Twilight character names belong to Stephenie Meyer. I own Dodge and Burn.
Much love and thanks to Pre-readers BtwntheStacks and Lemonmartinis and Beta-MsKathy
.
Dodge and Burn / Chapter Thirty / I'll Play For You
.
Edward wakes up with a start and immediately understands that everything's wrong. Where's Isabella?
As his mind slowly clears, he remembers his decision to stay at his loft last night. Isabella is far away in her own bed.
He drags himself to the kitchen and starts a pot of coffee. He takes it black, just like his mood. It isn't until he realizes that Isabella would chide him for drinking naked coffee that some light shines into the black haze of his mind.
As he rubs his hands over his face roughly, he regrets not staying with her last night. She must be worried. He looks at his kitchen clock and decides to wait until eight to call, so he doesn't wake her up.
He thinks about Lauren, and her posturing the night before. Acting like she was concerned about his relationship with Isabella then pushing him into a corner. It's no wonder they had such a vicious argument.
How dare she accuse Isabella of being unstable, and his affection for her a knee-jerk reaction to the implosion of their marriage. Why would Lauren think that belittling Isabella would make him interested in her again? She has no idea what Isabella means to him. Yes, Isabella may not be the type of woman he would've been drawn to earlier in his life, but now he understands that's the very reason she's perfect for him. She's exactly what he's always needed, but he needed to mature in this phase of his life to understand that.
And what about Lauren's infidelity? Somehow, the more heated their argument got, the more he ended up being blamed for everything. How is it his fault that she fucked her boyfriend in their bed while he was with Rose, mourning the death of their father?
Lauren was ugly last night…the angriest he's ever seen her. The worst part is that they're probably further from resolving their divorce than they were before their fight.
He pulls on his jacket and takes his coffee out to the balcony. From the view below, he observes the city waking up and he imagines people are starting their days, hopefully with a much lighter heart than he has today.
Minutes later, he's overwhelmed with the urge to talk to Isabella, so he pulls out his phone to check the time. Seven forty. He throws caution to the wind and calls her as he settles into the outdoor seat.
"Good morning," she says softly, with no anger or reproach. He's overwhelmed to realize what that means to him. It just makes him love her more.
"I'm sorry to call you so early, baby, but I was missing you." He imagines he can hear her smile through the phone.
"Oh, I'm missing you too. My bed was so empty last night without you in it," she says.
"Were you able to sleep at least?" he asks.
"A bit. And you?"
"Not much," he admits.
"I'm sorry you were so upset last night. Do you want to talk about it?"
"Lauren and I had a big fight. It was bad. I can't believe some of the stuff we said to each other."
"Oh, I'm sorry, Edward."
"You know what I think set her off?" He lets out a tired laugh. "She asked me about the colored flags hanging across the room and I told her you did that for me."
"Really?"
"And she took that as an opportunity to start giving me advice and it all went to hell from there. Can you believe she wants us to go into couple's therapy?"
"What? Now she wants to do that?" Bella asks, shocked.
"Exactly!" Edward agrees. "I got to hear a long list about how I had neglected her and forced her to look for validation elsewhere. She knows now that her affair was a cry for help. She expected me to fight for her, show her I cared."
"Oh good God," Bella can't help saying, exasperated. "Does she really mean to blame you for everything?"
"I think she does. And Isabella, I'm not telling you all of this to upset you, but you need to know what went down because she's refusing to sign the divorce papers. She wants us to do the couple's therapy and give it another shot."
Bella is speechless. It's even worse than she imagined. "What do you want, Edward?"
"I want her to sign the damn papers!" he insists, exasperated.
"So what now?"
"I don't know…I really don't. I guess we have to get through tonight and then figure it out."
"Am I going to see you today?" Bella asks with a neutral tone, trying not to pressure him.
"Probably not until right before the show. I've got so much to do and I need some time to practice your song. I was too upset last night after she left. By the way, are you still bringing Angela?"
"Yes, she was hoping not to go alone but she wants to be there, so she's my date."
"I'm your date," he insists gruffly.
