Disclaimer- Stephenie still owns the usual suspects.
I own my original characters and original story.
*This parallels chapter 51 and 52 of V&V. 51 'Waterworks & Heartfelt Sentiments' and 52 'Skypeward & Karmic Rewards'. As always read the chaps in V&V before attempting this.
Thanks, and enjoy!
***************************************************LRM******************************************************************
Chapter 51&52 – Sage Advice For The Overworked
I woke so late the next morning that I was only able to spend a few minutes on skype with Bella before leaving for the studio.
During that short amount of time, I told her about the Griffins, and got her enthusiastic approval to hire them.
She told me very little about her visit to the therapist, promising more later. I didn't press for information, forcing myself to be content with as much or as little as Bella would be willing to tell me.
It promised to be a long, grueling day of work, and even though our time on skype had been brief, I was grateful to have had it.
During my afternoon break, I phoned my mother.
"Hi Mom, happy Mother's Day" I said.
"Hello dear. Thank you for the flowers, they are lovely." She answered.
"I'm still trying to figure out how the card was written by you."
I chuckled. "Simple. I arranged everything with the florist before I left Seattle."
"I have such a thoughtful son." She said with a sigh.
"I've also arranged for two first class tickets to London for you and Dad, to be used at any time."
"What a wonderful idea. I hear that my son owns a home in Oxford." I could hear the smile in her voice.
"Yes, but unfortunately at the moment, it's an empty house." I answered quietly.
"I'll have to see what I can do about that." She answered happily.
I tried to suppress it, but couldn't hold back the yawn that escaped my mouth. "Pardon me." I apologized.
"Edward, I hope you're taking care of yourself." She remarked in a slightly scolding tone.
"I'm okay Mom. I've just been working a lot." I explained.
"Please take care of yourself Edward. We all want you home soon, but we want you well dear."
I smiled at her concern. "I will Mom. Thanks for worrying."
"I'm your Mother." She answered in explanation.
"Alice told me that Bella will be there this afternoon." I said, trying to change the subject.
"I believe so." Mom said.
"It's a difficult day for her, and for Emmett." I said solemnly.
"I'm sure it is darling." Mom answered quietly. "I'll do my best to make it easier for them."
"Would you tell Bella that no matter how late she arrives back home, I still want to skype with her."
"I'll tell her."
"Mom, do you even know what skype is?" I teased.
"Of course I do Edward" She sounded a little insulted. "Your father and I skype every time one of us has to leave town on business. It's so much nicer to be able to see him instead of talking on the phone."
"Well except for the time I attended a conference in San Francisco and drunk-skyped him at two in the morning." She started to giggle.
Why the hell is she telling me this?
"I was so embarrassed when I woke up the next day and remembered doing a little 'strip tease via skype' for him." She laughed out loud. "Although he seemed to have rather enjoyed it."
Oh fuck. She did not just say that.
Alice is exactly like her.
"Mom! Too much information!" I shouted into the phone.
She continued to laugh, despite my discomfort. "Oh Edward, you're almost a married man. You need to loosen up a little honey."
I cringed. "I know that, but you're my Mother. It's just, that's just, oh hell, it's just wrong." I whined.
She hadn't stopped laughing. "Edward, I'm going to tell you something that may shock you. I really hope it doesn't lessen the high opinion you have of me." She hesitated.
Oh shit, what can be worse than what she's already subjected me to today?
"What Mom?" I choked out the question.
"Well, the fact of the matter is that… your father and I have sex. Quite often actually. You should appreciate that fact, otherwise you and Alice wouldn't be here." She said before she exploded in laughter.
I wonder if she's been drinking mimosas?
"I love you Mom, but I really need to go now."
She cackled at the urgent tone of my voice.
I need to figure a way to bleach my fucking brain.
"Thank you again son. I love you."
"Love you too Mom."
She is still fucking laughing.
-LRM-
Late that night, after showering and collapsing into bed, I made sure to connect to skype before succumbing to sleep.
Hopefully my sweet girl's face will be the first thing I see when I open my eyes.
I knew it would be a good day, when I opened my eyes. Once I could focus on the screen, there she was, the woman who meant everything to me.
