Hey guys, so sorry for the delay with this chapter - work has been slowly destroying me and it's left me with hardly any time. But it's here now!
3 separate POV's in this.
Wee warning with this one - don't kill me.
Chapter 17
Cooper.
The day didn't start off too well, 'cause y'know my guinea pig Gary? Yeah, well he died during the night - it was real sad. Padre found him when he gave them their breakfast and he came and told me. I thought I was gonna cry it was that sad! Padre doesn't know how he died, but he said he'd look into it and tell me when he knows. I think my other guinea pig, Paul, is gonna be real sad that he lost his brother. I know I would be real sad if it happened to Marco.
But then things got better, 'cause a week later Padre came home from work and said he had somewhere to take me! I didn't know where we were going, but it was gonna be a fun adventure.
I said goodbye to Madre and kissed the Twins on the head before we left. In the car, I asked Padre more about our trip.
"So, Padre, is it a fun place that we're going to?"
He smiled, "I'm certain you're going to like it. We're going to one of my co-worker's house."
That sounded real boring to me; my Padre isn't boring, but some of the people he works with are. "But why are we going there?"
"Because he has something to show you."
About ten minutes later he turned the car into a small street and followed the road until we reached the house. It was a lot smaller than our house, and had a big blue car in the drive way. It had a tiny front yard and I was real glad we didn't live there 'cause I couldn't play with Flash in a yard that small! In the front window there was a big Christmas tree covered in bright lights. I was so excited for Christmas.
I was pretty nervous when we walked to the front door, 'cause I didn't know the person and I'm not confident when I meet someone I don't know. But when the man answered the door I liked him 'cause y'know what he had? A real big beard! It was ginger and much bigger than my real dad, Garrett's. He had a big belly too, and was wearing work clothes like my Padre.
"Hi, Steven; thanks for doing this." Padre shook Steven's hand and then introduced me. "This is my son, Cooper. Coop, this is my buddy, Steven." I didn't know he had a buddy called Steven, but apparently he does!
"Hey, Cooper - it's nice to meet you."
"Hi..." I waved, but I was still kinda shy.
"Well if you two want to follow me this way." Steven turned and walked down the hallway until we reached the back door.
"What are we doing, Padre?"
Padre knelt down and put his hand on my shoulder. "This morning Steven told me about his daughter's rabbit who just had kits. D'ya know what 'kits' are?"
I had to think for a bit. "Um... is that what you call a litter of bunnies?"
"Yeah, pretty much. I know how upset you were with Gary and you've been such a good boy recently that I thought we could come and have a look at them."
I had a massive smile on my face. "Are we getting a bunny?!"
Padre nodded. "If like the look of one of them and you're sure you'll take great care of it, then yes, you can get a bunny."
I hugged him real tight. "Thank you, Padre! I will take loads of care of it, I promise! Y'know how good I am with our pets and I'll make sure they get the best care ever!"
Steven took us outside to a shed that his rabbit lived in and told me to be very quiet. Padre and Steven were talking 'bout the 'dam' and where the 'sire' was. I wasn't sure what they meant, but Padre told me it meant the mommy and daddy rabbit. He said the bunnies were three weeks old and that I could take one home in a few weeks, so after Christmas!
The bunnies were snuggled up in a small box in the hutch and it was lined with soft blankets. There was three does and one buck, so that means three girls and one boy.
The mommy rabbit was in a different area of the hutch from her babies, but that's so that Steven can wean them off each other and sell the bunnies to new homes.
Steven also said that they are English Spot rabbits, but I knew that already 'cause of the spots of colour on their backs and their big ears but small body shape. All the bunnies were real cute, and most were pretty calm - which is what I like 'cause, y'know, it's easier to tame - but there was one bunny that I liked more! She was unusual and different than the other ones 'cause they all had black spots, but she had grey ones! She had grey splotches all down her back, around her sides, on her nose and her ears were completely grey and I thought she was beautiful! I could tell we'd have so much fun together.