"Glad to hear it," she says playfully.
"Isabella," he says in a commanding voice. "You're the most important person attending tonight. None of this would have happened without your inspiration."
"Oh, Edward," she says sweetly.
"I mean it," he insists. "You're my date. Maybe you'll believe it when you hear your song."
"I can't wait," she says, her heart soaring. "So just focus on what you need to do today, and I'll see you tonight."
He sighs. "Thank you, Isabella. Thanks for understanding. I'm excited about the event but I also can't wait for tomorrow when we can just have some quiet time together again."
"Me too. I love you, Edward."
"I love you, too."
.
..~*~..
.
As Bella fixes her breakfast, she gets the idea to do something special for Edward tonight to celebrate the event and imminent launch of Esme's Place. After mulling over different possibilities, she decides she wants to do something private at home.
She heads over to Larchmont Village and stops at the wine shop first, consulting with the owner to pick out the best Italian Chianti. She grins with delight when his suggestion is from the same vineyard as the bottle they drank their final night in Lucca. At the market, she picks out a fresh basket of strawberries and large jar of Nutella.
Her final stop is the party store on Melrose Avenue where she picks out a colorful 'Congratulations' banner, and then two large groupings of balloons. As she heads to her car, she wonders for a moment if she will take flight, the helium lifting her into the clouds. She delights at the idea but soon faces the daunting task of fitting all the balloons into her car. She laughs as she struggles thinking she should just go get a few more bunches and tie them to the roof rack. She could float home then, like the little house in the Pixar movie 'Up!'.
She drives home slowly, taking side streets. After all, it can't be safe with the inside of her car looking like one of those preschool ball pits with her face peeking out of the colorful chaos. She has to bat them aside every time she has to look left or right.
Finally in her driveway, she unloads the car, filling her arms with all the goodies, but as she heads to her front door she stops suddenly in her tracks. As soon as she sees the tense couple on her doorstep a sick feeling comes over her.
Oh no.
Observing her shopping bags and balloons, the couple can obviously see that she has no good reason to have kept them waiting. The woman looks like she's going to cry. The man glares at Bella, looks down at his watch with dramatic flair, and then glares at her once again for good measure.
"Oh no!" Bella finally calls out. "You're the Mitchells, aren't you!"
The woman silently nods and the man replies with a sarcastic tone, "How'd you guess?"
"Oh God, oh God…I'm so sorry. I can't believe this…I've never done this before, I swear."
"You forgot us," the woman says with a sad voice.
"Tess made this appointment months ago and confirmed it two days ago. How could you've forgotten?" the man asks.
Bella fights back the tears. "I don't know. I don't know! I'm so sorry!" She fumbles with her house keys and then hands a bunch of balloons to each of them to hold. "I'm sorry, can you please just hold these until I get the door open?"
The man gives her a looks of irritated disbelief as he stands in his expensive slacks and sweater holding the huge colorful bunch of balloons. She almost wishes she had her camera so she could photograph the unlikely scene.
Bella pushes the door open, and sets her groceries down before taking the bunches of balloons and dragging them into the house, then releasing them so that they gather up on the living room ceiling.
"Come in, come in," she gestures to the couple.
The couple warily steps into her house.
"What's your schedule like? Can you give me some time to set up?" Bella asks.
"You haven't set up?" the man asks, folding his arms over his chest.
The woman lets out a long sigh. "Frankly, I'm too upset now anyway to do the shoot. The pictures won't be any good."
Bella's shoulder's sag, all of her previous excitement about the day now drained from her. "Of course, I understand," she says sadly. "Please let me make this up to you. We can schedule the shoot for another time."
"I don't think so," says the husband. "Come on, Tess. Let's go."
"I feel terrible," Bella says, wringing her hands together. "I understand your decision. But if you reconsider later, I will waive my sitting fee. You'll only have to pay for your prints."
"Okay, well let us think about that. I was so looking forward to this," Tess says sadly. "I just love your work."
