuring three fics in different
categories on their new blog each month. Number one will
be our rookie…a new, first-time writer showcasing their
first fic on our blog. Number two will be our encore…a new fic
from a seasoned author giving us a sneak peek. Number three
will be our classic…one from the vault, a time-tested oldie.
If you are a rookie and need help, contact Fran on the PIF
page, or myself. And if you have an encore, contact her to get
your new fic showcased. And anyone interested in writing a
summary on one of their favs, please feel free to send it in.
~ oOo ~
Summary: When two little girls were allowed to walk
home from school one bright spring day nobody could've
predicted the events that followed. The way two families
were torn apart by the vendetta of a deranged man.
Nearly twelve years on, we'll watch as the two girls stolen
away from their homes at eight years old fight to take
back their lives. If only it were as simple as escaping. AU
Pinky Promises
Epilogue
September 3rd, 2018
"I can't do this."
"You can!"
"No. I really, really can't. It's too scary. This place is huge! I can't…Don't make me do it."
Edward's eyes softened. He twisted in his seat, cupping Bella's petrified face between his hands. "Bella, bella ragazza, take a deep breath."
With fear in her eyes and a gray pallor to her cheeks, Bella inhaled shakily and released when Edward mimed for her to do so; she sucked in another breath, then another.
"Feel a little better?"
Bella nodded. "Please, Edward, I can't do this."
With a soft sigh, Edward stroked his thumbs over her cheeks, leaning in to press a lingering kiss to Bella's forehead. "Look, mi amore, I know you're scared. It's a huge day." He blew a big breath out. "God knows, I'm terrified, too. The only time I've ever been more scared was when I thought I was going to lose you."
Bella sobered a little, tears resting on her lashes but not falling. "You're scared, too?" she asked in a small voice.
"I am. Petrified. I couldn't sleep last night, worrying about it. But you know what?"
Bella cocked her head to one side, making Edward smile as he nodded out of the windshield. Their eyes moved in tandem, a quiet giggle leaping from Bella's lips.
Charlie was standing by the bonnet of the car with Marley, the duo pulling funny faces into his phone; Bella remembered Charlie had promised to video call Eleazer so that he'd be able to see Marley this morning.
So that he could wish her luck on her very first day of school.
"She's fine, mi amore. And she'll be fine. She's ready for this. She's been ready for probably longer than we realize."
Not for the first time, Bella wondered if she'd failed Marley by keeping her home for the past year and a half. She knew conversations about Marley's educational needs had been had – with her therapist and within the family. Now, seven-years-old, Marley should be starting year two of school – which would be her third year, had she attended reception.
And yet, Bella had spent the past week in limbo; her worry for Marley's first day at Hampden Park Infant Academy tempered only by Marley's excitement and everyone's repeated assurances that Marley was ready to get out and learn with children her own age.
As she watched her daughter squeal and animatedly describe all the things her new teacher had said they'd do during her induction last week, Bella knew in her heart of hearts that Marley was ready. Like Edward said, she'd been ready for some time. Every time Carl-Roman jibber-jabbered on about the things he'd done at school, Marley wore a wistful frown. She wanted those experiences, too. And she was so, so excited to now be starting at the same school Carl-Roman had graduated from just a few months previous.
Bella's smile widened as she remembered just how over the moon Marley had been after her trial period last week. She'd spent three hours with her class and her new teacher, Miss Bailey, and hadn't stopped talking about it all week.
"We're doing the right thing, aren't we?"
"We are. You know she'll do amazingly, mi amore. Come on; let's go see our baby off on her first day."
Edward and Bella disembarked from his car – a family-oriented purchase Edward had indulged in shortly after Christmas; the Vauxhall Mokka X had scored high on the rating chart he'd spent weeks perfecting.
Bella joined Charlie and Marley at the front of the car, her smile wistful when Charlie set his granddaughter on her feet and she grinned up at her mother with a brightness to her eyes that was only present when school was mentioned.
"Is it nearly time, Mamma?"
"Almost, baby girl."
Crouching, Bella adjusted the ruffled sleeves of Marley's red t-shirt and straightened her pleated, white shorts. "Are your shoes comfy?"
"Yep! I lo-ove them!" Marley did a little jump, clicking the heels of her new, white Mary Janes together with a proud giggle. She looked far older than her seven years dressed in her sweet outfit; her hair tucked back with a selection of barrettes and a cream and white lace bow from one of Bella's favorite Etsy stores. Even her face seemed different to Bella. Marley had matured in the past two years; there was no doubt about it.
