Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight.
Chapter10: What Are the Odds?
Edward's POV
Today had been long, tiring, and heartbreaking. We had already responded to three calls: cardiac arrest of a 44-year-old male, gunshot wound to the chest of a 15-year-old female, and a six-car pileup involving a bus on the 405 with one fatality and seven injuries. The fatality was an adorable seven-year-old blonde hair, blue-eyed little girl. She had been riding in the backseat of the minivan, both parents in the front seat. They survived with only scratches. I dropped my bag in the kitchen, pulling out a bottle of water from the fridge. Emmett and I headed towards the 'living room' to de-stress by watching a Mariner's game. I looked up at the clock as we sat. It was 4:30pm, only one hour until Emmett and I drove to Mason Medical. Hopefully the reintroduction with Bella would brighten my day.
"Eddie," Emmett said harshly forty-five minutes later. "If you don't sit down and stop pacing, I'll have to pummel your ass." I would have been offended, but I saw a smirk cross his face. "We will leave in fifteen minutes and get you to your precious Bella. Now, I have put up with your pacing for almost an hour. You're making me antsy. Sit."
"Sorry," I mumbled. I sat next to him on the couch and tried to focus on the game. His hand came down hard on my knee not five minutes later. I then realized my leg had been bouncing in anticipation. "Sorry again."
I was nervous, anxious, and excited all at once. What if she doesn't want to see me? What if she doesn't remember me? What if she's creeped out by me just showing up at her appointment? This was all so stressful. I had been anxious since her friend Alice had stopped by on Tuesday. My days had seemed to drag by after that unexpected encounter. Emmett, obviously, was growing impatient with my restlessness. I had taken my frustrations out on him as I let my confidence waver and therefore insecurities flare. He had been uncharacteristically calm and supportive about everything. The brother I knew would have jumped at the chance to tease me about a girl.
"Damnit, Edward," his sharpness brought me out of my musings. "Get up. We're leaving. I can't take your fidgeting." I immediately popped up from the couch and headed to the rig. I got my bag on the way and slid into the driver's seat, waiting on Emmett. "Okay, take us to Mason. Let's go get your girl." I had to smile at his wording. He was always so dramatic.
We arrived at the hospital at 5:35. I had ten minutes to prepare to see Bella again. I could feel the goofy grin on my face. I decided I would accompany Emmett to Dr. Denali's office. He had been helping Dr. Denali with some research on a rare disease that had been discovered at Mason Medical. Emmett had been considering a change in career. He enjoyed saving lives and I couldn't ask for a better partner, but I always knew he would rather prevent the need for it. Research was his passion. I would probably take the test to become a paramedic once he finally decided to move on. We parked the ambulance and made our way to the stairs. Dr. Denali's office was only on the third floor. Emmett knocked.
"Come in," Dr. Denali answered, smiling as we walked in. "Hello, boys. How are you today?"
"Good," Emmett answered. "Dad says you have some research for me." Dr. Denali chuckled.
"I do. I love that you're so eager. How is Carlisle by the way? Have you two seen them recently?" I stood at the back of his office, letting Emmett take the lead in the conversation. He and Dr. D had formed a friendship since their research began.
"We just went up to visit them last week, and they'll be here tomorrow to spend the day with us. Dad is doing well. He's overextending himself and not getting enough sleep, but that's just dad. He's worried about the patient he referred to you." He nodded as a frown marred his face.
"And your mother?"
"She's doing great. Her garden is impeccable, and she ordered some new plants to add. She found a new house nearby that she's going to remodel. It should keep her busy for a while."
"That's great. Now, I have an article here pertaining to the Sitosterolemia case from last month. It's quite informative. There were some abnormal results I wanted to discuss. I actually have an appointment right now. It's routine, but I need to do this. Can you stay for about half an hour?"
"We can try," I answered when Emmett looked to me. "I can't promise we won't get called. It's been a rough day."
"I understand. If I could just…Wait! Edward, would you like to attend to my appointment? It's nothing you can't handle. It's actually something you do on many calls. Emmett and I will come down so I can assess once we've looked over this data. Would you be okay with that?"
"Really?" I had always enjoyed shadowing physicians when I was considering Med School. I never was allowed to assist. This would be great. "I'd love to."
