Where the Streets Have No Name
Chapter 31
In many ways, the first twenty four hours of their new alliance set the general tone of their relationship for the days to come. A typically disgruntled Carmen would make random demands in hope of finding that elusive sense of rightness, and Edward would make concession after concession to keep the peace, or simply because he didn't have the energy to argue.
However, he would soon discover that his appeasement strategy didn't really aid him much in ensuring a smooth and drama-free existence with Carmen. Nothing could make her happy, no matter how hard he tried.
Informing the parents turned out to be an awkward affair for them both. Perhaps a little more so for Carmen than Edward.
The day after he had collected the marriage license, Edward called his father during a break from his clinical rotation. He didn't want to do this from home with Carmen in tow. She had hardly gone back to her apartment since she showed up at his doorstep that night. Her icy scrutiny would only unnerve him more.
He decided to break the news to his father first; the calmer and more level headed of the two Cullen elders, who then could determine the best time and method to covey it to Edward's mother.
Carlisle Cullen was quiet on the phone for a long time.
"How could you let this happen, son? I thought you knew better."
The grave words laced with disappointment, coming from the man Edward always looked up to, cut deep. He squeezed his eyes shut and wished for a miracle that would restore him to his previous place of grace in his father's eyes.
"I... I... I made a mistake, Dad. I'm sorry that you're disappointed, but I have to man up and do the right thing."
He heard his father exhale a heavy sigh. "Of course, Edward.
"I have a surgery scheduled in... soon. I'll talk to your mother when I get home, but I suggest you speak to her tonight yourself. She would prefer that." He paused, then added, "I'll clean up my calendar the best I can so we can fly over soon. I hope you are not in that much of a hurry. It would break your mother's heart if she couldn't be there for your wedding. Also, we would like to meet the mother of our first grandchild and... welcome her into the family. I'm sure things are difficult for her too. "
After he hung up, Edward slouched in his seat and hung his head low.
That could've gone better, he thought.
That was until he arrived home and found Carmen hysterically sobbing in his bed. He soon found out that the conversation between Carmen and her parents had gone even worse, though she wouldn't actually give him the grisly details.
"They're flying over, my mom and dad," Carmen said, once she was somewhat collected.
"Mine too."
With a shaky breath and a shakier resolve, Edward braced himself to meet the in-laws.
Thank you Lulabelle98, HeidiJoVT, and Dinx.
Happy Valentine's Day. What are you planning on doing?
Lots of love:)