AN: We're off to see the wizard…well, okay, not really, but the Emerald City is in sight! We won't talk too much and let you dig right in.

As usual, not ours…but some of the fringe bene's wouldn't suck.

Chapter 19 Leaving on a Jet Plane

Big Brothers - B

When Demetri picked me up on Monday, my usual note was waiting for me.

8:30 Continental flight out from Newark to the Emerald City on Tuesday. I'll let you have commercial, but we are flying first class. My legs are too damned long for coach.

I love you – E

I laughed to myself and slipped the note in my backpack. I knew he had given in too easily yesterday. I probably should have been irritated, but I had only set one parameter, commercial. Lesson learned for next time.

And it could have been worse; he could have bought every seat on the plane.

I spent the day lining things up so that I could take the rest of the week off; including a few major to do's that I needed to get off my desk. I went heads down all morning, took a quick break at lunch to run out and grab something to eat, and then hunkered down for the afternoon with a new manuscript.

I went back and forth between markups and taking bites of my sandwich. I was so focused that I didn't realize I wasn't alone.

"I knew you were different, but hot pastrami on rye? I'm impressed. You eat like a guy."

I looked up to see Emmett Cullen standing in my office doorway, suit jacket open, tie loosened. He looked slightly uncomfortable, and was trying to mask it behind a sheepish smile.

"What are you doing here?" That came out incredibly rude. I quickly followed up. "I'm sorry, you caught me off guard. Come on in." I stood to clear a pile of manuscripts off the visitor's chair. "I apologize for the mess. I am never very good about keeping my office clean."

He sat down in the chair, and looked around my office. I had never been one on one with Emmett. After what I had said on Saturday night, I was completely thrown by his visit.

"How are you, Bella?"

"Um, I'm okay. Headed out of town for a few days, so I am trying to get some things taken care of."

"How is Edward?"

I should have anticipated this question, but it still unsettled me. Why not pick up the phone or walk down the hallway and ask him yourself?

"As well as can be expected. I thought he could use some time away, so we are heading to Washington for the rest of the week."

"Are you taking him to meet your family?"

"My father, yes." I paused, unsure how best to proceed. "Was there something that you wanted, Emmett?"

He looked around my office, as if taking stock of me by my environment. The Art Deco jazz prints, the little plastic basketball hoop, the lava lamp. He paused for a moment when he saw the print out of the Hopper painting. I wondered how that looked to his perspective.

"I used to jokingly call Edward 'Hopper' when we were little. It drove him nuts." He sat down in the chair, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees. "I'm not going to beat around the bush, Bella. What you said Saturday night took a lot of courage. Taking on one Cullen takes a lot of strength. You took on three."

"Yeah, well, I had a Cullen backing me up, which helped immensely," I replied, probably a bit too glibly. I wasn't in the mood to spar with him today.

"You love Edward a lot, don't you?"

"I would have thought it was pretty obvious by now."

"I mean really love him. Not his name, not his money, him."

I sighed and shook my head. Sometimes it would be so much easier if he had to work for a living like everyone else.

"I fell in love with him before I knew his last name or his financial status. I am not so shallow as to see a meal ticket. With all due respect, you are all too much work to make it worth it."

He threw back her head and laughed, just like Edward did when he was amused.

"You are unlike any woman I've ever seen my brother with, Bella."

I tapped my pen on my desk, tolerance running low. "I doubt this was a social call, Emmett. What do you want?"

He leaned forward in his chair to rest his elbows on his knees. "You said some pretty harsh things the other night."

I raised my eyebrows as an indication for him to proceed.

"Some were way off base. Others, well, let's say that you gave me a few things to think about." Emmett stared at me intently for a few moments before continuing.

"He's not faultless in this either, Bella. He shut everyone out long before he ever left for LA. It's hard to accuse people of things if you never confront them or address the issues. Edward is the king of avoidance."

"All I can comment on, Emmett, is what I have seen over the past few months. I'm not saying Edward is perfect. No one is. But how much of your reactions to him are based on the Edward you knew versus the one you know?"

He frowned at me. "What do you mean?"

"You thought Edward asked your mom for the earrings based on his behavior in the past, correct?" He nodded in response to the query.