Bella had thought the same over the weekend when Rosalie had put together a 'first day of school' photo shoot for Marley. She'd donned her uniform and posed with shiny red apples, stacks of books, and with a chalkboard listing all her current favorites. Apparently, it was a tradition Bella had missed, but Rosalie insisted it was something they should do and Marley had loved it; even Bodhi had snuck into a few of the photos.
"Are you ready for school, little sweet?"
"Daddy!"
Bella watched Marley bounce into Edward's waiting embrace with the goofiest of smiles on her face. It never got old, hearing Marley call Edward, 'Daddy.' She did it often, too. The excitement of having a daddy for the first time hadn't worn off yet, and she utilized as many opportunities as possible to call him by his new title. Edward definitely wasn't complaining, that was for sure. Even now, he was wearing that disarming, double-dimpled, 'Daddy' grin Bella had fallen in love with.
"I'm ready for school, Daddy. Pawpaw's got my backpack," she motioned over her shoulder at Charlie. Just as she said, he was clutching her Dalmatian backpack in one hand, the matching lunch bag in the other. He, too, was sporting a wide, Cheshire cat smile.
Carlisle, Esme, Peter, Archie, Carl-Roman, and Chase made their way over, Rosalie and Emmett close behind with Bodhi between them clutching their hands; his legs pumped furiously to catch up with the rest of the group. When he saw his mother, he let go of his auntie and uncle and sped up, crashing into Bella's legs with a delighted giggle.
Bella looked down at him, her heart giving a hard thump. He looked utterly adorable dressed in mint-green cotton shorts, a gray and white striped hoodie with mint-green sleeves and hood, and a pair of baby Timberlands to match Edward's. Oh, and his gray slouch beanie.
It was the slow, sweet smile on his face that killed Bella, though.
"Hey, baby boy. Did you play on the slide?"
"Uh-huh! I pwayed on the swide, a-a-and the swings!"
Bella scooped him up onto her hip with a dreamy sigh, peppering his face with kisses until he squirmed his face into the crook of her neck and demanded that she stop with his adorable stutter; he often tripped over words when he was over-excited. Everyone was working on it with him, reminding him to take a breath before talking. Sometimes it worked, but sometimes, on days like today when he was allowed to play on the equipment in the playground of his big sister's new school, his stutter was all but irrepressible. Warmed by her baby boy snuggling into her, Bella turned back to Marley.
"Are you sure you have everything?"
Marley frowned at her outfit, glanced around at her bags, then turned back to Edward with a confused head tilt. "I think so?"
Edward winked at Bella, placing a palm on the hood of his car to make sure it was cool enough before setting Marley down and reaching behind his back to remove a flat, white box from his pocket. "I've got a little something for you to celebrate you starting school, little sweet. You can wear it today as a lucky charm, but after that, you'll just have to wear it when you haven't got school, okay? It's a non-uniform day today, but from now on you'll have to wear the dress or polo shirts Mamma picked out."
"Okay, Daddy! What is it? What is it, what is it, what is it?" She bounced on the hood, clapping her hands together with wide, gleeful azure eyes.
Bella took a step closer just in time to see Edward holding up Marley's present; she couldn't help but swoon when she saw it.
"A bracelet like Mamma's!" Marley crowed.
"Yeah, little sweet." Edward looked pleased as punch with Marley's reaction. He fastened it around her wrist, holding her hand up to point out each of the three charms dangling from the silver chain. "An 'M,' for you. A family tree, to represent our big, crazy family," he tickled the soft skin behind her ear to make her giggle, then pointed to the third and final charm. "And this one is a book, to celebrate your very first day at school."
Marley beamed, stroking her new jewelry. "I love it, Daddy. Thank you! And I love you."
She threw herself into his arms; the muffled sound of a bell ringing dragged Bella's eyes from the tear-jerking sight in front of her, to the school building.
"Oh! It's time! C'mon, guys, we gotta go!" Marley bounced down from the hood of the car, jingling her bracelet proudly as she tugged her Pawpaw toward the building. "Let's go!"
"All right, Mars," Charlie chuckled. "We're going." He glanced at everyone gathered around them, "Are we all ready?"