Bella follows them to the door. "Oh my, thank you for saying that. You're so gracious. Again, I apologize. I just got back from a big trip and I'm having trouble getting my bearings. If you change your mind, I'll make sure we get something wonderful."
The couple nods and leaves and as Bella shuts the door behind them, she closes her eyes and presses her forehead against the door.
What is wrong with her? How could she forget a shoot?
She drops herself into the armchair and stares up at the ceiling, filled with frustration and self-loathing as she watches the balloons slowly shift across the smooth stucco. Her gaze then travels to the mantle where she's reminded of what lies hidden there and everything it represents. Her greatest fear is losing her memory and any sign of it, from not being able to find her car keys, to forgetting to return a call, stirs her up inside. But she has never forgotten anything this major…an event that not only makes her feel terrible, but has ruined two other people's days as well.
Her chest tightens and her pulse speeds as she worries. Within moments she has a desperate urge to crawl out of her own skin. She tries to cling onto lucidity and calm herself down, wondering if she's at the forefront of a panic attack.
With shaky hands, she picks up her phone and calls Leah.
"Leah," she cries, having trouble controlling the tone of her voice.
"Bella!" Leah responds. "What's wrong, woman?"
"I just forgot something big, Leah. Something really big and I'm completely flipping out." Bella gasps for air. "I think I'm having a panic attack. I'm having trouble breathing. What do I do?" She can hear her heart thundering as she clutches the phone. She's breaking out in a cold sweat and feels clammy all over.
"Bella," Leah says authoritatively. "You're okay. You're okay. Repeat that back to me."
"I'm okay," Bella says unconvincingly.
"Good," Leah says. "We're going to calm you down now. Take a deep breath and as you release it, imagine your tension slowly easing out of you."
"I can't take a deep breath! I can hardly breathe," Bella squeaks.
"Focus, Bella!" Leah commands. "You're okay. Slowly drop your head between your knees and close your eyes."
"Yes, yes," Bella says feeling a tiny bit better just being curled up.
"Imagine I'm there now rubbing your back. Now take a slow breath. Okay?"
Bella breathes. "Okay, yeah."
"Good, good. Now take another. You're okay, Bella. You're fine and I'm here with you."
Bella smiles and takes another breath. She feels a bit calmer already. "And you're good at back rubs," she teases.
"Yes, I am," Leah replies, glad to hear her friend isn't as panicked. "And lucky for you I'm in your neighborhood. As a matter of fact, I'm heading over now."
"Oh, Leah. You don't have to come by. I know how busy you are."
"Shut up. I'm a block away now."
Bella laughs. "Did you just tell a woman in the middle of a panic attack to shut up?"
"That's the point isn't it?" Leah answers. "Your panic attack is over thanks to my brilliant distraction techniques."
"You're so brilliant, and modest," Bella teases.
"Watch it. I'm in your driveway. Open the door, woman, I'm coming in."
.
"So you forgot an appointment," Leah shrugs as she helps herself to a bottle of water. "Everyone does that at least once in their life."
"But I've never forgotten something as important as a shoot!" Bella insists. "The husband was furious and the wife heartbroken."
"Well, I'd be pissed off, too. That sucked for them but things could have been worse."
"Yeah, like how?"
"I don't know. Your strobe light could have crashed into the set and electrocuted them."
Bella rolls her eyes. "Well yeah, that would have been worse."
"See, so their day wasn't so bad after all."
"You're crazy, Leah."
"And you aren't?" Leah scoffs. "Takes one to know one."
Bella can't help but smile before she takes a swig of water from her bottle.
"So why the hell haven't you called to get back on our workout regimen."
Bella grins. "I forgot?"
"Ha! Nice try Bella-boo. How about you're worn out from all the fun on your trip."
"Yeah…that's it!" Bella says, laughing.
"Well, that's great news about the fun, but we need to get back with it. The exercise will help your stress and clear your mind so your memory is sharp. I know you've got a late night with Edward's fundraiser tonight, so tomorrow morning may not be a good time to start. How about Saturday?"
"Sounds good," Bella agrees. "Hey, Leah? Can I ask you something?"
