Twilight is the property of Stephenie Meyer. Gilmore Girls is the property of Amy Sherman-Palladino. All recognizable characters, settings, etc are the property of their respective owners. No copyright infringement is intended.
This chapter is quite different than the others in this story, I hope you enjoy!
To: Edward Cullen
From: Makenna Reed
Subject: This weekend
Hey!
I hope you had a good time with your parents! I hope I get the chance to meet them soon.
The movie is showing at 1:10, 3:20, 5:30, and 7:40. How about we do the 3:20 show and then we can have an early dinner and hang out at my place for a while, or see if Garrett and the guys want to go get a drink or something?
I can't wait to see you!
Makenna
To: Edward Cullen
From: Makenna Reed
Subject: What's up?
Hey, I know you were supposed to get back last night, but I haven't heard back from you about this weekend yet and the guys said they haven't seen you or talked to you. We leave Wednesday morning for Vancouver-I'll see you before then, right? We still need to figure out what we are going to tell the guys about us.
-M
To: Edward Cullen
From: Makenna Reed
Subject: Now I am really worried
You haven't answered any of my emails or text messages and I called you several times but your phone went straight to voicemail. Where are you? Garrett's going to be pissed if you are dead in a ditch somewhere. I might be a little upset as well. I miss you. Call me please!
To: Makena Reed
From: Edward Cullen
Subject: Re: Now I am really worried
Makenna,
We need to talk.
Edward
To: Isabella Swan
From: Alice Swan
Subject: OHMYGOD!
! OHMYGODBELLAYOU'REMARRIED! Ohmygodohmygodohmygodohmygod!
I guess I get why you didn't call me, I know your phone doesn't really do international calls, but Edward's does! Couldn't you have at least sent a text message or something? I had to hear about it after the fact from your brother, who heard it from your husband.
YOUHAVEAFREAKINGHUSBAND! OHMYGOD!
I'm still mad at you. You could have called. I would say I'm not speaking to you, but then I wouldn't get all the details, and I NEED DETAILS!
Spill. Immediately. You owe me.
Alice
P.S. I am totally throwing you a reception when you get home. Don't even try and stop me. And it will all be pink and sparkly to get you back for leaving me out.
To: Alice Swan
From: Isabella Swan
Subject: re: OHMYGOD!
Alice,
I am so sorry. It all happened really fast, and then Edward and I had so little time together, that I think we wanted it to be just us for the first few days. We didn't mean to leave you out, it just happened that way. Then he had to leave, and I haven't really wanted to talk about it. I'll tell you all the details eventually, I promise.
You don't have to throw a reception, Alice, but if that's what you want to do I won't fight you. You can even make it pink and sparkly if that makes you happy.
Give Jasper my love. Please tell him not to worry.
Bella
To: Jasper Swan
From Isabella Swan
Subject: I need some advice
Jas,
Alice emailed me and told me Edward told you guys about what happened this weekend. Jas, I am so sorry you couldn't be here with us. I wanted you at my wedding, but everything happened really fast and, except for your absence, it was perfect.
My problem is mom and dad. I'm not sorry they weren't there, but I think I should probably tell them before they find out some other way. I don't think I owe them anything, but it would really suck to find out your daughter is married from some random picture on the Internet, you know? I don't want to be cruel.
What should I do? Help me please!
I love you. I miss you, big brother.
Bella
To: Isabella Swan
From: Jasper Swan
Subject: re: I need some advice
Baby sis,
That's a hard one. I agree you need to tell them before someone else does. They are going to be upset either way, but they are going to be really pissed if they get blindsided by somebody. Everybody in Forks knows the Charlie, and they all know the Cullens. There is bound to be talk, particularly because of the way you guys got married. You know Mrs. Cope at the Safeway is probably going to tell everyone you got pregnant and that's why you ran away to get married. I know you didn't run away, but that's the way it's going to look to lots of people.
You aren't pregnant, are you?
-J
To: Jasper Swan
From: Isabella Swan
Subject: re: I need some advice
Very helpful, Jas. I hadn't even thought about how the gossips at home will spin everything. Crap. I hope nobody says anything to upset Esme or Carlisle.
