Thank you all so much for the great reviews!
I have to admit that I own nothing except the story line and he character of Tansy. Everything else belongs to Stephenie.
These next few chapters are going to move the story along a little more slowly. After all, Bella is spending an entire weekend with the Cullen family. There is simply no way I could cram that much fun, serious conversation and drama into one chapter. Thank you again for sticking with me and for all the support. Y'all ROCK!
Chapter 09 Grounded
"Esme, please do not put yourself through any trouble. We'll be there in about an hour. Sure, I plan on asking Edward to stop so I can pick up a few things I'll need for the weekend. Sure. Okay; thanks again for sending Edward last night. It was nice to have someone else in the house even with how crummy I was feeling." Bella held her phone to her ear and Edward could tell that she was glaring at him; her eyes seemed to pierce right through his skin. "Hmm, he said you and Alice sent him over. Alright Esme, I'll let him know."
Edward's glance at Bella sent shivers through his spine. Even with her sunglasses on, he clearly caught her glare. He tried to make his voice sound casual. "What's up?"
"Some-body's in trouble." Bella's voice sang through Edward's car and she lightly punched his upper arm, making him wince. "Why didn't you just tell me it was you that wanted to stay over? Why the unnecessary lie?"
"Bella, really. If I would have said it was me wanting to stay over of my own accord you never would have let me. It had to come from a much higher being. I didn't think you would believe me if I said 'God sent me'. My mom was the natural choice."
"I suppose you're right. You're getting away with it this time Cullen but only because tomorrow is Mother's Day." Bella smiled and lifted her sunglasses on to her head to hold back her hair. As they drove east into the rising sun, squinting her eyes, Bella gently moved her hand onto the back of Edward's neck. "Seriously Edward, no more lying to me. Alright?"
"Deal." Edward glanced over giving her a smile as she pulled her sunglasses back down to avoid the sunlight reflecting off the windshield. "So, Tansy seems to like my driving." Edward was thankful that the little girl was actually quiet, and wondered if it was because she heard both their voices. He was still in awe of the baby girl but was set on learning more about her…and her mom.
Looking over at Edward, Bella smiled as she leaned her head back against the seat and relaxed. "Maybe it's just my car she doesn't like. Usually she's screaming by this point."
"Well, my car does give a bit of a smoother ride than yours. I usually drive my work truck so anytime you want to use the car just say so. There's an extra set of keys at the house. So, what did my Mother say to you anyway?" Edward asked.
"Could we pick up some corn on the cob and watermelon? I was going to ask you to stop at the store anyway." Bella smiled as she took in Edward's profile while he drove.
"Sure." Edward smoothly maneuvered the car through traffic and changed lanes as they entered the expressway.
"Did I tell you that Seth heard from Jake's father in Washington? Jake was there a few weeks ago because Billy was sick. Apparently he isn't doing too well and asked Seth to send him a few pictures of his granddaughter. Seth's already started making up fliers and putting ads in the paper for the fundraiser. He said all I need to do is show up with Tansy. He seems to be stepping up where her father's side dropped off." Bella looked over at Edward as he drove.
"I like Seth, he isn't afraid to step up and admit when he's wrong." Edward was remembering his first meeting with the man. "By the way, when you get the fliers, I'd like to put up a few at work. Usually when people ask for support like that there's a good turnout. Would that be too awkward for you or would it be helpful to you to have my workers be there?" Edward asked first to make sure. He wasn't going to take any chances now in overstepping his bounds.
"No, I think that'd be fine. Will the ones who helped you with the nursery window be there? I'd like to thank them." Bella asked sincerely.
"I thought we already established that you were asking my family to go." Edward looked at her briefly before he gave a little laugh.
"What do you mean your family? Do you mean Jasper and Emmett helped you with that window?" Bella looked awed and sat up straighter in her passenger seat.
"Well, Carlisle helped a little too. Besides, Jasper and Emmett have both worked with me on various projects. And Carlisle is a demon at double checking measurements and being precise. I think he had fun cutting into something that wasn't human." Edward and Bella both laughed together.
"Well, now that room will mean that much more. It should be finished in a couple of weeks. Um, Edward, do you think you could maybe babysit a little this weekend if I spend some time in the room working?" Bella hedged a bit as she asked.
"Bella. As proud as I am for asking me to help, I am afraid that the answer is no. I have no intention of letting you work this weekend while we are all having fun. I will be happy to babysit for you on Monday if you want and then I'll drive you home on Monday night. Does that work for you?" Edward looked at her apologetically then seriously, over at Bella but relaxed as he saw her smile.