"Good morning beautiful, although I guess it's still Sunday at home." As those words left my mouth, I realized that being Sunday meant that it was still Mother's Day there. "How was today sweetheart? I wish I could have been there with you."
"Oh Edward." She said quietly, tears threatening to spill. "It turned out to be a wonderful day." She blinked, causing the tears to escape, and run down her cheeks.
Wonderful?
"Bella, if the day was wonderful, then why are you crying?"
"It was just a bit overwhelming." She said as the tears really started to flow.
I started to panic, trying to find a way to fix her distress from thousands of miles away, as I dragged my fingers roughly through my hair. "Bella, please tell me what's going on before I lose my mind. You have no idea how difficult it is to watch you cry, and know that I can do nothing to help."
"Edward stop!" She said forcefully. "These are happy tears."
I stopped tugging at my hair, waiting for her to explain. "I was prepared for this day to be difficult, but it never happened. Early this morning, Rose found out she's pregnant." She emphasized the last word.
Well that was unexpected.
She then proceeded to fill me in on the details of her day. From my sister's arrival with a bag full of pregnancy tests, to my mother being the proud owner of a MILF shirt.
I had a flashback to my conversation with her earlier, and cringed.
Evidently everyone was happy, and Emmett was apparently over the moon with the news. I was just happy to see her so happy.
"There was only one sour note to the entire day." She grimaced. "Mrs. Whitlock rode in on her broomstick and made Rose cry." At that, Bella told me about the venom which had spewed from the troll-bitch's mouth, and poor Rose being reduced to tears.
I shook my head in disbelief. Rose and Jasper didn't deserve the way she treated them. Amazingly, although they should both be screwed up and in therapy by now, that simply wasn't the case.
I was suddenly very grateful, once again, for being blessed with the perfect mother.
Even if she did freak me the hell out sometimes.
"Your mother got angry and said that a baby was never an embarrassment, and told her she should be ashamed for making her daughter cry." Bella continued.
I smiled, happy that my mother intervened, but sad that it had been necessary in the first place. "I'm not surprised. My mother considers every child to be a blessing. She would have been quite happy to have had a house full." I said wistfully. "I know that Mom and Dad wanted another child after I was born, but it never happened. Personally, I'm surprised she wanted any more after having me."
From what I've been told, my birth was very dangerous and difficult, but I'll spare Bella the details.
"Why Edward? Because they'd already attained perfection?" She teased, completely misinterpreting my statement.
I laughed. "Yeah, right." I laughed again. "No, Bella, I wasn't being egotistical. Evidently Mom had a horribly long and painful labor with me. I was rather big."
As I said that, Bella got the strangest expression on her face.
What the hell is she thinking?
She zoned out for a time, and then started chuckling to herself.
She's probably so tired that she's now delirious.
"Bella, where did you go just now?" I asked. "You completely zoned out on me." I narrowed my eyes, observing her reaction. "I'm dying to know what you were thinking about because your face just turned the loveliest shade of red."
Could Bella possibly be having inappropriate thoughts about me?
The possibility caused me to smirk.
"I don't know what you're talking about Edward." She answered with an innocent smile.
Sure you don't.
-LRM-
Later that day, Bella and I talked briefly on the phone, while I was filming. The next time we spoke was early Tuesday morning on skype.
"What are you thinking about?" I asked.
"Always so inquisitive." She answered with a smile.
"If you must know, I was wishing for the millionth time that I was with you." She answered.
I didn't let on how much it hurt me to be leaving for Cannes without her.
"Next year baby." I suddenly realized that next year everything would be different. "We'll be married by then, and if I have to go to Cannes, you will be with me, as my wife." I couldn't help the smile that overtook my face.
She smiled back at me. "Speaking of getting married…" She hesitated before continuing, immediately causing me to worry.
"Not having second thoughts are you?" I questioned.
"Of course not Edward. Never." She stated vehemently.
"What are your wishes for the wedding?" She questioned. "I mean, I should probably start making some plans, instead of waiting until you get home to do everything."
