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Tangled Hearts – Chapter 9
Faith makes all things possible. Love makes them easy.
June 2010
BPOV
It's Monday and today I'm meeting the girls for our once a month lunch. I wanted to get their prospective on what I was thinking of doing. I knew they would be by my side no matter what I chose to do, but I wanted to get their approval and thoughts.
They wouldn't be able to change my mind, but I always value their opinions. I'm a stubborn person and once I decide something, I stick to it. I've never been wishy-washy and I'm not going to start now.
I was sitting at Joe's Shanghai's in Manhattan; I had been craving a good dumpling and this was the place to get them. Their crab and pork soup had me salivating at the mouth. I was thinking of ordering a serving before the girls got here because there were so mouth-watering.
I didn't have to wait long when I saw my girls walk in the door. We greeted each other and sat and looked over the menu. We decided that we would each pick out two different dumplings each and just share, it was our normal tradition when we came here.
Once our order was taken, we all started asking questions on what we had been doing since we last saw each other. Charlotte had been busy with the kids and work, Peter had been doing most of the after school activities as Char had a huge case coming up. Kate and Garrett had been taking it easy on the weekends, just hanging out at home. Kate was telling us about Garrett's new job that was starting in two weeks that would take him out of town for a month: She was not looking forward to being a single parent until he got back.
I was both excited and nervous to tell them what had been happening in my life. I was not sure how they were going to react to the news I had to tell them.
"Bella, you seem quiet today, is everything alright?" Char asked me.
"Yes and no, I have news for you about my AI. I spoke with Dr. Cullen and I am going ahead with it. I have an appointment on Friday with him to start the hormone treatment and then in a month's time we will do the implantation. I also picked a daddy donor. It was quite funny how it all went down in the end." I started telling the girls about the donor and how I ended up choosing the guy. We all had a laugh about the Eenie Meenie Miney Mo game I played to choose the donor.
"We have the yes part Bella, what is with the no?" Kate was never one to forget anything.
I took a deep breath and let it out slowly; it was now or never!
"While I was at my appointment on Friday with Dr. Cullen, he put a proposition on the table for me. He has this nephew who has lost his whole family. From what I can gather, he lost his parents first and only recently he lost his brother and sister-in-law. His nephew has been given guardianship of his brother's twin children, a girl and a boy. It seems that he is not coping well with looking after these kids. For whatever reason he wants to give them up for adoption. Dr. Cullen asked if I would be interested in either adopting them or, from what I can really gather from what is going down, they want me to help him realize that he really does not want to give up the kids." I paused and looked from Kate to Char and they were both sitting there stunned.
"I have spoken to Mom and Dad about it. At first they were a bit sceptical but we talked about it all weekend. We talked about how hard it will be to go through AI and look after twins. We talked about the strain on my body and mind, and I feel that I can do it. Before you both go nuts at me, hear me out."
"Sweetie, I do have some questions, but please finish what you have to tell us." Kate said–always the mother.
"Instead of adopting the kids, I thought I could help him. Not just with looking after the kids, but also with realizing that he really does not want to let them go and out of his life. I know if they were my brother's kids there would be no way I would give them up for anything, even if I was having a hard time. I feel like he needs someone to show him how wonderful being a parent he can be. Someone who can show him that he can have his career and the kids as well. I know that he must be going through a hard time right now. If the kids look anything like his deceased family, I can only imagine why he doesn't want to look after them. But all the same I feel he needs to grow up. I'm not sure if he is a spoiled rich boy, or if he has just closed himself off. I know that I can help him and his family, and I want to do it."
I had finished my spiel and I was sure that Kate and Char had lots of questions for me. I was sure they would be the same as my parent's questions. It didn't really matter, because at the end of the day, I was going to help this man realize his potential.
"Wow, you really have thought about this. I'm sure that your parents have drilled you into the ground with questions, and if they could not sway you, then there is no hope that we can. I'll be there to help with whatever I can Bella, but are you one hundred per cent sure that you'll be able to do this with your workload and hormone treatments?" Kate asked.
"Kate, the reason I'm able to do it is because I am ahead in my workload. I have finished the Ware book already and the children's book is nearly done. If I put my mind to it, I am sure it will be done before the treatments start, and that is how I wanted it. I wanted to be relaxed and focused on AI. I know that there will be editing changes and drawings to look at but that is the easy part. I really think I can do this!"