"Wonderful. She's in the ER, room four. All the supplies are there. We'll be down in about fifteen minutes. I appreciate this."
"No thanks necessary."
"I'll call ER and let them know you'll be handling the case. Her chart will be at the desk."
He was already distracted, the Sitosterolemia file opened on his desk. Emmett pulled up a chair, and just like that, they were off in their own world. I walked out of his office and towards the ER. I looked at my watch. 5:45. Bella should be here for her appointment. Idiot! Why didn't you ask Alice for the location of her appointment? I hurried. I wanted to get done quickly so I could try to find Bella. I wouldn't let her slip through my fingers twice.
"Hello, Edward," a nasally voice said from the nurses' station causing me to cringe. I had been hoping to avoid her.
"Nurse Stanley," I said with a curt nod.
"Oh, there's no need for formalities." She smiled what she thought was a sexy smile. I had been avoiding her for the past three years. She had been fishing for a date since the day I met her. "You can call me Jessica. So, Dr. Denali called and said you would be handling one of his cases. That's like so awesome. Aren't you excited?"
"Yes. May I have the chart?"
"Of course." She handed it to me, making sure to graze her hand with mine. I pulled away and turned to room four. "If you're free for dinner, maybe we could get something to eat together."
"I'm still on-duty. Have a nice evening." I picked up my pace and walked into the room while looking over the chart. I didn't even know what I would be doing. I looked at the chart when I greeted the patient. "Hello, I'm Edward Cullen. I'll be handling your dressing today."
"Hello, Edward." I snapped my head up from the chart when I heard her mesmerizing voice.
"Bella." Her name came out breathy; she was breathtaking. She was wearing a pair of grey dress pants and a black, short-sleeve sweater over a white button up, a thin black belt around her waist. Her hair fell loose, slightly curled at the end. She was wearing a minimal amount of makeup. I could remember what she looked like at the accident, and although she was looking a little pale, I could tell she was beautiful even then. My memories hadn't done her justice. "You look beautiful."
"Thank you." She looked down to form a shield with her hair. I could see the red creeping into her cheeks. Her blush was lovely. I probably stood there silent for a full minute; my nerves were taut. What do you say to the girl that's been occupying your thoughts constantly? Couldn't you have thought ahead for this?
"How have you been?" I blurted out the first thing that came to mind. I mentally slapped my forehead. If she were doing well she wouldn't be here.
"As well as can be expected. I've added a new injury to the list." She held up her arm to indicate the burn. I had to laugh; she was treating it so casually. I remembered her saying she was klutz. She wasn't joking.
"It seems you have. Tell me how this happened." I sat down on the stool and began redressing the burn.
"I was cooking breakfast for my dad and his girlfriend. I grabbed the pot of syrup off the stove, turned around, and passed out before I made it to the table. Apparently, the syrup landed on my arm. I don't remember though. I'm sure that was a wonderful first impression on my could-be stepmom."
"That's pretty brave to cook as a first impression." I discarded the old gauze and retrieved the topical antibiotic, holding her hand while I applied it. I felt that familiar spark when we touched. I looked up to see if there was any indication she felt it too. She looked unphased.
"Oh, no. I love to cook. If I weren't on my current career course, I would be at culinary school. Cooking is one of my two passions."
"Literature is the other?"
"Close. Wr-Wait. What made you say that? We didn't talk about that at the accident." I could feel my face heat up. You idiot! You are starting to sound like a stalking creepster. It was something I had learned through my research. I figured the best way to approach this would be full disclosure.
"I, um. Well, I've been thinking about you since the accident." I chanced a look at her face. Another blush was making its way onto her face. "I've been trying to find you. All I had to go off was your name. I checked the internet and found some of your work. I just assumed. I'm sorry."
"No. Don't be sorry. I'm flattered." I left the burn unwrapped so Dr. Denali could look at it before finishing. "I've actually-well, I wanted to see you too." She averted her eyes upon her confession. I squeezed her hand to show some comfort. She looked up at me through her eyelashes. At that moment, I had never seen anything so sexy and innocent at the same time. Something inside me stirred. I wanted so badly to lean down and brush my lips against hers.