"Sure. What?"
"Why are you so good to me?"
"You mean since you're such a pain in the ass?"
"Yeah," Bella says, smiling.
"Okay, I'm only going to tell you this once so you better listen carefully. Are you listening?"
"Yes," Bella replies, grinning.
"I'm good to you because you may be crazy, but it's the best kind of crazy and you are one of the good people."
"Good people?" Bella asks.
"Hell yes. I know I'm tenacious, but I've had some really low times, Bella. Times you have no idea how close I was to giving up on everything…and who was it that picked me up and made me believe that things would be better?"
"But…" Bella protests.
"Don't interrupt me, woman. I'm on a roll. You have no idea, Bella. Remember when I was broke and going to pack it all up and head back to my bible thumping family in rural Georgia, where I had no life? Where I couldn't even live out of the closet."
"Oh, I remember. That would've been bad."
"And you gave me money, and let me stay with you and Jacob until I found more work and got back on my feet."
"It was fun having you here," Bella protests.
"You love me, Bella. You love me for just who I am…even when I'm a bitch."
"I do love you, truly."
"All of my best clients are because of you. And you convinced me that Maria was worth fighting for when I thought she was going to go back to her ex…and now look at us. And remember when you took care of me after my bike accident? Need I go on?"
"I guess I'm pretty great," Bella jokes.
"Hell yes. So don't ever think twice about calling me when you need help," Leah insists. "As a matter of fact, I'll be pissed if you don't."
"Yes, ma'am. I certainly don't want to piss you off," Bells says, laughing. "Can I give you a hug?"
"Oh, all right," Leah says.
They hold each other tightly for a long hug and Bella thinks of how grateful she is to have Leah in her life.
"Thank you, Leah," she whispers.
As they pull away, Leah looks at her, really looks at her, and nods. "I've got your back, baby. Don't you worry."
.
..~*~..
.
"Oh, you look so lovely Bella," Angela says admiringly.
"You think so?" Bella asks, as she slowly turns and shows off her outfit. "I wasn't sure what to wear. Do you think this is all right?"
"It's perfectly…Bella," Angela says, smiling. "I don't think you've ever looked prettier."
Bella reaches out and clasps her friend's hand. "Thank you, Angela. I'm nervous about tonight. Especially because Edward's ex is going to be there and she's trying to intimidate me."
"His ex? Why would she be there?"
"She's wiggled her way into the project by bringing in donors. It has become apparent that she intends to get Edward back."
"Oh no," Angela laments. "That's all you need."
"I know," Bella agrees. "But Edward's been pretty wonderful. He's reassured me every way he could."
"Well, I'm glad to hear it." "I've always said that you're a great catch. And that man is smart enough to understand exactly how great you are."
"He's going to perform a song tonight, Angela…one that he wrote just for me."
"Really?" Angela asks. "Wow."
Bella snaps open her little purse to reveal it's stuffed with Kleenex. "I've come prepared. Just in case," she says, her cheeks pink with excitement.
"Smart planning," Angela agrees. "My guess is that it's swoony."
"Swoony?" Bella sighs. "Oh, wouldn't that be glorious! I hope you're right."
"And that will stop the ex in her tracks. Right? Seriously, who can try to fight for a man when he writes songs about the woman he's in love with?"
"Well, when you put it like that, I feel invincible," Bella says happily, as they link arms and head out to Bella's car.
.
The traffic's heavy so as she parks, Bella's grateful she allotted herself extra time to get them there.
"Has Carly said anything else about Jacob?" Bella asks as they get out of the car and head to the club's entrance with time to spare.
"Honestly, with the wedding so close I haven't seen her much. Being a maid of honor these days seems like a full time job. I've never seen anything like it…all the showers, and parties."
"Wow," says Bella. "I hope they're enjoying themselves. That sounds like a lot."
"Yes," Angela agrees. "And the wedding is a big, fancy affair. I guess her grandmother is wealthy and has paid for everything."