Steven asked if I wanted to hold her and I said yes immediately! She was real small, and Steven held her in one hand. But 'cause I don't have big hands I had to use two.
"I like this one, Padre." I held the bunny to my chest - I haven't had a rabbit before, but I'm not stupid; I know how to look after them.
"I think she likes you, Coop."
"Of course she likes me - who doesn't?"
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For Christmas I was so excited 'cause it was the Twin's first Christmas and we were having it with Nanny and Grandpa! Normally it's jus' me and my Padre at our house, but this year it's me, Madre, Padre, Ellie, Marco, Flash, Nanny and Grandpa at their house in Forks! I like Seattle and everything, but Forks is my real home and it's where all my family live. I'll also get to see Grandpa Chief which is wicked awesome.
I asked Madre when I'll get to meet her mommy, but she said 'cause she lives so far away in Florida that they don't see each other much. Don't you think that's real sad? If my Mommy was still alive I would fly and see her all the time. But you can't fly to heaven, so... y'know.
Nanny always has a wicked awesome tree with loads-a sparkling lights. I saw that Ellie loved the lights, so when we had arrived and said 'hello' to Nanny (Grandpa was still at work) I took her to the tree. The Twins are getting real good at crawling now and can even stand on their own when they hold onto something! But Madre told me to be real careful with them 'cause they could still fall over and hurt themselves. I knelt in front of the tree and held onto Ellie as she stood and waved at all the lights.
"Pretty lights, right, Ellie?"
She gurgled something and it wasn't real words so I giggled at that. It sounded like she was laughing. Madre sat next to me and took a picture of me and my sister.
"I think she's gonna like lots-a colours when she's older, Madre."
"Is that fun, El'?" Madre shook my sister's tiny hand.
When Ellie saw it was Madre she squealed and tried to fight out of my hands to get to her. Madre lifted her up and kissed her cheek loudly. "Did you enjoy playing with Coop? Yeah, you did!"
I loved playing with the Twins 'cause they're so cute and make me giggle lots-a-lots. I couldn't wait till they could talk and they could say my name!
"Hey, Madre? D'ya think they know I'm their brother?"
Madre brushed my hair with her fingers. "Of course they do! They might not understand the term 'brother' or 'sister', but they have seen you every single day of their life and they know that you're very special to them."
"That's good 'cause they're real special to me, too."
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Edward
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No matter the age, Christmas morning is always exciting. Especially when it's your babies' first. Of course Bella and I did the expected - dressed the Twins in 'My First Christmas' onesies and all that cheesy stuff. The tradition with my parents (since I was a kid) was to enjoy a hearty breakfast before checking out what Santa brought. I could tell Coop was eager to get to his gifts, but he sat at the table and patiently waited for us to finish.
I was overwhelmed with emotions when it came to take Ellie and Marco into the living room. Their eyes light up at the sight of presents scattered around the base of the tree. I couldn't remember feeling so... happy when it was Coop experiencing the holiday for the first time, but I must have done... surely.
Every year someone was appointed the title of 'Designated Gift Giver' and this year was no exception; I happily took the role.
Mom received cases and crafts for her new-found love in scrapbooking as well as various decorations for the home. Dad couldn't have been more grateful when he unwrapped the present from Bella and I - black leather covers for his golf clubs with his initials sewn onto each. Even though he works like, a million hours a week, he loves getting out and having a few rounds on the course.
Ellie and Marco were given clothes, bath toys, and walkers for when they scare the shit out of us and become much more mobile.
Somehow Santa found out that Coop was getting a new rabbit, because he was left an indoor cage that came with food, toys and everything else he needed for Pepper Potts' arrival. I was given a severe telling off by Cooper when I didn't realise that Pepper Potts is the name of Iron Man's girlfriend and I had to actually ask him why he chose that name.
