*Disclaimer - Sadly, I own nothing of Twilight with the exception of merchandise, bought and paid for. I do, however, own my love for borrowing the characters and playing with them however I choose to. I thank Stephenie Meyer for creating the TwiWorld and for allowing us to have our fun with it. She owns Twilight, the insanity it created in my mind is my own.

My beta reader is Shug, mistakes are mine.

Whatever Works

Falling Down

Edward gave me directions to the hospital, and I took a taxi there after getting Esme settled to stay home alone. I felt horrible – she had opened up and shared what I believed to be the absolute truth, and she was left raw and alone. I fully understood Edward; hating her manipulations but loving her too much to abandon her because of them. I was dying to know what Jessica had to do with anything, but the suspense would have to linger on until I could speak with her again. Edward came first, and of course with him came Evan.

Evan! My thoughts turned to him as we drove into the city. There had been some sort of accident. Edward said it wasn't too serious, but he was frantic and he couldn't get hold of Maggie while she was in class. The cab driver was kind enough to direct me to the proper place when he dropped me at the hospital. Inside, I panicked. I didn't know which name to ask for! Masen, Cullen, Mallory, Amun… he was just my Evan!

I was about to go back outside and call Esme – she would know – when I spotted Edward waving me over. He kept his foot in the door to keep it open but wrapped me in his arms when I ran to him.

"How is he?"

"We're waiting for a cast," he answered quietly. His was ashen and shaky. "His arm is broken."

"How are you?"

"I'm waiting for a drink. A strong one."

I stroked his cheek and smiled in encouragement. There was blood on the shoulder of his jacket. "You should get back to Evan. Is he alone?"

He popped his head back in the door to check on him. Finally, a small smile appeared. "He's right over there, flirting with a nurse. Want to come see him? I spoke with Ben – he's trying to get hold of Maggie."

I went through with him and rushed over to Evan. His arm was splinted and in a sling, and he had a bandage on his chin. Despite all of this, he removed the Popsicle from his mouth and smiled brightly at me as I went for a hug.

"Oh! Cold kiss!" I emoted when he kissed my cheek. "Your lips are frozen from your Popsicle!"

He stared at me like I had two heads. Edward snickered beside me, leaning down to issue a warning. "You're about to get told."

"I've got an ice lolly, Bella. See?" He held it up for me to examine and learn.

"See?" Edward whispered with a grin.

"I see. My mistake." I was tempted to coax him into saying it again, simply because he looked so adorable saying 'lolly'. Instead, I took another hug and ran my fingers through his hair as he snuggled against me. "I'm glad to see you enjoying your ice lolly. I was so worried about you when Daddy called!"

"I falled down!" he told me with enthusiasm. "We saw the trains, Bella! And Daddy took me on one! And we ate in the train station! Then we had another ride, and we went on one more train – underground! But it's not scary. I wasn't scared at all! And then we went on the big stairs and I falled down. On my chin!" He tipped his head back to show me.

"Four stitches," Edward announced. "Coming off the escalator."

"The stairs move, Bella! And they go fast at the end!"

"He kind of flew." Edward frowned. "On his tummy. And chin."

"Poor you!" I gave him an extra squeeze. "And you guys had so much fun before your accident! Does it hurt a lot?"

"My arm hurted. Daddy didn't like the blood."

"Chins bleed a lot, apparently." Edward grimaced as he hung his head.

"Hey, you!" All heads turned at the sound of Maggie's voice, and I stepped away to let her at her son. "Oh, look at you! All bandaged up, and you still managed an icy lolly, huh?"

"I falled down! Daddy took me on a train, Mummy! A big one! And then we had lunch in the train station, and then we rode another train and went under the ground. And then we went on the moving stairs and they go really fast, Mummy! So fast! I falled at the end."

"Escalator," Edward mumbled. "I don't know what happened. He was right there in front of me, and then he just flew –"

"On my chin!" They went through the exact routine with Maggie as they had with me.

"Four stitches. There's a hairline fracture just above his wrist. He needs a cast. I'm sorry."

"For what? Taking Ev out for a fun day? Seems to me that's what he's focused on, despite the stitches and cast."

I could have hugged Maggie at that point. Edward had looked sick throughout both recounts of their day. I knew he would feel guilty.

"Can we go back, Daddy?"

"Sure, buddy."

"Tomorrow?"