Before Bella can respond they pass through the front door and immediately spot Edward greeting people. Bella grins at the sight of him, so handsome in his suit jacket and tie over his best jeans. A moment later, he looks up and notices her as well. He excuses himself and moves toward her, until he's close enough to wrap his arms around her.
"You're here," he whispers, pulling her close.
"With bells on," she teases.
He steps back to take her in and his expression softens even more. "You look beautiful, baby." He then turns and smiles at Angela. "So good to see you again, Angela."
"Good to see you again, too," Angela says graciously. "And I hope you don't mind my saying that I'm not sure I would've recognized you."
"That's right," Bella says, marveling. "The last time you two met Edward was trying to recover from pneumonia."
Edward chuckles. "Wow, that seems like a lifetime ago."
"Well, congratulations on this accomplishment. I'd also say that according to how you look now and what Bella tells me, you're doing amazingly well."
"Thanks to Isabella," he says, taking her hand.
"Oh enough with that," Bella teases. "Besides, Alice is frantically trying to get your attention." She points to where Alice is waving for Edward to come over. "Go take care of things. We'll go get our seats."
"I didn't want to go backstage until I knew you were here," he says. "Oh, and I've got your seats saved up front. You can't miss them. So I'll see you after. You need to meet Sean, Julia, and the gang." He kisses Bella on the cheek and nods at Angela.
"Break a leg," Bella says happily before he steps away and slips into the crowd.
.
As Angela and Bella wind through the room they greet Rose, Emmett and their kids, Leah and Maria, and several of her friends from her women's group. She's also shocked to see Michael with a woman Bella doesn't recognize, standing off to the side.
As Bella and Angela approach them, Bella squeezes Michael's arm. "Hey, you! You didn't tell me you were coming tonight."
He shrugs. "We weren't sure if Nancy was going to be in town or not and I wanted to bring her. So it's kind of last minute." He gestures toward his date. "Nancy, these are friends of mine, Bella and Angela."
They exchange formalities and Nancy explains that she's an assistant principal of a middle school and is interested in this program. Angela and her engage in a conversation about school funding issues which allows Bella to speak to Michael separately.
"She's great," she says quietly. "How'd you meet?"
"Online," he admits, grinning sheepishly.
"Good for you," Bella says. "You look happy."
"So far so good," he says, just before Angela turns toward Bella. "Looks like they want us to take our seats," she says.
Before they part, Michael reminds her, "Hey, don't forget we're going over last quarter's numbers tomorrow after lunch."
"Okay, thanks for reminding me," Bella answers as they part.
.
After they find their seats, Bella scans the crowd until she spots Lauren. She's wearing a chic black dress and is shepherding a group of people that reek of money into their seats. They fill the second row just to the right of Bella and Angela.
Angela watches Bella and looks over as well. She leans in close to her friend, "Is that her?" she whispers.
Bella nods. "How'd you know?"
Angela shrugs. "I had a feeling. You've painted a pretty vivid image in my mind of her." Angela grabs her friend's hand and squeezes it right as the lights dim. "She can't hold a candle to you, Bella."
Bella turns and grins at Angela. "Thank you," she mouths silently.
.
As it turns out, during the show, Bella pulls the Kleenex out of her purse sooner than expected. It's the earnestness of the young kids that makes her emotional; their nervousness as they step on stage, their passion as they perform, and finally, their pride when they're done and everyone's applauding. It's inspiring to Bella in the most profound way.
Edward is the main force behind the evening. He introduces the young performers, gives his speech telling the history of the center, and talks about his mom's passion to inspire kids with music. As he explains his plans for the center's future, he's lit from within, his eyes bright and full of excitement. Bella's so impressed by him and can't help but marvel that this beautiful man has become the center of her world.
The selection of music is contemporary and surprising for its unconventionality with classical instruments. The instrumental quartet plays Beautiful Day, by U2 and Peter Gabriel's, In Your Eyes. A beautiful Hispanic girl plays the piano adeptly and sings Coldplay's, Viva la Vida. She's followed by two young violinists who play John Legend's, Everybody Knows. With each performance, Bella can feel the energy and excitement in the room building. When Edward steps onstage alone at the end of the evening, holding his guitar, Bella's anticipation is high.