"I am sure you can, actually you would be the only person crazy enough to do something like this," Char said.
We continued with the conversation and I told them what my parents asked and my answers to their questions. Kate and Char had a few others questions, and I was able to answer them. They both hinted, that they wanted to come to the first meeting but I thought that I should just keep it to family. Mom and dad were staying the weekend, so they could meet the Cullen family. I had a feeling my father was mainly coming to make sure I would not be taken for a fool.
By the time we finished with our main course, we had exhausted the topic and were moving on to others. We ordered desert and coffee, just to make sure we over indulged. I told the girls I would call them after Friday's appointment and let them know how it went. We hugged and kissed good-bye and went our separate ways. I realized I loved my monthly lunch with the girls, it was always nice with the kids around but sometimes it was nice just the three of us.
~~~***~~~T H~~~***~~~
The rest of the week went by so fast. I couldn't believe I was meeting with the twins today already. I got a call from Dr. Cullen on Wednesday saying that his whole family was coming to the park, so I asked if it was okay if I did the same.
I called Char and Kate and invited all of them to come along.
Before meeting Dr. Cullen and his family in the park, I was meeting up with my family for breakfast. Our plan was to all head to the park together.
I was excited and nervous all at the same time. Excited to meet these two children and nervous to meet their guardian. I was not sure what to expect with him. What would he think of me? I had to push those questions aside for now, otherwise the nerves would take over and send me praying to the porcelain Gods. That was the last thing I really wanted.
It was 8:30 a.m. and I was standing outside of Alice's Tea Cup on 64th Street with my mom and dad, waiting for the rest of my family to turn up.
"Sweetheart, maybe we should get our table and wait for everyone inside?" my father said questioningly.
"We should let them know that we are here for our reservation. Let's go in."
As we walked into the restaurant, I couldn't believe my eyes, it was the first time I had been here and it was Kate's idea. She said she brings her little girl here once in a while for their girl's day out.
It was everything a little girl could wish for if they loved Alice in Wonderland. Everything in the rooms were large, it made you feel like you were Alice trying to reach for the key on the table. The 3D effects they used on the walls were amazing, and it did feel like the room went on and on and on.
I was excited to be eating here. This took me back to my childhood and watching Alice in Wonderland on video and wishing I could fall down the rabbit hole and find a fantasy land to play in. The amount of times my mother would shake her head at me when I would come in dirty from playing in the yard. She would ask me what I'd been doing and I would say innocently "I was looking for the rabbit!" as if it was a normal thing to do.
I couldn't wait to have a little girl and bring her here on our girly days; we would have so much fun.
We had only been seated for a few minutes when I heard my name being called by the sweetest voice.
"Auntie Bella, Auntie Bella, is this place cool or what? Look at my fairy wings? Do you have some fairy wings? You should ask for some and then you can be like me and Courtney, you want to be like us don't you?" Amanda yelled as she was ran over to me. I giggled at her, she was always so full of energy and talked a mile a minute. I was amazed if anyone could get a word in with her being around.
"Mandy, sweetie, where is my hug and kiss first." I pulled her into my lap to kiss all over her face as she squealed and laughed. I loved that sound more than anything in the world. "Before I answer your so, so, soooo many questions… hmmm, and what were they again?"
"Auntie Bella you are soooo forgetful. Should I write them down for you? You know I am getting better at my writing. Mommy and I practice every day, and my reading is getting so much better too. I am trying to read Hansel and Gretel. Did you know they go into the woods and leave breadcrumbs so they can find their way back? I really like the book. Did you know that it was mommies favorite when she was my age?" Amanda kept firing questions at me and I kept nodding, wondering when she would take a breath. I was worried she was going to start turning purple soon.
Kate came over and put her hand on her daughter's shoulder and she stopped talking and looked up at her mother.
"Hey mommy, I was telling Auntie Bella all about Hansel and Gretel."
"I know darling, but how about you take a breath between all those questions and let Auntie Bella answer your questions."
"Sorry Auntie Bella, I get so excited when I am learning something new. I should let my brain catch up with my mouth sometimes. Daddy always says: 'my mouth is always so fast.'" She put her hand up to her mouth and giggled. "But don't tell daddy I told you that."