"Thank you Edward. I'd like that a lot. Are you sure it won't mess you up with work?" Bella was worried about him taking so much time off to be with her.
"Silly girl. I own the company, and I trust my foreman. I make my own hours, and if I want to take Monday off, I will. I wouldn't have offered otherwise." Edward reached over for her hand and kissed it softly.
Bella leaned her head back in the seat and just watched as the outside world passed her by. She snapped out of her daydream as she saw a small group of similar looking canopies set up in the parking lot of a strip mall.
"Oh Edward, a Farmer's Market! Please can we stop here?" Bella was already unbuckling her belt.
"Bella, put that belt back on. I missed the turn, I'll have to go back around. Do you have the stroller for Tansy?" Edward glanced in his rear view mirror and signaled a turn.
"No, but I have the sling in the diaper bag. Have you ever been to a Farmer's Market before?" Looking over at Edward, Bella tried to rein in her happiness at having found one so close to the city.
"No, usually Esme does the shopping. We all just write stuff down on Post-It notes and stick them in the kitchen." Edward turned back around signaling for the parking lot.
"Well, you are in for a treat. These things are fun. Alice and I go when we are both off work and have nothing planned. Sometimes you can get the owners to drop off your groceries for you. I love going to these things. It's so much more fun than going into a big store where no one even makes eye contact." Bella started bouncing around in her seat.
"I'll take your word for it." Edward expertly pulled into a spot and shut off the car. "Let's go do this."
As Bella reached in the back seat for the diaper bag she had a thought. She grabbed the cloth sling out of the bag and carried it over to the other side of the car. She tapped Edward on the shoulder as he started to reach into the car for Tansy. When he straightened up to ask her what she wanted, she threw the sling over his body, causing him to fall back against the car.
"If you really wanted to tie me up, all you had to do was say so." Edward said as he regained his footing. Bella was suddenly nervous.
"Well, I just thought that you'd like to play mama kangaroo. It's either carry Tansy or the groceries. I'm trying to make it easier on you. Which would you prefer?" Bella could barely get the words out.
"This is fine. But you better fix it and make sure it's secure. I don't know anything about this stuff – don't forget I'm still learning." Edward put his hands on his hips and stood in front of Bella.
"That makes two of us. Come here big guy." She reached over adjusting the straps securely against his chest. "Pull these snug so that she will be lying right against here." Bella put her hand across Edward's chest and felt his hard chest muscles clench, even underneath the fabric of the sling and his t-shirt. Losing herself in the moment, she quickly pulled away.
As Bella reached into the car for Tansy she gathered her thoughts. She couldn't believe how perfect Edward was. Bad thoughts crept into her head. No, she corrected herself, not bad, naughty.
She had been furious when she opened the door last night and found him there. She had just wanted to be alone with her daughter and instead ended up playing host even though Edward told her he was just there to keep her company as per Esme's instructions. Somehow, hearing from Esme this morning that he had come to her of his own accord made Bella love him all the more. Love?
Still reaching into the car to retrieve her daughter, Bella quickly straightened up as she realized she used the word love. She hadn't spoken it out loud, but it was definitely in her thoughts. Straightening up too quickly she smashed her head against the car door frame. Grateful that she didn't have her daughter in her arms at the time she once again attempted to straightened up and rub her head; she allowed herself to be comforted by Edward as he pulled her into his arms.
She loved Edward. Standing here in his arms now, the thought fully hit her as much as her head hit the car. Yes, she was in love with Edward Cullen. And after spending almost the entire night talking to him about absolutely nothing in particular, she realized it even more.
Reaching her arms around his waist she leaned right up against his chest as he gently touched the spot where her head had hit. She didn't even flinch. To her, it just felt right that she should stay there. Still holding him around his waist, she felt his lips gently touch the spot. She glanced up, still wearing her sunglasses against the early morning sunlight.
"Thank you." Bella said as she turned her head upright, making sure to stay locked in their embrace.
"You are welcome. When we get to the house, we'll put ice on it to keep the swelling down." Edward rubbed Bella's back gently as she nuzzled into his chest against the empty sling.
"I don't just mean my head Edward. I mean for staying with me last night. For just calming me down. For just being there." Bella tried to infuse her words with as much sincerity and love as she could without giving herself away.
"I sent Jasper and Alice away thinking I wanted to be alone, but it felt really good to talk things out with you. A sort of unbiased third party.
Alice and I find it difficult to remain neutral and just start raging against Jacob and how unfair the world is. You gave me a new perspective and helped me look at things more clearly. I just want to say thank you."
"And again, I say 'you are welcome. This is what boyfriends are for; among other things." Edward dipped his head low to Bella's kissing her tenderly. "I'm not going anywhere Bella. Except to this little market thing. Let's get this done so we can go join the others at home."
