Disclaimer: I don't own them...
Many thanks to SunflowerFran3759 for making this pretty.
And thanks and high fives to RobAttacks for the amazing review on Fan Fiction Friday.
Isabelle
"Yes, Mom...I know, Mom...Ugh, enough. I get it."
"Isabella, don't get testy with me. I am worried about you and for the first time in forever, you aren't just around the corner from us."
"I'm sorry."
We were quiet for a few minutes.
"I'm just worried about you sweetheart. Your grandmother's life wasn't easy, and I worry that you will start to close yourself off."
I didn't speak for a second or two. My Grandma Marie did have a difficult time. Every man she ever loved left her for someone or something else, and she eventually cut herself off from love. But I firmly believe she just hadn't met her 'one'. While I may be bitter about the ending of my previous relationships, I do believe there is a 'someone' out there for everyone. It's up to us, me, to open ourselves up to it.
"Mom, I know. But you don't have to worry. My heart is a little bruised and battered right now, but I will get past it." I smiled, "I really like it here. Everyone we've met so far has been really nice, and I can't believe I forgot how sexy a southern accent can be."
My mom was completely quiet on the other side of the phone, but my smile was bright with mischief.
Just as I was about to speak, Mom snorted, then broke out into laughter. "Oh baby, leave it to you to say something like that. You truly are my daughter."
"That's an understatement. At least I can hold my tongue in front of strangers."
She laughed again; "Oh my, you'll never believe what I said at dinner the other night..." my mom went on and on. We giggled at the silly things she'd done since I've been gone.
Talking and laughing with my mother was just what I needed.
I was bundled up in a scarf, wool coat, beanie and gloves. The air was bone chilling and the gray, rainy sky made it feel ominous.
It had been a long day. I hadn't seen or heard from the Masens since our walkthrough last week. It made me a bit anxious that I hadn't heard from anyone, but I'm pretty sure the primary reason for my anxiety is due to Edward Cullen.
His sister, Rosalie, didn't leave his side for the rest of the afternoon, the day of the walkthrough. She seemed to be worried about him and I wonder what had happened, and why she was so concerned. What would make her worry so much that she felt the need to keep a watchful eye on him?
Brutal wind whipped through the street, making me pause and slip into the store I was about to pass.
As I watched the water and wind swirl outside, I wondered how I would get home. I am not sure it's a good idea to drive in this; maybe I should just call Emmett. I wonder how far away he is.
"Excuse me," a deep voice called out behind me. I turned quickly with an apology already on my tongue. But the man that stood before me, halted the words in my throat, and my eyes suddenly watered.
"Renee?" He whispered.
The name SWAN, was written in big, bold letters on the front of his uniform.
I couldn't speak, and I felt lightheaded as I shook my head
No...
Renee?
Images fluttered...my mother; the exact image of me with blue eyes; the man in front of me in a blue suit, young and smiling.
Dancing...
Laughing...
Embracing...
My hand moved away from me in search of something to steady myself. I knocked over a bunch of items on the table next to me, the crash snapping my attention away from the tall, brown haired man.
"Oh...I'm so sorry! I...I...," I couldn't find words.
The door opened behind me, and the cold wind swept through the entryway causing the mess I'd made to scatter across the floor.
"Isabelle! Are you okay?"
Edward.
I closed my eyes. His voice brought me a calmness that was unexpected.
His hand wrapped around my waist and he turned me toward him. I could feel him guiding me away from the door.
"Bella?" He whispered. "It's okay," he took my hand and rested it over my heart. "Feel that, take a breath, sweetheart."
I rested my forehead on his chest and felt his heart beat, slow and steady.
Calm...
My breaths slowed and the lightheadedness was going away. I could hear the hum of Edward's voice as he spoke to the man behind me.
It can't be. How can he be here, of all places? He called me Renee.
"Isabelle," Edward started, but the door opened again, the cold causing a chill to run through my body.