"I'm really glad." I cleared my throat and looked away when I realized I had been staring. "Well, Dr. Denali will be down in a few minutes to take a look. I could keep you company while you wait?" It came out as more of a question. She nodded shyly and looked down at her hand still in mine. I felt heat in my cheeks when I pulled my hand away.
"What are the odds?"
"Excuse me?" I looked back.
"What are the odds that you would happen to be here when I have an appointment and just happen to be helping me?" I couldn't lie to her.
"They were relatively high actually." She looked confused. "I, uh, had a visit earlier this week; someone that knew you." Her face fell.
"Alice." She looked miffed.
"Yes. I returned to the station after a call. There was a woman waiting for Emmett and me. She's a ball of energy." Bella laughed and nodded her agreement. "She said she had been looking for us and wanted to talk about you. She interrogated me for a good half hour before telling me you would be here today." She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, exhaling slowly.
"I am so sorry about that. Sometimes she gets a mind of her own. I told her to let me handle this. I'm really-"
"Please don't apologize. I'm not sorry she found me. If she hadn't, I might not have found you." I smiled at her reassuringly. She smiled back. "I don't mind what she did. She had your best interest in mind. You should be happy she took the time to interrogate me. She really cares for you."
"She's my best friend," she said with a shrug.
Dr. Denali and Emmett arrived. I watched as Dr. Denali checked over her burn then wrapped her arm in gauze. The burn was healing well. He said she would probably keep coming to the hospital for another week. She listened attentively as I watched her closely. She was more beautiful than I remembered. Her face had color that wasn't present at the accident; it lit up her features. She winched at one point, and I felt that protective feeling rise in me again. I wanted to make sure she didn't hurt. Soon, her appointment was concluded and she was scheduling her appointment for the following day. All I could think of was how little time I actually had to spend with her.
Bella's POV
Dr. D concluded the visit and we scheduled for the following day. Edward and Emmett stood near the door watching. My heart was still racing, and the butterflies were still present in my stomach. Being near Edward was doing strange things to my body. I hadn't felt this way around a man before. I also enjoyed talking with Edward immensely. I didn't want for this to end, but I had heard him yell to someone that he was on-duty. He wouldn't have time. I was giving myself a mental pep talk in hopes to raise my courage to ask to see him again when Dr. D left.
"Edward," Emmett said. "I'm going to check on the rig. We need to get back to the station soon. Bella it was great to see you again. Try to stay on your feet from now on." I laughed, not only because he was funny but he was the only person so far that was willing to joke about it with me.
"I promise to try," I replied, "but I don't make any guarantees."
"I hope to see you again. Hopefully Eddie gets his shit together." He hugged me before he left, and his touch did not bother me.
"I hope to as well." I said through my giggles. Edward was scowling at his brother. I stood and gathered my belongings. When I turned back to Edward I had built up the courage to ask if I could see him again, but he cut me off.
"Actually Bella, I hate that I have to leave. I would really like to continue this. I was wondering, maybe we could, coffee, because coffee in Seattle, it's kind of required." My heart melted watching him. He was kicking his foot back and forth, cheeks flamed red, stuttering, and oh so adorable. Swoon. I understood what he was asking, but I was going to make him say it.
"I'm sorry. What was that?" I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from grinning or snickering. He cleared his throat and took a deep breath.
"Would you like to get coffee with me?" I couldn't contain my smile after that. I nodded. "Great! How about tomorrow? My parents are coming in for a visit, and we're taking them out to lunch and dinner. Otherwise, I would ask you on a proper date. It's just not the best timing, but I'll take what I can get. It'll be casual, no pressure. I just really want-"
"Edward, I said yes. You don't have to convince me." I couldn't contain my giggle. He narrowed his eyes.
"You did that on purpose." I could only nod as my giggles turned into full laughter. He finally joined in the laughter.
"What time did you have in mind?" I had finally calmed down, and we began walking towards the exit.
"When are you available?"
"Tomorrow's a half-day so I'm free after noon." He looked at me with a curious face. "I teach high school literature. They're releasing everyone at noon." He nodded his head in understanding. We stopped near his ambulance. I could see Emmett peeking through the back window of the ambulance with a huge grin. I averted my gaze and pretended he wasn't there, trying to hold back my own smile. My idea of him being a teddy bear had only been reinforced in the past few minutes. I could see him being a great friend.