"Edward didn't want to go to the Met, Emmett. I talked him into going; I made the decision of what to wear, earrings included. It wasn't some event orchestrated by him to get under your skin. In fact, he wanted to keep me sheltered from all the scrutiny. I was the one who talked him into going to present the united front. I thought that us being together was enough. That I could protect him. But you all sure proved me wrong. You never even gave us a chance."

I leaned back in my chair, my pen still tapping on my desk. Emmett didn't move, but his expression had shifted from curiosity to confusion. He must have thought Edward talked me into going against my will.

"Your mother sent the earrings a few days after she and Tanya helped me find a dress. She did it to try and help me feel comfortable, to feel like I was accepted. To get you guys to all back off long enough to realize that things were different this time. Edward showed me the note that she sent with them, and ultimately he left the choice of wearing them to me."

I dropped the pen and leaned forward, my elbows on my desk, so that I could look directly at him. "Edward may suck when it comes to communicating with you all. I haven't seen it, so I don't know. But you are sure quick to jump to conclusions about his actions. The only thing I could fault him for Saturday night was giving in to my insistence that we go. I talked him into it, and I chose to wear the earrings. I guess that means I'm the one you should have gone after."

Emmett hadn't moved during my little diatribe.

"If you don't mind, Emmett, I have a lot to do before we leave, and I would very much like not to rehash one of the worst nights of my life."

He stood and moved to the door, where he hesitated for a moment.

"Bella, I love my family. I don't want to see them torn apart over this. I realize that I might have leapt to conclusions, but you have to understand why."

I looked him square in the eye. "No Emmett, I don't understand. But I do love Edward, and I don't want to see him torn apart over it either. Does that give us the common ground to work together and try and figure it out?"

For the first time since he had entered my office, he gave me a legitimate smile.

"Let me noodle on that one, Bella. Call me when you get back from Washington, and we'll figure out a way to fix this." He paused in the doorway for a moment, and then looked back at me over his shoulder.

"I'm glad you stood out in the crowd that day."

Lines of Communication - E

I was looking forward to the trip to Washington. I desperately needed to get away from the conflict, and thankfully, there was nothing too pressing on my agenda that couldn't be handled via phone or email.

It meant putting off a real conversation with my father, but not indefinitely. I didn't want to leave town with my tail tucked between my legs, giving the impression that I was running away. I knew he thought that was my M.O.

So, I sat in front of the computer, with my phone in my hand. I had three choices.

First, I could call my father back, tell him I appreciated the call Saturday night, and let him know I looked forward to speaking with him when I returned. Second, I could call my mom, inform her about the trip and ask her to tell my father that I would be out of town. Finally, I could send an email.

The second two were far more appealing to me than the first. And in the end, I figured I needed to do both. I sent my dad a quick note. I wrote "out of town" in the subject line. And paused, thinking.

I didn't provide a title greeting because it was always awkward knowing how to address him at work as it was.

I received your message this weekend. I look forward to a meeting in the future to discuss those issues. I will be out of the office for the rest of the week, as I will be in Washington State. I realize it is short notice, but I assure you my accounts are taken care of.

I will be in touch when I return.

Sincerely,

Edward

The phone call to my mother was actually more difficult because she begged me to stay and talk, or to come over that evening before we left. I told her how much Bella appreciated her assistance, but we needed some time away. She finally relented but made me promise to come back.

"The last time you left for the West coast, I had to wait over five years for you to come back. You better not be planning a permanent exodus, Edward."

I had to laugh because I'd seriously considered booking a flight with a layover in Des Moines just to see.

"No, Mom. Really. We just need a break from everything. And given how immersed she is in all of this, it's only right that I meet her father."

"I hope the photographers leave you alone for a few days. Where will you be staying?"

"We'll be at her dad's house."

"Do send Bella my best. She really is something."

"She's not just something, mom. She's everything."

"I hope you've told her that."

"I've learned from the best." I heard her take a breath, and I waited for her response.

"I . . Edward, I'm incredibly happy for you. And so very proud." It hit me hard. Even my mother hadn't told me that in a very long time.

"I love you, mom."

"Stop, I'm not going to cry on the phone. I love you, too. Now, have a nice trip, dear."