How would you suggest I handle it? Would it be terrible to just send them an email? Edward and I told his parents over Skype, but I don't think Charlie even knows how to skype, and I doubt he has a fast enough internet connection anyway. I don't want to talk to our mother at all if I can avoid it.
How about you just tell them? Pretty please?
Bella
To: Isabella Swan
From: Jasper Swan
Subject: Um, no.
Bella,
I will not tell our parents that you married your previously estranged boyfriend on a whim in a bar in London. I love you, but I love all of my body parts more. You are on a different continent and there is an ocean separating you from them. That might be at minimum safe distance.
Email probably isn't the best way to do it, but that's what I'd do. Give me a heads up first, so I can decide whether I want to watch, or go on an extended vacation in an undisclosed location.
-J
To: Alice Swan
From: Isabella Swan
Subject: Message
Alice,
Please tell your husband that he is neither funny nor helpful.
Bella
To: Isabella Swan
From: Alice Swan
Subject: re: Message
B,
I tell him that almost every day. He's good in bed though, so I keep him around.
-A
To: Alice Swan
From: Isabella Swan
Subject: re: Message
Seriously Alice, ew.
To: Isabella Swan
From: Edward Cullen
Subject: Three and a half days
My love,
That's how long it's been since I last saw your beautiful face in person. Fortunately, I see it in my mind all the time. The memory of your face is my constant companion. For thou not farther than my thoughts canst move, and I am still with them, and they with thee. I see you the way you looked walking down the aisle toward me, I see your smile in the morning light, I see you the way you looked beneath me while we were making love, and I see the way you looked with sweet tears on your face when we said goodbye. I'm thankful for every one of those memories since they are the only part of you I have right now.
I've decided that if you're amenable to the idea, after these six months are over, we are never going to be separated again. It will be hard to figure out a way to go to work together, but we'll figure it out. How would you feel about getting surgically attached?
I miss you, in case you failed to catch my incredibly subtle hints.
We started the tour Wednesday as planned, and we've played three shows now. I wish you could be with us, baby. It's amazing. Playing live is so much better than playing in a studio, and the combination of playing live with the energy of the audience is magical. It's the most incredible experience I could have ever imagined. Truthfully, it's the most incredible experience I could have imagined until a few days ago. Unfortunately, that particular experience is out of the question as long as we are on different continents, so I'll have to settle for the thrill of playing shows with the band.
Are you blushing? I hope so. I love the way you blush, particularly now that I know how the color travels all the way down your delicious neck, over your chest, and past your perfect little nipples. I miss your body, baby. A lot. I miss the way you feel pressed against me, the way you taste, the way you kiss; I miss your arms around me. I miss...other parts as well. Now I'm blushing. Just four days with my wife were not enough. Four nights were definitely not enough. Four hundred nights wouldn't have been enough. Maybe once we've had four thousand nights together this craving I have for you will abate a bit...but I doubt it. I doubt four million nights with you would be enough.
I love you. I wish you were here, or that I was there. Seeing you on Skype isn't enough. It's almost like torture to see you and not be able to smell you, touch you, or taste you. Still, I would choose that torture over anything else. I can't wait to see you this afternoon, even if it is only over the internet.
Love,
Your husband
To: Edward Cullen
From: Isabella Swan
Subject: re: Three and a half days
My husband,
I first opened your email in the library, and you got your wish-I blushed so much it probably would have lit up the whole room if I hadn't stopped halfway through and gone back to my room. I had to wait until Jane went to rehearsal before I read it. You have quite a way with words. Of course, it didn't make me miss you any less to read about everything you miss about me. I miss you so much-your voice, your smell, your arms, your chest. I definitely miss your...other parts as well.
It's still so weird to me to miss all those things. I won't lie; I thought about making love with you more than once while we were together, but thinking about it in the abstract and thinking about it after actually having experienced it are two entirely different things. Thinking about you doesn't make me miss you any less either, but I would still rather think about you than not. Memories are strange things. I can close my eyes and remember and it's almost like you are back here with me. Almost, but not quite, and the difference between the memory and the reality is almost more than I can take. I changed the sheets on my bed but not the pillowcase, because it smells like you. I am hanging on to every part of you I can until I can have the real you with me again. I don't think I care if it is strange.
Speaking of hanging onto things, did you realize you left your gray sweatshirt here? I have no intention of giving it back, but I thought I'd let you know it was here in case you were looking for it. Don't laugh at me, but I've been sleeping with it like a teddy bear.