"Would three work for you?" I nodded my head, trying to keep my enthusiasm in check. "Let's meet at the Starbucks at 7th and Shelton. Do you know where that is?" I nodded again. I drove by it often when headed towards Alice's apartment. "Great. I guess I better go. I'm sure you have somewhere to be." He scratched the back of his neck. "It was good to see you again. I'm looking forward to tomorrow."
"Same here." He took my hand and placed a gentle kiss to the back. I felt my face heat up while my heart sped up and the butterflies went wild. No one had ever done that before.
"Until tomorrow," he whispered. I watched as he walked backwards with a crooked smile that made my heart stutter. Once he disappeared into the passenger side, I turned to walk in the opposite direction towards my truck.
I felt lighter and almost skipped to my truck, but quickly reminded myself of the nearly but not quite healed ankle. I wouldn't chance spraining it again. I was going to drive straight to Alice's. She was going to answer for this; not that I wasn't grateful. I told her, however, not to do anything rash. She should have listened.
I drove on autopilot thinking over our meeting. Edward wanted to see me again! He wasn't just meeting me for coffee. He was meeting me for coffee while his parents were here to visit. He was taking time away from them to see me. I should have protested and insisted he stay with his parents, but I was essentially a selfish creature. I wanted that time with him. I knocked on Alice's door still a little perturbed with her interference. She opened the door quickly with a broad smile on her face.
"Mary Alice Cullen!" I began sternly but stopped upon my realization. "Cullen," I whispered. "That's odd. I didn't connect it earlier."
"So, are you mad at me," she asked, "or just musing over my last name?" She looked at me curiously.
"You have the same last name." Her eyebrows knit together.
"Who?"
"You, Edward, and Emmett."
"Please come in and tell me about this Edward and Emmett." Her smug smile reminded me what I came here for in the first place. I walked in and pulled her onto the couch with me.
"You meddling pixie. You went to his station. You told him where I would be. I don't know how you managed to get him to treat me, but you meddled." Her smile never left her face while she was slightly bouncing.
"Okay Bella, listen to me. You weren't doing everything you could to find him. You were looking, but not as hard as you could. I'm your best friend. I want you to be happy. Edward made you happy. I haven't seen that in a long time. Is it so wrong for me to want to see you happy?
"You have a shot with a decent guy. I'm not going to let you pass that up just because you're scared."
"I'm not-"
"Yes you are. Whatever happened in Phoenix and with Jacob, it scarred you. You've been carrying it around for almost a decade. It's becoming such an integral part of you that you don't want to think of yourself any other way. Happy is something you haven't known in a very long time. So now, when it's staring you in the face, you're willing to push it away because it's not something you're accustomed to. I'm not going to let you pass this up. I love you too much to do that." I felt a tear leak out of my eye and down my cheek. I hung my head in resignation.
"You're right. I'm scared, but I have reason to be! You don't know what happened. You don't know how it could affect whatever this is with Edward. I haven't worked through everything yet. Plus, no one deserves to be burdened with my past. I should put this all behind me before starting anything new. I just-"
"Damnit Bella. Stop making excuses. That's all you're doing." She had risen from her seat and was pacing in front of the couch. "I understand that you're scared. God, do I understand! What happened, happened. If this thing with Edward goes somewhere eventually, you will have to tell him. It's not something you will 'put behind you.' This is something you will learn to live with, and so will everyone else important in your life. Take a chance. Take the risk. This could be something great."
"Jasper and I haven't even started talking about the possibility of new relationships. What if he thinks I should wait?" She sat next to me and took my hand in hers. She looked at me with so much sympathy.
"How could this be detrimental? What better way to deal with this than to be with someone who would treat you right and show you that not all men are what you have pictured in your head?"
I could feel my resolve folding. I wanted to take a chance with Edward. He made me feel things I had never felt before. No man had ever given me butterflies. No man had ever touched me so tenderly, been so gentle. He stirred things in me I didn't know existed. For the first time since I could remember, I looked at the future with something other than disdain. Maybe I can have what Alice and Jasper have. Maybe I'm meant to be something to someone.