"Thanks, Mom."

I couldn't stop smiling after that conversation.

It was all because of Bella.

Bella and I hadn't mentioned the things that were said on Saturday night, but I would not easily forget her saying she wanted marriage and children with me. I still couldn't believe how quickly she had rearranged my priorities. Things that were so far down on the list I assumed they'd never make it to the top were suddenly angling for the number one spot on my life goal list.

We were both swamped trying to make sure work was in order, so this was one of the rare days when we didn't see each other at all. There hadn't been many of those since Valentine's Day. It was painful, but knowing we had the rest of the week made it bearable. She sent me a couple of messages throughout the day. I recognized the rushed tone. So, I kept my communication to a minimum, hoping to give her the time to get caught up.

In the mid-afternoon, I called Jane into my office. I'd been cooking an idea since yesterday morning.

"Jane, I'm completely swamped, and I was wondering if you had time to step out on an errand for me."

"Certainly. Where to?"

"Tiffany's." Her eyes went wide, but then she smiled. "I'll be back before you know it."

"Thanks. I'll let them know you're picking up the package."

I probably wouldn't have given them to her so soon after the earring fiasco the other night, except all of my mom's instruction on gem meanings came in handy again. Despite everything that happened with my family, Saturday night, Bella and I remained a team. We had already told each other in words, but that night we showed each other in an unparalleled physical connection. I also saw it in her eyes after we made love. She loved me. I believed in it. I was secure in it. We solidified it on Sunday. It was the kind of hope symbolized in those simple emerald studs.

Now, she'd have her own. No more borrowing. No more perceptions of begging. Her own. It was also a selfish act; I hoped they would remind her of me. I embraced the idea of her having a direct window to my soul.

Bella,

I miss you. But I'm with you. Always and anywhere.

Love,

E.

I was anxious all afternoon, wondering how she'd react. I thought it would be rude to call and ask her if she liked her surprise. She would acknowledge the gift when she was ready. I started to second guess myself though. Was she tired of jewelry? Would earrings be too much of a negative reminder?

I was getting ready to leave the office when I got a text from her.

Should I pack my ruby slippers? Thank you. Love, B.

I knew it was her way of adding levity. I took it as a good sign. She understood their meaning.

I came *thisclose* to heading down to her apartment that evening, but she was still finishing a few manuscript revisions. I texted her back instead.

Haven't you heard? There's no place like home. Be ready at 7. E.

I had coffee and bagels waiting in the car when she hopped in. Her hair was pulled back in a pony tail, showing off her new emerald earrings. She was taking a little bit of my world back into hers.

The Best Medicine - B

"I am never flying coach again."

Edward laughed at me as he leaned back against the elevator wall. "And why would that be?"

"Are you kidding? Warm chocolate chip cookies? Screw the cushy seats and all the wine you can drink. Just give me a glass of milk and a gooey chocolate chip cookie…heaven."

He was shaking with laughter as the opened onto the parking deck. "You are so easy to make happy."

"Nah, I just know what I like." I leaned over to peck him on the cheek. "You should feel lucky you are counted in with warm chocolate chip cookies, sheets just out of the dryer, and cutting your own Christmas tree. You keep it up, you might get added to the list too, Cullen, along with your dress shirts."

"What, no Main Street of Disneyland or puppies?" He teased. I was lost. Must have been an inside joke.

We easily found our rental, and popped the back gate of the SUV to load our bags.

"I can't believe you didn't want to get a convertible."

"Jeez, Cullen! Have you never been to Washington State? You'd be lucky if you got to put the top down for five minutes!"

We both walked around to the driver's side door, but he beat me to the keys.

"Nope – my turf, I drive." I held out my hand, palm up. "You can navigate and be in charge of music."

He looked at me skeptically. I waggled my fingers.

"I don't know how I feel about this…"

"Hand 'em over."

He sighed and dropped the keys in my hand. Then he gave me an evil smile.

"Just remember, keep your hands at 10 and 2, and don't let anything I do distract you…"

"Focus on the tunes, not the babe driving the car…" I warned.

Amazing how being on the opposite side of the country can lighten a mood.