Both of his parents laughed. "Maybe not tomorrow, Ev. Mummy's going to stay home with you tomorrow, and we'll have a lazy day together. Maybe we won't even get dressed! What do you think?"

"My jacket has dirt." Evan tucked his lips away in what I'd come to know as his bashful expression.

Edward grimaced. "There's some blood…"

"Daddy didn't like the blood. I falled on my chin, and Daddy said a naughty word!"

"I said a few," Edward confessed when Maggie smirked at him.

"And someone nearly stepped on me! And Daddy picked me up, and the nice man came and got us. But no woo-woo's!"

"He wanted the siren on in the ambulance."

"Well, maybe next time, huh?" Maggie gave Edward a nudge as she smiled at him.

"You're not funny, Mags. You've never been funny."

"And you used to be more fun, Edward."

"Daddy is fun!" Evan frowned as he scolded his mother.

Edward winked at his son before bending down at his bedside. "We'll have lots more fun together, buddy. I promise. I'm really sorry I didn't catch you in time today. I'll try to do better next time. Can I come see you tomorrow?"

"Of course you can!" Maggie jumped in. "We won't be dressed though. I do mean to have a lazy day."

We waited for Evan's arm to be put in a hard cast before parting ways. I dragged Edward into the nearest pub. He deserved a drink after the day he'd had.

"It was so bizarre… it's like everything slowed down except Evan. He seriously flew! I was watching him as he stepped off the escalator, and his legs were going impossibly fast. I didn't even think about it being an issue, stepping off. I carried him the first time, but he wanted to stand when we came home. He literally ran – full-speed – and I knew he was gonna take a tumble, but I couldn't get to him. So he went down, and it's like he was body surfing across the platform! I don't know how the hell nobody managed to walk on him. He only stopped sliding when he hit the post."

"When he goes, he goes hard," I commiserated. "I'm so sorry that ruined your day. He was so excited."

"That makes it worse! He had such a great time, and I was feeling so good about it. I was so tense, initially – worrying about people bothering us. I don't want Evan exposed to that, but I don't want to hide away with him either. It was perfect. We were just a father and son riding the train. Nobody really paid attention. Suddenly, we're a father and son going in the ambulance. Fuck."

Here we go with more unwarranted guilt… "Accidents happen, Edward. Evan doesn't blame you, so don't blame yourself." There was no way I could tell him about my conversation with Esme. Dealing with Evan was more than enough.

~ 0 ~

We stopped by Maggie's house the following day, bringing lunch for both of them, as well as ice cream and coloring books for Evan. He was 'a touch crabby,' according to his mother, but otherwise holding up just fine. She figured he needed another day of being lazy before attempting to go anywhere. Edward called to check on him before bedtime, and returned on his own for a visit the following day. While he was gone, Esme and I made an oath not to burden Edward with anything more at the moment. I didn't question her further about Jessica. I hated speaking of Edward's business without his knowledge. It killed me having to hold back when he was being so open with me. Evan needed everything from him right now, and I wouldn't make it harder for him.

When Maggie brought him over in the morning she went back to school, Evan was as chipper as ever and went off to relate his eventful day to Maymay. Maggie was a bit weepy watching him run off.

"He's one resilient little boy," she marvelled. "No matter what he's handed, he just accepts it and goes about his day."

"Hmm. Kind of like his Mum," Edward remarked with a warm smile for her.

Glancing at me, she shook her head. "I don't even know this guy – responsible and sweet? You've created the perfect Edward!"

Edward was blushing furiously. Cute. "It's his own doing," I replied. "The latest version of the Evolution of Edward."

"No. He was still a cocky arse a year ago. He still thought he could get by on his good looks and charm. Zero contact for more than two years, and he acted like he was saving the day with one bloody phone call! It was a different story once he actually met his son. The attitude definitely changed, thank Christ. This is new though," she mused. "This is something I've never seen. Edward – content? In love?"

He blushed even more intensely, rubbing at his hair and chuckling.

"Uh-huh. Right on both counts." She teased him with a wide smile. "Evan may get cranky 'round noon. His medicine is in his bag. It should be easy to get him down for a nap after that. I'm keeping my phone on vibrate. If you need me, call."

Edward nodded, holding the door open for her. "I won't take him out anywhere. He should be safe enough here."