"Edward? What's going on?" Emmett's voice boomed through the shop. My ears were ringing and I could feel the tears welling in my eyes.
Swan.
A military uniform...
We have the same eyes.
My fingers gripped Edward tightly. "Let's go outside for some fresh air, okay?"
I nodded but wouldn't move my forehead away from his chest. His arms wrapped around me and he led me toward the door.
"Hey, wait a minute!" The man called out.
"No, you wait a minute. Who the hell are you?" Emmett said angrily, just as the door opened and we stepped outside.
I felt Edward guiding me to sit, and I finally pulled away from him. His arm was wrapped around my shoulder tightly, the other hand rubbed up and down my arm slowly; soothing me. I felt my nerves settle as I breathed in Edward's scent.
The cold air and the drizzle of the rain made me shiver, and curl myself more tightly into Edward's arms.
Was he my father? I'd never seen a picture of him. My mother told me his name was Charlie Swan...but could that really be him. What am I supposed to say to him? Why is he here in South Carolina?
My mother met him at a restaurant, through a friend of a friend. He was on a thirty day leave from the Army, and they spent the entire time together. My mother said she never spoke to him again after he left; he was headed for a twelve month tour overseas. They agreed to keep in touch, but she said she never received a letter or any kind of correspondence from him. Emails and cell phones were not available like they are now.
Eight weeks later, when she found out she was pregnant, she was devastated that she didn't know how to reach him. His friends didn't have his address and from what she learned about him during their short time together, he was reserved and kept to himself.
She met Phil when she was six months pregnant. She had been interviewing pediatricians, trying to find a good doctor for me. As she made her way out of the office, a two year old boy with honey, blond hair stopped her to say hello and then threw up all over her shoes.
She and Phil have been together ever since. And I ended up with a hyphenated last name, Swan-Whitlock.
I pulled my cell phone from my coat pocket and removed my glove. I stared at the contact list for a long moment wondering what I was going to say. I hit the button and the call was answered on the second ring.
"Bella, hi, how are you, honey?"
I swallowed thickly, "Mom, I just ran into someone with the last name Swan."
Her breath caught in her throat, and I heard a quiet sob come over the line. "We are on our way. I'll call you back with the flight details, okay? Bella?"
Edward took my phone from me when my hand dropped it, and I heard him say a few words before he pulled me up from the bench. I looked up at him with questioning eyes. What happens now?
"Let's get you home, sweetheart. Your parents will be here soon, but you need to get warm, okay?"
I simply nodded. I felt like I was in shock. What would happen when my mother and father got here?
My father.
The word dropped like a brick in my stomach. How would this affect Phil? He's the only dad I've ever known.
"Emmett?" Edward called out. "Did you get his information; her parents are flying out tonight."
"Yeah, I got it, and I gave him my phone number. Are you staying in town tonight, Edward? The weather doesn't seem to be letting up."
"Yes, I was going to get a room at one of the nearby hotels."
"No, Edward. You can stay with us, we have the space. Please," I said, quietly. I couldn't bear to be away from him right now. His touch was keeping me together; holding the building anxiety at bay.
"I don't want to impose..." he started.
"No way, man, let's grab your bag and we'll ride together."
The ride to our house was mostly quiet. I was completely lost in my thoughts, but Edward and Emmett's conversation would filter in here and there.
The pieces I heard were about sports and the renovations on the house. We were bidding contractors for materials and labor. It was a long process but would be exciting when we get underway.
While my mind kept flashing to the man that I ran into today, I couldn't stop thinking about Edward. I don't know how he found me in that store, or why he was in town, but his presence comforted me. His touch is like a soft, warm, blanket wrapping around me; assuring me that I'm safe.
I've never had that feeling from anyone I've dated, not even from long, lost friends. My family's love is like a balm for my soul, but Edward...I don't know how to explain it. It was almost all encompassing, like I would never be able to break away from him; and I didn't want to.