Both Bella and Kate broke into laugher. She had often heard Garrett tell Amanda that when she was over excited. Amanda jumped off Bella's lap and went to find her next victim to tell her stories to.
"Bella I am so sorry about her, she is just so excited about today. I feel sorry for the Cullen family, not only are they meeting all of us but they have two of the most hyperactive girls to contend with today. I am not sure they will be able to cope. I don't know how we are going to cope." Kate and I broke into laugher again after her statement.
I felt a tugging on my shirt and I turned my head to see who it was.
"Lucca, Christian, how are you both?" I said as I turned around to engulf them into a tight hug.
They both started talking at the same time, asking why we had to meet at a girlie restaurant, I guess they did not like all the frills and fairies.
"You see boys, it is not really just for girls. There are other boys here, but I understand that you don't like it. But the pancakes here are yummy and I'm sure if we ask we might be able to get you and extra scoop of ice cream to make up for all the girlie-ness you're being put though. Also, how about we ask them for a boy's drink for you, how does a chocolate malt milkshake sound?"
"Auntie Bella, that rocks. Can we have man glasses as well? Can we please ask for that as well? I don't want a pink glass, yuk!" Lucca asked. I looked over at Christian and he was nodding his head as well.
"I'll see what I can do for you both. How about you go and see what Grandpa Charlie has for you. I know he brought you boys something."
They both ran to the other end of the table where Charlie was sitting with the rest of the men.
We all ordered food and sat around talking about mundane things and just general conversation, catching up with all that had happened since we last saw each other. As time ticked on I was starting to get a little jittery and every one picked up on it straight away. My father put a hand on my shoulder, calming me down a little.
My father leaned over and whispered into my ear, "Bella they are going to love you, just be yourself and they will see what we all see. You don't have to prove anything to these people. If it doesn't work out, it is not going to matter. You're starting your AI soon and you will have the family you've always wanted."
I looked up at my father and I saw all the love I needed to get me though the day. As I looked around the table everyone was looking at me with the same way, they were all behind me and it calmed my nerves.
~~~***~~~T H~~~***~~~
We were all walking down 64th Street heading towards the park. I had arranged to meet Dr. Cullen and his family at the Carousel off 65th Street. Since we had decided to go to the zoo later that afternoon, the main attraction was at 2:30 p.m., feeding of the penguins. I was hoping to see the polar bears as well; I have always thought they were spectacular and amazing creatures for their size.
We had entered the park and I noticed the kids were getting excited. We only had to walk another ten minutes and we would be there. Christian and Lucca was holding on to my hands trying to make me walk faster toward the Carousel.
I was laughing at their enthusiasm. "Hey guys, it is not going to disappear before we get there. Let's enjoy the fresh air and the walk through the park. How often do you come to such a well-known and big park?"
I already knew the answer to this question, as both Kate and Char tried to get them here at least once a month and the Carousel was always their favourite place to come. That was the reason I suggested it.
"Auntie Bella, you know we come all the time. Come on let's go. I want to go for a ride on the horses. I am going to beat Christian in our horse race, you wait and see." Lucca was adamant with his comment.
Peter and Garrett had created a horse race between Christian and Lucca, and they always played fair giving them a go around at winning, but always made it fun and exciting race for them. Boys will be boys no matter what the age.
I was hoping that Dr. Cullen's nephew would join the men in the game with the boys being twins–it was fun to watch.
We were running twenty minutes early when we arrived at the Carousel and as I looked around to see if Dr. Cullen was here. I noticed a group of people sitting on the grass across the road way on the grass under some trees. I could tell that it was Dr. Cullen and his family, I told my family to stay there as I started to walk over.
As I approached the family I noticed it was as big as mine. There had to be at least twelve or more of them. I was getting excited at meeting them all; they looked like a fun group of people to hang around with. They were joking around, laughing and some were chasing the kids. I could not help but smile along with them. As I got closer, I saw Dr. Cullen near one of the trees, kneeling down talking eye to eye with one of the little ones, she had the ringlet curly hair that was bouncing around her face. I could see her face lighting up as he was talking to her. As I got closer I could see how crystal blue her eyes were. She was a stunning little girl and the only thought that came to mind was her parents had to be models.
