Thanks to those of you who reviewed/fav'ed/and added my story to alert.
Chapter 2
EPOV
My week started off easy. I did my normal rounds in Pediatrics in the mornings and was on call the rest of the day. My nurses were on their game this week. Everything ran smoothly at the hospital thanks to them. I filled in for another doctor at the Pediatric clinic for two afternoons as my dad has been pushing me to transfer to his private practice-Cullen Medical Clinic.
By Wednesday I was feeling great. I had my scheduled dinner with Nathan and Kate. Kate decided to have a movie night, so we ordered pizza to eat while we watched a movie that Nathan picked out. Of course it had to be Finding Nemo. He was obsessed with that movie. He watches it at least 4 times a week.
He used to beg for a fish like Nemo, but Kate didn't want him to have any pets until he was old enough to take care of them. Yes, I know it's a fish but she really put her foot down on that. I think she should just admit and say she doesn't enjoy fish very much.
Nathan sat on my lap during the movie and ate his pizza off my plate.
"Daddy," Nathan began, "I told Miss Bella that you were going to take me to school tomorrow." He was quite excited about that. So was I.
I wanted to meet this "Miss Bella" that my son has been talking about.
"You did huh?" I questioned.
"Yeah, she said she can't wait to meet you. She wants to show you my class work, like my drawings, Daddy."
"He's been doing really well at school," Kate told me while rubbing Nathan's arm lovingly. "Haven't you, baby?" she asked Nathan.
Nathan looked up at his mom and nodded. "I know how to color inside the lines momma. Miss Bella said I do a good job."
"Well I can't wait to see your drawings, little man." I ruffled his already disheveled hair. My son could draw stick figures and I would still believe him to be a genius.
The movie finished around 8:30pm and Nathan was fast asleep in my arms. Kate cleaned up the stuff from the living room and I made my way upstairs to Nathan's room. I tucked him in and turned on his nightlight. Kate came in as I was kissing him goodnight. She closed the blinds and made sure it wasn't too hot in here for Nathan.
"Goodnight, baby," I whispered. I followed Kate out of the room and we made our way downstairs.
"Thanks for tonight, Edward."
"No problem, Kate. I love spending time with Nathan. These dinners are as important to him as they are to me." I smiled at her. "So I'll be picking Nathan up tomorrow morning to take him to school, what time should I come by?"
"I'm thinking 7:30am, he needs to get to school by 8," she said.
"Ok sounds good. I should get going then." I told her as I got all my stuff from the couch."Thank you again for dinner, and I'll see you tomorrow morning bright and early." I grinned at her knowing that she hated waking up early. She just rolled her eyes at me and I chuckled. I gave her a hug and made my way out the door.
Kate stood on the porch and waved as I pulled out of the driveway.
It was a good day, patient load at the hospital was manageable and I got to spend time with my son at the end of the day. A children's movie with Nathan beats a lonely night at home any day.
The next day I woke up to my alarm blaring in my ear. I groaned and turned over to put a pillow over my head. It didn't work. I always purposely put my alarm clock across the room so that I had to actually get out of bed to turn the damn thing off. My work schedule always had my internal clock out of whack. Most days I worked regular daytime hours but others I had to work night shifts back to back. Those days were the hardest.
I hit the off button and set the alarm again for tomorrow morning. I made my way to the master bath to take a long hot shower. It was 6am so I had roughly an hour and a half before I had to leave to pick up Nathan.
Forty minutes later I came out of the shower feeling refreshed and very relaxed. It was times like this I was thankful I spent a ridiculous amount of money on the bathroom remodel. I wasn't all for the luxury baths but my mom—who helped with the interior design of my home—suggested it. Well more like demanded I get it. She worried that I worked too much and apparently the infinite number of showerheads would help with the sore muscles.
She was right.
After I got dressed I made my way downstairs to the kitchen. It already smelled of freshly brewed coffee. Thanks mom for the digital coffee maker.
I'm one thankful person today.
Breakfast was quick as it was almost time to go. I made a quick call to Kate letting her know I was on my way out in a couple minutes.
"Nathan just finished his breakfast and is watching cartoons right now," Kate said. "He's really excited you know, maybe you should try doing this more often."
"You know I'll do my best but my schedule is unpredictable these days."
She sighs into the phone. "Yeah I know, but he needs more of you now that he's getting older. He asks for you more now…" She pauses. "Anyway, sorry I'm rambling. We'll talk about this later."
"Sure, we'll talk later. See you in a bit." I have always known that Nathan was going to need me more. I've tried doing the "guy's day" with him now that he's becoming old enough to say what he wants to do. I was hoping to talk to Kate about letting him stay with me during the summers now. It wasn't possible before because of my schedule at the hospital, but I have been preparing myself to do some changes at work. My dad has been suggesting that I only see patients in the clinic, that way I would work regular office hours. He has been concerned about me not spending enough time with Nathan. Needless to say, I've been thinking this over for quite some time and it feels like now is the right time to make that transition.