Bella reluctantly pulled away from Edward and reached into the car again, being mindful of both their heads when pulling her daughter out. She sighed, placing her carefully into the sling strapped to Edward. Lucky little baby got to spend the morning all curled up against Edward's chest. As Bella made final adjustments, Tansy let out a small squeal and flayed her arms about. Clearly she was excited about the prospect of being carried by him. Bella gave Edward instructions on how to best support her inside the sling.
"You weren't kidding about the kangaroo part were you?" Edward took a few tentative steps to adjust to the new weight, as little as it was, it was still an awkward bundle. Reaching over for Bella's hand, he nodded his okay. "Come on Love; let's go get the shopping done." He said it as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Bella stopped at nearly every stall, eventually losing Edward in the crowd. She looked across the aisle to saw him talking to a man who was pushing a stroller and laughed as they exchanged business cards.
The gesture should have been odd given the family setting and yet Edward managed to appear confident and manly even with an infant strapped to his chest. She moved down to the next stall, knowing her daughter was in good hands. Hearing her name a few minutes later, she turned and quickly crossed the space to Edward.
"Bella, come and taste this!" Edward was biting into a peach, catching the dripping juice into his opposite hand and carefully leaning over to avoid it dribbling onto her daughter. Bella laughed at how concerned he was.
She took the peach from his hands and bit into it before sucking the juice from it. She moaned at the sweetness. And a thought occurred to her. Reaching for one of the paper towels the vendor held out to them, she wiped one hand and held her daughter upright slightly. She rested the peach against her lips and they laughed as her little tongue flicked against the sweet fruit.
"Greedy little girl. You have to learn to share." Bella laughingly held up the fruit, offering it back to Edward. He looked at it uncertainly. Not wanting to offend Bella, but clearly not sure if it was okay. "She doesn't have anything you can catch Edward; it's safe." Shrugging, Bella bit back into the peach herself. She had dealt with people's ignorance of disabilities long enough and Edward by far had barely shown any at all. She was more than willing to let this little hiccup slide.
Laughing again when she saw her daughter's tongue flick out Bella held the peach at her lips again. "She'll be sticky, but nothing a good bath won't cure." Bella finished off the peach wiping her hands on another towel before reaching for a paper bag near the stand. She reached to put several into it while Edward looked over the stand, being extremely selective before picking a few.
"So, this weekend is going to be like an actual family backyard barbecue thing isn't it?" At Edward's nod, Bella continued, trying to ease up the awkwardness that remained. "It's exciting. This will be our first. Of course, we have to borrow someone else's family to do it, but it'll be fun."
Bella paid the vendor and thanked the man again before turning to Edward and Tansy. Edward was just staring at the small creature nestled in front of him.
"Thanks for carrying her around Edward, and for including us." Bella reached up kissing his peach flavored lips, careful of the lump laying between them. She brushed her hand over Tansy's head and laughed softly.
"What's so funny?" Edward asked, licking his own lips as his brow continued to crease in thought.
"I was just talking about your family, and here I am with mine. It's just that most people would be asking if you think our families will get along, will they like each other? I already know the answer to that question by the way. But you are literally carrying my whole family on your person. It just struck me as funny and more than a little pathetic that my whole family fits easily into your pouch." Bella laughed as Edward made a grab for her.
"Bella, someday, when all this is done, you and Tansy will be my family in every sense of the word." Edward leaned in and kissed her again.
"We'll see Edward; let's just enjoy this weekend okay?" Bella pulled his hand along to the next vendor, tired of thinking ahead to such an uncertain future. Her mind raced as she tried to push images aside in her mind, would her daughter even have a future?
Soon, Bella and Edward were both loaded down with fresh fruits and vegetables, along with all natural peanut butter and some very fresh honey.
"I really need to start remembering the stroller. It would come in handy right now." Bella stretched her tired arm muscles as they made their way back to Edward's car. She heard Edward agree with a laugh.
"This was interesting. I've never been to one before." Edward agreed with her. "I didn't think you would buy so much."
"Ed, hey Edward." A voice called to them from nowhere, causing them to stop.
Bella turned her head to see a man and a woman with a little boy sitting on top of the man's shoulders.
"Hi Ben, Angela. How are you?" Edward shook hands with Ben before leaning down to greet the woman with a friendly kiss on her cheek.
Bella's jealousy was calmed only by the fact that the woman was obviously with the man, and she was very obviously pregnant. Bella looked up at Edward expecting him to introduce her.
"Hi, I'm Angela." Angela stuck her hand out to Bella, obviously Edward hadn't figured out yet that Bella didn't know them.
