Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot of the Twilight Saga are the property of Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended. The storyline of Tangled Hearts is all mine.
WARNING: This story is M+ rated so if you are not over the age of 18+ please do not read any further.
I would like to thank both Kasi (TeamAllTwilight) and Laura (Momma Laura) my pre-readers and betas that have graciously offered to help me with my story.
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Tangled Hearts – Chapter 7
Caution is the confidential agent of selfishness.
June 2010
BPOV
I am back in the waiting room for my appointment to see Dr. Cullen. Today is the day that my life will change forever. Today I find out if Dr. Cullen will agree to help me start my family.
Once I found out that my family and friends were behind me and would help with anything they could, I called Dr. Cullen's office and made an appointment to see if we could start as soon as possible.
Now I am sitting here once again nervous as hell, and if I don't keep my leg still soon, I will shake it right off.
"Miss Swan, Dr. Cullen is ready for you. Follow me," Rebecca said.
I walked behind her down the corridor again and into Dr. Cullen's office. Rebecca closed the door and left me. I made my way over to the wall of children again; all my hopes and dreams now rested in the hands of this doctor. Yes, I could find another doctor if he turned me away, but I was hoping that this would not happen.
I heard a knock on the door, and Dr. Cullen entered.
"Isabella, take a seat and let's get started."
"Dr. Cullen, please call me Bella, I really prefer it."
"Bella, please come and take a seat here on the couch with me. Let's talk about everything that has happened since I last saw you."
I sat next to Dr. Cullen on the leather sofa and faced him.
"After I left here, I thought things over, and I talked to my family again. If you think I am a willing candidate, I would like to start IVF straight away."
"Bella, I am willing to be your doctor, but I would like to do up some blood work, check your fertility, and run some other tests. I have a feeling that we might not have to go to the extent of IVF. I was thinking that we could map your ovulation for the next month and then you can go though our donors and see which one you would like, and then artificially inseminate you. The process for artificial insemination is that I place the sperm into your vagina or uterus close to the mouth of the fallopian tubes; I do this to allow the best circumstances for the sperm to combine with the released egg.
I will also prescribe fertility drugs for you before we undergo the insemination. You need to start taking these drugs at the beginning of your next menstrual cycle in order to stimulate your ovaries to grow several eggs for the fertilization.
This process of the insemination will take about an hour. You will definitely need to take the fertility drugs for about a week before ovulation. The reason I'm telling you this is because you will want to start right away. Now Bella, you have to be aware that it could take up to three cycles before you become pregnant. I have, however, been lucky in some cases where it happens on the first try. If it is still not working after six months, then we'll move onto other avenues. How are you feeling so far?"
"I am excited, Dr. Cullen. I can't wait to start trying. I do have some questions for you, just like I did about the IVF."
"Please go ahead and ask them. I'm here to answer them for you."
"Why are you leaning towards artificial insemination instead of IVF?"
"Bella, we know that you are a healthy young lady with no prior history of endometritis, infertility, or other problems. Instead of putting your body though an invasive procedure, I'd rather try a non-invasive way first. The retrieving eggs and implementation of them again is not easy on your body. As I said, if the non-invasive way doesn't work in the first six months, we will go straight to IVF. Once we run the tests that are needed for either procedure, they will tell us which way to go. If I notice there'll be problems by doing AI, then I will recommend IVF right away. What is your next question?" He smiled at me.
"Dr. Cullen what are the risks for AI?"
"There are few side effects for AI. As I said, this less invasive than IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies. This procedure will allow fertilization to happen naturally in your own body. As is true in all procedures, there are risks, but they are relatively safe. Some infections can occur; one is due to intrauterine insemination. This is where we wash the sperm for any bacteria and other harmful substances, it will then cause an infection in the uterus. It can result in endometriosis, but please be aware that this is a rare occurrence.
The fertility drugs can cause unpleasant side effects, as you would know from the research you did for IVF. Since you're aware of the possibilities, you'll be alert for the signs of depression, restlessness, headaches, hot-flashes, and irritability. Also remember that these drugs can cause ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome and can lead to you having abdominal pain, swelling of the ovaries, ovarian cysts and production of numerous eggs at one time. If this happens, it can lead to multiple pregnancies while doing AI. As long as you are aware of this and are happy to proceed, we will start with blood work, charting, and mapping your ovulation cycle today."
I was giddy like a school girl; I could not wait to start.