I walked in the house to see Kate cleaning up the kitchen.
"Morning, Kate."
"Morning," she said with a smile. "Nathan's in the living room, would you like some coffee?"
"No thanks. I just had a big cup earlier," I told her holding my hand up to stop her from pouring the coffee. "I think we need to get going anyway."
"Sure. Will you be picking him up too or should I?" she asked.
"I'd like to if that's okay?" I turned to her to get her answer.
"Yeah, that's fine."
I nodded at her and headed to the living room. Nathan was sitting on the floor coloring and watching television at the same time. He didn't even hear me come in.
"Hey, bud. Are you ready to go?" I kneeled down next to him and pulled him in for a hug.
"Daddy! You're finally here," he said jumping up. I chuckled at him. He was one adorable child.
"Yes, I'm finally here. Let's go before it gets any later." I lightly swatted his bottom to get him moving.
"I got all my stuff here in my backpack." He pointed to his backpack that was already on his shoulders.
"Have a good day at school baby," Kate told him. She leaned down to kiss his cheek. "I love you."
"Kay momma, love you too." He was already heading toward the door. Nathan was impatient just like me.
He had gotten in the truck before I even stepped out of the house. I shook my head at my son. I walked over to his side and buckled him in. He was kicking his feet with excitement already.
We arrived at his school in no time. It wasn't too far from Kate's house. I parked in the designated area for parents and helped Nathan out of his booster. I held his hand as he guided me toward the building. His friends waved at him as their parents were taking them in as well. Almost everyone knew him. I even saw some blushing little girls waving hi to him.
The classroom was colorful with designated areas for painting, toys, and reading. It looked fun, for kids at least. Nathan led me to his cubby where he would put his backpack for the day. He was explaining this too me when I heard someone laughing.
I quickly turned to see who it belonged to.
"There's Miss Bella, daddy." Nathan pulled me away from my inquiry, but surprised me when he pointed to the woman I had just realized was laughing with three little girl that had just walked in. She looked up and blushed. She was a beautiful woman.
I found myself a little nervous. Nathan ran to her as I followed. She bent down to hug my son.
Is it wrong that I just checked out my son's teacher? I walked up and introduced myself.
"Hello. I'm Edward, Nathan's dad." I extended my hand out to her. She still had a faint blush on her cheeks. Her hands were small and soft.
"Hi. Nathan's dad, it's very nice to finally meet you. I'm Miss Bella but you can call me Bella." She smiled at me. My heart almost stopped. What was wrong with me?
Bella had long wavy dark brown hair that framed her face beautifully. She had amazing chocolate brown eyes and the fairest pale skin. She was a sight to see. I finally had to look away so she wouldn't think I was a creep.
"Well Bella you can call me Edward," I told her hoping she didn't detect my nervousness.
"Let me show you some of Nathan's work, Edward." She turned to Nathan and sent him off to play with the other kids.
Bella continued to tell me about Nathan's good behavior and what a delight it was to have him in her class. She showed me some of his drawings and art projects. I couldn't help staring at her though. I found myself wondering if she was dating anyone. She was kind from what I saw and obviously loved kids. I wanted to know more about her.
It was time for me to go and I promised Nathan I would be there to pick him up when school got out in 4 hours. He waved good bye and went back to playing with the other kids.
Bella waved to me and gave me a small smile before she turned around to get her students attention.
I walked out of the room and noticed some of the moms looking at me. Well more like staring with drool coming out of their mouths. I chuckled to myself, I knew I was good looking but sometimes these women had no shame. They didn't find the need to hide the fact that they found me attractive. I winked and waved at them just to get a rise out of them. I think one of them almost fainted.
I got to my truck and thought back on Bella's shy smile. She was gorgeous, nothing less.
4 hours until I saw her again.
BPOV
I finally met Nathan's dad. Words cannot even begin to describe that man. I felt instantly attracted to that beautiful man. I don't know if beautiful is the right word. Would sex god be too much? Maybe.
I knew from Kate, Nathan's mom that they were divorced and I hoped he was single too. I wouldn't dare ask her, but if it came up in conversation then I would gladly take in that information.
I wasn't surprised to see that Edward shared Nathan's killer green eyes and bronze tousled hair. He was one fine specimen dressed in black slacks and navy blue button up shirt. His sleeves were rolled up at his forearms revealing a little of what looked like some really strong arms. He definitely looked like he worked out and his crooked smile made my girly bits tingle.
Inappropriate thoughts in a room full of my five year old students? Yes. But damn it I haven't felt this way about anyone in a long time. Not since Jake.
