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Estimating Rationale - Basis or reasoning used in developing an estimate that makes it credible or valid.

Chapter 16

(BPOV)

Edward stands, looking at me over his shoulder. When he said we should get out of here, I didn't realize that he meant right this minute.

"Now?" I ask, wondering what the rush is all about. If it has anything to do with him getting me farther away from James, I'll be pissed.

"Yes, now. Please get whatever you need for the day and come with me," he says, extending his hand toward me. The look on his face and the tone of his voice make only one response possible.

"Okay."

I grab my bag and the letter I had left for Alice. I wouldn't want her to find it and freak out. I'll text her when I get to the car and let her know where I'm going. I need to make sure she knows everything she needs to about Tanya and, more importantly, not to get into a silver Maserati - or any silver sports car - for that matter. I know I can't give Alice specifics about James, but I can tell her enough to keep her safe. Throwing on my red leather jacket and slipping on some shoes, I follow Edward out the door and down the hall.

As we reach the stairs, he says, "We're going to see mom." He never looks at me, just speaks it out into space.

"Yeah," I say, pausing for a step. "That's what you just said." Edward's behavior is weirder than usual. If I know one thing about him, it's that he hates repeating himself and he has a memory like an elephant.

"I wasn't talking to you. I was talking to Rose." Again, he's speaking, but never turns back to look at me, as he continues down the second flight of stairs.

"Wait! Rose is here?" I look around for a sign of the blonde bitch I met at his hotel room a couple of weeks ago. I haven't seen her since she showed up in the middle of the night at Edward's penthouse, thankfully. All I can say about his sister is that I'm glad she's direct. I do always like to know where I stand with someone.

"Rose is waiting in the car with McCarty. They drove me here."

"So, if Rose is waiting in the car with McCarty, why are you talking to her like she's standing next to you?"

"Because she can hear me."

What the fuck?

"Are you wearing some sort of wire or something?" With the events of the last 24 hours, I'm on edge and what he's telling me doesn't make any sense. Of course, I'm going to be on the defense.

"No, Bella."

"Well, then, what?" I ask, stopping on the last landing before we get to the bottom. "You can tell me now or I'm not going anywhere with you. I'm tired of all the secrets, Edward!"

He steps close to me, his body pressed against mine; again, I'm reminded of the hard planes of his torso. My hands twitch with the need to touch him.

His hand brushes across my cheek. "All in good time, Bella. Just trust me," he pleads. "I need you to trust me; I promise that by the time this day is over, all your questions will be answered."

I do trust him. I'm not sure why or even if I should, but I do, so, I follow him out the door. As we walk out of the apartment building, McCarty moves quickly to open the door for us. I see the sleek blonde hair that belongs to Rose in the front seat of the car. This ought to be an interesting trip, to say the least.

"I need you to take me by my office before we leave the city. I can't see my mother looking like this," Edward says to McCarty through the open divider.

"What happened to your clothes?" I ask, almost forgetting his state of disarray.

"I had an eventful morning," he replies, directing his gaze out the car window. I can tell that he doesn't want to get into whatever it is that caused his clothes to be so tattered and dirty. Something inside me tells me it has to do with the way he barged into my apartment this morning. When I opened the door and saw him standing there, it was obvious that he was hanging onto his sanity by a very small thread. So, in light of that, I decide to not push him for further explanation.

A few minutes later, the three of us sit in silence, waiting on Edward while he changes in his office. I'm not sure why we didn't just go back to the hotel, but I don't ask. My brain has processed so much information in the last couple of days, I feel like it's on overload, but I'm afraid it's not over yet.

Taking a deep breath, I lean my head against the back seat, concentrating on only my breathing for a few moments.

I hear rustling in the front seat but I'm afraid to open my eyes. I'm not sure what Rose and McCarty might be doing up there. They may think I'm asleep, so I keep up the charade until I hear a throat clearing.

Slowly, I open one eye and peek out to see if the coast is clear.

"I know you're not sleeping," Rose says, with a bite to her tone.