"I would love to start today. I have been charting my cycle, and I have it with me. I have only been doing it by temperature and saliva. I've been using a site called 'Maybe Baby,' and they gave me all the information I needed. I thought it would give me a bit of a head start and help you out."
"I have to say, Bella; you are very eager person. I'm glad you know what you want. I will go over these results. I'll get Rebecca to come and take you for some blood work, and then we can sit down and go through the donors with you. I'll also write up a prescription for the fertility drugs and get you started on those. How does all of that sound?"
"Wonderful, Dr. Cullen. I am so excited I can't wait another moment! I really can't believe that it's going to move so fast."
"You've done half of my job for me, Bella!" Dr. Cullen said as he got up and walked over to his phone and buzzed for Rebecca.
A few moments later, there was a light knock on the door, and I was off to get the blood work done. She also did all the mundane things; she weighed me, took my blood pressure, and asked questions about anything and everything. I was reeling in the excitement of it all. Twenty minutes later, I was back in Dr. Cullen's office sitting on the leather couch next to Dr. Cullen.
"Bella, I have charted what you've provided me, and if we start the fertility drugs now and make an appointment for the twenty-first of next month, we can be on our way to getting you your family. All we need to do now is have a look at some possible candidates for fathers. I have another appointment right now, but I will take you to Bree. She'll take you through the process of picking out a donor."
"Excellent, Dr. Cullen, I know just the kind of guy I want."
"No problems. I'll introduce you to Bree."
"Yes, please," I said excitedly
"Then follow me, and we'll have this done in no time."
I got up and followed Dr. Cullen out of his office across the hall to a smaller office with a young lady sitting behind a computer.
"Bree, this is Isabella Swan. She would like to have a look at our donors for AI. Bella, this is Bree. Have fun, ladies."
"Isabella it is nice to meet you. Take a seat, and we'll get started." Bree motioned to a chair in front of her desk.
"Please call me Bella. I can't believe this is happening," I squealed. I can't believe I squealed.
"Bella, what I am going to do now is ask you a list of questions and put your answers into my database. When we're finished, we'll have a list of potential candidates. From there, you can pick and choose. Let's start," Bree said.
Soon Bree was firing questions at me, things like if I wanted the child to know the donor after they turned eighteen. Then of course, standard questions such as: hair and eye color, height, weight, blood type, education, degree, religious beliefs, and ancestry. Then of preference of availability, to make sure my donor had ICI, IUI or IVF vials ready available.
I was glad that most of the candidates they had on file had up to three generation worth of history, both genetic and medical. Some were more informal than others. Some went into great detail about where their parents and grandparents went to school or education level. Bree assured me it would give me what I needed. Bree also informed me that they had some files with baby photos, so I could get an idea what my child might look like. None of the photos were of children older than six years old. I was fine with that; I could live with or without that information. With the ultrasounds today, I could get 3-D imaging and know exactly what my baby looked like.
Bree told me that they had personality tests attached to the files, so I could pick someone that was close to me - or the complete opposite if I wanted. It also gives me an insight into what my child's temperament could be some day. They also had reports written by employees and employers on what their impression of the donor, just general observations and opinions. Donor also had to answer essay questions about themselves. Just general questions like: favorite colors, foods, sports, and music. They also had to answer questions about their goals in life and work. These things would all give me insight into what sort of an achiever this person was. What type of personality they had, also. The last questions that Bree asked me were more about facial features of my donor. What shape face, skin color, skin tone and many other details were covered.
By the time we were finished, it had felt like I had covered everything; I didn't have one question left for Bree to answer.
Bree printed out a list of numbers that corresponded to the donor's case file. There were six guys on the list. Two were doctors, one was an architect, one managed his own company, and the last two were professors at different universities. Bree pulled the case files, and she took me into the viewing room, which was just a big room with comfortable couches where you could sit and take your time looking though the files.
"Bella, I am going to leave you here. Take your time and look though each one. There is coffee and tea on the counter and soft drinks in the fridge. If you get hungry, you'll also find some snack in the fridge. If you have any questions at the end or did not find the donor you are looking for, then we can start the search again and just tweak it a bit. I have saved your answers into the database so it will be easy to change things."
"Thank you, Bree, but I am sure that I will find someone here. They all look like good donors."
Bree left the room and left me to my reading.