"I'm sorry, I forgot. Angela and Ben, this is my girlfriend Bella, and her daughter Tansy. Bella, these are the Weber's, Ben and Angela. Ben and I work together." Edward reached up to shake the little boy's hand. "And this is Matthew, who will be working with us before we know it."
"I thought that was you, but I've never run into you here before. What brings you out this way?" Ben asked as he tried to distract his stare from Tansy.
"Bella wanted to stop and do a little shopping for Esme." Edward replied, dismissing himself from the conversation. He decided instead to focus on Ben's wife. "So, you look good Angela, how do you feel?"
"Grateful. I'm just happy to be out of the house. My bed rest restriction was removed as long as I don't do any lifting. I can waddle just fine though." Angela began to laugh as their son joined in.
"Mama waddles like a duck, but doesn't quack like a duck." Matthew replied while the adults all laughed.
"That's right kiddo, and if it doesn't look like a duck or talk like a duck it isn't a duck." Ben jumped slightly, causing his son to laugh atop his shoulders.
"Angela has been on bed rest for, what three weeks?" Edward looked over at Ben as he tried to explain their situation to Bella.
"Geez, she can probably tell you, I gave up trying to keep track – they all blur together. I really appreciate you giving me the time off to be with her though man. That was really decent of you. And all the stuff your mom sent over really helped." Ben looked at Angela who nodded appreciatively.
"It's been twenty four days of continuous bed rest, thank you very much. But Ben is right Edward. I really appreciate you letting him have the time off to be there for us. Not to mention all the meals Esme had delivered to the house and all the clothes! Did she tell you it's a girl?" Angela's face showed nothing but pure contentment.
"How lovely." Bella couldn't help but join in on the conversation. "Have you given any thoughts to names?" Bella asked politely.
"We're leaning toward Molly." Angela now addressed Bella. "Edward's been so decent giving Ben all this extra time off. And Esme's been helping me too. I've been having a harder time getting through this pregnancy for some reason. It's taken more out of me than when I had Matthew. I have a weak cervix, so basically, I'm useless until the baby is born. Hey, your daughter looks just like you." Angela reached over to stroke Tansy's soft cheek as he head peeked out from the pouch.
"Thank you, I hear that a lot actually. It's true though, she does look just like me. She hardly resembles her father at all." Bella leaned into Edward's shoulder for support as he hugged her back, clearly understanding her double meaning.
"We should get going before Emmett starts eating Esme's furniture. It was great to see you Angela. And don't worry, the pregnancy completely agrees with you." Edward reached into his back pocket to pull out his wallet. He handed Angela his business card. "In case Ben hesitates to ask. If you need anything, please call me at either of those numbers. Ben, I'll see you on Tuesday. If you need more time, by all means take it and just let me know. You know we've got you covered. Alright?" Edward kissed Angela's cheek gently then shook hands with Ben and Matthew.
"It was nice to meet you Angela." Bella shook hands with the little family. Again, she was struck by how normal everything seemed when she was with Edward. Bella took the keys from Edward and opened the trunk to put the groceries into the small net so they wouldn't roll everywhere. She walked around so that she could help Edward but he had already taken Tansy out and was busy strapping her in.
"That was very nice of you, to give Ben time off like that." Bella said seriously with just a hint of jealousy. She had been fired when she had taken off too much time to be with her daughter. "Not too many people would do that." The topic hit a nerve with Bella that she couldn't ignore.
"I'm not most people. Didn't you get time off when you had Tansy?" Edward asked as they both got into the car and buckled their belts.
"Yeah, but afterward, when I needed the time off to stay with her because she was sick, I was fired. Basically I had to let them fire me so that I could keep my insurance. Although the rates for it are huge, I really can't be without it at this time. That's part of the reason why Seth offered to have a fundraiser too, to help with all the bills. I think he knows Jacob isn't sending me anything." Bella reached over again for Edwards hand and intertwined their fingers before letting them rest in the middle.
They drove in complete silence for a while and Bella was stunned when out of the blue Edward started talking. It wasn't that he started talking, it was more his choice of words.
"I apologize Bella." The words were quietly spoken and sincerely said with just a trace of sadness.
"For what?" Bella searched her mind for something that Edward had done that he would feel a need to apologize for. She came on it after only a moment's hesitation. "The peach."
"I can't believe I did that. After everything I've said about how it doesn't matter to me." Edward shook his head and Bella wished he wasn't wearing his sunglasses so she could see his eyes as she looked over at him.
"Edward. Listen to me. I thought nothing of that. Your reaction didn't bother me in the least." Bella shook his hand, trying to shake him out of his sudden melancholy.