I don't know that I am in favor of surgical attachment, but I do know that once we are together again it will be a long, long time before I am ready to be separated for any significant period of time again.
I'm so glad to hear that the tour is so wonderful. It makes it worth being so far away from you to know that you are happy. We have our whole lives to be together, and I want that life to be free from regret for both of us. Even though it was hard to let you go-maybe the hardest thing I have ever done-just reading about how much you love touring and playing with the guys makes it so much easier. I love you and I want all of your dreams to come true.
Memories aren't all you have. You have my heart.
Love,
Your wife
To: Isabella Swan
From: Edward Cullen
Subject: You have mine, too.
Would you like me to send you more of my clothes? You could put them around you like a fort. I kind of like the idea of you sleeping in a little nest of my clothes. I like the idea of you sleeping in a nest made of me even better, but my clothes would be the next best thing.
I was a little afraid to tell you about the tour. I don't want you to think I don't miss you, because I miss you more than anything, but it really is wonderful. The only thing that could make it better would be if you were here with me. Can you play the triangle? I bet I could talk Garrett into writing in some triangle parts. Or maybe a tambourine?
Love you, love you, love you.
Your husband
P.S. My parts say "Hi." They miss you, too, and are quite angry with me for going so far away from their favorite place.
To: Edward Cullen
From: Isabella Swan
Subject: Tambourine?
You know, according to Gilmore Girls, the only reason to have a tambourine is if it's being played by a hot chick.
To: Isabella Swan
From: Edward Cullen
Subject: re: Tambourine?
My point exactly.
To: Renee Swan , Charles Swan
From: Isabella Swan
BCC: Jasper Swan
Subject: Exciting news
Dear Mom and Dad,
I have some important news to share, and although I realize email might not be the best medium in which to communicate this, it seemed the most efficient, and I wanted you to hear it from me first.
You may have heard that Edward and I were taking some time apart while I was studying in London. We had planned initially for him to come here with me, but he got a really incredible career opportunity and it was too good to pass up, so he stayed in Seattle while I came here.
Last week Edward came to visit before leaving on an extended work-related trip, and while he was here, we decided to get married.
I realize this may come as a shock, and it probably seems like it is terribly rushed, but I want to assure you that we considered this decision carefully and we both feel this was the best thing. We are very much in love and happy with the decision we made.
I am sorry that neither of you were able to attend, but it is my understanding that Esme intends to host a reception for us when I come back in June, and of course you will be invited to come celebrate with us there.
Sincerely,
Bella
To: Isabella Swan
From: Jasper Swan
Subject: re: Exciting news
Nicely done. Let me know what they say. Love you.
To: Isabella Swan
From: Renee Dwyer
Subject: Your "news"
Bella,
I must say, I was a little surprised when you finally decided to contact me after your long silence. In addition to my surprise, I was very disappointed at the contents of your email. I have been concerned in the past about many of the decisions you have made, but this most recent debacle is beyond the pale.
Did you take a moment to consider what this would mean for you before rushing off to marry this boy? Marriage is not a game, Bella, and I fear you do not have an appropriate understanding of the choice you made. How will this affect your education? Is it even legal for you to get married in England? Since he is going on an "extended work-related trip," does that mean you will still be separated? These are all things you should have considered before foolishly rushing into a commitment you are clearly not prepared to fulfill.
What sort of trip is he on? I understood that he was still trying to be a musician. Does that mean he finally got a real job? Perhaps at least he is making constructive decisions.
I am very disappointed in you, Bella, and I fear that I cannot support you in this decision.
Renee Dwyer
To: Jasper Swan
From: Isabella Swan
Subject: You asked for it.
I have attached our mother's response. It's awesome. I think I'll frame it and hang it on my wall.
To: Isabella Swan
From: Jasper Swan
Subject: Mom's email
Bella,
That email sucks. Hell, she sucks, but you already knew that. Try not to let it get to you. You knew she would probably do something like this, but you also know that all of us who aren't miserable, uptight bitches are behind you guys. Maybe for Christmas this year we could get her a gift certificate for Rectal Pinecone Removals R Us?