Two hours later, I was in donor overload and wished I could take the files home and study some more, but none of the information was going to change. I knew what I was looking for, and I had two candidates left. I knew both of them would be perfect. I went for the architect and one of the doctors; they both work here in New York and were both highly educated. The only difference was one was blond and the other was dark black. They were both very similar in age, height, and looks. They both had catholic backgrounds and were able to give me three generations' worth of medical and educational history. They both came from poor families to begin with and then their parents gave their children a better life through perseverance and hard work.
It reminded me of my childhood, and that is the reason I have chosen both of them. Now all that was left was to choose between blond haired donor #857496254, and dark haired donor #855962149.
In the end, the decision was getting to me - so I went the childish way and did eenie-meenie-miney-mo. The last one I touched was the donor. I was happy either way, but I thought it was a good choice. Off to tell Bree and Dr. Cullen of my choice.
~~~***~~~T H~~~***~~~
Early July 2010
I was back in Dr. Cullen's office getting more blood work done up; I had to come in once a week to make sure everything was on track. They were checking my hormone levels, weight, and if I had noticed any side effects from the drugs I was taking. Apart from a little bit of abdominal pain and a hot-flash here and there this week, everything had been running on track. Dr. Cullen was not worried and said that he would keep everything charted, and if it got worse, he would try a different hormone treatment.
Dr. Cullen wanted me to see him in his office before I left to talk about what was going to happen in two weeks. I was looking forward to it.
So there I was waiting again in his office for him to finish up with the previous client.
There was a light knock on the door to let me know he was entering, I was already sitting on the leather couch reading one of the many books he had in his office.
"Bella, it is good to see you again. I see you have made yourself at home by reading from my personal library again, which book is it this week?"
"Dr. Cullen, it is good to see you again as well. This week I decided to go for Mymensingh Medical Journal, Vol. 19, No 4. I think I understand every tenth word in the book if I am lucky," I giggled and put the book down on the table.
"Yes, well unless you are really into what I do for a living, it's really not an interesting read, Bella," Carlisle chuckled with me. "Take a seat, and let's go through your test results."
We sat side by side on the couch, and Dr. Cullen opened my chart folder.
"Everything seems to be progressing well. I see you're still having abdominal pain. Is it more or less than last week?"
"Actually, it's less than last week. The hot-flashes are what have picked up this week, but then again, it is the beginning of July. I'm sure the heat wave we are having is probably playing as much havoc on my body as the drugs," I informed Dr. Cullen.
"I'd say that could be the cause of it, but I'm sure it is also the drugs doing their job in helping to produce extra eggs. That is definitely the cause of for the abdominal pain. I'd like you to call me if the pain gets to be much, as well at the hot-flashes."
Dr. Cullen handed me his business card. "On the back is my direct line and pager number if you need it."
"Thank you, I'll only call if it gets too much. Is there anything else I need to know?" I asked.
"Bella I would like to talk to you about adoption, also, if you have a minute."
I had nowhere to go, but I thought this would be strange because I had agreed to go along with the AI. "Sure, Dr. Cullen."
"Bella I'd like you to start calling me Carlisle, if that is okay with you."
"Okay, Carlisle. What would you like to discuss about adoption?"
"In my line of work, I come across many different families and people. I am going to give you a quick rundown on a gentleman that I have come across recently. He's lost his whole family. His parents died a while ago, and just last month, he lost his brother and sister-in-law to an accident. Now I don't want to go into too much detail, but he's a very successful man and does not have a lot of time–even for himself. When his brother passed away, he was left in charge as guardian of his brothers three year-old twins. Over the past three weeks, he has been trying to do his best in looking after them, but it does not seem to be working. He's now decided to adopt the children out. I personally feel he is doing it for all the wrong reasons, and my family and I have tried everything to get him to keep them–but he is set in his ways.
He is now looking for a family or a person that would like their own family and would adopt the twins. I feel that you are a wonderful candidate for the twins–you have so much love and compassion. Honestly, you were the first person on my list when he came to me. I understand you want to do AI, and we can still proceed to do this, but I was hoping you might like to meet the twins and see if you would also like think about adopting them as well.
The twins are a girl named Tia and a boy named Benjamin. As I mentioned, they are three, and they are both very talented children. If you decided to adopt the children, as I feel you might once you meet them, they are set up for life. They have trust funds, college funds, you name it, they have it organized by their parents. So financially, you would never have to worry.
What I am asking you is firstly, would it be something you are interested in, secondly, would you like time to think about it, and thirdly, would you like to meet them?"