"It doesn't bother you? It sure as hell bothers me." The words came out with a growl and Bella almost laughed.
"Remember, I've been her mom longer than you've been around her. I'm used to people treating her differently." Bella let go of his hand and put hers instead on the back of his neck. "Hey, I guarantee the more time you spend with her, the more you are going to see people's reactions and the more you will hate it."
"You're so calm about it. Doesn't anything bother you?" Edward glanced over at her quickly before returning his eyes to the road.
"Of course it bothers me Edward. But if she has taught me nothing else, she taught me to develop a thicker skin." Bella softened her words and kept touching him, trying to ease his awkwardness. "Hey, don't let it ruin this weekend Edward, please?"
At the desperate sound of Bella's words, Edward sighed. Knowing how much she was looking forward to spending the weekend with him, or rather, his family, he resolved that she had been through enough the last few days. He let the matter go as they pulled into the driveway.
"I'll just need to make it up to her some kind of way." Edward said with a smile as he smoothly parked his car behind someone else's in the driveway.
"I am sure Tansy didn't notice a thing, Edward. Relax." Bella smiled and leaned over to kiss him before getting out of the car.
"If you want to take Tansy in, I'll carry the groceries to the kitchen." Edward said as he unbuckled his seatbelt and got out.
"Sure, I think I'm going to just bring the whole carrier in anyway; at least she'll have a place to stay in. We've never slept anywhere except home and the hospital before, so I wasn't sure what to bring. I guess I should have cleared up the sleeping arrangements beforehand." Bella looked extremely embarrassed.
"You will sleep in my room with Tansy of course silly. If it makes you uncomfortable, I'll sleep on the chair and you two can share the bed. Please don't overthink this Bella. We are going to have a good time this weekend." Edward leaned over kissing her ever so softly, that it left her wanting more.
She was stopped from deepening the kiss as they heard the front door open. Suddenly Alice came jumping down the steps with Jasper close behind wearing nothing but a pair of pajama bottoms and slippers that had seen better days. Bella's jaw dropped and formed into a laugh when she noticed that Alice was wearing sweatpants that were way too big on her and the pajama top that matched Jasper's bottoms. Edward caught her look and laughed with her as he began collecting the bags from the trunk.
"You're staying the weekend! This will be so much fun Bella." Alice ran up to her as she released Edward. She pulled Alice into a hug.
"Since when do you wear cotton pajamas and sweatpants?" Bella whispered into her friend's ear.
Alice just laughed as she hiked the pants up higher. As she reached into the car to take Tansy, Bella was wrapped into yet another hug, this time Jasper's arms came around her.
"How're you doing Bella? Alice is glad you're finally here – we all are actually, but her in particular. She was worried about you last night." Jasper left one arm around Bella's shoulder as they began to walk toward the house, distracting her from carrying anything.
Bella stopped and ducked out of Jasper's arm as she walked quickly to the trunk and Edward. Noticing that he had already loaded himself down with the groceries, she began collecting their overnight bags.
"Each day, one at a time Jasper; this morning's been really good. I have to admit though; there were so many bad ones before. It seems like since I've met Esme, and all of you, we have had more good days than bad. You all better be careful, I could get use to this treatment." The lightness in Bella's words caused Edward to smile as he leaned down to kiss her quickly before disappearing into the house.
"That's the plan girlfriend." Alice danced around Jasper and Bella with Tansy in her arms. Making small talk in the driveway, they stopped once Edward banged the front door again, his somber look killing the happy vibes instantly.
"Well, I hope this doesn't kill off the good vibes out here, but Esme wants to see Bella in the kitchen – now." Edward looked guilty as he followed his mother's orders.
"Edward, you look like you just got grounded." Bella tried to laugh but looked at Edward seriously.
"Don't laugh - I think I may have just gotten us both grounded Bella. When Esme Cullen talks, the Cullen men listen." Edward looked over at her apologetically.
"Better you and Bella than Alice and I." Jasper smirked. "I'll just take these bags to your room, alright Edward?" Jasper reached taking the bags from Bella's hands. "Good luck you two. Let me know how it turns out for you."
The couples separated in the main foyer with Jasper and Alice taking Tansy then disappearing up the stairs. Edward and Bella walked slowly into the kitchen.
Esme was seated at the island on a barstool. She had all of the items Bella had purchased laid out on the island in front of her. Edward was right, she did not look happy.
"Isabella, can you explain all this?" Esme was definitely cross.
"Well, um, I was hungry? I was just going to pick up the corn and watermelon but we drove by a farmer's market and I guess I got carried away." Bella was beet red and not use to being under a microscope by a parent. Charlie was never one for arguing even when he was around, and more often than not, Bella found herself acting like a parent to Renee.