A chorus of 'yeses' rang out, so he took Marley's hand and let her lead him across the playground. They made quite the posse – Charlie and Marley heading up the group, with Edward and Bella holding hands behind them, Bodhi in Bella's arms; they were followed by Rosalie, Emmett, Carlisle, Esme, Archie, Carl-Roman, and Chase.
When they reached Marley's classroom, she bounced on her feet and pointed to the blue door. "Look! It's got owls on it 'cause I'm in Owls! That's my class!"
Edward grinned for his daughter's benefit and wound an arm around Bella's shoulders to keep her from dissolving into the tears he could see gathering on her lashes. "That's right, little sweet. Have you got your owl?"
Marley took her bag from Charlie and removed the small, stuffed white owl from the front pocket. "Got it!"
"And what's his name, Mars?" Rosalie asked with a smirk.
Marley giggled behind her hands. "He's called Snowy, Aunt Rose! You helped me pick, silly!"
"Oh yes, so I did." Rosalie shot Marley a wink and a cheeky smile, crouching down and beckoning her close. Holding Marley's hands in hers, Rosalie sighed. "Are you excited, Mars?"
"Yes! So, so excited! I'm gonna learn so much stuff! And Miss Bailey is really nice."
"You're gonna make a ton of friends, little Missy," Emmett told her softly, leaning in to gently boop her on the nose. "They're all gonna love you."
Marley was passed around her family members, a few of the other parents shooting the large group curious looks. Some recognized Bella and Rosalie, but none interrupted. Archie and Peter were standing between their family and the rest of the corridor so anyone who did try would have to get past them.
Finally, after what felt like forever, Marley arrived in front of her parents and brother.
"Mawi!" Bodhi cried, stretching toward her. Bella let him go so the siblings could share a sweet cuddle and kiss; she was thankful Esme had thought to take photos. Her mind was like mush right now, and she was struggling with the idea of scooping both of her babies into her arms and running home with them.
"I'm going to school, baby Bodhi," Marley told her brother seriously, cupping his cheeks in the palms of her hands. "Be good for Mamma and Daddy, 'kay Beesy?"
Bodhi nodded seriously. "'Kay. You comin' home for wunch?"
"No, I'm gonna have lunch here with my new friends. You can have lunch with Mamma." Marley leaned in, glancing over Bodhi's head at her mother. "You've gotta look after her and make sure she doesn't get all girly and weepy. Promise?"
Bodhi looked back at Bella before turning to grin at Marley. He held out a chubby fist, pinky finger extended as well as the one beside it; he hadn't quite gotten the knack of extending his pinky by itself, yet. "Pinky pwomise!"
"Oh God…" Bella breathed, gripping Edward's arm to steady herself. He made a soft, soothing sound and kissed her temple.
"Little sweet, come here," he called softly. She leaped neatly into his arms, content to be held on his hip on this occasion even though she 'wasn't a baby anymore, Daddy.' He'd lost count of the amount of times she'd informed him not to baby her because she was seven now and a big girl.
Even now, dressed for her first day of school with her backpack on and her classroom just feet away, Edward wasn't sure he'd ever be able to see her as anything other than his baby girl; that tiny, precious little girl he'd fallen in love with back in Montana.
The girl was sitting in the corner of the room by the solitary window. There was a chair right beside her, but she was sitting cross-legged on the floor, stretching her neck up to be able to peer out of the window. In her lap she held a tattered bunny toy, her fingers kneading it, up and down the ears.
All eyes swiveled to Charlie as he took a step further into the room.
He was staring, transfixed. His gaze swept over the mane of chocolate curls adorning the child's head, a frown twisting his brow when he saw her skinny arms and legs. They weren't scarily thin, but she didn't appear to have an ounce of baby fat on her like Carl-Roman did. For a five-year-old she looked much older, her profile not rounded like her cousin's. She was dressed in a dark gray tracksuit, tiny feet encased in a pair of black trainers. She was miniature, like a little doll. Charlie had never seen a child of her age so small. Her year-older-cousin Carl-Roman would dwarf her.
The air in the room seemed too thin as Mandy called out to Marley in a soft voice. The child's head turned as if in slow motion.
The first thing they all noticed immediately were her eyes. Big, guileless, sea-colored eyes.
She was a million miles from that tiny, terrified child.
He'd watched her flourish and thrive and had no doubt that she'd continue to do so.
