All things Twilight belong to Stephenie Meyer; I just like to play with her characters.

No copyright infringement is intended.

HUGE thanks to my betas darcysmom and twimom817 as well as my pre-reader EdwardsmyObsession1971. Without these ladies not only would I be a mess, but my stories would too.

When You Least Expect It

Chapter Fifteen

On the Mend

Esme was here? Emmett was with her? What in the world?

Edward.

"Emmett, Esme … what are you guys doing here?" I croaked.

"Oh Bella, honey, you look awful."

I waved them in and wearily closed the door behind them. Esme turned to look at me again and began to explain.

"Edward called and he told me you were sick. He was so worried, Bella. I couldn't help but think about when your little boy was in the hospital and how alone you were. I don't want to intrude but I thought I'd come and take care of you. It's the least I can do for you, honey."

"Edward didn't ask you to come?"

"No," Emmett chuckled. "But he did ask me to come along with her when she offered."

"How? I don't understand," I asked confused.

"Doug flew to Australia to relieve me until Edward comes back to the States. I'm off for a few days before I go work with another actor on a local project."

I felt relieved knowing that Doug was with Edward. He needed someone with him.

"Where's the kiddo?" Emmett asked.

"He's with my dad. He's going to keep him for a few days until I'm feeling better."

I was feeling exhausted from talking and no sooner had I finished my sentence – I started coughing.

Emmett cringed and Esme looked sympathetic.

"Come on, sweetheart let's get you back to bed, all right? We'll get you settled and then I'll make you something light to eat, okay?" Esme asked as she led me back to my bedroom.

I picked up my water bottle from the bedside table and drank from it greedily after I'd settled back against the pillows. Esme flitted around the room for a few moments as my eyes grew heavier and heavier. I was helpless against them and tried to relax as I let sleep overtake me.

I woke again about an hour later to Esme's voice, speaking to me softly.

"Bella, sweetheart, I've made you some soup. I think it would be best to get something in your stomach before you take any more medication."

I nodded.

"Can you call Edward for me?" I asked in a whisper.

"He's working now, sweetheart. He promised he'd call as soon as he gets back to his hotel."

Esme had made chicken soup with rice. It tasted so good and it wasn't until I'd taken an initial bite that I realized how hungry I truly was. I couldn't remember the last time I'd eaten.

"I know it's probably not as good as yours, but you'll have to remember I'm not a professional chef." Esme smiled warmly.

"No, it's delicious."

"Good. It's my grandmother's recipe. It's one of Edward's favorites – he always liked it when he was sick."

I nodded and attempted a small smile before I started coughing again. Esme handed me a glass of water.

"I had Emmett go to the store and get some more bottled water. I couldn't seem to find any more in the kitchen."

"Thank you. I really appreciate you coming by, Esme."

"Coming by? Bella, I'm staying here until you start feeling better and don't even think about arguing with me. I'd stay if it was one of my children and you're no different. Besides, Edward would have my head if I didn't stay. He's so worried about you, sweetheart. He's worried about Kaden too and he was happy to hear that your dad is caring for Kaden since you're so sick."

"So you did talk to him?" I asked, curiously.

"Yes. Not long after you fell asleep. He was in the car on his way to work and that's when he told me that he'd call back when he got to the hotel. He didn't think they were working for a long period of time this evening."

I felt relieved to know that she had in fact talked to Edward and let him know that I was okay. Sick but okay. I knew he had to have been worried since I didn't call or text him back but knowing how sick I was – it wasn't a surprise.

Emmett came back about thirty minutes later with several shopping bags and a case of bottled water. I watched from the couch as Esme hurried into the kitchen to help Emmett and put everything away.

"You look a little better, B." Emmett smiled.

"Thanks. Are you staying too?" I asked, wondering where everyone would sleep.

"No. Eddie just asked me to accompany Mrs. C. over here and make sure that everything was okay. But if either of you need anything don't hesitate to give me a call, okay?"

"Thank you so much, Emmett," Esme said softly.

"Welcome. See you ladies later."

Emmett turned and let himself out.

Esme smiled softly at me as she came back into the living room and sat on the couch.

"How are you feeling?"