Oh, great. Here we go. At least McCarty is here to act as a buffer. Surely he won't let her eat me alive.

"I was resting my eyes," I reply, keeping my voice even.

"Well, for what it's worth, I'm glad you're not dead. That really would've complicated things."

I swear this woman has a knack for making a girl feel uncomfortable.

"Thank you, I guess. I would so hate to complicate things for you."

McCarty snickers from his seat and I glance up to see his eyes in the rearview mirror. He winks at me, putting me at ease a bit.

I see Edward when he exits the elevator in the parking garage and he's a sight for sore eyes, like an oasis in the desert. I've never seen him in anything but a suit or a tux - I thought it couldn't get better than that, but this somehow is. He's in a pair of dark-wash jeans and a neatly pressed white dress shirt with the sleeves folded up a couple of times, exposing his forearms. I have dreams about those forearms. Over one arm hangs a suit coat with a box tucked under it, and a folder in his other hand. His gorgeous eyes are covered by a pair of sunglasses that I've also never seen him wear before, but I'm not complaining. He is sex on legs.

I lick my lips involuntarily, as he slides into the seat next to me, his scent immediately filling the car. He places the box and his jacket on the seat in front of us, before reaching out for me, pulling me close to him.

"I missed you," he whispers into my hair, placing a kiss on my temple.

Edward's embrace never loosens. He continues to hold me close to him, but doesn't say another word, as McCarty drives us out of the city.

The drive is peaceful compared to the last twenty-four hours. For the first time since Edward busted through my front door, I can actually appreciate the fact that I'm with him. There was a moment when I didn't think I would ever see him again, so being this close to him feels good. I have no idea where McCarty's taking us, but I don't really care. I want to be wherever Edward is and I want answers to the hundreds of questions bouncing around in my mind.

For a moment, I let my mind drift off and come up with some insane explanations for Edward's bizarre behaviors, each one of them crazier than the one before, but none of them change the way I feel about the man sitting beside me.

With that comforting thought and the peace that comes with being this close to Edward, I drift off.

When I open my eyes, I feel Edward gently running his fingers through my hair.

"We're almost there," he says in a monotone, not giving away any emotions.

Looking out the window, I see a large house coming into view. The words "Bellvue Manor" are elegantly inscribed on the sign over the gravel road leading up to the sprawling estate. The structure is painted white with black shutters on the windows. It looks so peaceful with the surrounding gardens and the lush green of the Pacific Northwest.

"This is where your mom lives?" I ask.

"Yes, they take very good care of her here. Plus, it's far enough away from the city, yet close enough for me and Rose to visit her as often as we like."

I glance up to the front seat, and notice that Rose is looking back at us. There are so many emotions crossing her face that I can't quite make them all out. I don't know if she's happy that I'm meeting their mother or mad; perhaps she's annoyed with the whole situation. It's hard to tell. She must be in some sort of agreement, or she wouldn't be staying quiet. I've already figured out that much about her. She speaks her mind. I wonder if their mother is like Rose or Edward.

"Are you ready?" Edward asks, holding my hand tightly.

"Yes, as ready as I'll ever be," I say, feeling a little nervous. I can sense the enormity of this situation and I have a feeling that Edward and Rose don't bring many people to meet their mother. When I see McCarty get out of the car as well, my heartbeat slows down a little. He's become somewhat of a security blanket over the past few weeks. I just feel better when he's around. It's like he balances out the atmosphere or something.

"Mr. Cullen and the young Ms. Cullen," a sweet-looking older lady with a bun on the top of her head greets Edward and Rosalie, as we walk through the large front doors. "I see you've brought guests today!"

"Yes, Mrs. Cope. You remember Mr. McCarty," Rosalie says, using a completely different tone with this woman than anyone else I've seen her interact with. She actually sounds nice.

"Oh, of course, honey! How are you McCarty?" The little old lady asks, reaching across to pat his burly arm.

McCarty flashes his pearly whites. "I'm great, Mrs. Cope. How are you?"