"Little sweet…Mamma, Bodhi, and I love you very much. We're so very proud of you."
"Aww, Daddy," Marley whined, her cheeks flushing pink as she wriggled free from his arms. "I love you too, but…"
"'But,' what, little sweet?"
She toed the carpet, batting her lashes at him coyly. "You're acting all mushy and embarrassing!"
Edward didn't get a chance to respond before a dark-haired blur shot between Archie and Peter's legs, skidding to a stop in front of Marley.
"Marley, hi!"
Mouth gaping like a fish, Edward felt Bella slide her fingers between his as the boy grinned a toothy smile at his baby girl, showing off the gap at the top of his mouth where two new teeth were growing in.
"Hello," Marley mumbled, uncharacteristically shy. She ducked her head and smiled at the boy from beneath her lashes.
Edward felt his stomach twist unpleasantly as he watched the interaction. "Uh, little—"
"Leave them!" Bella hissed, amusement coloring her tone. "This must be the boy she was talking about. You know, from the induction day? She sat next to him and shared her snack."
Edward frowned.
Marley was standing against the wall between a dark-haired boy and a girl with white-blonde hair when Edward and Bella walked toward her, Bodhi swinging between them. When she spotted her parents and brother, she beamed with delight and ran toward them, flying straight into Edward's arms as Bella scooped Bodhi up onto her hip.
"Little sweet, did you have a good time?"
"Oh, Daddy, it was so great! I made a star out of my hand and some paint, and I got to make loads of new friends!"
Edward chuckled, peppering kisses over her excitement-reddened cheeks. "I'm glad, little sweet."
"The other kids were nice, then?" Bella asked softly, a relieved smile on her face.
Marley nodded quickly. "Really nice, Mamma. On my table, there's Riley, Matty, Dave, and Bree. Oh! And Jacob, but he likes 'Jake' better." Her cheeks tinted pink. "Jake's really nice. We shared our apple and grapes so we could have some of each."
Until Bella had mentioned it, Edward had forgotten all about this, 'Jake, Sharer of Snacks.' He was smiling at Edward's baby girl like she hung the moon, gawping when she gave him a wide smile.
"My peg is next to yours. You wanna go hang our bags and find our seats? Miss Bailey says there's a present for all of us in our spot!"
"Sure!" Marley darted away with her friend, leaving her family laughing behind her.
Edward felt like he was going to puke or punch something; he wasn't sure which. "That boy's got the hots for our baby!" Edward cried.
"Oh, Edward. They're seven! They're just friends. It's nice Marley has a friend to go to class with."
Edward and Bella watched as Jake offered to put Marley's bag on the hook below the name she'd colored in last week; they snorted when she stubbornly refused his help and insisted she do it herself. "She's just like you," Edward told Bella, nudging her side with his elbow before blowing a raspberry on Bodhi's neck to hear him chuckle. Bodhi reached for Edward with grabby hands; he greedily snatched up his son, happier when he reminded himself that they had three years before Bodhi needed to be starting school.
"You still need me, right, tesoro?"
"Wight, Daddy!" Bodhi planted a loud, slightly slobbery kiss right on Edward's lips, putting a grin back on his daddy's face.
Marley heard the sound of her brother's smacking kiss and shot Jake a look before tearing back down the hallway, crashing into her dad's legs to mumble, "Love you, Daddy."
Six-foot-three, broad, and muscular, with the beginnings of a beard, because Bella had admitted she liked it, Edward was the last person expected to be spotted tearing up on his daughter's first day of school.
But he did.
His emerald eyes filled with tears as he reached down to stroke Marley's hair, holding her small body to him until she tugged away with a wide smile. Through his tears, he was surprised to see the reassuring glint to her expression. She was trying to reassure him; the irony was not lost on Edward.
"I love you, too, little sweet. Go get 'em, baby girl."
Marley paused to give her mother a hug and a kiss before running off to join Jake in the doorway of her classroom, Miss Bailey waving to Marley's family, calling that she'd see them later.
That was it.
Just like that, Marley had grown up, right in front of her adoring family's eyes.
All right, so…
at some point between writing the sequel and attempting to keep up with real life, I'm going to be working on a separate FF story of outtakes – things I didn't cover in the main story. If there are any in particular you have a burning desire to read, please drop me a review or a PM. I'll be picking two or three for now and will add more as a I go along.