-J
To: Isabella Swan
From: Alice Swan
Subject: Poor Bella
B,
Jazzy showed me the email Renee sent you. I am so, so sorry, sweetie. She's totally wrong.
Alice
To: Renee Dwyer
From: Isabella Swan
BCC: Jasper Swan
Subject: I am sorry you feel that way
Renee,
Clearly, it was too much to hope that you could look past your perpetual disapproval of me to actually be happy that something so wonderful has happened. Yes, we will be separated for a few months, but I would rather be Edward's wife on another continent than in the same room with anyone else. Edward is touring with a successful local band, which is quite an outstanding accomplishment, and I am very proud of him. He is my husband, I love him, and I made a decision that makes me happy. If you feel that you cannot be accepting and supportive of us, then I will be forced to terminate contact with you.
Please give Phil my best wishes.
Bella Swan
To: Isabella Swan
From: Phillip Dyer
Subject: Your news
Bella,
I saw your email about you and Edward. I'm afraid your mom is not particularly happy about it. I want you to know that no matter what your mother thinks, I am happy for you. You both seemed like real nice kids, and it looked to me like he really loved you a lot. I'm sorry your mom isn't on board. Let me know if you guys have a reception or anything-I would really like to try and come, even if your mom doesn't. Congratulations, kiddo. Tell Edward I said congrats to him, too.
Phil
To: Phillip Dwyer
From: Isabella Swan
Subject: re: Your news
Phil,
Thanks, that means a lot. I will pass your congratulations on to Edward. I've been through this with her a million times, so don't worry about me. It sucks, but I'll cope.
I'll be sure to pass the reception info on to you. We would love to have you there. Mom will be invited, too, if she can behave like an adult.
Bella
To: Isabella Swan
From: Charles Swan
Subject: re: Exciting news
Bella,
I was a little surprised at your news, but I guess you are an adult and you are old enough to make your own decisions. I hope you are happy and that Edward takes good care of you.
Love,
Dad
To: Isabella Swan
From: Alec Thomas
Subject: Stop pouting
Bella,
I get it, your pretty man has gone home and you are all sad, but you can't keep doing this. I should not have to email you to get you to talk to me. Pretty would not want you to mope around like this. Come out of your room and see the real people, and I don't just mean going to class. Those are professors, not real people. A bunch of us are going out tonight, and you are coming with us. Don't make me call Pretty and tell on you. He might have to spank you, and I am the only one who gets to do that.
-Alec
To: Alec Thomas
From: Isabella Swan
Subject: re: Stop pouting
I am not pouting, Alec. I am choosing to spend my time more productively at the moment.
To: Isabella Swan
From: Alec Thomas
Subject: re: Stop pouting
Is "choosing to spend my time more productively" code for "having lots of skype sex with my new husband?" Because if it is, hurrah for both of you. Feel free to tell me to bugger off.
To: Alec Thomas
From: Isabella Swan
Subject: re: Stop pouting
First of all, it is absolutely none of your business what I do, or do not do, with my free time.
Secondly, bugger off.
To: Edward Cullen
From: Alec Thomas
Subject: re: Stop pouting
B,
I'm so proud. My little Belly-baby is all grown up.
-Alec
To: Alec Thomas
From: Edward Cullen
Subject: A favor
Alec,
The day after tomorrow will be two weeks since Bella and I got married. I'd like to do something special for her. I need some help since I'm not there. Would you be willing to help?
-Edward
To: Edward Cullen
From: Alec Thomas
Subject: re: A favor
Ed,
I would be delighted to assist! What do you have in mind?
Edward, it may not be any of my business, but I have been a little concerned about Bella. She seems sad. She hasn't been interested in doing much outside of class, and even though she comes to class, she hadn't been her usual perky little self. I asked her if she was all right and she blew me off, but I think I know our little Bellsy enough to say with confidence that she is having a hard time. Anything I can do to help bring back her sparkle would be my pleasure.
-Alec
To: Alec Thomas
From: Edward Cullen
Subject: re: A favor
Al,
I was afraid of that. We've talked almost every day since I left, and I thought she seemed a little off. I wasn't sure if it was just the distance or video chat weirdness though, and I didn't want to ask in case it was nothing. We're both having a hard time being separated, and I suspected she didn't want to let on how much she was hurting. I'll talk to her.