With a groan, Maggie turned to him and grabbed onto the front of his shirt with both fists. "Don't do that. This arrangement we have is working out beautifully. I love you for it, you know? I don't ever want to do the blame game – it would have been easy to, straight away when I discovered the unintentional gift you gave me, but I never did. Don't you do it now. Just be his dad, like you've been doing."

I knew Edward well enough to know he was choking back emotion. He wrapped his little porcelain doll in a hug and kissed the top of her head before sending her off. I then wrapped him in a hug, kissing his chin because for one, it's what I could reach and two, I had a major thing for his chin. And his jaw. And his neck and earlobes…

And mostly, his heart.

~ 0 ~

I stuck close by father and son whenever Esme was with them. I dreaded her critiquing anything about Edward, and I was terrified she would make her full confession. It was definitely not the time to come clean. I also prayed that if and when Edward found out that she had told me, he would forgive me for not running straight to him with it. At this point, I just wanted him to get through Evan's injury and then attempt to bury the hatchet on the past entirely.

She never brought up our talk or expanded on it. As for Jessica, did I really want to know anything about her? She was gone. It seemed as though getting her last deception off her chest, at least to me, set Esme on the path to great improvement. Her wheelchair was a thing of the past. She used her walker when she felt weak after a therapy session but otherwise stuck to using canes. She seemed very determined to make a full recovery, and that included doting on Edward. We had a few exchanges over that – I knew that he wanted to make it on his own. Support was one thing; doing everything for him was another. Really, there's nothing more pathetic than a full grown man who has his mommy washing his underwear.

Edward rarely spoke of his mother's turn-around once we were alone upstairs. That was our time – we'd snuggle and watch a movie together or laugh over Evan's antics. We compiled a Christmas list as December grew near. I hadn't slept in my own bed for weeks, and Edward still managed to catch me by surprise with a sweet gesture or aggressive move when we made love. Did I mention that he's the perfect boyfriend?

Of course, it was easier for him to morph into that role now that he was in a relaxed environment without constant angst or cameras flashing. Edward Masen didn't live here, only my Edward. I was lulled into a false sense of security. Reality smacked me hard when it was time for him to go off to promote a film that was about to be released. He was irritable, to say the least, as the time grew nearer.

"Mother, I do believe I know how to pack. I've done it a few thousand times," he snapped at Esme when she asked if he had his tux. "And before you ask, no, I'm not wearing the same thing to both premieres. In fact, I may just go as I am to both. It's not like it will matter."

"I'd like to see you in a suit again," I whispered in an attempt to soothe his irritation. "Smile pretty for me when they take your picture."

He huffed and rolled his eyes, but a smile slowly emerged. "You keep smiling when they start plastering pictures of me with my co-stars. Deal?"

"Pfft!" I rolled my eyes in return but didn't smile so much. "Did you…?"

"No."

"With any of them?"

"No," he reiterated. "I was never involved with any of them. Nor shall I be. I'm in a relationship, you know."

I knew that. It didn't make it any easier watching the clips of him on the red carpet with gorgeous young actresses surrounding him and hundreds of screaming girls all touching him at any opportunity.

"Oh, he looks so handsome!" Esme commented with a proud smile when she saw him. He did. Why did he have to look so good?

'Edward! How does it feel to be so adored?' A gushing reporter nabbed him in one clip.

'Um… another day at work? I don't know. I don't get people screaming for me at home, that's for sure.'

'Do we take that to mean you're single?'

'Uh…' He looked off to the side, probably for help as he laughed nervously. I chewed on my fingernail waiting for his response. None came from him.

The reporter chuckled as he wandered off to the next grouping, and the network cut to the studio announcer. 'Well, well! We will take that as a 'no comment' then! Definitely not a denial, but no admission either. That could explain the absence of wild nights out, but really – no screaming at home? I'd bet there are more than a few willing to scream for Edward Masen, no matter where!'

I rolled my eyes along with Esme. And of course, I teased him about it when he called next. I missed the sound of his laughter. I missed his scent and the feel of his arms around me when I went to bed. His next stop was Japan, and the topic du jour was his relationship status.

'Tell us, Edward, is there a special lady in your life?'

His smile lit up the screen. I melted into a puddle. 'No one's asked me about cheese… do you not like cheese in Japan?'

That threw the Japanese gossip hound off completely. No response to that. Edward chuckled and moved on. I thumped my feet on the floor, whooping with delight. He was grumpy when he called after that premiere.