I was blown over with what Carlisle had told me. How could someone what to give up their brother's children, and how could you put your life before theirs.
"Carlisle, I would like a couple of days to think about it. Can you give me until Wednesday?"
"Bella, take all the time in the world. This is a big decision that I've put in your lap. But I can really see the twins with someone like you," said Carlisle.
"Once I have made my decision and if I choose to take the twins on...at this stage I'm not going to promise anything...I'd love to meet them and see if we are compatible. I would also like to meet the man that doesn't want to look after his brother's kids. I'd love to give him a piece of my mind, but I'll hold my tongue!" I said heatedly.
"Trust me; I'm sure it's not any less than what my family has dished out."
"May I ask another questions, Carlisle?"
"Sure, Bella, I would answer anything."
"Why doesn't your family take the children?"
"Well, both of my sons have two children already, and I know this is going to sound harsh, but we all made a pact not to take them in. We wanted the gentleman involved to realize what he would be missing if we did. But it seems it has backfired because he knows what we were trying to do and hates us even more. He is my nephew. Bella, and before you judge him too hard, just know–when his parents died, everyone around him had their partners, their soul mates with them to help them though. He did not. We tried to help him, but in the end, we watched him close himself off to any kind of love. Even now at thirty-three years of age, he still has himself closed off. I have a feeling losing his brother was the end of him. I feel that from this point on, it's going to take a miracle to get him to even love us. Giving the children up is his way of pulling away from all of us. We are happily married with children and wonderful fulfilling lives; all he has is his work and his piano. Even those are not helping him get though the pain of losing his brother. So please keep that in mind when you meet him and the kids; he is a lost soul–at the moment."
I could not believe how honest Carlisle was being; he didn't have to tell me this, and I had a lot of thinking to do. My first thought was to leave here and go and stay with my parents for the night. I needed to get their opinion of this. Could I take on the twins and also a newborn all in the space of a year?
"Carlisle, thank you for being honest with me, and I promise to call you on Wednesday. I have your numbers; I will use your cell, if that is okay with you. Also, even if I decided to take the twins, I will also be sticking with AI for now… so unless I tell you otherwise, I'll see you next week for our schedule appointment."
"Thank you, Bella, I'm looking forward to hearing from you on Wednesday."
I rose from my seat and gave Carlisle a hug; it looked like he really needed it. "See you then, Carlisle," I said just before I let go and started for the door.
As I walked back to my car, I realized I had a lot of thinking to do. I thought the first thing to do was let my mother know I was coming and spending the night. Then I would tackle everything after that.
~~~***~~~T H~~~***~~~
"Mom, I am here. I stopped at the store and picked up dinner!" I yelled as I walked into the house.
"No need to shout. I am right here."
"Sorry! How are you, how is your day going?"
"It was busy. I helped your father on his boat, and of course, Christian just left from his tutoring session. How did today go with Dr. Cullen?"
"That's why I'm staying here tonight. I need to talk to you and dad about something, and I thought I'd cook dinner, and we could talk then. Is that okay with you?"
"Sure, sweetie. I have a few things to do in the laundry room, and then I will make your bed while you start dinner."
I headed off the kitchen after I gave mom a kiss and hug. I pulled out the pan I needed and got to work.
An hour later, we were sitting around the table, and I was a little nervous. I had spent the whole time I was cooking trying to figure out how to tell my parents what Carlisle had told me. I wasn't sure how they were going to take it, but I had come up with a plan of my own to help Carlisle out. I had to help make his nephew realize just how precious those two children really were.
"So how did it go today?" my father asked me.
"It went really well. Everything is progressing the way Dr. Cullen wanted, and he isn't too worried about the pain or the hot-flashes, but he wants me to keep an eye on it. If it gets worse, he wants me to come in right away or to call. But he did ask me, or I should say, tell me, about two children that need to be adopted." I let it hang in the air as I watched my parents' faces for any clues of what they were thinking about my last statement.
"Okay, what do you mean about two children that need to be adopted?" my father asked.
"He told me about a young man who has lost his whole family. His parents passed away a while ago and not more than a month ago, his lost his brother and sister-in-law. However, they left two children in his care. From what I can gather, he is closed off and wants nothing to do with the kids. This I find hard to understand, but Dr. Cullen was telling me that he is thinking of adopting the two children out. He lives for his job, and this is the way he is coping with his brother and sister-in-law's deaths, and the children–so it would seem–are not coping either.