I appreciate your help. I thought maybe dinner and a play or movie or something? The band and I recorded a song for her, and I was planning on recording a message for her as well. I can email them to you if you think you could you find a way to play them for her. I don't mind if other people hear the song, but the message will probably be pretty private. I'll of course pay for all your expenses.
-Edward
P.S. Don't call me Ed.
To: Edward Cullen
From: Alec Thomas
Subject: re: A favor
Eddie,
I know just the place. Send me the files and I will take care of everything.
-Alec
P.S. Alec is an intelligent, fabulous individual who is always impeccably dressed. Al is a trucker with a beer gut and a stained shirt. You would do well to remember the distinction.
To: Isabella Swan
From: Alec Thomas
Subject: Friday
Belly,
Friday night, seven o'clock. You, me, and a magnificent evening. I will of course look beautiful. I expect no less from you. Should you choose to defy these instructions I will be forced to sic Jane on you.
Alec
To: Alec Thomas
From: Isabella Swan
Subject: re: Friday
A-
I've been the recipient of Jane's wrath before. I don't relish the idea of experiencing it again. I'll be ready and as close to beautiful as I can manage.
-B
To: Isabella Swan
From: Alec Thomas
Subject: re: Friday
Bella,
If you are as close to beautiful as you can manage, I will be forced to deflect the attentions of every man and modeling scout we encounter. Perhaps I should make a sign announcing your marital status.
-Alec
To: Edward Cullen
From: Alec Thomas
Subject: All is prepared
Edward,
All is prepared for Friday night, and I have convinced our little flower to join me for the evening. I will do my very best to convey your affection in my limited way.
-Alec
To: Edward Cullen
From: Isabella Swan
Subject: I can't believe the two of you
You are too much. I had no idea you and Alec were in cahoots when he started harassing me about going out on Friday night. Besides not actually being with my husband on our anniversary - Weekiversary? Diseptemversary? Since "anni" means "year", anniversary isn't really right for a two week celebration...but whatever...it was the best two-week celebration I could have imagined. He took me to dinner and to see Promises Promises. Afterward we went to a little cafe for coffee, where the fool got up on stage in front of everyone and made this big production about how he had a special anniversary message from my husband. He acted like he was going to sing until your song started to play over the sound system. It was a good thing, because even though Alec is a pretty good singer, being serenaded by a gay man on my anniversary is not exactly my dream come true.
The song was so beautiful, baby, and your message when I got home made me cry. I've been listening to both again and again ever since last night. I love hearing your sweet voice in my ear before I go to sleep. I prefer the real thing, but recordings work in a pinch.
I realized that I never actually heard you play with the band, and it had been forever since I'd heard you play anything at all. That will be one more thing for me to look forward to when I get to come home. Hopefully the timing of the tour will work out so that I can hear at least a few shows before you guys are done. I really love the idea of traveling around with you, hearing you play night after night, and then, of course, getting to go home with the hot pianist. I could be your very own groupie.
Do you guys have groupies? Are there girls in the audience throwing their bras at you, or is that a rock band only phenomenon? Don't misunderstand me-I trust you-I am not worried at all. I will confess, though, that it is a little weird to think about strange girls throwing themselves at you. It is even stranger to think of them throwing their underwear.
Thank you so much for everything last night, Edward. I love you. I miss you.
Love always,
Bella
To: Isabella Swan
From: Edward Cullen
Subject: Believe it
My love,
I hated the idea of you being alone on our disemtemversary-I love the way your mind works-so I talked to Alec and arranged for him to take you out. I don't know if I would call it being in cahoots, but I suppose that description works as well as any. I've been worried about you, Bella. Alec said you have been down. I miss you, and I know you miss me, but I hate the idea of you being there alone and miserable. I know you have been trying to look happy when we talk, and I appreciate the effort, but you don't ever have to act around me. I want you to be real with me, baby. Marriage is difficult enough under perfect circumstances, and the way things are right now it's going to be even harder. We have to communicate if we are going to get through the next few months. If you are sad, or lonely, or elated, or angry, or any other emotion you can name, I want to know about it. I love you, not some fake version of yourself you put on.
If you want, I'll record a message for you every day, and email it to you so that you can listen to it before you go to sleep. That might be kind of nice, actually. Maybe you could do the same? The time difference makes it impossible for us to say goodnight in real time, this way we could do it anyway.