"Fine, dear, just fine. It's so good to see you all, but I don't believe I know this beautiful young lady," she beams, looking over at me. I see that she notices Edward holding my hand and her smile grows.

"This is Isabella Swan, Mrs. Cope," Edward replies, the warmth in his voice melting me from the inside out.

"Ms. Swan, it is lovely to meet you," she says, taking my free hand into hers and squeezing it gently. Her hands remind me of my grandmothers. I could hold it all day; there's something about her soft, wrinkled skin that makes me feel calm and safe.

"Well, I don't want to keep you any longer. I'm sure Ms. Esme will be so thrilled you've come. She's in the dining hall." She steps aside, smiling brightly, as she points down the wide corridor on her right.

"Rose, if you don't mind, I'd like to take Bella in alone," Edward says, as we walk down the hall.

"That's fine. We'll go take a walk around the gardens," Rose replies, taking Emmett's hand and pulling him out a side door.

They must come here quite often to be so well acquainted with the staff and grounds. I honestly thought that their mother would be at their family home, not at a nursing home or assisted living place . . . or whatever this is. She can't be much older than 55 . . . 60, at the most. I have so many questions, but I decide to wait until I've met her before I ask anything.

As we walk into the dining hall, I watch as Edward scans the room. There are some elderly people sitting in small groups and some sitting alone. A few are playing a game of cards or dominoes, while a couple read silently. I notice Edward's gaze stop on a woman who is sitting quietly by a bay window on the far side of the room. The grip on my hand tightens and he looks down at me as if he's going to say something but, instead, he leads me across the room.

In a chair by the window, is a small, frail woman; her white hair is streaked with strands of brown and brought neatly into a bun at the nape of her neck. Her skin is like porcelain; she sits with her hands folded, her eyes fixed on something outside. When she turns around, I see the resemblance between her and her children. Edward has her eyes and Rose has her lips. The years have taken their toll, but I can tell that she was beautiful in her younger years . . . she still is. Her eyes are glazed over, until something sparks within them - recognition, maybe - and a smile starts growing on her face.

"Edward," she says, in a voice as frail as she looks. "Where have you been? I've been looking everywhere for you!"

"I've been in the city, Mother. Remember? I told you that I had to go and work for a few days and then I'd be back."

"The city is so dangerous, Edward. I really wish you wouldn't go there. Where is Rose?"

"She's here. She took a walk out to the garden, but she'll be in to see you shortly," he says. He speaks so gently to her, taking her hand in his. "There is someone I'd like you to meet."

"Oh, you've brought a friend!" Esme's voice brightens and her face lights up even more.

"Yes, this is Bella," he says, stepping aside.

"Hello, Mrs. Cullen. It's so nice to meet you," I say, reaching out for her hand.

She takes it and holds it to her heart. "Bella. What a beautiful name for a beautiful girl. Are you the same age as my Edward? You two would make a lovely couple," she coos, leaning over to see if Edward is listening. From the chuckle behind me, I know that he is.

"Uh, well, he's a little older than me," I say honestly, seeing no reason or desire to lie to this woman.

"Well, that's fine. I always did think that it was better when the boy was a little older than the girl when it came to courting. Edward's father was some years older than me when we first met," she tells me, as I hear Edward shuffle behind me, pulling up a chair for me to have a seat.

Esme doesn't miss a beat with her story. "I'll never forget when he came to the house to ask my father's permission to court me." She pauses a moment, putting her free hand up to her cheek. "He was so handsome, just like my boy," she says, looking over at Edward fondly. "Have you met Bella's mother and father, dear?"

"No, not yet," Edward replies. He looks over at me, imploring me to go along with what he's said. "I'm sure I will soon."

The answer pleases Esme. She sits back comfortably in her chair, smiling as she looks at both of us.

"Be sure that Bella meets your father before you leave. He should be back anytime now."

"I will," Edward answers shortly.

I could have sworn that Edward told me his father had passed away, but I don't say anything. As much as I'm enjoying our time with Esme, I'm ready to be alone with Edward. I have so many questions I want to ask him and it's making me anxious.

