Disclaimer: The name's not Stephenie, so these characters aren't mine. Except Hannah, her adorable-ness is all mine.
Thank you to my beta, Kakabel, without you my writing wouldn't be wonderful!!
"Selfless service alone gives the needed strength and courage to awaken the sleeping humanity in one's heart."
-Sri Sathva Sai Baba-
Chapter 14
"The Music Store"
I was awoken by a light knock on the door the next morning. Edward groaned before telling whoever was at the door to come in.
"Just letting you know breakfast is ready whenever you are," Carlisle announced.
"Thanks, Dad," Edward said, but pulled me closer.
"When do you think I could stop wearing this damn walking boot, doctor?" I asked before Carlisle could walk away.
"I would have to look at it. Are you two decent?" He asked giving us a knowing smile. I blushed and buried my face into Edward's chest, who just laughed. Good to know he finds enjoyment in my embarrassment.
"Yes we are, Dad," Edward said still laughing.
"Just checking, I already made that mistake with Alice and Jasper this morning," he said grimacing as he sat at the end of the bed, gently lifting my foot and placing it in his lap.
"What happened?" I requested.
"They didn't hear me knock."
"And you didn't hear them?" Edward asked in disbelief, shaking his head.
"I thought they were getting out of bed or something. I don't want to talk about this anymore," he said poking around my ankle. "Now, Bella, I can't know for sure without another X-Ray, but if you're careful enough, you should be fine without the damn boot, as you put it," he said with a smile. I jumped across the bed to hug him.
"Thank you so much. I don't think you understand how much this means to me," I said kissing his cheek.
"Your very welcome, Bella. But you two should check on Hannah, and get downstairs or Esme will be upset," Carlisle said quietly walking out of the room.
Both Edward and I hurried to get dressed. I added a bounce to my step, just because I could, and happy to rid myself of the boot, as Edward and I walked to the guestroom.
"Sleepyhead, it's time to wake up," I whispered into Hannah's ear, kissing her cheek. She rubbed her eyes and stretched.
"How do you feel, baby?" Edward asked from behind me.
"I feel much better, but I'm hungry," she replied wrapping her arms around my neck.
"It's a good thing Esme has breakfast ready then," I said, and Hannah squealed.
"Mommy, can I eat in my PJs?"
"Sure, sweetie," I said helping her off the bed.
"Casper!" Hannah yelled jumping into Jasper's arms once we were all downstairs.
"Be careful, pretty girl," he said putting her on a seat as Esme put a plate of waffles down.
"So Jasper, you actually got dressed today," Edward teased earning him a dirty look from not only Jasper, but Alice, Carlisle, and Esme.
"Mm, waffles are good, thank you," Hannah said breaking the tension before digging in. Esme handed me a cup of coffee. "Alice, can I call you Alicat?" Hannah asked after a few minutes of quiet, except for the clatter of utensils.
"Yes, sweetie," Alice said smiling.
Rose and Emmett came downstairs, both still looking extremely happy. They announced their news, of adoption, to everyone. Esme pulled Rose into a hug and congratulated her. Rose was so happy to be able to say she was going to be a mother.
I looked over at Hannah, who looked down at her plate with tears her in eyes. She didn't look too happy with the news.
"I have finally convinced Jasper to start a family," Alice declared after everyone had congratulated Rose and Emmett. This brought on another round of pats on the backs and hugs.
"Oh, I know," Carlisle joked. Esme playfully hit his arm, but she was beaming.
Hannah on the other hand, was not so happy. She pushed her plate off the table violently, silencing everyone when it shattered.
"Hannah Renee!" I yelled.
"Edward!" She wailed bursting into tears.
Edward almost dropped his coffee when he heard her. His eyes widened and he just stood there staring at her.
"I want Edward!" Hannah continued to yell. Jasper pushed him forward. He hurried to pick her up, signaling to me he was going upstairs, and he wanted me to follow. Hannah latched her arms around his neck with all her might.
"I'm so sorry," I mumbled to Esme, helping her pick up the pieces of glass.
"Oh, Bella, don't worry. Just go see what got into her," Esme politely shooed me away.
I ran upstairs to Edward's room, but stopped just outside the door, leaning on the doorframe. I could clearly hear Hannah's sobs, even from the second story.
"Hannah, what's wrong, baby?" Edward asked gently, rocking her back and forth on the bed. She shook her head, crying harder. "I can't make this better if you don't tell me what's wrong."
"It's not fair," she grumbled after a few minutes.
"What's not fair, baby?"
"Uncle Emmie's going to be a good Daddy, and so is Casper. Your Daddy loves you too. But how come my Daddy doesn't love me? I want a new Daddy. Why can't you be my Daddy?" This confession brought on a whole new wave of tears.
Edward looked desperately at me, silently begging for help. I took a deep breath before walking and sitting next to Edward, rubbing circles into Hannah's back.
"Hay-Bay, your Dad was never a good Dad. But Edward, he loves you. He treats you so much better than your real Dad did. And for that, in your heart, Edward really is your Daddy," I said still gently stroking her back.