"Bella, here's my honest answer." I made sure to sit up and look directly into the camera before continuing. "None of that matters to me. As soon as I see you in that white dress, your father walking you down the aisle to me, no one and nothing else will matter. I doubt I'll notice much else for the rest of the day."
At my words, Bella got the strangest look on her face.
"That's sort of the way I feel every time you say something sweet like that. Edward, you were blessed with a silver tongue."
Hmm. Why not have a little fun with this?
I grinned and wiggled my eyebrows before teasing her by slowly licking my lips.
Oh baby, what I'd like to do with this tongue.
"Okay, I'm changing the subject now, because you are entirely too distracting." She blurted, causing me to laugh out loud.
"How soon until you leave?" She asked, effectively ending my fun.
"I have to start getting reading in fifteen minutes or so."
"Okay, maybe you have time to help me with my homework."
Huh?
I shrugged. "Of course Bella. What can I do?"
"Well, it's not actually for school. Dr. Miller wants me to make a list of things that I like about myself. That part of the assignment is proving difficult."
Hearing this did not please me. Here we are back to the issue of her low self-esteem.
"The other part of the assignment is to list ten things that others like about me. Emmett already gave me a couple, I was hoping to get a couple from you."
I sighed. "I'm limited to ten?" I asked, smiling.
She nodded. I proceeded to hold up my fingers as I counted.
"You're breathtakingly beautiful, extremely sexy, the most honest person I know, charming, witty, funny, smart, forgiving, compassionate, and thoughtful. That's ten, but I feel compelled to add that you're also a great kisser." I smirked as I wiggled my eyebrows yet again.
She laughed before asking quietly, "Do you really see me that way Edward?"
I nodded. "Bella, I thought maybe your self-esteem would be improving by now. Sometimes you act as if people want to spend time with you out of pity." I sighed. "I don't pity you Bella. I love you. My heart breaks when I think of the things you've had to endure, but my main concern is the future, not the past. We're going to have a wonderful future baby." I added gently.
She seemed to accept my words. "I've wasted a lot time haven't I?" She asked.
"What do you mean?"
"Thinking myself unworthy of everyone's love. I'm working on it Edward. Dr. Miller said that I need to learn to love myself and the first step was learning to like myself. That's why she gave me this exercise."
"Bella, you honestly can't come up with ten things you like about yourself?"
"I've come up with two so far, but I'm still working on it."
I rested my chin on my hand as I thought. "I know this is a private matter, but will you keep me apprised of your progress?" I asked quietly.
"I can do that."
-LRM-
When Alec, Sidney and I arrived in Cannes, it was just after noon. We went straight to our hotel to check in .
The first interview was for a European radio station. It was a surreal moment when I sat in the makeshift radio booth, surrounded on three sides by the French Riviera, and on the fourth by the brilliant blue of the Mediterranean.
"Hello Edward, good to see you again." I was greeted by the host.
What was his name again?
I glance surreptitiously at the cheat sheet Alec had provided.
Simon?
"Hello Simon, wonderful to see you again too. " I smiled. "I think the last time we spoke was during the promotional tour for Time Stands Still. That would be when? Last November I suppose?" I answered by own question.
Simon looked a little stunned, surprised, no doubt, that I remembered him.
Well I did, sort of.
"Yes, that's correct." He said with a smile. "So Edward, tell everyone a little about the film you're working on right now."
"Well, it's called The Harvest of Avarice, it's set during the 1930's and later during World War II." I needed to word this carefully in order not to give away the plot. "My character, while still a child, is separated from his best friends, only to meet them again later in England, on the eve of the D-day invasion."
"Edward, I've been hearing the terms 'blockbuster' and 'epic' being used to refer to this movie. Is it going to be as big as predicted?"
I pursed my lips as I thought.
"All I can say is that the director, along with the cast and crew, have been working very hard, and putting in a lot of long hours. I only hope that my part in it does justice to everyone else's hard work."
"Oh Edward, I'm sure it will. Don't be so modest." Simon responded with a chuckle. "Now your next film will be quite different. You're filming with Clint Eastwood?"
I nodded, then, remembering we were on radio, I spoke. "Yes. We will start filming in September."