He settles into a seat on the stage and checks the tune of his guitar before addressing the crowd. "I used to tell my mom's students that there was no better way to express your emotions than through music. We've heard music and songs tonight of overcoming disappointment and loss to find happiness. We want our kids to embrace the world of music and know that with hard work and focus they can achieve their dreams for the future.
"So to wrap up the evening, I'd like to perform this song titled, I'll Play for You, a song about inspiration and finding love and hope again. I wrote for a very special someone in this audience." He smiles softly. "I hope you enjoy it."
The sound from his guitar is pure and soulful, his voice rich as he begins to sing.
I'm in orbit round your sun
Girl, you shine brighter than anyone
I was broken 'till you cast your spell
Now a phoenix rising that's lived to tell
Let's take it all on, this crazy life
You can choose to live long, one day be my wife
I'll hold your hand as we grow old
My mermaid, my muse, you're silver and gold
I'll sing for you
Fight for you
Break down and cry for you
Isabella,
you're my now,
be my ever
Play with me
Stay with me
Hearts beating, lay with me
Isabella,
I'll love you
forever
We'll float in still waters, our spirits set free
Azure nights that whisper of all we can be
Dancing beneath a blanket of stars
Just you, and me, and my guitar
Show me your colors, every shadow and hue
Screaming chartreuse and the quietest blue
I'll wrap you in words as I sing you to sleep
We'll dive to the underworld into the deep
No matter what has to be
Smile baby, just for me
Cross your heart, promise me
Isabella,
You're my now,
be my ever
Each day I'm with you
Inspired I'll play for you
Filling my heart, it's true
Isabella,
I'll love you
forever
Edward repeats the last stanza, so softly it's almost a whisper. He finally stills, his fingers quiet over the strings.
After he's finished there's a moment of silence as he leans into his guitar. When the applause starts, he squints, looking out into the audience for Isabella but she's lost in the haze of the stage lights. He has an overwhelming need to see her, to hold her.
By the time he stands, the applause is thunderous. Bella stands up with the others, tears streaming down her face, her hand pressed tightly over her heart.
Edward.
She feels as though she has fallen with him into the softest feather bed, the warmth and comfort surrounding them. His song has made something ethereal tangible, as if he's wrapped words perfectly around their love.
She has a vague notion of Jasper stepping on stage to conclude the event and invite the audience to the reception in the bar area. Finally, Edward steps up to thank everyone for their support and attending this special evening.
As Bella watches him, she realizes how tonight he seems like he's from a different world than the one she first found him in. He's on his feet again, accomplishing things, and he's going to take his smarts and his energy and use it to make things better for kids who love music. She marvels at his noble intentions and falls in love with him all over again.
As the lights come on and people start to mumble and rise from their seats, Angela turns to her.
"Bella," she gasps, her eyes wide.
"I know, right?" Bella responds. "I can't believe it."
"He wrote that…for you!" she says.
"It's the most beautiful song, and he says I inspired it," Bella says happily. "Life will never get better than this moment. I swear, Angela; I'm satisfied. I could die tonight and it'd all be good."
"Well, no dying tonight. All right?" Angela jokes.
"Oh, okay. Bella teases back.
As they start to step out of their aisle, Bella notices Lauren, who is looking particularly subdued. Her mood is a contrast to her guests, who look positively inspired by the show. There is something about her long face, and black dress, that when paired with her demeanor makes her look like she's attending a funeral, not a celebration.
"Bella!"
Bella turns to see Rose, Emmett, and the kids approach and she introduces them to Angela. Rose takes Bella's hands excitedly. "Oh my God, what a night. And your song…didn't you love that? I can't believe Edward the Ogre could write something that romantic."
"The Ogre?" Bella repeats, laughing.
"Yeah, that's what we used to jokingly call him. He'd become so somber and moody that we'd tease him to get him to loosen up. But you've sure changed that."
Bella smiles at Rose. "Well, he's changed me, too."