Once we were outside of Seattle, Edward started fidgeting around with the radio. He had connected his iPod, and was shuffling through the hundreds of millions of songs he had loaded. I'd never heard of half of them.

"Oh! Stop, I love that one!" He flipped back and I started singing along at the top of my lungs. He laughed and shook his head.

"Come on, how can you not sing to this song? I love it!" I kept bopping along, amazed that I remembered the lyrics.

As the song wound down, I decided to have a little fun with him.

"Okay, useless trivia fact. These guys are still together, but they make porn music now. How do you go from Lump to Bom Chicka Wow Wow?"

Edward looked at me like I was crazy. "Your brain scares me sometimes."

"Yeah, we know you are just using me for my last name. The Swan's are a big deal in Forks, Washington. We run the town."

"Bella, your dad is sheriff. Of course he runs the town."

"See, you are rolling with the big leagues now!"

He tossed a soda cap at me. We spent the rest of the drive playing around, laughing and having a good time. It felt so good to laugh mindlessly. No worries.

When we reached the outskirts of Forks, I pulled the SUV over.

"Okay, so I know we talked about this a little, but it's different here, okay? We'll be so far off the beaten path we might as well be at the end of the world. That means that no one is going to bug us or judge us based on what we do or don't do. The people here aren't up on labels or trends, and probably don't pay much more than $30 dollars for a pair of jeans. Some of them might not have ever heard of Tiffany's, let alone the last name Cullen. I am not joking when I say that I'll be the famous one here, not you. It's going to be different from what you are used to, so open mind please."

Edward rolled his eyes at me. "Yes ma'am."

"Seriously, though, this isn't New York. We're free here, okay? No worries, no stress." I paused, looking ahead. "That is unless my dad happens to be cleaning his service revolver when we get there."

He pulled a straight face and put his hand in the air. "No trying to get in your pants in your dad's house. Scout's honor."

"No scouts in Prep School, Cullen."

"True, but they raised us prep school kids to be prepared. Why else do you think I asked for a car with seats that reclined all the way back?" He waggled his eyebrows suggestively.

God it felt good to laugh again.

No Place Like Home - E

It was an outrageously long day of travel, but also surprisingly fun. I forgot to be nervous about meeting her dad. We were so relaxed and laughed so hard, there just didn't seem to be any pressure. Besides, it couldn't be worse than meeting mine.

I have never thought of myself as a snob. Growing up, I hadn't been around anyone who didn't have money. Obviously, there were a few people in prep school on scholarship, but I didn't go to their houses or anything. College was the first time I really had interaction with people outside of my social circle, but still, most of the guys in my fraternity came from fairly well off families. Doctors and lawyers at the very least—even if they weren't old money.

Bella's apartment had thrown me for a loop, but it was Bella, so I didn't dwell on it, and I found it endearing. Driving through her home town made me a little more uncomfortable. Made me realize how little I knew about "the other half" so to speak.

I looked over at Bella when we pulled up to the house she grew up in. She was practically bouncing. The house was small, but I expected that. It was also run down. Badly in need of a fresh paint job, or just new siding. It might have been my imagination, but it seemed like it was leaning a bit.

"Home sweet home!" Bella announced. I was thinking of a response when she squealed. "Come on!"

And that's when I saw the man running down the front steps. I'd barely made it out of the SUV when she was already enveloped in a bear hug. "It's good to see you, Bells," her father beamed.

"Edward, come here and meet my dad."

I walked over to where they were standing. "Dad, this is my boyfriend, Edward."

He stuck out his hand, "So, you're the man responsible for my daughter's pictures being available at the grocery store checkout."

"I'm afraid I'm guilty. It's a pleasure to meet you, sir."

"It's Charlie."

"What are you doing here? I thought you'd be at work," Bella asked.

"I took a couple of hours off. I wanted to be here when you got in. Well let's get inside. Don't need the neighbors gawking at the celebrities."

"Nice!" Bella laughed.

He led us into the house. The inside was interesting. A hodge podge of décor—some old, but not antique. A new flat screen TV and leather recliner, but the couch was circa 1980.

"Can I get you anything? " Charlie said bringing me out of my observations.

"I'm good, thanks."