I'm not sure if I'd be able to take on three-year-old twins as well as newborn, but I have come up with a plan that I would like to discuss with you both. I want to help Dr. Cullen's nephew realize that these kids are worth fighting for. I feel that once he realizes how wonderful these twins are–that he can do it. That he can look after them! I have a feeling that the twins are not taking to Dr. Cullen's nephew because he has closed himself off. I'm not sure how I'm going to do it, but I know I can help him to open up and accept these children. I want to make him realize that what he has been given is a true gift.
On another note and getting away from the adoption, I also picked a donor today as well. Would you like me to tell you about him?"
I don't think I took a breath through my whole rant. I wanted to get it out there and fast. I could see my father's brain ticking over my words, and my mother was off in her own little world.
"Bella, let's take a step back. I know you're excited about telling us about the donor, but let's take one step at a time, sweetheart," my father said. "I understand you want to help Dr. Cullen's nephew, but won't it put stress on your body that's not needed?"
"I haven't put a lot of thought into it yet, Dad, but I know I can help him. I don't think there will be that much stress from this. I think all he needs is someone to help out–someone to show him some direction. Make him see that he can work and have his own family, also. There are a lot of highly professional single dads out there that look after children every day. I understand that he is hurting after the loss of his family and so alone like this, but he needs to build a good support system and pick himself back up. Those children need him, and he needs to realize that he needs them, too."
"Bella, sweetie, you should have been a therapist not a writer," my mother said. "I knew you were an old soul, and I know you are a giving person, Bella, but you have also had to deal with a lot in the last few months. You're only getting back on your own two feet; do you really think this is a good idea?"
"This is the reason I should help him. What I went through with Felix damaged me for any other guy that comes along. Maybe what I learned in therapy can also help him, even if it's only for him to open up and get some help of his own." I knew my mother only meant well. "Really, Mom. What would you do if it was you? I know you, Mom! You would be there in a second seeing what you could do to help. Newborn, pregnant or going through what I am, you would do what you could to help someone realize their potential. You do it every day with those children that come in here for tutoring. Dad you do it every second weekend when you take the kids from the rec center fishing or to a baseball game or teach them football, basketball or baseball. This is the same. I need to do this. I don't understand why, but something is telling me that I need to help. Does that make sense?"
I watch my parents look at each other as they let out a breath.
My father is the first to speak up. "I will be there every step of the way to help. You're right. If this was your mother, she would be there faster than Flash Gordon." My father laughed at his own joke.
Now I was going to have that stupid theme song by Queen in my head for the rest of the evening. 'Flash a-ah, Savior of the Universe, Flash, He save every one of us, Flash.' Dam you Queen!
"I agree with your father, Bella, I will support any decision you make. We both will be there to help with your AI as well as help you with whatever you choose to do. If you want to adopt those children or make that young gentleman realize his potential–I'll be there. I just hope it's not too much for you, but if you feel you can do it, I will be there for you. That's all that matters to me."
"Thanks, Mom and Dad."
"Now, tell us about this donor you chose?" Mom asked excitedly.
"I narrowed it down to two choices, and in the end, I did a bit of a childish thing. I played eenie-meenie-miney-mo. Both candidates were what I was after. The only differences were hair color. I wasn't very particular about that, and the game seemed to be the only option out." My father was laughing when I told them this. "I know it was childish, Dad," I said as I laughed along with him.
"The gentleman I went with was the blond haired donor. He is an architect, catholic–which are our beliefs, he is 6"3' and is of muscular slim build. The list of sports he played at the private school he attended were baseball, football, and swimming. He still partakes and enjoys all three now. His grandparents came from Ireland and started off with nothing, and as the generations came along, they worked hard to send their kids to private schools and universities–just like the both of you. I thought this was vital. He has won some awards for his work. The only medical history of any kind was diabetes which came from old age, but apart from that, they are pretty healthy. He had baby photos attached, and he was a very cute baby, very blond and curly hair. He had stellar reports from co-workers and employers, all saying that he was funny and quiet at the same time. He's a hard worker and likes to take on challenges. He knows when to have fun and when to be serious in the workplace as well. Always on time and ready to go the extra mile to help anyone that needs it. So all in all, I think it is a win-win. He doesn't want to know when the child turns eighteen either, and that's a big thing for me. What do you both think?"
"By the sounds of it, you could not have picked a better candidate. He sounds like he is very well put together young man and an excellent choice for your baby's father. When do you next go and see Dr. Cullen?"