Angela nods her head in agreement.
"He's a completely different person now," says Rose. "He would've never gotten up in a crowd like this and sang that song. I'm stunned really."
"Me too," admits Bella.
"You know, I'm so proud of him for getting the center open again. Mom would be incredibly proud of him, too. None of this was easy, but he's been inspired."
"And judging from the looks of things, a lot of other people are supportive of this idea as well," says Angela, pointing out the enthusiastic crowd.
Bella suddenly feels someone step up behind her and slide his hands down around her waist.
"Edward!" she exclaims. She turns and gives him an embrace. "I was about to go searching for you."
"Did you like your song?" he asks, smiling.
"I loved it," she says, cupping his chin in her hand. "It was the most beautiful song I've ever heard and you wrote it for me."
Edward gives her a warm smile and kiss before looking up and greeting the group.
.
The room is buzzing and Edward brings other people in and out of their circle, from the parents of the kids performing to the local councilman and educators who hope to support the program however they can. He's just finished saying goodnight to another supporter when Maria steps up to the group with Leah.
"Wow! I loved the show, Edward."
"Didn't your mural look great up on the screen?" he asks.
"It sure did." She gestures to her date. "Edward, I believe you've already met my girlfriend, Leah."
Edward smiles and nods his head and Leah smirks at him just to make Bella nervous. She gives Bella a sideways glance and then looks back at Edward. "Yes, we've met. Plus I get to hear a lot about Edward," she teases.
He laughs. "Hopefully only the good things," he replies.
"Be nice, Leah," Bella warns.
"Oh, I will. You know Bella, you never told me how handsome he is when he cleans up. He didn't look like this when we had dinner."
Edward turns to Bella. "You didn't tell her I was handsome?" He looks forlorn for a moment and then laughs.
"Oh, I told her." She turns to Leah. "Are you going to be good?"
Leah shrugs. "I guess so. By the way, great song, Edward. I take it you still kinda like our girl."
"Yeah, I kinda do," he replies, pulling Bella close to his side.
"I think she kinda likes you too," Leah says smiling.
.
People mingle and linger longer than expected. Sean and Julia have just finished introducing Bella to the young pianist when Emmett interrupts the group.
"Sorry, Edward, we're going to have to take off. The little natives are getting restless."
"No problem, Emmett. I understand."
"But before I go, I have that thing you wanted in my car."
Edward gives him a meaningful look and Emmett nods. Edward turns to Bella.
"I'll be right back, okay?"
"Sure," she says, smiling before hugging Rose and the kids goodbye.
.
.
A few minutes later Edward rejoins her. "Everything okay?" she asks.
"Yeah, it's all good," he answers.
"Edward Cullen?" A powerful voice calls out. Edward and Bella quickly turn around to see who's addressing him. Lauren is behind the distinguished looking older gentleman along with another women and two younger looking men.
"Yes?" Edward asks.
Lauren steps forward. "Edward, this is Jonathan Sanders of Sanders International. He's very interested in your plans for Esme's Place."
"Yes, and I'd like to talk to you about it more," he confirms with a firm nod. "I have some ideas I think you'll find very interesting."
Lauren gives Edward a look suggesting that he take this man very seriously.
"Well, thank you," Edward responds, shaking his hand. "I'd like to hear what your thoughts are."
"Good, good," the man says, satisfied. "We're heading over to my restaurant Fig and Olive for dinner. It's on Melrose Place right before Robertson Blvd. Join us. You'll be glad you did."
Edward pulls Bella close to his side. "Mr. Sanders, I'd like you to meet Isabella Swan. We actually have plans…"
"It's all right, Edward," Bella interrupts. "This is important."
Jonathan smiles at Bella. "Well then, it's settled. And of course you should join us, Isabella."
"Thank you," she responds politely.
When the group heads out, Edward turns to Bella. "Why did you agree that we would join them?"
"I've read about him, Edward. He's a big philanthropist. I don't think you want to pass up this opportunity."
"But…" he starts to argue.