"Is everyone here treating you well?" Edward asks.

"Of course, dear," Esme replies.

"Good. That's good. Well, it's time for us to go now. I'll send Rose in to see you. She brought McCarty with her today," Edward tells her.

Esme's face lights up again at the mention of Rose and McCarty. "Oh, wonderful! Will you be back by dinnertime?"

"No, but we'll come back in a few days. I still have work to do in the city."

"Edward, you know that the city is dangerous. I don't really approve of you going there."

"I'm sorry, Mother, but I have important work to do. Father wouldn't be happy if he finds out I'm neglecting the business."

"That's true," she says, putting her hand up to her chin, as if she's trying to come up with a solution to this problem. It's obvious that she's stuck in the past. She refers to Edward as though he's a child and not a grown man. "Well, if you have to go, please be careful. And bring Bella back to see me again," she says smiling up at me.

"I will. I love you, Mother. Take care." Edward leans down and kisses her cheek. It's a very tender moment and I almost feel like I'm intruding.

"It was so nice to meet you, Mrs. Cullen."

"Please call me Esme."

"Esme."

When Edward and I get out to the hallway, Rose and McCarty are waiting for us at the door. Once again, it's like Rose knows exactly what Edward has been saying and thinking; I feel myself bristle, tired of being left out of their secret - I need answers.

"We'll be in the garden."

Rose nods as she passes us, with McCarty following behind her. The look he gives me as we pass each other worries me. He's usually so happy-go-lucky, but the current expression on his face is unsettling.

Edward stops by the limo and takes out the box that he'd brought down from his office; then, we take a walk around the side of the building to a beautiful garden. There are benches in small alcoves, and he picks one that is secluded and far away from any of the residents.

We sit in silence for a few minutes, both of us waiting on the other to start talking. Finally, I decide that I can't keep quiet any longer.

"How old is your mother?"

"86."

"How old was she when she had you and Rose?" I ask, thinking there has to be some logical explanation for all of this, like maybe they were adopted.

"She was twenty when she had me and twenty-two when she had Rose."

What? There's no way. That can't be. That would make Edward . . .

"That would make you sixty-six years old, Edward! That's impossible!"

He just sits there, watching me; the expression on his face is pensive, like he's waiting for something to happen.

When he doesn't respond after a few moments, I feel my blood beginning to boil. He's brought me all the way out here to meet his elderly mother, who is clearly not in her right mind. I'm starting to think that he's not in his right mind, either!

"Edward! I deserve some answers! You can't bring me all this way and tell me all this crazy shit that doesn't add up, and then not explain! You promised! You promised by the end of the day that all my questions would be answered, so you better get to answering them! How in the hell can you be sixty-six years old?"

I realize that I'm yelling. Looking around, I can't see anyone, and I now understand why Edward brought us all the way out here to have this conversation.

"Bella, I'm immortal. I haven't aged a day since I was thirty years old."

A/Ns:

Jiff: He finally told her! Well, kinda . . . Don't string us up just yet, though! We already have a good chunk down on the next chapter and, now that Crash Zone has completed, we have more time to write Bella Donna! Yay!

JK is off having some non-fandom fun (I didn't even know that was a thing) so, it's just me as your a/n entertainment this chapter, sorry. Maybe I should go back to working on the next chapter as a way to make up for the lack of funny here. First, though, my children are begging for donuts, which means I must put a bra on, and that really stinks because I try to avoid that contraption as much as possible on Saturdays. Nevertheless, the children have won their battle so, I must leave you. Who am I kidding? It's DONUTS! We ALL win!

And this is why JK should never leave me alone to do the a/ns. Again, I apologize. My brain is obviously needing some deep-fried sugar to get it working correctly.

ICYMI, Bella Donna was voted as being in the Top 5 Fics of the Week on The Lemonade Stand poll! Thanks to all who voted! Also, big, huge, sugar-coated thanks to our beta-extraordinaire, Mauigirl60! XOXOXO