After Bella and I return from our honeymoon.
I smiled smugly to myself.
The next few questions were all about Enemy Combatant, and what it would be like to work with Clint. I got the impression that Simon was almost as big a fan as Charlie.
The interview had been comfortable, probably the reason I'd been lulled into a false sense of security. When the tone of Simon's questions changed abruptly, it took me by complete surprise.
"I must ask you this Edward. All these stories about your personal life in the news are confusing. For years we were led to believe that Tanya Madison was your steady girlfriend, whom you cheated on I might add. Now we are told that was all fabricated, and a slew of former dates have said you never laid a finger on them."
I took a breath, trying to gather my wits. As it turned out, it wasn't necessary, because Simon wasn't finished.
"You truly expect the public to believe that your relationship with Isabella Swan is genuine, after you admit you weren't honest with the public for years?"
I was stunned. "What do you want me to say Simon?" I was pissed, but part of me knew that this was my fault for letting the studio spin that false image for years. "I was wrong to allow that to go on for so long. Admittedly, I was young when all of it began, but that's no excuse. In the end, I took the easy way out. It was simpler to go along with the lie, and protect my privacy."
"Oh and why is that Edward? What do you have to hide? Why was your privacy so important that you were willing to live a lie?" Simon smirked. "It's been done before Edward. You are not original. The studio wanted their prize bull to appear to be heterosexual. Don't you think it's a little pathetic to use a sad, broken girl to continue the lie."
What the fuck?
I stood from my chair, my fists clenched at my sides.
"I don't care what you say or think about me, but you will leave Isabella out of your attacks." I was fuming. "As for being gay, which was what you were alluding to Simon" I spit his name as if it were a curse word "I'm not gay. Period. End of story."
He smirked at that.
Fucker has an agenda.
"Simon, if I were gay, I wouldn't hide it. One of my best friends is gay, it's part of who he is, I'm sure there were many times in his life that things would have been easier if he'd hidden it, instead he remained true to himself."
Chris is one of the bravest men I've ever known.
I ran my through my hair.
"For the first time in years, I am doing just that. I've come clean about stupid things I've done, which were never my idea. I've found the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with. Not that it's any of your business, but Bella and I can't wait to begin that life together." I gave him a hard glare. "And neither of us gives a fuck what you or anyone else has to say about it."
Simon's mouth fell open in surprise at my language. I ripped off the microphone and threw it on the table before storming out.
I'd probably said too much, and the studio would chew my ass for sure for dropping the 'F' bomb, but I didn't care.
Once we were outside, Alec slapped me on the back. "Fucking A, Edward!"
I shook my head in exasperation. "I guess we're back to 'no personal questions' again." I complained.
Needing to hear Bella's voice, I pulled out my phone and dialed her. "Hey baby" I breathed into the phone.
"Edward" she mumbled, her voice still groggy from sleep. "Are you in Cannes?"
"Yes. I arrived a couple of hours ago." I said sadly. "I just stormed out of an interview."
"What happened?" She asked with concern in her voice.
"I guess I'm just tired of assumptions about you and me. Either I'm a man-whore or I'm gay. I know it's my own fault because I was dishonest for so long, but everything has changed. I want everyone to understand that I'm deeply, irrevocably in love with you, and can't wait to make you my wife." I sighed heavily. "I want to protect you Bella. I don't want any of this shit hurting you."
"Oh Edward. I've made my peace with the fact that some people will never accept the truth. You need to learn to be okay with it too. As for protecting me" She paused "I'm a lot tougher than you think Mr. Movie Star."
I knew she was trying to lighten my mood. It worked.
I blew out a breath and smiled. "Thank you sweetheart, I guess I just needed to hear that. I love you."
"You're very welcome. I love you too Edward. Do what you need to do so that you can hurry home to me." She whispered.
My heart clenched at her words.
"I'll do my best baby."
-LRM—
A short while later, Alec led me to a group of reporters. I was supposed to give a little impromptu press conference. Even though the last interview had left a bad taste in my mouth, I plastered on my Hollywood smile, and began.
"Edward, where is your lovely fiancée today?" asked a female reporter. I believed she was Dutch.