"Okay, but how did it get here? I gave you specific instructions. There were only two things. I hope you at least let Edward pay for them?" Esme looked at Bella, clearly waiting for an answer.
"Uh, he was holding Tansy and it was just easier for me to pay, I swear otherwise I would have totally let him pay." Bella began grabbing at straws trying to ease Esme's anger.
"Isabella! I will say this once, and only once because you don't know any better. While you are a guest in my home, you will not, and I mean ever, purchase anything without my instruction. If there is something special you want, you write it on a sticky-note and paste it somewhere in the kitchen where I can see it." Esme opened a drawer and showed Bella where the sticky notes and writing utensils were kept to drive her point home. "Do I make myself clear sweetheart?" Esme came over to give her a hug, but Bella still felt like she needed to explain and began talking as Esme turned to put the groceries away.
"Oh, Edward told me about the sticky-note thing, but I was just so excited about the Farmer's Market that I didn't think it was a big deal." Bella felt Edward jab her lightly in the ribs.
"Does the phrase 'quit while you're ahead' mean anything to you at all?" Edward whispered as he bumped Bella's hip with his own.
"I heard that Edward." Esme looked cross again as she stared at them. "Just for that, you two are going to help me with dinner tonight. I expect to see you two back here at 4 pm to help. That's all." Esme turned and began putting away the groceries Bella had purchased.
Edward led Bella out of the room. As they pushed open the door, they heard a thump followed by a series of shouts and even bigger thuds. Once the door was completely open, they saw Emmett rubbing his head and Jasper, Alice, and Rose piled in a heap.
"Way to take out the whole team there Edward." Emmett rubbed his head.
"What on Earth were you all doing?" Bella could not believe that they were eavesdropping on her as if they were kids.
"I was just listening to make sure I wasn't going to get in trouble. I don't know what they were doing." Emmett thumbed his finger towards Rose, Jasper, and Alice.
"Emmett, when you see someone crouched down with their ear against a door, you know full well that everyone needs to know what is going on." Jasper slowly pulled Alice to her feet as he checked her for bruises.
"What are you guys, eight years old?" Bella sighed and walked around the pile of people.
"Edward and Bella, if you have nothing better to do, I can always find something for you to do now." At the sound of Esme's voice, Edward grabbed Bella's hand and led her out of the hallway as everyone else took off running. The whole group reconvened again on the second floor hallway.
"Where are all the babies anyway?" Bella asked as she stared at all the doors.
"In my room, sister-girl, you have got to finish that nursery soon. This whole rooming-in thing with the kids is just killing my sex life." Emmett looked over at Rose appreciatively.
"I'll try to get right on that Emmett. But I have instructions not to work on it this weekend at all. I do want to go take a look and see it now that everything so far has dried. Alice mentioned that a few furniture pieces arrived." Bella looked over at Rose and Alice excitedly as they inched their way toward the door of the nursery.
"Bella, you promised. No working." Edward stepped in front of her as she started to walk toward the girls.
"I just want a look Edward, besides, if Rose is willing to help…" Bella looked hopefully up at Edward as her words trailed off.
"No. No working this weekend. You promised me. Besides, thanks to you, we have to help cook dinner tonight." Edward tried his best to look mad.
"I'll just take a little peek then. I need to catch up with my girls." Bella whined and pointed back at Rose and Alice while Edward immediately gave in, allowing her a little free time.
Once inside the nursery, Alice quickly shut the door. "Okay, Bella, what was up with you and Edward? You must have done something wrong, I've never seen Esme so upset." Alice pulled her friend down onto the floor where Rose was already sitting.
"We stopped at a Farmer's Market. I bought some stuff for this weekend and she grounded me for it. Can she do that? I don't think I've ever been grounded before in my life." Bella looked over at Rose.
"Esme raised three boys Bella... if she grounds you, you better believe it. So, what do you have to do?" Rose asked the question sympathetically but there was a smile on her face.
"I guess I have to help make dinner. Geez, I've worked with her in the past, and I knew she was headstrong. But I've never been grounded before in my life! I'm not a child for crying out loud, I've never had to follow any rules." Bella looked upset.
"Oh Bella, you have to realize, that Esme consider us all hers. I know you and Edward haven't known each other very long. But consider it from her point of view. She's never seen him this happy; or enjoying life this much. With Edward it was always work, home, rinse and repeat. He has been so much more fun and easier to be around since he met you. He use to shy away from the twins big time and he still isn't as close to them as he is to Tansy but he's making progress toward being more comfortable around them."
