I do not own Twilight.
oOo
They celebrated Bella's twenty-fifth birthday with both their families. Renee and Esme had offered to help with dinner, and Jackie brought her boyfriend, Paul, and one of her dreadful desserts.
Rosalie and Emmett were there, and it was obvious that Edward and his sister were regaining the closeness they'd once had.
No one had wine or beer, instead settling for tea, lemonade and water. It was a lovely evening. Though everyone was aware of Edward's problem, they didn't treat him any different. He was his usual, quiet self, smiling and laughing along with everyone else.
He and Bella were constantly searching out for each other, their pinkies touching, her hand on his knee, his arm at the back of her chair.
They were closer than ever.
.
October merged into November, and they enjoyed the view of the leaves turning brightly yellow and orange, dotted with blood-reds while they took long walks in Regent's Park with Jennie.
Edward was serious about keeping his doctors' appointments. His liver readings were increasing, and his weekly therapy sessions with Alec were going quite well, although at times, he still found it difficult to open up about the shame and guilt he felt.
He'd finally had the nerve to speak up at one of the AA meetings, and though it was hard, he'd been greeted with nothing but understanding, and even some very helpful tips of practical advice.
As for the therapy with Alec: So much was uncovered during those weekly sixty minutes. How he'd let his addiction get out of hand after Irina's death. His feelings of guilt that mingled with the shame over what he was doing. How he'd been holding on to her even years after she'd been gone, still sharing the rights to her works with her sisters.
One day early in November, Edward contacted his lawyer about that: Kate and Tanya could have it all. It felt as if a weight had been taken off his shoulders.
He spoke about the sister he'd never known, and how he'd always felt that he was a poor replacement; that he hadn't been able to heal his mother's broken heart.
How Carlisle had not been the best of role models, very much liking a drink or seven himself.
He was taking every day as it came. He was certain of Bella's – and his family's – support.
Around the middle of November, he went on a hard stretch. He'd proven to himself he could go without alcohol, and the idea of just one beer became irresistible.
Bella stood by him on those nights, and if she couldn't, it would be Ro or his mum.
Edward was finally growing up and learning to ask for help.
.
The best thing about Edward's progress was that Bella was getting better. She was eating again, and the day she complained about gaining weight, Edward pulled her in his arms and showered her with love. In every imaginable way.
They'd take long walks through the city's parks, or go window-shopping. Bella was studying hard, but Edward could finally convince her to take fewer shifts with Jasper. He was able to provide for her, and her education was the most important thing right now.
It had not been an easy discussion – several, really – but in the end, she'd agreed, on the condition she could pay him back expenses when she'd be able to.
Edward had agreed.
And then he'd gone down on her.
oOo
Thank you, thank you, from the bottom of my heart for your sweetness, my darling readers.