Emmett rolled down his window and punched in the code for the gate.
Edward whistled as we rounded the long driveway and stopped in front of the garage door. "You guys are really all by yourselves out here, huh?"
Emmett glanced at me in the mirror and nodded. "I can't believe I actually considered letting you stay here by yourself Bella."
I smiled and got out of the car once we were safely in the garage, away from the wind and rain. We walked into the house and I looked up at Edward, "I'll show you to one of the guest rooms so you can put your bag down and freshen up."
He nodded and smiled, "thank you, for inviting me to stay here."
I shrugged and led the way down the hall. As we reached the stairs, I felt Edward's hand on the small of my back and a shiver ran up my spine. I wish I knew what that was, what it meant. I felt his fingers flex against me, I wonder if he felt it too. I was too scared to look back at him to find out.
I took a deep breath and stopped in front of the open door across the hall from my bedroom.
I gestured for him to enter and he walked in slowly, his eyes moving across the room. He set his bag down on the bench at the end of the bed and walked toward the sliding doors. A flash of lightening lit the sky, illuminating the lake outside.
"Wow," he whispered, and then turned to me with a smile. "That was really cool."
I shook my head. "If you say so, storms scare me. I always close the curtains and bundle up under the covers."
"What?" he laughed. "You just need someone to explain its beauty to you."
I tilted my head and looked at him, curious about his statement. Was he offering? Or was it just a random comment?
His eyes caught mine in the glass, and we both held steady; neither of us moving, or willing to break this spell.
Emmett's heavy feet were running up the stairs. "Hey, what are you guys doing?"
"Watching the lightening," Edward said, his eyes stayed on mine a second more before turning to look at Emmett. He had a bright, beautiful smile on his face. "It looks amazing from here."
"It's cool, right? Bella here is a big chicken; she never watches the show with me."
"Hmmm," Edward said, quietly. "We'll have to fix that."
"Good luck, man. We grew up in Texas and the storms are epic there. Jasper and I could never get this one to loosen up."
"Alright, I'm going to go before the Bella-bashing starts. I'll be downstairs in a few."
Emmett laughed and then joined Edward at the window. I watched them for a minute, as they joked around. They were already friends. I smiled, before turning and stepping into my room.
I sat on the bed and slipped off my boots, wiggling my toes around. My feet were tired, I was tired. I fell back onto my bed and stared up at the ceiling. This is too much for my brain to handle right now. I looked around the room, and decided not to change; my leggings and oversized sweater were fine. I grabbed a pair of wool socks, exchanging them for the thin socks I'd worn today.
I walked into the bathroom and looked in the mirror. Ugh, I'm a mess. I washed my face quickly and brushed through my hair before pulling some chopsticks from basket on the counter and securing my hair.
What am I going to do to keep myself busy while we wait for my parents?
"Bellmarie!" Emmett yelled. "I'm hungry, are you going to cook?"
I laughed and walked out of my room, taking to the stairs cautiously; literally, one at a time.
"Seriously? I'm dying here and you are playing games."
"What are you talking about? I'm being careful; I'd hate to take a spill down the stairs."
He watched me with narrowed eyes as I continued moving extra slowly, and then stopped to adjust each of my socks, removed the chopsticks from my hair and then put them back in. When I finally got to the bottom, Emmett lifted me off of the step and threw me over his shoulder, making the chopsticks fall out.
"All right, woman. Start cooking!" He yelled and dumped me on the island.
I grabbed my head, trying to steady the rush that hit me at the quick movement. As I looked up, ready to give Emmett a smart ass remark, I caught Edward's face. It was a mixture between horrified and amused; I don't even know how to describe it, but it made me laugh out loud.
Emmett pulled his head out of the fridge. "What? What'd I miss?" I pointed at Edward who was trying to compose himself, but Emmett chuckled. "What are we having for dinner, Bella? The fridge is fully stocked."