She noticed I was approaching the family and she made Dr. Cullen aware of it as he turned to see what she was looking at.
He stood up and met me half way, "Bella it's good to see you. How has your morning been?"
"Hi Dr. Cullen, we have had a good morning; we went for breakfast and then walked through the park to come here. How has your morning been?"
"We had breakfast at Edward's and then came here. We have been here for a half an hour, letting the kids run off some excess energy," he said with a laugh.
"Come and meet the family, then we can go over and meet yours. Everyone is excited to meet you. Edward is a little bit nervous of what you are going to think of him, but just bear with him, he is going through a lot at the moment–he is second guessing every decision he makes."
"Dr. Cullen…" I was cut off. "Please Bella call me Carlisle we are not in the office and we are going to be spending a lot of time together over the next year."
"Sorry, Carlisle, I am just as nervous as him, so he has nothing to worry about. I am here to do what I can, to help him realize what he is will be missing out on. Come on, introduce me to your family, they look like they are having fun."
As we walked over, everyone had realized that Bella had arrived and was coming together to meet her.
As we got closer to Carlisle's family, I noticed that they all had good genes; they were all beautiful or handsome. We walked up to an attractive middle-aged woman; I was going to guess this was Carlisle's wife. She was about 5'8" and slender, she had striking bright green eyes and copper curly hair. Her skin was like porcelain smooth, but she was not white like me, she had a beautiful tan color. Her smile was welcoming and it calmed my nerves.
"Esme darling, I would like to introduce you to Isabella. She is one of my patients and is looking at adopting the twins."
Esme held out her hand and I took it in mine. I was amazed at how strong her handshake was. Nothing gets to me more than anything, than a limp handshake.
"Isabella, it is so nice to meet you, Carlisle has told me so much about you."
"I hope it has been all good! It is nice to meet you and your family as well."
"Come on then let go meet the rest of them, we shall introduce you to Edward and the twins first."
I followed Carlisle and Esme over to the rest of the family. I could pick the twins' a mile away, there was holding each other's hands and huddled together. I felt sorry for them, their lives had been thrown upside down and now they were meeting some strange woman. What must they be thinking?
"Edward, Benji, Tia, I would like you to meet Isabella, she is a friend of ours and we will be spending some time with her family today. Would you like that?" Esme said as she knelt down in front of the twins. I loved how this family got down on the kids' level to talk to them.
I watch both of the twins and their eyes, as they got as big as saucers, they were a little frightened, and I didn't want that. So I approached them slowly and went down to their level. I put my hand out to the boy first.
"Hi there, my name is Bella and I am here especially to meet you and your sister. Have you had a good day so far?"
He watched me carefully; I left my hand out just in case he would take it. I watched his eyes look at my face then to my hand and back to my face again. I could see that he was curious, I could see the different emotions cross his face. I was not sure what they were but I could tell he was deciding if he was going to shake my hand or not. I was prepared for what happened next. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed the girl lift her hand and take mine.
"Hi, I'm Tia, it's nice to meet you Bewwa."
I turned my head and looked at Tia. She had a big smile on her face and her eyes were sparkling.
"Well the pleasure is all mine Tia. Have you had a good day sweetie?"
She nodded her head. "Are you going to come on the ride wiff us? Did you know we are going to the zoo? I gunna see the bears and I gunna see Mumble too. You see Mumble with us?" Tia was bouncing on her feet, excited about going to the zoo.
I was still holding her hand, "I would love to see the bears and Mumble with you. I see that you are a fan of Happy Feet. Who is your favourite penguin?"
"Gloria silly, she and Mumble are friends and she is so pretty–likes you!"
I could feel myself blushing at what Tia had said. "Thank you sweetie. You are very cute as well." I thought I would try Benjamin again. "How about you, what would you like to see at the zoo this afternoon?"
Benjamin stared at me again and shrugged his shoulders. Then I watch him think about it. "Do…" he stopped, he looked up at who I assumed to be Edward and then back at me, "Do you fink they hab a lion there?"
"Hmm, I don't think they do, but they have snow leopards, polar bears, red panda's and most boys' favorite's snakes and fogs."
I watched Ben's eyes go big and sparkle with excitement. He turned around and looked up at Edward beside him.