"And Hannah, if it's okay with your Mom and you, I would like to be your Dad," Edward said. Hannah's head snapped up and looked at him.
"Really?" She asked, shocked. Edward smiled and nodded. "Do I get to call you Daddy?" She asked sniffling, but much happier than she was ten minutes ago.
"Only if you want to," Edward said, but looked at me. "Is this okay?" He whispered so only I could hear him.
Was it okay? I already knew things were moving fast, too fast really. My top priority at the end of the day is Hannah, bottom line. But maybe this is what she needs; an actual father figure, someone exactly like Edward. He already treats her like his own. Why would it make a difference if she calls him Daddy?
"It's perfect," I whispered back. Life is too short to not take chances. "I'll come back in a few minutes. It looks like someone needs her Daddy," I said louder, kissing Hannah's head, and Edward's lips.
I walked out of his room, quietly shutting his door behind me.
I got about halfway down the second set of stairs when Emmett stopped me. I immediately lost control, and collapsed into his arms, crying.
"He ruined her, Emmett. He ruined my baby girl. The jackass made her feel unloved. Emmett, I'm a horrible Mom. My baby doesn't think she's loved," I cried soaking his shirt, but he didn't say anything. "Jeez, she's up there crying hysterically because she feels like she doesn't have a daddy. What have I done to my baby, Em?"
He just held me close, trying to soothe me.
"Bells, you are not a horrible mom. You are wonderful to that little girl. Hannah is upset because she doesn't have a Dad. A father's love is different than a mother's. And you know this," Emmett said softly. "Where is Hannah?"
"With Edward in his room," I said still hugging Emmett. "She's going to start calling him her Daddy now. Mike doesn't deserve that title."
"That's the truth," Emmett laughed. "Edward's a good guy. I'm glad you found him."
"Do you think we're moving too fast?"
"Hell no. I knew Rosie was the one for me the first moment I saw her. You two just have more nerves than I do and the whole confession part came a whole lot quicker. As long as it feels right, just let it happen."
"Thanks, Em," I mumbled hugging him tight for a minute before pulling away. I wiped the tears, but could still feel the stain of them on the contours of my cheeks, left behind from the path they rolled down my face.
"Anytime and anyplace, Bells," he said kissing my cheek.
"The girls are going shopping later. You and Hannah should go," he suggested helping me stand up.
"I think we will. I'm going to head back up there," I said walking quickly.
I paused at Edward's door when I heard Hannah giggle.
"Can I tell everyone?" Hannah asked. I opened the door then, just watching.
"Of course you can, sweetheart."
"Thanks, Daddy," she said grinning at him.
"Hannah you need to apologize to everyone for your behavior. Especially Esme," I demanded sternly. This was the worst part of parenting, disciplining. But you have to do it.
"Okay, Mommy," she said climbing out of Edward's lap, but she grabbed his hand firmly. She stopped walking when she reached me. She wrapped her free arm around my leg.
"I'm sorry, Mommy. Do you still love me?" Her voice trembling as she asked.
I peeled her off my leg, bending down to be eye level with her. I looked directly into her big blue eyes.
"Hannah, I will never stop loving you. You're my Hay-Bay," I said pulling her into a tight hug. I let go and she reached up for Edward. He quickly picked her up. It looks like someone was being a bit clingy to their new Daddy.
"Are you okay with this?" I asked unsure of how Edward was feeling.
"It's perfect," he responded mimicking my words from earlier.
We walked down the stairs together, and I just felt complete. Hannah finally has the Dad she needs.
Everyone was in the living room, just enjoying each other's company. Hannah hurried to get out of Edward's hold, running straight to Esme.
"I'm so sorry about the things I did," she mumbled climbing into Esme's lap. Esme was a goner after that. No one can resist Hannah's charm.
"Thank you for apologizing, sweetie," Esme said kissing Hannah's cheek. Hannah smiled and ran to grab Edward's hand again.
"Can I tell them know?" She asked impatiently. Edward smiled and nodded. She squealed loudly lifting her arms up for him to hold her.
"Guess what everyone?" She started but paused for dramatic effect. "I have someone to introduce to you."
"And who would that be?" Carlisle asked, playing along.
"My new Daddy," she said happily, kissing Edward's cheek. I head Esme's soft gasp. When I looked to her she had tears in her eyes, smiling brightly, just beaming at her son.
"He loves me more than my old one and I like him better," Hannah continued. "Plus he's cuter."
Everyone laughed looking happy for Hannah.
"That's reassuring. Kids can replace their parents rather easily these days," Emmett said sarcastically.
A loud whack sounded from Rose's smack.
"Joking Rose, jeez," Emmett mumbled rubbing his head.
"Okay girls, let's get ready," Alice said. "Don't give me that look, Bella. Get your cute butt upstairs and help Hannah get ready," she demanded. Damn commanding Pixie.
"Alicat, can Daddy come too? He's never played Barbie Bella," Hannah said gripping Edward tighter.
"Of course, who else would carry the bags," Alice replied. Edward just shook his head, rolling his eyes.