I hadn't thought about it before, but I guess you didn't ever hear me play with the band, did you? I am so happy you liked the song. Garret wrote it and I think of you every time we play it. Since it reminds me of you, I got the guys to record it for our twoweekiversary. I'm sorry the recording is a little rough. It's not on the album, and since we were on the road it was recorded under less than ideal conditions. We should have at least a few days of touring left after you come home, particularly if things keep going as well as they have so far. Garrett is talking about tagging on a few additional weeks if we can. I love the idea of you being with me. No one has thrown any undergarments at us on stage yet, but there are usually a few overly eager females hanging around. Most of the guys have girlfriends, though, and Kate-Garrett's wife-does a pretty good job of playing mama bear to all of us, so she keeps the vultures away from the guys who don't want to deal with them. Makenna gets her share of attention from guys at the shows, but she handles herself pretty well.
I can't wait to see my own personal wife/groupie sitting in the audience. I don't think I want you to throw your underwear at me though, at least not in public.
I love you,
Edward
To: Edward Cullen
From: Isabella Swan
Subject: Sigh
I confess, I have not been doing so well. We'd been apart for so long before you came, and I was fine then, so I didn't realize how hard it would be to be separated from you again. I'm sad, and I can't seem to generate much interest in doing much of anything. I've been going to class, and I'm not depressed exactly, I just don't really want to do any of the stuff I used to do, so I stay in my room a lot. Going out to bars or hanging out watching movies doesn't appeal to me right now. Alec actually asked me about it a few days ago but I told him that I was staying in because you and I were having lots of skype sex. Well, I didn't exactly tell him, it was more implied, but that's what he thinks.
I didn't intend to mislead you. I just didn't want to upset you. Things are the way they are, and there isn't anything either of us can do about it, so I didn't think it would make things any better to whine about it when we actually get to talk, you know what I mean?
I love you. I miss you so much it physically hurts sometimes. But I'm managing, and I have faith that we'll make it.
Love,
Bella
To: Isabella Swan
From: Edward Cullen
Subject: re: Sigh
Baby,
I know you weren't trying to lie to me, and I understand why you would hide those feelings. No one understands better than me how frustrating it is to be away from someone you love when they are hurting, and I love you for trying to protect me.
I understand the change in interests, too. Both our lives changed a lot in a very short period of time, but our day-to-day routines didn't, and it's a lot to deal with. It's kind of confusing I guess. We should be on our honeymoon right now, on a beach somewhere rubbing sunscreen on one another, and instead we are thousands of miles apart trying to have a marriage over the internet.
Speaking of which, you didn't fool Alec with the skype sex thing. If you ever want to though, I would be amenable to making that a reality. I think you may have even hurt his feelings a little bit.
I love you, and I am waiting for the day I can touch you again.
Love,
Your husband.
To: Edward Cullen
From: Isabella Swan
Subject: re: Sigh
Oh Edward, I would love to be on a beach with you, lying in the sun. Instead, we're in two of the least sunny places on Earth. Once all this craziness is over, can we do that?
To: Isabella Swan
From: Edward Cullen
Subject: re: Sigh
Baby, as soon as it is possible, I promise to take you to the most beautiful beach we can find, and we'll stay there as long as you want. You start bikini shopping. I'll start imagining you in said bikini.
In the meantime, go apologize to Alec.
Love you
To: Alec Thomas
From: Isabella Swan
Subject: Tattletale
So, you claim to be my friend, and you go behind my back and tell Edward that I've been moping in my room. I don't know whether I should kiss you or smack you on the head.
To: Isabella Swan
From: Alec Thomas
Subject: re: Tattletale
Belly,
Trust me, it was all in love. Sparkly happy Bella is much more fun than sad Bella.
-Alec
To: Alec Thomas
From: Isabella Swan
Subject: re: Tattletale
Love for whom exactly? Me or you?
To: Isabella Swan
From: Alec Thomas
Subject: re: Tattletale
Bella,
You wound me. Love for you, of course.
And a little bit for me.
And perhaps just a touch for that pretty, pretty husband of yours.
-Alec
To: Alec Thomas
From: Isabella Swan
Subject: re: Tattletale
Alec,
I suppose I can accept that. No smack for you this time-kisses it is.