After the grand tour, we settled into the living room. Bella and her dad chatted a little about local gossip. His comments about the grocery store had her worried. She'd assumed we'd swoop in here and be unknowns, but apparently that wasn't entirely true.

"You haven't been around much, so a lot of people probably didn't even know it was you. But yeah, there's been some talk. Ran into a few of your old high school friends, and they asked about you, but I think it'll mostly be people staring. Too scared to actually talk to you."

"I hope so. I never thought I'd say it, but a little silent staring will be a welcome relief at this point." I snorted, which brought Charlie's focus to me.

"So, Edward, what is it you're famous for?"

"Dad . . . "

"No, it's okay. It's a good question. And the simplest answer is . . . nothing." He raised an eyebrow. "The fame is really all about my name."

"You weren't in a movie or anything like that?"

"No, sir. My family has a very successful company that's been around forever and a day, and people have just taken interest in us, I suppose."

"That's where you work then?"

"Yes, I was working down in L.A. for a long time, but I went back last summer."

Bella seemed to sense that her father would go deeper into this topic, so she changed the subject. "I'm hungry. Are we going out tonight?"

"Unless you want grilled cheese sandwiches. Oh wait, I'm out of bread."

"Don't sweat it. I'll head out tomorrow for supplies."

"Oh, by the way, I pulled out some sheets and blankets for the couch. Bella, do you still have a spare pillow in your room?"

My eyes shot to Bella, and she shrugged. So, I was spending the night on a couch from 1980, with a pillow likely from the same time frame. The phrase, "Don't let the bed bugs bite," never had more meaning. She turned to face her dad, and the emerald earrings caught a glint of light from the window. It was an instant reminder of everything she had been through for me.

The things you do for love.

Such an Easy Read - B

I really should get him to play poker sometime. There's no way I could lose. He wears everything right there on the surface.

After my dad left, mumbling something about an emergency and not to wait up, I sent Edward out to the car to grab the bags. I took advantage of the time to quickly make the couch into a makeshift bed. Outside of my dad, everyone important in my life had spent a night on this couch. It only seemed appropriate.

Once it was all made up, I sat down on the end, waiting for Edward to return. Time to lead the horse to water and con him into drinking.

"Where do you want the…" He broke off when he saw the couch made up. "Damn. I hoped he was joking."

I shook my head and crooked a finger at him. Edward gave me a confused look, but complied. He walked over and dropped down on the couch, slumped backward as if in defeat.

"Look, Bella, I don't…." I climbed into his lap and brought my hands up to the sides of his face. It was exactly the position we'd been in on Saturday night. It wasn't lost on him.

I skipped the slow build this time, opting for all out assault. Four hours in a car had built up just a little bit of tension that I needed to get out.

After a good fifteen minutes of making out, we broke off, both panting for breath.

"So how do you feel about the couch now?" I asked as I sucked on his earlobe.

"Ummm. Love this couch…"

"You know that everyone that is important in my life has slept on this couch at some point or another. It's not a long list, but you'll be in incredibly good company."

Edward laughed and shook his head. "You see right through me. How do you do that?"

"It's a special talent, didn't I tell you?"

He tightened his arms around me. "Thank you. I haven't felt this relaxed in ages…"

"Actually, I don't think I ever gave you a proper thank you for my present. They are definitely more me than the ones your mom loaned me. I'm more of an everyday wear type of girl." I paused, studying his face. He looked so sweet, so earnest with his hair all over the place and the pleased smile like a little boy.

"You know that you don't have to buy me things to prove how you feel about me, don't you?"

"I wasn't proving it, Bella, I was just reminding you. Carlisle Cullen doesn't have the sole rights to 'window to the soul you know'."

I hadn't stopped to think about the resemblance. When I had read his note, I had thought it was something simple that I could wear all the time. I didn't stop to think about the parallel. Green eyes, emeralds. I should know better than to not stop and think about the meaning. Edward's gifts were never without some hidden thought.

"You are all the reminder I need, Edward. I don't need expensive jewelry or any other trappings to prove that."

Edward shook his head, laughing at me. "I know that, Bella. And it wasn't about that. I wanted you to have something of your own. Not borrowed, not with meaning to someone else. Although you are making me glad that I didn't go with my first choice. They would make this look like chump change."