"You ear that Unk Eddie, they have snakes and frogs. How cool is dat? Can we go now? You fink they have a cobra there? You know the one that spits its venom?"
I heard Edward start to laugh and I watch him bend down in front of Benjamin.
"Ben, we have to take the ladies on the horses first and then we'll have a picnic. After that I promise I shall take you to go and see the slimy, slithery snakes, but you have to remember that we also have to see what everyone else wants to see. Got it buddy?"
Ben nodded his head with extra enthusiasm and I don't think you could have removed the smile from his face if you tried.
Edward put his hand out to me. "Hi Isabella, I am Edward. I am Tia and Ben's uncle and guardian. Thank you for meeting us today."
We were still kneeling on the grass, I put my hand in his, and I felt a subtle spark pass though us, like a small electric shock. "Nice to meet you Edward. Please call me Bella, I prefer it."
"Bella, my uncle was telling me you came with your family," I watched him look around. "I don't seem to see them."
"I left them over near the Carousel. The kids were excited and wanted to ride it straight away. You know what kids can be like when they want something!"
Edward laughed lightly, "Yes I do; it is like a cat with a ball of wool. Bella would you like to meet the rest of the family? I can hear them getting restless behind me."
"Please, I would really like that."
I made to get up but Edward held out his hand again and helped me to stand up.
I heard a loud voice behind Edward, "See Benji, that is how you treat a lady. So no more pushing your sister around."
I watched Benjamin turn around to whoever said that and he said, "Unk Em, Tia no lady. She has girl germs. Nanna Mae the lady!" Ben said with such conviction that he even put his hands on his hips as he was stating the obvious.
Everyone just broke into laughing, until Tia piped up, "Is too a lady Ben see Aunt Ali made me one and a princess!" Tia was holding out her skirt to show Ben that because she was wearing a skirt, she was in fact a lady. Made sense to me.
I followed Edward, Tia, Ben, Carlisle and Esme over to everyone else. Carlisle looked over at me, "Bella please let me introduce you to the rest of my family."
I stepped out from behind Esme and stood beside Carlisle.
"Bella, I am going to start with the big fella on the end." I turned to my left and was staring in a chest as big as a football field. I moved my eyes up to the face that belonged to the body. "Bella this is Emmett, my son," I put out my hand and he shook it. I always thought I had big hands for girl, but mine were tiny compared to his bear paws.
"Nice to meet you Emmett," I said as I shook his hand.
"Next to him are his wife Rosalie and their children Luciana and the new arrival Natalya." I shook all their hands and smile sweetly at the baby.
"This is my other son Jasper and beside him is his wife Alice, and their children Sophia and Jayden." I shook all their hands and I still could not believe how stunningly beautiful they all were. They all looked like they walked off a photo shoot for Vogue. They did not look like they had been running around after their kids, their hair was immaculate and not a wisp out of place. I however looked like a hot mess after playing with Kate and Char's kids.
"So there you go, Bella. You have met the whole family, and on behalf of all of them I would like to welcome you. How about we pack up here and head over towards the Carousel where your family is and meet them?"
"I would love to introduce you all to my family and then we can all get to know each other. But before we go over there I would like to tell you all a bit about myself, if that is okay?"
"Bella that is not necessary at this stage if you don't want to."
"Actually Carlisle, I'd really like to give you a bit of background before we head over. Otherwise I'd be repeating myself all day." Carlisle nodded his head. "I am over the age of thirty, in case any of you are wondering. I am a published writer and I have two different book series out. I have one adult series that turned out to be more popular with the young adults and I have now ventured into children's books. I own my own town house on 65th Street. I was in a committed relationship but… well, that fell apart." I took a deep breath as I looked at them all. "I met Carlisle when I went in for a consult and the rest is history. You all know why I am here, so please feel free to ask me any questions you want and I will answer honestly. I would like to get to know all of you today. I will no doubt have questions for all of you as well. Before we head over to my family, let me also tell you that I am an only child but I brought my two best friends with me. They have children of their own; to them I am their auntie. My mother and father are both retired and live in the Bronx. My father was police chief of a small town called Forks in Washington and my mother was a teacher and now tutors some students. So that is a quick rundown on my family."
Everyone was quiet for a few seconds, I was expecting all different types of questions about me, but the one that was asked, I did not expect.