"What do you feel like eating, Edward?" I jumped off the island and walked toward the pantry.
"Why does he get to pick?" Emmett stood tall, pouting at me.
"He's our guest, you big baby. Act your age for once and remember the manners my momma gave you."
"What momma don't see..." he started.
"Don't finish that sentence, Emmett."
"Come on, Ed. Pick something already, my stomach is folding in on itself."
"You're such a drama queen."
"Shut up." Emmett whined, "Edward!"
I looked over at Edward who was now sitting at the island chuckling.
"See, even Edward is laughing at you. You're being ridiculous," I turned on the light. "Fried chicken? Fajitas?"
"Fajitas!" Emmett yelled. "Ariba, ariba! Por favor, Eduardo. Bella makes the best fajitas."
"That sounds good," Edward shrugged, and smiled.
"Yes!" Emmett jumped and walked over to give Edward a fist bump. "Need me to help, Bells?"
"No. Go away. You're getting on my nerves."
Emmett laughed and then came over to kiss my cheek, "you okay?" He whispered.
I nodded and smiled.
"All right, I'm gonna grab a shower. Be back in a few."
It was really quiet, until Edward's laughter rang throughout the kitchen.
I looked at him with a raised eyebrow.
"You guys are like a comedy show."
I rolled my eyes. "Wait until Jasper gets here. The two of them together are ridiculous. And I always end up in the middle."
"Can I help?"
"You cook?" I ask, surprised.
He laughs, "yes. I cook. I was actually..." he trailed off and a deep sadness flashed in his eyes.
"Hey," I reached out and touched his hand, trying to ignore the spark. My stomach flipped at what could have happened to make him so sad. "I'm a good listener." He just looked at me with a sad smile.
I put a cutting board in front of him, along with some red and green bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes.
He walked around the island to wash his hands, and then moved back toward me. We stood shoulder to shoulder; he started chopping the vegetables, as I worked on seasoning the chicken and heating the grill.
"I met Kate in high school, eight years ago..." he spoke quietly, methodically; the tenor of his voice in sync with the cut of the knife.
He spoke about her as if she was a melody, a song being played on a piano. Soft and light in the beginning, sweet words of love, excitement and happiness; before it dipped into a sad moan, speaking of loss and mourning and heartbreak. And then it was an angry yell, asking why, demanding answers before it transitioned into acceptance. His voice steady and calm as he spoke of his family, and coming home, and feeling like there was something here for him, but he was too scared to open himself up to it.
By this time, Edward and I were sitting at the island with two glasses of wine. The fajitas were simmering in the pan, along with a pot of rice and tortillas that sat forgotten on the counter.
My heart broke for him, and for her. I cannot imagine how she felt or what was going through her head. I can't imagine losing something so precious. But I also can't imagine why she would let this wonderful man slip through her fingers. How could she not see that he was there to help her? Was she so caught up in her grief that she simply didn't think of him?
Emmett's voice boomed through the quiet room, "Is the food ready?"
And my thoughts drifted as I wondered, what happens if she comes back?
a/n: Hello! Happy Saturday. I hope you like this one. I invited Charlie into the story...let's see how it plays out. :)Thanks so much for the reviews last chapter. You guys are great and I am so happy that you are enjoying the flow so far.I received an amazing email this week from AllyVera at Rob Attacks. She reviewed this little story for Fan Fiction Fridays. I may have done a little clapping and dancing when I read it yesterday. Thanks so much to the Rob Attacks team for including me in Friday's post. Everyone should check out the site, robattack-wordpress-com/ 2013 /02 /22/ new-to-you-fics / Replace the - with a . and remove the extra spaces. There are some great recs on there and some pretty nice pics of Rob...if you need more incentive.
Thanks again everyone! I will stop talking now. And teasers for those of you who review - it seems like a great bribe. ;)
Take care and have a great week.