"I have an appointment next week–same time and day–but I told him I would call him about the twins around Wednesday. I needed to speak to you and think about what I really wanted to do. Now that I know what I am thinking of doing, I will call him tomorrow and let him know that I want to meet them. After hearing Dr. Cullen describe the, I think they are just frightened three year-olds."
"I am sure they are, Bella, and I think it's wonderful what you are going to do. Have you thought about what would happen if your plan doesn't work? What happens if he still wants to give the children up?" my father asked.
"I'm hoping I'll have some time on my hands to think more about it. I'm sure that it won't come to that, well, I'm hoping, anyway."
"Let's hope for his sake he learns to open his heart and realize what is in front of him," my mother commented.
I really hope he does realize what he has; there are so many people out there that want children and to give up on two that were your brother's seems like he would be dishonoring his bother.
I helped Mom clean the table and put the dishes in the dishwasher. Once everything was done, I decided I wanted to spend some more time just hanging with my parents. I made myself a cup of tea and walked into their living room. Dad had the baseball game going, and Mom was sitting in her chair knitting. This was just what the doctor ordered, mind numbing TV.
~~~***~~~T H~~~***~~~
Monday morning had arrived too soon; I enjoyed my weekend break at my parent's house. It was nice and relaxing and just what I needed. I was able to sit and really think about how I could help the twins for Carlisle.
Today I was having lunch with Char and Kate, to let them know how my appointment went–and what else had happened to me at the appointment. I needed to make sure my girlfriends were still behind me once I told them what I was taking on. I knew they would be, but I needed the reassurance from them.
I was running late for lunch which I hate doing. I called the restaurant to let them know and texted my friends, too, just in case they were also running late. By the time I got there, I was fifteen minutes late! I left my car with the valet and went inside; both my friends were at the table. I couldn't be bothered waiting for the Maître de–I just walked straight over to the table, sat down in one of the spare chairs, and apologized profusely to my friends.
We caught up on what we did for the weekend and ordered our meals and drinks. After the drinks and the entrees had arrived, been eaten, and taken away, and we had caught up on their weekends, Kate started firing off questions.
"Bella, you've heard all about our weekends. I'm anxious to know how your appointment went with Dr. Cullen. What happened? When are you getting started? What are you actually doing? When will I be an Auntie?"
Char and I were laughing at her when she realized she needed to take a breath.
"Kate, I feel you're more excited about this than I am!" I went on to tell them everything that had happened with my appointment with Dr. Cullen, and when I finished, they were staring at me stunned.
"Bella, are you sure you can take all this on with the schedule you have at the moment?"
"Actually I can. My children's book is nearly finished and ready to be sent off and edited. The other book I finished two weeks ago, and it is already with Senna. Once she is done with them, she will send back for the final draft which you know won't take me long. Then it's in the hands of Zafrina. I know that the books are ahead of time. They will hit the stores until May next year–by the time the publishers get their work done. I've even started on the next books for the year after. I thought if I at least started them and was a little ahead, it would give me time in case real life got on top of me."
"Wow, Bella. I can't believe how organized you are and how prepared you are for what's going to happen. You've got to be the most organized person I know, and I am a mother," Char complemented me.
"Bella, are you sure you really want to take on these two twins? Aren't you worried about it overwhelming you?"
"No, Kate. I feel this is the path I should be taking. If I can help this gentleman realize what he's missing out on–with not having his brother's family in his life, then it'll be worth it. I can't imagine what he's going through, but from what Dr. Cullen tells me about him, he's lost a lot and closed off his heart to his whole family. All he seems to be doing is working and not a lot of living. He lost both of his parents and now his brother and sister-in-law in accidents. I am sure that would crush all of us as well, and I'm amazed he's still able to get out of bed to go to work. I know if it was me, and I had lost my parents and then a brother and sister in law, I would be an emotional wreck. I probably would push all of you away as well thinking I didn't deserve happiness. He just needs to see that he's worthy of happiness." I declared.
"I agree with what you are saying, Bella, but please make sure your health is put first when you're doing this. Promise me that you wont stress or put yourself in harm's way whenever possible," Kate said.
I understood where she was coming from, and I was lucky that I had the family around that was willing to help where needed. I knew this gentleman did as well; he just chose not to acknowledge the fact that he did. I had no idea what was going on in his head or how he was processing what had happened to him, but I was sure that I could help out.