I felt something strange. It took a minute to realize it was hope. I felt hopeful, a feeling foreign to me for so long. I could be in a successful, happy relationship. Maybe it wouldn't be Edward, maybe it was years down the road, but I could have that. Why not try now with Edward? I just had to take a risk. I just had to try. I looked at Alice, realizing I had been silent for a while. She was sitting patiently, quietly, a true feat for her. I could see the hope in her eyes. She wanted me to be happy. I knew that, but to see her push for it so hard, just for me, was a bit overwhelming.
"Okay," I whispered.
"Okay?" I watched as her smile grew. "Really? You'll try?"
"Yes. It scares the shit out of me, though. I don't want to start something that's doomed from the beginning, and that's how I'm feeling right now."
"It's not doomed from the beginning, but I understand the fear. Jasper and I are here for you. We want you to be happy. We'll do whatever we can to help. If there's something you're worried about, you can talk to us. Well, I'm the best friend so you're required to tell me all the details. Jasper's the therapist so you're required to talk to him too. It's a win-situation; nothing to worry about." She smiled brightly, and I could only chuckle. Of course she would pull the best friend card.
"Well, please don't tell Jasper yet. I want to go to coffee and get a better handle on the situation. I will talk to Jasper about it at our session Monday. Are you okay with that? I wouldn't ask you to lie, so if he asks be truthful. Just don't bring it up out of nowhere until our next session. Is that okay?"
"Sure. Now rewind. He treated you? I didn't have anything to do with that."
"He redressed the burn. Dr. D came down to inspect it, but he did the work. I just assumed you were behind that too."
"Nope. I had nothing to do with it. That was all him. It sounds to me like he might like you, Bella Swan. I think you're worrying over nothing." She nudged my side as we leaned back against the couch and she sighed. "I think you would look good together. He's a cutie."
"He is isn't he? That hair is just begging me to run my fingers through it. He's got the most vivid green eyes, and oh his arms." I shivered in delight. "Did you see them? They look so strong. I just want him to wrap me up in a tight hug. Ugh!"
"Isabella Marie Swan! I have never seen this side of you." I could feel my cheeks heat up. "I rather like this bold, brazen brunette. Where has she been for so long?"
"Hidden away in fear. You're right though. I can't keep hiding. I need to face this and move on. Well, it's easy to say. The practicality of it will be another thing all together."
"I know, but you'll have support." She looked at me in confusion. "What were you saying earlier about my last name?"
"Oh, yeah! You all have the same last name. I didn't make the connection when he told me, but it's odd. Don't you think so? Cullen is not the most common last name."
"Do you think we're related?"
"No, well I doubt it. He and Emmett are adopted. They took their adopted parents last name, so they can't be related to you."
"You never know. Cullen is my real last name. When Liam and Siobhan adopted me, they chose to keep my last name."
"Why did I not know this before?"
"I don't know. It's not something I really talk about. We've known each other for eight years. How often have I talked about being adopted?" I nodded in understanding. It had almost been a taboo subject growing up. "Liam always said they never intended to hide the truth, and that they wanted me to have a connection to my past, that it wasn't something to be ashamed of.
"Apparently, my mother was very young and wanted me to have the best life possible. It was something she didn't feel she could give me. She never resented me, or hated me.
"Maybe it's Edward and Emmett's parents I'm related to. If that were true, I would be related to them in a roundabout way. Wouldn't that be interesting?" She shook her head as if throwing the thought away. The odds are pretty low though so let's not worry about it."
"Have you ever thought about trying to find your birth mother?"
"Oh, it's crossed my mind before. She should be about 39 or 40 now. That's all I know, that she was fifteen when she had me. I don't even know if she's alive though. I think that's what holds me back the most. I don't know if I could handle trying to find her only to find out she's no longer living."
"Well if you ever want to find her, I'm here for you." She smiled at me.
"I know. Now we need to get on to the important stuff." She looked at me with complete seriousness. "What are you going to wear to coffee?"
AN: First, I am so, so sorry for this being late. Last week I had finals, it was my last week at work, and I moved. It was crazy hectic. Still is really. Second, I hope this isn't that disappointing. It's not the grand reunion that some were expecting. I wanted it to be realistic and simple. Third, this is unedited so sorry for any flubs. Next chapter will be the coffee date. We'll see more of Carlisle, Esme, Emmett, and Jasper. Hmm? How does he fit in? Review and I'll send a sneak peek at next chapter.