"Cuse me Bella," I looked to see who was speaking and realized it was Sophia.
"Yes sweetie," I knelt down again so I was on her level and looked straight at her.
"What book do you wite," I smiled at her
"I write about wares and fairies, have you heard off Tonya the Jeweled Fairy?" She nodded her head, "Well that is the one of the books I write."
"Are you serious, all the kids love that book series. I read them to Luciana every night, no matter how many times I read them she gets enjoyment out of them," Rosalie said.
"Well then I know that my job is done," I said smiling to all of them.
We started heading over to where the Carousel is and my family, was waiting. I was more comfortable now, the nervousness had left and I was excited to see where today would end. Even if I did not choose to adopt these two wonderful kids, I knew I had made some new friends.
As we approached my family everyone had gathered together to make the introduction easier. I stood beside my parents and Carlisle and Esme stepped in front of them.
"Mom, dad I would like to introduce you to Dr. and Mrs. Cullen. Esme and Carlisle this is my mother Renee and my father Charlie." They all shook hands and said hello to each other.
I then went through the whole family doing the introductions. I then turned to my family and started the introduction of them, and everyone shook hands and said hellos. My family had set up blankets and had the baskets ready for lunch. I had not realized I was with the Cullen's for over an hour, while we were chatting.
The men decided to take the children over to the Carousel for a while, while the ladies got to know each other better.
I heard Esme and Renee talking about how proud they were of their children and what they had achieved. Alice and Kate were talking about different schools in the area and what they did for a living. I was standing with Char and Rosalie and we were talking about Natalya. She was the most beautiful baby I had ever seen. She was the opposite of her sister; she had dark black hair with crystal blue eyes and was so happy. She was smiling and giggling as I held her, she was so light for being six months old. She had a lock of my hair in her hands and her blue eyes were staring at my face as I was talking to her.
"You're a natural Bella, I can understand now why you want to start your family and why you would consider taking on the twins. I will be honest with you, we were hoping that Edward would step up and take the kids on himself, but I understand why he doesn't want to. Benji is the splitting image of his father and little Tia is just like her mother. I feel for Edward. I wasn't around when he lost his parents but I started dating Emmett a few years after. Emmett told me he hasn't been the same since they died. We are doing all we can to get him back to his old self, and I thank you for all that you can do to help us."
"Rosalie, I will be honest with you. I know I'm out of my depth in this but let me tell you if I choose to adopt those kids, they will know your family their whole life. I will not take them away from that. You never know what will happen. He might wake up one day and regret this decision and I will more than willing to help him win their love back."
"Bella you truly do have a large heart. When Carlisle told us about this, I had my reservations about you. I thought who would really want to take on twins like you are thinking of. Now that I have met you, I understand. I hope you understand why none of us have stepped up to the plate?" I had wondered what Rosalie was talking about and I guess I am about to find out.
"I have wondered would you be willing to tell me?"
"We are hoping by making Edward realize that he has to give up his brother's kids that he might not go through with it. We are hoping that he will actually take responsibility for them, it was his brother's last request."
I could tell by the tone of Rosalie's voice that it was a sad topic and I made a promise I wouldn't bring it up for the rest of the day.
Once everything was set up, I volunteered to go and collect the guys and the kids for lunch.
As I walked up towards the Carousel I spotted Edward cradling a crying Tia. I slowed my pace so I could take more of the sight in. This was the first time I'd actually took notice of what Edward looked like. He was tall, I was guessing that he was 6'3" or taller, he had a muscular slim build with broad shoulders. I could tell by the shirt he was wearing that he looked after his body. I hadn't paid much attention before, but now I could see how chiselled his jaw was and to add to it, he had two days growth of beard. I could tell that he had lived, his skin was smooth but you could see wrinkle around his eyes and there were crease mark between his brows. His hair was all over the place, there was no controlling it by the looks. It was a darker shade of Esme's, more of a dark brown copper. You would actually not know it had copper in it unless he was in the sun. It looked soft enough that you could run your hands though it with ease.
If I met Edward in a club or a bar, I would actually talk to him, but I'd expect to see someone like Rosalie or Alice hanging off him. I can't see him dating someone like me. I see myself clearly, I just feel his type would be more upper class, someone like the Vanderbilt's. I would stick out like a sore thumb in that social crowd.