A few weeks back, Bella had mentioned to me that my desk had looked a little bare because all I had on it, apart from work, was a photo frame which held a picture of all of us from our trip to Italy. But I said it was all I needed to look at as I slaved over the laptop. I should've taken the hint, but I didn't, which was her present to me was completely unexpected.
It was a frosted glass, circular paperweight with the names of our three children engraved in the middle: Cooper Michael, Marco James and Elizabeth Grace. Under the names were three red hearts to signify each child. I couldn't describe the love I felt for the gift and for her.
"Thank you," I whispered and kissed her lightly, "I love you."
Bella's cheeks blushed red, "you're very welcome, and I love you, too."
"I've noticed there's room to add more if we need to." I winked.
"More? Edward Cullen, what are you suggesting?"
I took a hold of her hand and rubbed the ring that sat on her finger, "well you never know. Maybe if I convinced you well enough..."
She laughed quietly and shook her head, "how about we raise these three first, yeah?"
"For now." I kissed her again, 'cause I wanted to. "Now it's time for your present."
I handed her a tiny box which had a white ribbon tied around it. Bella looked at the box curiously and slowly undid the bow. Inside the box was a small, rusty, brass key with a blue ribbon tied around it.
"What's this?" She asked and turned the key slowly with her fingers. I could tell she was trying to work out what it would fit, but I doubted that she'd get it.
"You'll find out tomorrow when I take you somewhere."
"And... where are we going?"
I wagged my finger, "ah, ah, ah... that would be telling."
0-0
The day was great; we had a major feast cooked by Mom and Bella and we all relaxed and enjoyed our presents. Cooper tried out his new skateboard given to him by Alice and Jasper.
"This must-a been why they took me skateboarding yesterday!" He shouted as he skated around the tiled kitchen. He was no Tony Hawk but he improved with every glide.
I was sitting back with the sleeping Twins when Cooper wandered into the living room, sat beside me and started rubbing his chest; I noticed the small wince on his face.
"Are you okay, Cooper?"
"Yeah... it's jus'... it's jus'... my chest is kinda sore."
I wasn't overly worried - since having the balloon dilation he sometimes had short periods of pain which he described as like having a dull headache in your chest.
"Take it easy, okay? Don't do anymore skateboarding until it calms down."
"Okay, Padre."
"But you'll tell me if it gets worse, yeah?"
Cooper nodded and curled up on the couch. He was asleep within minutes.
0-0
"It's just down here..."
With her hand in mine, I led Bella along the pebbled pathway with the Twins in their double buggy. I had known of this place since I was little, but it was only recently that I thought of it again and how perfect it is for what I had in mind.
Five minutes later we had reached the gates. Bella took out the key and used it to unlock the large padlock that kept the place shut. Going through the gates we were met with a large, open grassy area - the only thing in the surrounding area was a white, wooden gazebo at the top.
There weren't any main roads nearby, no houses or busy streets, so all you could hear was the gentle blowing wind and the occasional squawk from a bird.
It was peaceful and perfect.
Bella stared around the space in awe. "What is this place?"
"Dad knows the man who owns this land - he used to live here with his family; he's moved on now but couldn't give up the ownership. So I contacted him and asked if I could borrow it."
Bella's brows crossed in confusion, "borrow it for what?"
A large lump had taken place in my throat. I was so nervous that she wouldn't like my idea. I swallowed it back before I spoke. "Bella, I want us to get married here."
Her lips formed an 'O' as a small gasp was let out. "Here?"
"Yes," I smiled, "you said how much you would love to get married outside. Hardly anyone knows of this place, and why have it any other place than Forks? The old house is across the field, it's completely empty and plenty big enough for a reception or whatever." Her smile beamed across her face. "What do you think?"
"Oh, Edward - I think it's perfect!" She flung her arms around my neck and kissed me quickly, but passionately. "I love it, thank you."
"You deserve only the best."
She slapped my chest playfully, "charmer."
"Hopefully, if Coop's feeling up to it before we leave, we can take him here."
"Oh, of course! He can't miss this."