"Nice evasion," I commented. "Was the cheese comment for me?"

"Mmm. I've only been back at this for a week and I'm sick of it already. They've got me booked for another day of interviews, and I can't even bring you along for this one. I'll be in Belgium."

"Getting closer. I'll be thinking of you."

"Mike's on my ass to cool it. Apparently, I've been wearing a sappy grin every time I'm questioned about my personal life." His mood just wasn't being lightened by any of my attempts. "Evidently, that reads as, 'yes, I'm taken.' So fucking what? I'm selling a bloody movie, not myself!"

"You're selling Edward Masen," I reminded him. "That's not who you are."

"So, you don't care if I lie and say I'm single?"

I paused.

"That's what I thought. Bella, it's unfair to you. I don't want to dismiss my feelings for you to anyone. Yet, I don't want you exposed to the kind of scum that would follow me around to expose you as my girlfriend."

"I understand," I told him quietly.

"We have to go through two more of these stints for the next movies – that's what Mike's concerned with. I hate this. I never should have done them. God… a year ago, none of it mattered. I couldn't go out, regardless – it was better to work constantly and earn the big pay check. Now, I'm terrified they will make it worse. What if we can't go out at home now? Do I have to ask Jake and Sam to come work for me in London? Hire new people? I don't want us to be surrounded by people, constantly – no matter who they are."

"Look on the bright side – maybe the movies will flop," I joked light-heartedly.

The sound of his low laugh warmed my heart. "I can be quite lucky. Maybe they will. One was only picked up for release in the US, and the other may not even be released. Who knows. Anyway, I'll call you from Brussels."

~ 0 ~

His call came late – I was already asleep. It was even later for him, but he was wide awake… and wasted. I was instantly irritated with his nonsensical ramblings in slurred words. It didn't help that he was calling from the back of a taxi on his way to his hotel. He wasn't alone, and all I could imagine was the entourage Mike would have him with. A car filled with gorgeous women. It was good that he remembered me despite his current state, but how much would a girlfriend mean once he got into a room at the hotel and was surrounded by temptation?

"Bella, Bella… hang on. We're here. It's gonna get noisy. Wait for me?"

"Edward, it's late. I have a really busy day tomorrow that starts very early." A little reminder of reality couldn't hurt, even if it did come out sounding bitchy. I felt bitchy.

"Wait? Please? Just until I'm in." There were cackles and comments uttered in the background that I couldn't make out. They sounded sexual in nature. "Fuck. These jackasses are killing me. I want to be in you so fucking bad. I should blow off everything and just fly home to you right now. Spend the day licking you…"

So much for reality. I was living alone in it, apparently. "And we'd do what with Evan while you're licking me? Edward, I have to take your mother to the doctor in the morning… with Evan. I have to get some sleep. Sounds like you should, too."

There was a brief pause. I would have thought he hung up me, but there was still background noise. "I'm sorry," he said softly. "I should be there to help you. I know I'm not… shit!" His words were cut off with a clamouring sound, followed by a fit of laughter.

"Edward?"

"Bella? Hey, it's Emmett. How're you doing?"

"Emmett?" A smile erupted. Emmett was with him! He'd be safe. "What happened?"

"Well, our boy just took a tumble out of the car. He's probably not damaged. But he finds it incredibly amusing."

"He's drunk."

"A little, yeah. Rose had a gig – we went out afterwards. Too bad you're not here with us. It was a fun night. You have to see Rosie in action!"

I smiled ruefully. I missed all of them and felt horrible for ruining Edward's buzz with my gripes. He deserved a night out with his sister and his best friend. "I do. I will. Say hi to Rose for me. And take care of Edward… I think I brought him down."

Emmett chuckled into Edward's phone. "I think clumsiness took him out. His sister isn't helping. She's sitting on the curb with him, both giggling fools. I may have to do some carrying!"

I could picture him flexing and gloating in my mind as we said our goodbyes. And I could picture Edward laughing with his sister. Burying my jealousy over not being there with them, I wished him a silent good night as I hugged his pillow and forced myself to sleep.

A/N ~ A bit of angst coming up in the next update when Edward returns. It won't be horrible, but you have been forewarned! ;)
Thanks to all still reading. Welcome to those just finding me. :) For everyone who takes the time to leave a comment... gah! I cannot express what your encouragement means to me right now. Thank you. See ya next week! XX ~ SR