I took a deep breath and laid my head back.

"I can't tell if my ears hurt from my sinuses or because of the infection. My throat feels raw from coughing and my body is aching everywhere. On a scale of one to ten – one being death's door and ten being excellent – I'd say I'm a three."

"Oh honey," Esme frowned. "Do you feel up to taking a hot shower? Maybe that will help the coughing and your achiness."

"Maybe," I shrugged.

"Can't hurt to try it right? If you get dizzy, I'll be right here and all you have to do is holler, okay?"

I nodded and heaved myself up from the couch. When I got to my bedroom, I gathered a fresh set of clothes and sat down on my bed, tired from the exertion. Frustrated that I couldn't do such a simple thing as getting ready to take a shower, I rested my elbows on my knees and hung my head in my hands.

"Bella? Are you all right?"

I looked up to see Esme standing in the doorway to my bedroom.

"I'm okay. I'm frustrated that I can't even take a shower without feeling like I've been hit by a bus."

"Do you need some help?"

"No, I think I'll be okay. I just needed to rest a minute."

Twenty minutes later, I stepped out of the shower wanting nothing more than to put on my soft, warm pajamas and crawl into bed. When I walked into my bedroom, my bed was made neatly and the blankets were turned down.

It looked like Esme had changed the sheets and freshened up my room a bit. I wanted to feel guilty for not being able to do it myself but I was thankful to have clean sheets to lay my weary body down on.

"Thank you, Esme." I smiled weakly as I walked into the kitchen.

"You're welcome, sweetheart. I just turned on the teapot thinking you might like a cup of tea before lying down again."

"That sounds good, thank you."

Over the next few days, it turned out having Esme there was a godsend. Whatever they had prescribed to treat my pneumonia was kicking my ass. Esme assured me that sleep was the best way for my body to get better, but with the amount of sleep I was getting you'd think when I finally woke, I'd be ready to run a marathon but that was definitely not the case.

"Bella … because it's Valentine's Day, my husband will be coming into town. We're going out to dinner and spending the evening together. However, I don't want to leave you alone so Emmett asked if he could come over and entertain you."

I thought it was incredibly sweet that Dr. Cullen was coming into town to take Esme out for Valentine's Day. True, it was my second Valentine's Day without Mike but it didn't really affect me one way or the other. I'd always felt that it was a holiday designed to push over-priced flowers and cheap chocolate.

"Esme … I don't need Emmett to babysit me. I'll be okay by myself for a few hours."

"Sweetheart, I'm not saying that you wouldn't be okay but you're still weak and after the little episode you had the first day I got here, I'd rather not leave anything to chance. I'd never forgive myself. Besides, Emmett offered to come over and keep you company. I think he's a little sad he doesn't have anyone to share Valentine's Day with."

A few hours later, Esme waved goodbye as she walked out the door with Carlisle, who I'd found to be just as sweet and charming as Edward could be when he wanted to. Esme Cullen was a very lucky woman.

I sat down on my sofa, enjoying the quiet serenity of my little condo when a booming knock sounded at the door.

Emmett.

He grinned as I swung open the door, holding out a bouquet of brightly colored tulips. In his other arm was a paper bag, filled with what I assume was take out.

"I brought dinner," Emmett muttered sheepishly. "You're probably not up for eating, but I thought it wouldn't hurt and I'm starving."

I couldn't help but smile at his childish enthusiasm. Emmett definitely had moments where he was completely adorable.

I waved him in and locked the door behind him.

"Make yourself at home, Em." I whispered.

My throat was still feeling raw from all the coughing I'd been doing and if I attempted to talk with my full voice, I only ended up sounding like a barking seal.

"I hope you like Mexican food, I brought some chicken tacos and Albondigas soup."

My face must have shown my excitement because I had to admit that the soup did sound really good. Emmett grinned as he brought me a steaming bowl.

We settled in on the couch and watched a movie while we ate. Emmett had chosen some action flick and I figured it probably wouldn't matter, because once I took my medicine, it wouldn't take me long to fall asleep.

At some point, I had nodded off and was woken by the shrill ringing of my cell phone. I glanced over at the caller ID sleepily and grinned.