I chuckled at my sudden thought, "y'know what? I bet there isn't anything wrong with him and he's just wanting some quality time alone with his Nanny."
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Esme
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I felt so sorry for Cooper; I remember being ill over Christmas once and it wasn't any fun. He was really looking forward to seeing Edward's surprise for Bella, but we all agreed that he should rest if he was feeling a bit sore. Because he can't go anywhere without those superhero movies, he had plenty to watch and lay on the couch with a quilt I had made when Emmett was a boy. I had all the dishes from yesterday to wash up and so I got stuck into that.
It was during the washing up that Flash bounded into the kitchen and began to bark loudly. I smiled at the dog, and went to open the back door for him. "On you go, then."
Instead of going outside like I thought he would, he made an odd growl then barked again. He turned and ran into the hallway, then back to me and barked once, twice, three times.
Curious, I followed him into the hallway but he kept going into the living room. It was then I heard the strangled noise coming from where the room. Fear covered me like a blanket.
On the couch Cooper was bent over with one hand clutching his shirt over his heart and the other was slapping the armrest. His back arched as he struggled to breathe.I rushed to him and knelt down. His face was red and covered in a sheen of covered. His eyes screamed panic and fear.
Flash whined and put his nose on his owner's lap. I rubbed the top of his head, "well done, Flash. Well done, you brilliant, brilliant dog."
The tears were forming in my eyes, but I had to be strong for him. "Cooper, sweetheart, you need to calm down, okay? Can you do that for me?" He was panicking too much to respond.
"Carlisle!" I screamed, I hoped it was loud enough for him to have heard me. But he didn't, so I reassured Coop I would be straight back and ran to the bottom of the staircase. "Carlisle!" I tried again. I then allowed the tears to roll - I was so worried for my grandson; what is something dreadful happened? Was he going to be okay? I didn't have the answers.
"What's wrong?" My husband appeared at the top of the stairs.
"It's Coop - something is seriously wrong." From where I stood, I could see the fear appear on his face.
"Okay, okay, I'll be straight there."
When Carlisle came downstairs he had his stethoscope in hand. I comforted Cooper with my arm around his shoulders.
"I need to listen to your heart, okay Coop?"
The little boy nodded as he tried to control his laboured breathing. He pulled up his shirt so Carlisle could use the stethoscope. I watched the concentration on my husband's face, and how that concentration soon turned into misery.
He looked up at me, "there's a definite murmur. We'll need to take him in."
I nodded my head defeatedly; that was the last place I wanted to see anyone, but it had to be done and I knew that. I helped Coop to stand. "You're doing so well Cooper - I'm really proud of you. We're going to take you into the hospital, okay?"
I could tell how difficult he was finding it to talk, so instead he shook his head and began to cry. "I know you don't want to, Sweetheart, but there's no other way. Don't worry, we'll be with you the entire time."
Carlisle phoned ahead to warn the hospital. "I'm coming in with my grandson; 9 years old, severe dyspnea. Heavy heart murmurs so probable recurrent coarctation. I'll be there in six."
On the journey there Cooper's tears never stopped. "D...Da...Daddy..." He wheezed out.
"I'm phoning your Dad, Sweetheart. You just continue to stay calm. You're doing so well and I'm really proud of you. We're almost there; you'll be better soon."
Phoning Edward was one of the hardest things I had done in a long time, yet I managed to pass on the message without completely breaking down.
However, I sure broke down when we arrived at the hospital - my boy was taken from me by various doctors. All I could do was stand there and watch them try to save a life.
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Please wait until you've read the next chapter if you're wanting to throw something negative my way. Honestly guys, trust me.
Medical lesson: so you're not confused a recurrent coarctation is when the narrowing of your aorta comes back after you've already had surgery or a balloon dilation to fix it. Only about 10 percent of patients have a recurrent COA, however if a direct relative had the same thing or worse it's often that their child will have a relapse. Hope that clears things up.
Thoughts? Or maybe just some 'thanks' for Flash?
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