-Bella
To: Isabella Swan
From: Alec Thomas
Subject: re: Tattletale
Bella,
Darling, we've been over this. While you are a lovely girl, you are missing essential ingredients. You are a married woman. I realize that I am irresistible, but I must insist that you stop this shameless flirting before it gets out of hand and I am forced to tell on you to the pretty man once again.
-Alec
To: Edward Cullen
From: Isabella Swan
Subject: Good news
Thought I would let you know Alec and I made up. In our own unique little way, of course.
To: Isabella Swan
From: Edward Cullen
Good. If I can't be with you, I'm glad he can be there in my stead.
I love you,
Edward
Bella startled awake at the sound of her phone ringing. The number was unfamiliar, but it had a US country code. She looked over at her roommate, hoping the sound had not disturbed her, and saw that she had stirred, but then Jane mumbled something incomprehensible, rolled over and went back to sleep. Bella hesitated for a moment, but as the ring screamed out again in the silence, she pressed the button to receive the call.
"Hello?"
"Bella?" Her heartbeat accelerated at the voice on the line.
"Jasper?"
"Bella, don't freak out." Jasper was using his calmest voice, which immediately increased Bella's sense of panic.
"Jasper, tell me what's going on. Is it Edward? Did something happen to him?" She choked back a hysterical sob at the thought. Oh God, please don't let it be Edward. Please God, please.
She was so absorbed with her frantic prayers that she missed Jasper's reply, and only regained focus when she heard her name again.
"Bella? Bella, calm down. Did you hear me, Bella? Edward's fine. Do you hear me? Edward's fine. Nothing is wrong with him."
"What the fuck, Jasper? You call me in the middle of the night, you scare me half to death... what is going on?" Jane awoke at Bella's raised voice and lay on her bed with her head propped up on her hand, watching Bella with concern.
"Bella, calm down. I called because...well, I thought you'd want to know, and I forgot about the time difference thing. Bella, the hospital in Forks called. They've admitted Charlie."
"Oh, God. What happened? He wasn't...he didn't get shot or anything did he?" At hearing these words, Jane threw off her blankets and crossed the room. She sat on Bella's bed and laid a hand on her back, rubbing gently.
"No, nothing like that. He collapsed at the station. They called an ambulance to take him to the ER, but by the time the paramedics got there he was unconscious."
"Oh my God."
"They've admitted him to the hospital. Bella, sweetie, he's still out. They are running tests to see what's wrong but...well, right now they don't know if he is going to wake up."
"Oh my God." Bella was fighting to control her breathing.
"Bella, are you all right?"
Bella nodded and fought down her emotions. "Jane's here. I'll be fine." She stopped and took a shaky breath. "What should I do?"
"It's up to you, Bella, but I think...well, Alice and I are going to Forks."
They were both silent for a few minutes before she heard him speak again. "Bella, are you still there?"
"Yeah. I'll...I'll let you know."
"I love you, baby sister."
Bella sniffed and then took a deep breath. "Me, too."
Jasper didn't say goodbye. Bella heard a soft pop on the phone indicated the call had ended. She sat, staring at the phone, but she didn't feel the device in her hand. She didn't feel Jane's hand on her back. She was vaguely aware of a voice in the room, but it was muffled and far away. She didn't realize when Jane ran out of the room, or when she returned, bursting through the door with a big blond man in tow. She barely felt him come to the bed and wrap her in his embrace. She submitted easily when he laid her on the bed and encased her in his body. Her only awareness was of the sudden, completely unexpected tidal wave of pain crashing over her. She gasped, then gasped again and again, each breath completely overcome by a sob. They came fast and hard, one on top of the other until she was fighting to breathe and gave herself over to the grief. She lay on the bed and cried, oblivious to Alec's soft words and gentle caresses while Jane sat and watched, helpless and bewildered, from across the room.
To: Edward Cullen
From: Isabella Swan
Subject:
I'm coming home.
A/N Thanks so much for all of the adds and reviews, every notification email makes me happy. I appreciate all of your support!
We are heading toward the end of this little story, and I have been pondering writing some outtakes – if there is anything you would like to see, let me know in a review or PM and I will do my best to accommodate your wishes!