Edward.

"Hello?" I whispered loudly, hoping he would hear me.

I hadn't talked to Edward in a few days and I could only imagine what his reaction would be if I attempted to use my full voice.

"Bella?"

"Hey."

"Are you okay? You don't sound like yourself."

"I'm getting better but my throat still hurts."

"Does it help having my mom there?"

"She's taking good care of me. You were right – it does help knowing that she's here if I need something."

"Good. How's Kaden?"

"He's good. Ready to come home and I'm ready to have him home. I miss him so much but because of my meds and the fact that I'm sleeping so much – it's just easier if my dad keeps him a little while longer."

"Give yourself a few more days, Bella."

A few seconds of silence passed between us before I spoke again.

"How is Australia?"

"Too far away, but things are good. We're pretty on-schedule for filming. I will be in L.A. for the Oscars and I'm looking forward to the trip home."

Shit. I had forgotten all about the Oscars. Edward had been nominated for his film that premiered at Cannes. I'd managed to see it over the holidays and he'd definitely given an Oscar worthy performance.

"Bella?"

"Oh … sorry, I guess I spaced out."

Edward chuckled. "It's okay, Bella. I just wanted to see how you're doing and hear your voice."

"I'm glad you called, Edward. I miss your voice too."

As much as I hated to admit it – it was the truth. I missed Edward more than I had a right to.

"Email me when you're feeling better okay?"

Before I got sick, we'd spent a lot of time emailing back and forth. It was easier because of the time difference and for some reason – it was easier for me to be honest and open with Edward that way. He seemed to be the same way and it felt good to really get to know each other.

"Okay."

"Bella?"

"Yeah?"

"Happy Valentine's Day."

A week later, I tried to get back into my normal routine. Esme had gone home after I thanked her profusely for everything she'd done for me. She left with the promise that I'd call her if I needed anything else. I have to admit that I missed her when she left. It had been so long since I'd been around a mother figure and it felt good to be cared for. My mom died when I was thirteen and her absence from my life hit me really hard at times.

Jasper called me a few days after Valentine's Day to see how I was feeling and to let me know that Edward would be back on the twenty-first.

"He's only going to be back in L.A. for a few days, Bella, but he's looking forward to coming home and relaxing while he's there. The only things he's committed to doing are going to the Oscars and the after party."

Edward told me that he was planning on taking his sister, Carlie to the Oscars with him. I felt a pang of hurt when he'd told me but really – I was his hired help – what could I expect? That's when it hit me that no matter how much I liked Edward and how well we'd gotten to know each other I'd never fit into his lifestyle. I was kidding myself if I thought that he'd eventually want to give an interview where he told the world he was dating his personal chef who happened to be a single mom.

I resolved to keep things with Edward on a professional level. I needed my job to provide for my son – he was my first priority.

In the few days before Edward came back to L.A. for the Oscars, I began to distance myself from him. I continued to email and text him, but I was more reserved than I had been before. Edward's flight got in late Thursday night, so I made sure to leave him something in the fridge to snack on in case he was hungry when he got home. Friday morning, I arrived early and made Belgian waffles that I stuck in the warming drawer before I headed to the market for the morning. Edward still wasn't awake when I came back from the market and I grew more and more anxious about the conversation that I needed to have with him.

"Mornin' Bella." Jasper smiled as he walked into the kitchen.

"Mornin', Jazz … you're up early considering how late you got in last night."

"Yeah … well someone's got to be here to help Edward with his monkey suit for Sunday night."

"You mean he can't dress himself?"

"Of course he can, but it's part of the job, Bella. I'm his assistant – I'm here to … assist."

"Ahh …"

Edward peeked out behind Jasper looking adorably sleep rumpled. His hair was sticking out every which way and he was rubbing at his eyes as he walked sleepily into the kitchen.

"Mornin', beautiful," Edward said softly as he sidled up next to me. "You're a sight for sore eyes. I've missed you."

"Good morning, Edward."

I tried to keep my tone as even as possible without sounding like a complete bitch. Honestly, I just wanted to kiss him silly because he was so adorable standing next to me in his pajama bottoms and wrinkled t-shirt. I hated the necessity of the conversation that I needed to have with him and it weighed heavily on my heart but I truly felt it was the only way.