He broke off, studying me for a second, before tucking a lose strand of hair behind my ears. "I would buy you anything to reinforce how important you are to me, yet you are the only woman I know who would say that you don't need a reminder. Are you really that disgusted with my world?"

"It's not about your world, Edward. People do it regardless of how much money they do or don't have. I'd say the same thing if you got me a plastic ring out of gumball machine."

I broke off, collecting my thoughts. "And no, I am not disgusted with your world. Yes, there are things about it I wish I could change, but there is a lot of good there. You have things that I will never have, and I envy you for that."

"I thought you just said money isn't everything."

"It's not, and I'm not talking about money. As screwed up as things are, you have a family. You just met all of mine. I can't tell you how many times I wished I had a big extended family with aunts and uncles, cousins and grandparents. Holidays get pretty lonely when there are just two of you."

He took a deep breath. We hadn't spoken about his family since our brief conversation on Sunday afternoon. I had thought a lot about what Emmett had said, and promised myself that I would make good on my commitment to him. I would help figure out away to bring them all back together. There was a foundation there under all the rubble, it just needed to be uncovered.

"Look, Bella, family is complicated. It's not as easy as having them there and knowing that everything will work out okay."

"No, but it's all we have sometimes, Edward. When Charlie's gone, that's it for me. I'll be all alone." I paused, trying to think of the best way to explain it. "I don't want you to have to be in the same place. It's scary to think that there might be a day when you are all that's left. No one should have to deal with that. Especially not when there are people who do love you, even though they do need a smack upside the head."

He smiled and pulled me in closer. "How is it that you always manage to turn everything on its head, yet somehow make it better?"

"Mmmm, I don't know. Natural talent." I climbed off his lap and went over to grab one of my bags.

"Speaking of turning things on my head, did I tell you I packed my wellies?" I turned and ran up the stairs, giggling as I heard a groan of 'Bella' behind me.

Selfless - E

It was the worst night of sleep I'd ever had. It wasn't just that the couch was ungodly uncomfortable. A spring dug into my back, and the cushions were so matted down that it felt like I was sleeping on a concrete slab. That was bad, but the fact that I was on the same couch as men from previous relationships was disturbing—a just reward as you will—she'd already met Tanya and Giana, and well CI was not without ghosts of girlfriends past. But it still bothered me that she'd had other lovers, other loves. Given my history, it shouldn't, but I found myself wishing she had only ever belonged to me.

I stayed on the couch as long as I could, but as soon as it was light, I got up to put some coffee on. I figured maybe I'd go out for a run before anyone got up, but it wasn't long before Charlie came downstairs. He offered an awkward greeting and headed out for work.

After a quick cup of coffee, I left a note for Bella in case she woke up, and I dug my running shoes out of my bag. I had no idea where I was going, but I didn't figure I could get lost in this town.

The air was heavier than I was used to. It wasn't raining, but the humidity was palpable. This run was an attempt to shed New York. Yesterday had been great, but with the lack of sleep, I felt tension creeping back in. With every pound of my foot on the pavement I exhaled a little easier. I didn't stay out long, about forty minutes. I hadn't paid much attention to my surroundings, but what I saw was . . . quaint.

The house was still quiet when I got back, so I stole into Bella's room. She was sprawled across the smallest bed I'd seen since camp in 8th grade. I moved her gently over, and inched in beside her. Half my body was hanging of the edge of the bed. Suddenly the bed in her apartment felt enormous.

She started grumbling in her sleep. It was one of the things I'd missed the last couple of nights without her. I'd grown used to hearing her talk periodically.

Unexpectedly, she gave an involuntary shake and woke up quickly. "Hey," she said sleepily. "How did you sleep?"

Seeing her face light up when she saw me, left me with only one answer. The couch was a very small sacrifice.

"I slept just fine, Bella."

EN: Well, they finally made it to Washington. It wasn't quite what Edward had expected, but you can already see the changes in both of them.

Lots of Forks and Charlie next chapter…plus a view into Bella's world, which we haven't really seen yet. Dare I say it, there might be some surprises in store.

Can't wait for 5 days to get a glimpse? Quid pro quo – leave some love, and will give you a quick fix.