I shook my head and quickened my pace.
"Hey Edward, what happened to her; Sweetie, are you okay?"
I watched Tia nod her head; "The boys didn't want to include her into their race. Apparently it's a boy's only race."
"Oh, I see. Tia would you like me to tell you a secret?"
Tia nodded.
"The reason the boys had their race, because it was the only way we could get them on the Carousel. They thought the Carousel was for girls because of all the lights and music. So we came up with this game to get them to enjoy it." As I told Tia, the story, I didn't realize I was playing with her hair.
I looked up to Edward and was floored at the look he was giving me. When I realized not only was I comforting Tia, but I had leaned against Edward. "I am sorry," I said, as I straightened up.
"No that's okay, thank you for that. I wasn't sure of the reason why, but now it make sense why they were adamant not to let her join in even when Peter and Garrett said she could. Boys can be set in their ways."
"Especially those two, they are so used to tagging along to all the girl things, since both Peter and Garrett, have to work weekends most of the time. It was a little thing like that to make them feel special."
I looked at Tia, "Sweetie, do you want to come with me while your Uncle Edward gets everyone else lunch? Maybe you and I can come up with a girlie things for us to do at the Zoo." I smiled as she takes my hand with a nod.
As we were walking back to the picnic area, I think about all the animals I had seen on the website that were at the zoo. "Tia if I remember correctly they have Miniature Nubian Goats at the Zoo. How about we take Nanna to go and see them, or we can take Uncle Edward to go with us. I shall leave it up to you, but we won't let any of the other boys come along with us, unless you want them to come. How does that sound?"
Tia looked up at me, with a huge smile. "I get to pick who is wif me. I only wanna pick you, Unk Eddie and me, I can?"
"Yes sweetie, this is your choice."
Tia just nodded her head and kept walking, as we reached everyone else, Esme looked at me wondering what was going on. She was probably wondering why I had come back with Tia by myself.
"Tia, baby is everything alright?"
"Yes Nanna, the boys not let me race on the horsey wif them, it's a boys only race. Miss Bewwa let me see the goats, girl's only nanna otay. I pick Miss Bewwa, Unk Eddie and you, wif me. Baby goats Nanna!" She beamed up at Esme.
I explained to Esme what had happened quickly and she told Tia that she would love to see the baby goats with her. We heard everyone making his or her way over, I set Tia up with something to eat and started to get Benjamin ready as well. I asked Esme if there was anything either of them wouldn't eat and she told me they ate everything and were not allergic to anything either.
As I sat near my mother, I looked out over the blankets and it was nice to see everyone talking and getting along. There was laughter all around me and it felt good and I welcomed it. It had been a while since I was able to let myself go and enjoy myself.
After everything that had happened with Felix and since he was removed from my life, everything seemed rushed. I was able to sit back now and enjoy myself and that is what I planned to do.
I wanted to talk to Edward before we headed off to the Zoo about what I had promised Tia. I didn't want to over step the mark since he was their guardian, their parental figure.
Once I finished my lunch, I cleaned up and put my trash in the bin and made my way over to Edward.
The more I was around him the happier I seemed to get. It was like he was able to pull the residual sadness out of me. I had a feeling this was going to be a beautiful start to a good friendship. I could not think past that at this stage, my life was taking a turn for the better. I was moving forward and starting my own family and by the looks of it, I have extended it. The Cullen's would be part of my life while I went through AI. I have a good feeling that Tia and Benjamin were going to get the dad they should have. I could feel deep down that Edward loved those kids and even though he was confused at the moment. Eventually he will shock his whole family and keep the kids.
He might not know it now that this is what he wants but seeing him with Tia before, he had already stepped up to the plate unconsciously. I could see him in the future with more children. I could see him holding a little boy that was identical to him. Whoever the mother would be, she would be one lucky lady.
Authors Note:
Hi all, sorry this is late, late and late.
I have to say that RL has whooped my behind the last couple of months. With taking my brother to rehab and helping him through that, while my mother sat in the hospital with my father. We found out he had a brain tumour and they operated, there was complications to begin with but now he is doing better.
I hoped you like the chapter and with was worth the wait. Please feel free to leave a review.
Have a good weekend all.
FloraMile.