"Everything okay?" Edward asked, his brows furrowed.

"Mmmhmm. Have a seat and I'll get your breakfast. Are you hungry, Jasper? I made Belgian waffles."

Jasper nodded and they both sat down at the breakfast bar. Within minutes, I had their breakfast plated and in front of them.

I listened as they talked back and forth about the plans for Sunday. Carlie would arrive sometime Saturday afternoon and she'd return to the airport on Monday with Edward. Edward asked if I would mind cooking for them on Saturday evening and maybe making muffins or something for Sunday morning.

"Carlie would love your lemon poppy seed muffins, Bella."

I nodded.

"No problem, I can make up a batch on Saturday while I'm here making dinner and they'll still be fresh for Sunday morning."

"You are the best, Bella." Edward grinned.

Eventually, I had the kitchen to myself and I was thankful for the quiet respite it offered me. A couple hours later, I could hear the gentle notes of Edward's piano floating down the stairs and I knew that I wouldn't find a better time to try and talk to Edward than the present. I took a deep breath and made my way up the stairs and into Edward's music room.

He smiled as he noticed me in the doorway and his face fell as soon as he saw the serious look on my own.

"Bella, is everything okay?" He asked concerned.

I shook my head.

"No, Edward. I need to talk to you."

"Sure, Bella. I always have time for you."

I sighed and sat down on the cool leather sofa.

"Edward," I began. "I'm not really sure how to say this … but, I've been doing a lot of thinking in the last couple weeks and I'm not sure that exploring this … thing between us is a good idea."

"Bella, I … I guess I'm a little confused. I thought things were going so well between us. I mean … just last week we talked about giving this thing between us an honest try when I come home from Australia for good. You don't want that anymore?"

Edward's brilliant emerald eyes searched my face – hoping for an answer that I couldn't bring myself to give.

"No," I lied.

Edward exhaled sharply, expelling a breath neither one of us realized he'd been holding.

"That changes things," Edward said sadly.

"I'm sorry, Edward. I think it's better this way."

I had fully prepared myself for Edward being angry and throwing me out of his house. When I'd initially made the decision, I'd contacted the company that I'd interviewed with for Edward's position to see if there was anyone else looking for a personal chef and they found a placement for me immediately. The pay was comparable with a few exceptions and at this point, I couldn't afford to be choosy.

"You'll still stay on and cook for me won't you?"

His voice was shaky and filled with worry. It nearly broke my heart. I wanted to close the distance between us and wrap my arms around him and tell him that I wasn't going anywhere but that would definitely be bad. I couldn't give him mixed signals like that.

"Do you want me to?"

"Of course I do, Bella. I don't want you to go off and cook for anyone else. Please stay."

I nodded.

"Okay. Umm … dinner is in the fridge and the instructions for it are on the door. If you have any questions, call or text me."

"Bella … are you sure you won't reconsider?" Edward asked imploringly.

"Edward … I can't … I'm sorry. If this is going to be hard on you – maybe it's best that I don't continue working for you either. I'll get you through the weekend and you can find someone else to cook for you when you come back from Australia."

"Why are you doing this, Bella? I don't want anyone else … I want you."

I rose from the couch and made my way toward the door, apologizing once again. I walked out of Edward's house trying hard to ignore the emotions inside that were threatening to overtake me.

A/N: Eep! Before y'all start throwing stuff at me remember it's Christmas ... hehe. Poor Bella is having an awful time, but remember she's feeling VERY insecure and with Edward working in the film industry it's a constant reminder to Bella that he rubs elbows with some very beautiful women - women who don't have a three year old and baggage in the form of an errant husband. It doesn't matter that Edward is humble and his celebrity hasn't gone to his head - Bella still feels inferior. Next week, Edward will be back and you can see his take on things. ;)

In the meantime ... It's Christmas Eve! I hope you all have a wonderful holiday. Enjoy the time with your family and friends and maybe a little fic if you can sneak it in! Thank you again for all the wonderful reviews - I read and appreciate each and every one of them!

*hugs*

~Kare