After I got Hannah ready and started heading out to the car, it turned out everyone would be tagging along. Alice decided we should go to Port Angeles.
"Edward, have I told you how much you mean to me lately?" I asked once we were on the road.
"Yes, love, you have. But I still love hearing you say it," he said grabbing my hand.
"Well in that case, I love you Edward Anthony Cullen, so much," I said suddenly feeling emotional.
"I love you too, Beautiful," he whispered squeezing my hand.
"Daddy, I'm in love with you," Hannah said smiling widely from her car seat. Edward chuckled.
"I love you," Edward responded, absolutely beaming.
The rest of the rise was a comfortable silence, expect for the occasional time Hannah would point out some animal she saw.
"Mommy, can we get something special for Daddy?" Hannah whispered to me once we got inside the first shop. "But we have to keep it a secret."
"Okay, sweetie," I said looking over at Edward as he tried to hide his grin. He quickly looked away pretending like he didn't hear her.
Alice was worse than Rose when it came to shopping. We were in and out of stores, trying on everything. The guys would entertain Hannah and politely offer to hold our purchases. Poor Emmett and Jasper.
Alice did give us a break, only because Hannah and Emmett were hungry. I decided we would get Edward's surprise after lunch. The girls had spotted a jewelry store they wanted to look at, while the guys found a gaming store of some kind. I literally had to push Edward to follow the boys.
"Here," he mumbled handing me his credit card.
"Edward, you can't buy your own surprise, silly," I explained shoving the card back at him.
"Oh well, I tried," Edward sighed, lightly kissing my lips, "Hurry back, love," he whispered against my lips.
"Always do."
"Bye, Daddy," Hannah said hugging his leg.
"Where are you going, baby girl?" He asking feigning innocence.
"It's a secret. I can't tell you Daddy," she said as he picked her up.
"Sorry."
"Its okay, Daddy," she said kissing his cheek. He put her down. She grabbed my hand and I kissed Edward once more before walking away.
"Where should we go?" I asked looking around.
"He likes the piano," Hannah said pointing to the music store.
"Great idea," I said.
We walked around the store stopping when I saw a composition book with a big treble clef and notes on the black cover. It was titled The Musician's Notebook.
I grabbed it to show Hannah, who yelped, telling me it was perfect.
So I walked up to the cash register, to pay. The cashier asked if I would like to personalize the first page. I agreed and he handed me a nice pen.
To: Edward/Daddy
With lots of love and kisses,
Your favorite girls
I paid for it and reached for Hannah's hand, only to come up blank. When I couldn't find her near me, I started panicking that maybe she ran off again. I looked up and saw her brown hair poking out of the top of a stack of music. She was talking to some man, looking around nervously.
I hurried to pick her up, staring down at the man. He smiled and slowly stood up. He was tall and toned, with blond hair. While his piercing blue eyes gave me chills. I instinctively hugged Hannah closer to me.
"Why, hello there, Isabella," I heard from behind me. I froze and my eyes widened. I instantly recognized the voice. "Fancy running into you here."
"Mike," I strangled out, turning around. Hannah buried her head into my shoulder, whimpering slightly.
"Didn't I tell you that you could run, but you can't hide?" He asked menacingly. He smirked walking forward. I stepped back, but ran into someone. Why was no one helping me in this damn store? Didn't anyone notice this?
I looked over Mike's shoulder and saw Edward, Jasper, Emmett, and Carlisle walking out of the store.
"Edward," I mumbled.
"Sorry to burst your bubble, babe, but your boyfriend, Edward is it? Yes, well he won't be saving you today."
I watched as Edward pulled out his phone. I felt my own vibrating in my pocket. Mike reached out, sliding his hands slowly down my sides, leisurely getting my phone out of my back pocket.
"You sick bastard," I spat at him. He just chuckled before opening my phone.
"Sorry, Edward, but Isabella here is busy at the moment," Mike said slamming my phone shut. I looked at Edward from across the street. He stuttered before dropping his phone, Carlisle stopped and talked to Edward.
"EDWARD-" I started to scream out, but Mike was quick to cover my mouth. I bit down hard.
"You bitch," he said slapping my face. I all but threw Hannah out of my arms, pushing her forward quickly.
"Run Hannah!" I yelled. I felt the man behind me leave, but Mike stopped him. People were starting to look over here now.
"Let her be," Mike commanded. I saw Hannah running across the street straight to Edward. He quickly picked her up.
"Get Bella, James."
Before I could think, everything went black.
Lots of things to say tonight:
First off, thank you to everyone that reviewed!! It means the world to me!
Next, if you think they are moving too fast in their relationship (Edward/Bella), I tried to slow it down, but I couldn't help it. Everything else I wrote was just stupid. Sorry if you don't like it, but this is a story and I love fast paced stories.
Check out my new website for all things fanfiction. The link is on my profile. I have pictures of what I think the characters look like. I'll post teasers, and other goodies. Make sure to look!!
Look for the next update to be Wednesday or Thursday. My fiance is sick, so I get to baby him :)
Umm, I think that is everything!
Tell me your thoughts,
~Scarlet :)