As Bella began to argue against Rose's statement, Rose cut her off.
"It's true. I know how much that hurts Emmett, a lot more than he lets on. But lately it seems like Edward is at least happier around them. It's like he doesn't mind them as much since he met you and Tansy. He's just more accepting and happier. Just like you, Esme only has Edward's happiness in mind. And now because you are with him, she has yours too. Get it? You make Edward happy, so she wants to make you happy." Rose leaned over to rest her head on Bella's thigh.
"Well, we are all grownups here. I guess I should have paid more attention to what Edward was saying. I just hate being a sponge. I've never liked that feeling and this was my only way of contributing." Bella stretched out her legs to lay back on her elbows as she made herself take a good long look at the ceiling.
"Now you can contribute to dinner." Alice laughed lightly, poking fun of the fact that Bella was being punished by Esme. "Maybe this was just Esme's way of asking you, or telling you, to spend some time with her. You know, get to know her better outside of a work relationship. I know you've known of her for a long time now, and have worked with her in the past. But with you and Edward getting closer, let's just say that she knows you are a good co-worker, but she needs to make sure that you are a good enough person for her son. Does that make sense?" She stretched out and breathed deeply as she too, took in the ceiling that showed a bright blue sky with fat puffy clouds.
All three women now lay intertwined on the floor as they stared up at the ceiling Bella had painted.
"If only Chicago skies could always look this dreamy." Rose said as she shifted to one side, still using Bella's soft thigh as a pillow. "I just want to tell you both that although sometimes I act like a bitch, but it really is not who I am. It's just the way I grew up. Working in a male-dominated field, I have to take a lot of shit for being female. I never really had any girlfriends. You two are the best. This weekend is going to be a blast – like a sleepover huh?" Rose looked at Alice as she asked her question.
"I'm the wrong one to ask. I may be a girlie-girl, but Bella was really the first girlfriend I had. No one else ever wanted to be friends with someone on the piddlin' side of puny. It didn't matter how nice I was to people, I was always the little loner freak." Alice sighed, reaching over for Bella's hand.
"Well, I'm with you two on this one. Alice was my first real friend, and she didn't come along until college. We never really had any big, wild parties. It was always just us, making our own fun." Bella shifted over Rose to give Alice a hug. "So, now that there are three of us, we get to have even more fun! Rose is right; we should work on having fun this weekend. But first, I have to do some damage control. I guess I have some apologizing to do to Esme." Bella grabbed Alice and Rose close to her in a hug.
Bella caught up with Esme in the kitchen as she busily prepared a brunch. She noticed that many of the ingredients were from the fresh produce that she had purchased and she smiled. Stepping over to the coffeepot to pour herself a cup, Bella casually began what she hoped Esme accepted as an explanation.
"Esme, can I talk to you before Edward comes down? He's upstairs with Tansy." Bella was almost afraid to break the silence.
"Of course Bella. Was there something you needed?" As Esme continued to move around her kitchen gracefully, Bella noticed for the first time what the older woman was wearing.
An apron? Bella laughed to herself as she thought that no one uses aprons nowadays. Then retracted that thought as she took in Esme's pretty silk pajamas and realized that she would use an apron too, if not change out of them altogether.
"No, I don't need anything. I just want to apologize. I really didn't mean to buy this much and Edward could have paid but he was carrying Tansy. I also wanted to contribute something this weekend. I've always been self-sufficient, and I'm just not use to people giving to me. I have trouble enough asking for help when it's necessary and I am sorry if I offended you. Like with Alice and Edward helping with Tansy so much. Like with the neighbors and the guys at the bar holding a fundraiser for us. It just bothers me that I need to be dependent on other people."
"Bella, it's okay. I was only offended that you would think you need to contribute in some way to my household. I see exactly where you are coming from now when you say you don't like asking for help. Who does? No one likes being helpless, it makes us feel vulnerable." Esme could tell that her words had Bella thinking.
"It sucks doesn't it? To be me right now? Sucks." Smiling, Bella hoped Edward's mother picked up on her sarcasm and self-deprecating humor. "I'll try to get better at the accepting stuff though."
"Well let me make it easier on you. From here on out, if I invite you somewhere, anywhere, I never expect you to pay – do I make myself clear? Bella, my family is growing on you – we all enjoy your company. I love your design ideas; Rose loves your company, and Edward? Well, Edward just loves you period. Jasper and Emmett think of you as the little sister that I never gave them." Esme smiled as Bella squirmed under the microscope. "We just want to help you. But I refuse to have you take on any responsibility for my household and my family. You have enough on your plate"
"I'll work on accepting help more often. But you need to understand where I am coming from too. My parents divorced when I was little. As I grew up, I took care of my mother more and more. Renee was just so scatterbrained, and some of her ideas on life were pretty far out there. My dad did what he could, but I didn't see him regularly. He was not comfortable with people, especially after Renee picked up and left him. It just became too uncomfortable for me to spend time with him. We were strangers being forced to live together two months out of the year. It wasn't fair to either of us. I really believe he never got over my mother." Bella sighed as she let go of Esme's hands and went to sit on one of the stools at the counter.