We talked longer over every aspect of what I was going to do to help, and then the conversation changed; we started talking about what we were going to do on the upcoming weekend. We'd decided that everyone would come over and have a barbeque at my house, since the weather was starting to warm. We were also making plans for the school vacations and where we would go for them. We all had different ideas of where we wanted to go this year.
As lunch was rounding up, I told the girls I would call them tomorrow after I had spoken to Dr. Cullen and let them know when I was meeting the twins. We kissed and hugged goodbye and I drove home thinking over what I was going to say to Dr. Cullen.
~~~***~~~T H~~~***~~~
Tuesday started with phone calls from Senna telling me how much she love the two new books and how she could not believe how fast I had gotten them to her. I told her that I had already started the ones that follow these two. I told her that I was going to be taking some time off after these ones were written. She wanted to know why, and I told her that I was going through AI and would need a break for when the baby came.
She wanted to know when I was due, and I told her I was still in the process of starting and I would inform her once I was actually pregnant. Senna was excited I was starting my family and was glad that I was able to put the past behind me.
We talked for two hours going over the edits for the books. I asked her to email me what she wanted fixed, and I would get it back to her by the end of the week, if not next. I knew that I still had two months up my sleeve but I really wanted them to be finished before I started hormone treatment. I didn't need the stress of editing and revising hanging over my head.
Once I finished with Senna, I decided it was as good as time as any to call Dr. Cullen. This way, I'd be able to get on with the new books and not be interrupted.
I went to my office, pulled out his card, and called his cell.
It only rang twice before he answered.
"Dr. Cullen speaking"
"Good Morning, Carlisle. It's Bella."
"Hello, Bella. How has your morning been?"
"Very busy already. I am calling to see if it would be possible to meet with your nephew and the twins this week?"
"Off course, Bella. Let me talk with Edward, and I'll set up a time. Is there any day that you can't meet with them?"
"Apart from the appointment with you on Friday, I am free all week. If he can't do during the workweek, I'm available on Saturday. Sunday is out for me; I have a family function I'm hosting."
"How about we make a time and place now, and if it's not okay, I'll call back with an alternative. How does that sound?"
"Perfect, Carlisle. How about we plan for Saturday? We can have a picnic lunch in Central Park. We can meet at 11:00 a.m., and then after we eat, we can take the twins to the zoo. I'll bring the food, and I would love for you and your wife to be there."
"Bella, that sounds perfect! I'll see you on Friday; if it needs to be done earlier, I'll call you and let you know."
"Have a lovely week, Carlisle; I'll see you on Friday."
"See you then, Bella."
I said good-bye and hung up. I thought about what to cook for the picnic and made a list of what to get at the grocery store later in the day. I jumped on the Internet to see what attractions were at the zoo. There were lists of what animals they had there and what the feeding schedule was for them. I printed them out just to give us some ideas of what was available. I didn't want to plan too much, just in case the twins weren't comfortable with some of the animals.
I went down stairs made myself a sandwich for lunch, got a glass of lemonade, cleaned up, and then ventured back to my study to eat lunch and keep going with my novel. I couldn't believe I had only been working on it a month and was nearly halfway through already. I knew once I had finished this story, I'd start on the new children's fairy tale. I had it all mapped out, and I knew it would write itself just like this novel was.
I was excited to have them finished. I knew once the baby came, I wouldn't have as much time to devote to these stories, and it was nice to know that they would be finished. It would give me time to spend with the baby and even if he or she had a bad night, I knew the next day I could devote my time to them instead of feeling guilty of letting my readers down.
All in all, I was proud of myself for being able to make it through the breakup and now I was proud to be able to move on and allocate time for what I wanted in my life.
Authors Note:
I would like to thank you all for your reviews the last three weeks. I am not sure what has happened or where you gorgeous readers have been talking about my story, but since I last posted the readers, followers, favourite's have quadrupled if not more. Thank you to all of you, that read, recommend, tweet, chat, and blog my story.
I am not sure if any of you are aware that Australia has the Voice going at the moment, we are in our second season, those of you that are Australian, you cant miss it. We have been treated to this young gentleman called Harrison. I have attached the youtube footage for you to check out… let me know if you think he is a young RP. I see it, but I am not sure if I am just seeing it for the sake of it.
There are two clips: (Just take out the spacing)
www. youtube watch?v=dfrWYT_sROI
www. youtube watch?v=EQ9JRlrhZn4
Thank you again everyone.
Fiorella