I smiled. "Unfortunately, she couldn't be with me today."
"Are the reports true that say she assaulted Nicole French, hitting her in the face?" shouted a rude voice above the others.
Should I even answer that?
Deciding that I should, so that Bella didn't acquire a reputation for hitting random people on the movie set, I stated firmly, "That is absolutely untrue."
"Edward, how did you like filming in England?" asked a reporter from the BBC.
"We haven't quite finished yet", I responded with a grin. "But to answer your question, I absolutely adore England, even though I haven't ventured much outside of London during my stay."
England will always hold a special place in my heart because it is where Bella agreed to make my fondest wish come true. She agreed to spend the rest of her life with me.
"The British people have been wonderful, the weather pleasant, there's nothing I can find to complain about."
Except for the fact that my girl is so far away.
"You sound as if you'll be disappointed to leave" added the same reporter.
"Now don't put words in my mouth" I responded with a cheeky grin.
He laughed.
I phoned Bella once more before going to my photo shoot. For some reason, having to answer all those questions had made me nervous, and I needed to hear her voice to be centered again.
The photo shoot was held at a very resplendent, and very private, villa on the Riviera. I spent about an hour posing for photos indoors, and then another hour outdoors.
For the last few photos, I had to don a white dinner jacket. My mind immediately travelled back to dancing with Bella at Carnation Plaza Gardens in Disneyland. It was one of many wonderful memories of our time together.
Once the photo shoot was over, I had Sidney take a shot of me in the jacket, before changing back into my own clothes. For the first time all afternoon, I had some down time. We headed back to the hotel to rest and then prepare for the movie premiere and party I was scheduled to attend that evening.
On my way to the premiere, I pulled out my phone and sent Bella the photo and a short message.
B-
Finished my photo shoot earlier today. On my way to a premiere now. Knowing how you loved the white dinner jacket, I'm sending you a photo that I had Sidney take just for you.
I love you. I miss you.
-E
-LRM-
The next morning I woke to find that sometime during the night, Alice had sent several photos to my phone. She had obtained preview copies of the Vanity Fair issue with she, Chris, Bella and Rose on the cover. It made my day to receive those photos. They were dazzling.
I couldn't tear my eyes away from my girl. I found that, for the rest of my stay in Cannes, all I had to do was look at those photos, and my spirits would immediately be lifted.
After a light breakfast of croissant and coffee with Sidney and Alec, and a swim in the hotel pool, I was shuttled to my next interview. This one was for the Cannes issue of Premiere Magazine. When I arrived at Hotel Le Canberra, I was immediately ushered into a small waiting room. As I sat there, I pulled my phone out again and looked at Bella. She was so beautiful. I knew I was smiling like a fool, when I heard a familiar voice to my right.
"Well, well, well, what's going on Edward? The lovely Bella 'sexting' you?" He remarked with a chuckle.
I looked up to see Johnny smiling down at me. I stood immediately and shook his hand. "Hello. I wasn't sure if you would be in Cannes yet."
"I've been here since late last night." He answered. "Look, I've got to run to an interview, but how would you like to meet for lunch today?"
"Sure" I agreed with a smile.
"The restaurant here in the hotel is good. What do you say we meet in an hour?" He asked.
"Sounds good." I answered, and then he was gone.
The interview was surprisingly painless, the reporters sticking with questions which focused on my movies rather than my personal life.
Before I knew it, I was having lunch with Johnny as we discussed my upcoming nuptials.
"I'm happy for you Edward." Johnny congratulated. "And I hope I get an invitation."
"Of course" I answered as I nodded.
"Bella's a great girl. I told Vanessa all about her, and she can't wait to meet her."
I smiled. "I know she'd like that very much."
At least I hope so.
"So have you discussed where you're going to live after the wedding?" Johnny asked as we ate.
"Not really. I think we'll discuss all that when I get home." I answered.
I wonder where Bella will want to live?
"I bought a house in England." I admitted.
Johnny's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "That's great man. Do you think you'll live there after you're married?" He asked.
I shrugged. "I don't think L.A. will be our main home. It's convenient when I have to film in California, but I don't think Bella will ever be completely comfortable there."