"No buts," she says. "We have plenty of time to celebrate. I have to take Angela home first, so I'll meet you over there. Okay?"
He shakes his head. "We should go together. Why don't I drive Angela home, you go home, and I'll pick you up there. That way we'll be in one car."
Bella gives him a stern look.
"That will waste too much time. Go meet them. I will join you as soon as I can. Look, at least it's in a restaurant and not in Lauren's house like she said she wanted when she took the painting back from you."
"You're right about that, but you're so stubborn, woman."
"I know how hard you've worked, Edward. You've gone this far now…take it all the way."
He pulls her into his arms and hugs her, then nods and steps back. "Okay, boss."
"That's more like it," she teases. "I'll be there before you know it."
.
Bella and Angela say their farewells to Alice and Jasper, and then move toward the entrance. Right by the front door, Bella notices a collection of photographs on the wall. Some are of the original version of Esme's Place, and the others the new version that Edward has rebuilt. An obvious difference is that the old photos are full of students and teachers from the center over the years where the new ones are empty, a dream still waiting to be fulfilled.
Bella is drawn to one photograph in particular that appears to be from the last concert that Esme attended. She appears very frail as she smiles weakly from her wheelchair. Bella sees what she's sure is fear in her eyes, while Carlisle looks over adoringly at her. Edward stands on her other side, his hand on her shoulder as if he's trying to bolster her.
In the photo, Rose stands apart with her arms folded and her expression full of worry, as if she isn't convinced that they should be there. Even Bella can see that in the photo Esme looks too fragile to be putting on such a big evening. Something about the photograph takes Bella's breath away as she tries to figure out why the image disturbs her so much.
Bella and Angela are silent as they walk through the dark parking lot to her car.
"Are you okay?" Angela asks as she opens her door and they slide inside.
"Yeah," Bella responds. "Can I ask you something? And I want an honest answer."
"All right," Angela responds.
"Do you think I'm good for Edward? Not just now, but long term?"
"What kind of question is that?" Angela asks, exasperated. "Oh course you are. Why?"
"What if I'm not his future destiny, Angela? What if my point was to get him here, to this point, so that he's ready to take off?"
"What in the world are you talking about? Stop it," Angela insists.
"I mean it," Bella continues. "What if I end up a burden?"
"Bella?" she asks. "What brought this on?"
"Maybe seeing those photos of Esme at the end, and thinking about my mom."
Angela lets out a deep sigh. "You need to stop projecting your stuff on everyone else. After a night like tonight, where this man has essentially told the world that he's given you his heart, you need to make a decision to let go of your fears, and I mean it."
Bella leans forward and rests her head on the steering wheel, the car keys still resting on her lap.
"I don't mean to be hard on you, Bella," Angela says with a softer voice.
"I know," Bella whispers. "Sometimes my spirit is so strong and I know I can conquer anything. Those days I feel this energy surging through me. It's like a life force helping me conquer life's challenges and take in every precious moment. But then other times…"
"…yes, those damn other times," Angela says. "You see, even you have your dark moments, my friend."
"Yes, I do," Bella agrees.
"I understand, but you need to face that darkness and work it out without dragging Edward and Jacob down into the darkness with you."
Bella gasps. "Oh, Angela."
"Edward has made it clear what he wants, Bella. Even with an uncertain future, he's made a commitment to you two hundred percent."
"I know, I know," Bella says.
"Are you going to be there for him too, no matter what happens? You need to make a decision, Bella, one way or another. Can you make the decision to live a long life without back-stepping every time something makes you scared about what your future holds?"
Bella's hands grip the steering wheel hard as fear waves through her.
"Can you do that?" Angela asks, turning to her friend. "Can you let your fears go?"
Bella shakes her head. "I have to Angela…not just for Edward, but for myself, too. I can't live in limbo any more."
.
.
Thanks so much for taking a moment to review...
xoxo
abbie
Sweet & sexy pics are on the D&B FB page-check it out. Facebook dot com slash abstractway If you press "like" on the page you will automatically get notices of new postings.
Also join me on Twitter dot com slash abstractway