"Bella, what was your relationship with your mother like?" Esme asked as she slid Bella's coffee cup toward her.
"I'm not so sure she was the mother. I started taking care of her at a very young age. We'd go to the store, and she'd be buying books or magazines and forget that we needed food. As I got older and started talking to her in a more parental way, she started to step up. I guess no one likes to be talked to like they are the village idiot. By the time I was in high school Renee had finally started to take an interest in my life. Once I left for college and she had to fend for herself she hooked up with my stepfather. He didn't stick around long though. I guess he didn't realize when they got married that he would have to be the parent to his wife. I was already gone by then." Bella stood up to refill her coffee cup, continuing with the story as Esme asked questions.
"What about after you met your husband?" Esme pressed for details but still let Bella know by her tone that she could always stop.
"Renee and Jacob got along well. They weren't each other's favorites, but they were at least civil toward each other, especially when I was around. From my phone calls with Renee, Jacob was able to piece together that my relationship with her wasn't that easy. Please understand Esme, my parents were very young when they had me." Bella felt a need to defend her parent's actions. "I loved them both dearly, but they had no idea how to keep a relationship strong. When Charlie wanted to grab an oar and paddle, Renee wanted to jump ship. My father loved her enough that he gave her that. All he wanted was her to be happy, even if it meant that they were no longer together."
"Something like, if you love something set it free and if it comes back to you it's yours theory?" Esme questioned Bella gently, wanting her to continue.
"I understand why they did it, but I can't say that I agree with it. I grew up not having a father thanks to Renee and she knows it. Now, Tansy will have to grow up without a father because of me. My daughter will grow up not knowing what it is like to have a father's love. I never in a million years thought that Jacob would be the kind of man to leave. Even after Tansy's diagnosis came, I thought that we'd figure this out together. That may have been idealistic of me, but Jake knew about my childhood. He knew I would never want that kind of life for my own child. And yet, here she is, in the same boat as me as far as growing up with one parent." Bella sighed and looked up from her second cup of coffee.
"When was the last time you spoke with your mother Bella?" Esme voice asked gently.
"Months ago now, she came to visit once. I ended up having to rush Tansy to the ER and she suggested that it would be better if I just let her die. That was the last time I saw her. I asked her not to contact me again.
Truly, if she could just give up on Charlie, then on Phil, and then on Tansy as well? There are times I just get so mad Esme, I want to take an oar and jam it down her stupid throat and make her paddle, make her step up and account for herself!" Bella hadn't realized just how mad she got at Renee's stupidity. With Esme rubbing soft circles on her back, she was able to hold her emotions in check as she continued. "That was always her answer for everything. If life becomes too complicated, just walk away. But I couldn't…I can't."
"Well, you may not think you need any of us Bella, but we sure need you. I can't tell you how many times I called Edward to come home for an event and he was always staying at someone's house, or living in a sleeping bag in one of his rehabs. Emmett was so hurt when the twins were born and Edward didn't stay at the hospital. Carlisle and I pretty much forced him to come, and he left soon after he got there. Having you in his life has made all the difference. He's such the better person for it. Please, if you truly mean what you say about grabbing an oar, consider it too when you think of your and Edward's relationship. My son loves you Bella."
"Oh my." Bella said as she looked over at Esme. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to just unload all that on you. But I do feel better, thank you for listening. Can I ask you a question Esme?" Bella's eyes twinkled as she sought to lighten the moment.
"Sure dear." Esme stood and began to finish up making brunch.
"How long am I grounded for?" Tears of laughter now fell down Bella's face as Esme crushed her into a hug.
"Bella, I just wanted you and Edward to come talk to me that's all. You really don't have to help with dinner. But he does." Esme let go of Bella and turned her so she could see Edward coming through the doorway followed by Alice, Jasper and Emmett's whole family as they entered the kitchen in a single file line. The only one missing was Carlisle.
"It's time for her medicine. I'll give it to her if you want." Edward walked over to Bella to let Tansy see her mama.
"Oh no, you don't. I haven't seen her since we got here. Plus, I didn't carry her around all morning. Give her here Edward." Bella reached for her daughter as everyone began chipping in to help Esme with brunch.