Johnny nodded in understanding. "It's a whole different world once you get outside of L.A. Once you find the place you're most comfortable, hopefully the rest of the world won't intrude, especially if you have children." He mused. "We spend part of our time in California, but the farm in France is home. I knew from the beginning that I didn't want my kids around all the crazy shit going on in L.A. I never wanted them growing up to think that's what life was all about."
This is something Bella and I would need to discuss, but there wasn't any great hurry.
Johnny gave me his address, insisting I send him an invitation. He also insisted that I attend the Chanel party that night, in order to meet Vanessa. I agreed before going back to my hotel to prepare for yet another premiere.
This one was much better than the one I'd endured the night before, although it didn't capture my attention enough to keep my mind from wandering. Johnny had given me a lot to think about.
At the Chanel party, I was finally able to meet Vanessa. She was beautiful and smart with a confident air, but was very quiet, seeming almost shy. I decided that Bella would like her very much.
Knowing I had to work the next day, Sidney, Alec and I left the party early to fly back to London.
The next morning, I was finally able to talk to Bella on skype again. It was Wednesday evening at home, and she seemed troubled about something.
I hope there were no more damn flowers delivered.
"I had lunch with your mother today." She informed.
"That's nice." I smiled and decided to take this opportunity to tease her. "I had lunch yesterday with Johnny Depp."
"You did!" She exclaimed. "How did that happen?"
I chuckled. "We were granting interviews for the same magazine, and he asked if I was busy for lunch. We had a nice time."
"What did you talk about?"
"You" I breathed.
At least part of the time.
I laughed. "My God Bella, you should see your face. You look so guilty."
"I am guilty." She muttered. "Guilty of ruining our lunch with Johnny because of my drunken behavior."
I continued to laugh. "You didn't ruin anything. I told you, Johnny likes you. A lot. He'd heard about the engagement, of course, and wanted to congratulate me."
She smiled. "That was nice."
"I told you he's a good guy. I'd like to invite him to the wedding if that's okay?"
"Absolutely Edward." she smiled and nodded. "Speaking of the wedding, your Mom mentioned that we could use their house for the wedding and reception."
"Is that what you want?" I asked.
She sighed. "Edward, I really want to be married from my church."
Not a surprise.
"Then that's what we'll do Bella. Stop worrying, you won't hurt my mother's feelings." I thought. "We'll get married in Forks. Where would you like to hold the reception?"
Her face scrunched up adorably as she thought about this. "There's really no where that will work. I don't think we should have it at the fire hall if you're inviting Hollywood people." She announced with a chuckle.
I smiled as I thought of the perfect solution. "I have an idea."
"What?"
"We get married in Forks, but hold the reception at my parent's home." I suggested.
"But…it's so far away." She whispered.
"It would take a little planning, but I don't think the guest list is going to be massive Bella. After the wedding, we arrange to have all the guests shuttled to my parent's house."
"Like, get married in the morning?" She asked.
"It's just a thought. We can discuss it later if you'd like."
She smiled brightly. "I would like that very much."
"Good. I'm glad I could help." I smiled. "Sweetheart, I have to get going. Call my Mom, she can get the ball rolling with preparations."
"I can't wait until you get home Edward." She said quietly.
"I'll be back before you know it." I smiled. "I love you beautiful."
"I love you too."
I hadn't realized at that moment how true my words were. Hal informed me that afternoon that he'd been able to shave days off of my film schedule. It was still unclear exactly when I'd be able to go home, but I would take whatever I could get. From that night, I kept my bags packed in anticipation.
*********************************************A/N***********************************************8*******************
A/N And there we have it. The escapades of Cannesward. He actually showed a little vulnerability in this one, allowing Bella to calm him down for once. BTW, I love Esme. We both live to embarrass our children, whether in private or in public, it's all good. lol.
Hope you liked it. Remember to vote for V&V at the Inspired Fanfic Awards blogspot. I appreciate all of you so much. Photos of Cannes on the Facebook. Edward's hotel, and the restaurant where he and Johnny dined.
Review please! I thank you in advance.