Jake and I dated through college, and we had plans of getting married and starting a family. I thought everything was going well until he told me he met someone else and was planning on moving out of state with her. Apparently they had been "friends" for a while but one thing lead to another and they fell in love. I obviously didn't mean anything to him and wasted 4 ½ years of my life with him. He did say he was sorry though. Yeah that made it so much easier on me…I cried for months after that day.
He broke my heart. Bad.
Jake only took the important stuff he needed from the apartment and left everything else with me. I threw it all out on the curb. I wanted nothing from him. He even left his 56 inch television because it didn't fit in his car. That was the first thing out the door. I think a bum took it. I really didn't care.
That weekend I went out and bought all new furniture and definitely a new bedroom set. My dad sent me money every month even though I didn't need it. So I had enough to replace what I threw out. I was determined to take back my life and live it how I wanted to. I no longer needed to ask Jake what he thought about things or certain decisions I needed to make.
I was independent again.
Slowly I started to feel good about my new life, but my bruised heart still remained locked. I didn't date for months, but eventually I got setup on a couple blind dates from my best friend, Alice. She was there through it all and patiently waited until I was stable enough to date. She loved that stuff.
No one caught my attention enough for a second date.
I know for sure that Edward has gotten my attention today. I felt my scared little heart flutter at the thought of dating him. I at least wanted to get to know him a little better.
My student's were in reading time with my TA while I prepared an art project for the kids. It gave me time to dream of Edward.
I had my class write their names on a large piece of construction paper with the help of my TA and some of the parent-helpers. The kids glued on macaroni all along the lines of their names and I spray painted them with silver and gold. These would go on my art wall for the Open House that the school had every new school year.
I always end my class with circle time. The kids are encouraged to share what they liked today or if they had a show and tell presentation for us. I loved it. These kids were the energy I needed in my life. Most of them said they loved Miss Bella today. You know when one kid says something all the others say the same thing. It still warmed my heart. I told them I loved them and I enjoyed spending time with them in class today.
Parents started crowding the doorway signaling me that my time with my kids was over. I bid them a good rest of the day and they all ran to their cubbies. Some came back to hug me and then ran off to their parents.
I tried not to look for Edward but it was inevitable. Nathan came to hug me and told me his dad was picking him up. I knew this but tried not to think about it. Ok my inner Bell was doing cartwheels in my head. Nathan caught sight of his dad and waved him over instead of going to him. Yes!
I smiled at him and he gave me his crooked smile. So sexy. He came up to us and picked up Nathan into his arms. They said their hellos as Edward looked at me. I had to look down. I felt my cheeks turning red.
"We should get going. Thank you, Bella for my son's exceptional education." He smirked at me and we both started laughing. I was glad he broke some of the ice there.
"Ha ha I take your son's education very seriously. It's not just coloring." I crossed my arms to show him I was serious.
"I was kidding Bella, I know that already. I can tell you love your job and these kids." I nodded at him. I couldn't help smiling at that. He had noticed something about me.
I was wondering if I should extend the same invitation to Edward that I gave the other parents. They are always welcome in the class and if they chose they could be parent-helpers for the day. Oh why not, it was for Nathan not me. Mhmm.
"Edward, you're always welcome in my classroom and if you have the time you can stay and help with the kids. Some parents stay the whole time and others do an hour or two a week. It's up to you. The help is always appreciated, and the kids love it," I told him. I hoped he would consider doing it.
"That would be great. I need to check my schedule first but I'll definitely do it soon."
"Daddy takes care of sick kids and he makes them feel better," Nathan tells me. I look at Edward and he has a huge smile.
I turn to him and ask, "Really? Edward what do you do? Are you a doctor?"
"I'm a Pediatrician and I specialize in Neonatology. I mostly work in the NICU."
Wow I love that about him. He takes care of babies. I love a man who can handle babies. Well at least now I do. Does this mean I want a baby with him? I'm going crazy.
"It must be hard seeing those babies like that."
"It is but not all cases are bad. Most of them pull through and it feels good to be able to help them."
"Daddy, can we go now?" Nathan whined interrupting our conversation. I instantly felt bad.
"I'm sorry Nathan. I'll let you guys go," I told them both. Edward shook his head and apologized for Nathan. He explained that he got the impatient gene from him. I think he was just trying to make me feel better.
"We'll see you tomorrow Bella. I'll be bringing Nathan in to school again." My inner Bell jumped with joy at this news. I hope he didn't notice the excitement in my face. I couldn't hide anything if my life depended on it.
Edward walked out with Nathan still on his hip.
I don't know how this man affected me so much. There was a battle in my head going on but my heart seemed to be winning. My head kept saying this is a bad idea; you'll get hurt again. My heart was saying give him a chance he might be the one to heal me.
I hoped he was the one. That is one thing I didn't have before…
Hope.
I'll try to post the next chapter sooner.
Thanks for reading my story!
-MEL
