We are sorry for the delay in posting from last week. Life is a bit on the crazy side right now. We should be able to post on time next week as 14 is almost finished, but as both of us are moms we cannot always promise to direct our attention to this versus our children. We appreciate you, and your support of our writing and thank you in advance for your patience. xoxo (Nikky) & Kasi~
As always we need to send a HUGE shout out to the great group of girls who keep us readable: AWayWithWords, EdwardsFirstKiss, and LaPumkle, thank you so much for all you three amazing ladies do.
No copyright infringement is intended of our use of Twilight characters and or dispositions, nor of Irving Berlin's wonderfully talented ability which provided us with many wonderful songs and theatrical pieces of history.
Parallel Parenting
Chapter 13
Edward POV
I sigh as I rub my face. "Tanya," I say into my intercom.
"Yes, Sir?"
"Can you call Jasper, Angela, and Tom? Tell them I need to meet with them in the conference room in twenty minutes. Then can you call Bella and let her know I am going to be late tonight? Then come and join us."
"Will do, Sir, do you want some coffee brought in as well?"
"Make sure it's strong."
I click the button and gather all the files before walking into the conference room attached to my office.
I again read over the data, there are so many mistakes that not only am I surprised, but angered that they weren't caught weeks ago. This will take weeks if not months to correct.
The door opens and Jasper walks in, my eyes go to him and I point to the seat next to mine. He sits down picking up the file that I placed on the table in front of his seat.
Jasper whistles and lets out a big sigh at the end. "This isn't like Tom. He doesn't normally make mistakes and when he does, he's forthcoming about it," he mutters as he places the file down.
"I agree, but at the same time, where Angela acts like a bitch in heat, she's not usually the one to make mistakes either." I rub my face knowing that this is not something that's going to be resolved easily.
"If you're asking for my opinion, then I would say this was Angela's fault; she's not a team player," Jasper states.
"Not a suitable reason to tag this on her. This could end up costing someone their job," I say.
"As it should, Edward, this is not pocket change. Whoever is responsible cost the company a small fortune."
I only grunt in response as the door again opens, this time Tom and Angela walk through, with Tanya just behind them carrying a tray with cups on it.
"Your strong coffee, Sir," she places mine down and then smiles at Jasper. "Brought you one, too, Sir."
Jasper looks at her giving her a toothy grin. "Thank you, Darlin'."
Tanya picks up the third and fourth coffees and hands a cup each to Tom and Angela. She then picks up the last cup and takes her seat in the empty chair to my right.
"I would like you both to look at this file and read it. If this was due to you, or your team, I expect that you will own up to it before I call in IT to see who has been accessing the main files." I hand the folders over and Tom reaches for them.
Angela smiles at me as Tom passes a file to her.
"Wait … what?" Tom says right away. "Keith came to me weeks ago about this, and I spoke directly to you, Angela." He says turning to her, which seems to make her sneer at him.
"Why would someone on my team go to you?" she questions.
"Because you weren't interested in talking to him." Tom turns looking to Tanya. "Remember when Edward was off, and I came to you again about how she was speaking to people?"
My eyes go to Tanya who nods. "That's right; it was in my report to you, Sir. There were more than a few people claiming they didn't feel they were able to talk to her."
I sigh looking at Tom. "Why didn't you follow up on it?"
"Angela said that she'd deal with it," he says.
Without saying a word, my eyes go to Angela. "I did fix this, but Keith's a stupid—"
I stop her in her tracks by holding up my hand. "I told you before, that I cannot, and will not allow you to make remarks about colleagues or people that you are superior to in a derogatory way. You are his superior—"
"You got that right," she interrupts.
"I only meant in the fact you have some authority over your team, not individuals. Now why wasn't this issue dealt with when it came to light or he came for help?"
"I did deal with it. I even fixed the shit he did the last time. He's just not good at this. I swear if I have to hold his hand one more time ... I recommend that he be fired. Dealing with him is like dealing with a three-year-old."
I take a long and deep breath. "You are aware that Keith has learning disabilities and needs to be monitored and mentored?"
"Yes I know, but I don't think this is the place for him, and this clearly shows it," Angela replies throwing down the file.
"Angela, when I put him on your team, I told you to help him, sit with him, even if you had to show him every day for months until he was comfortable and understood it. It is your job to guide him and teach him to do the job. You were told that when he was placed on your team."
"I don't have the time for that shit; besides, it's not in my contract."
I have to cover my mouth to stop myself from yelling at her, knowing that it will not get us anywhere.
"Don't worry. I'll make sure he understands that he is fired. It's just a shame we can't take back his paycheck to pay for this fuck up he has made."
I take a long breath in and hold it, and my eyes flicker to Tom who's clearly unhappy.
"Tom, thank you for your time, you are free to leave," I say.
He stands up and shakes his head as he mutters under his breath on his way out.
My eyes move back to Angela who looks pale as she looks at me. "Sir—"
I hold up my hand shaking my head. "Don't," I hiss. I take a few more deep breaths, and when I feel as if I am able to speak without yelling, I begin to speak.
"Angela, you have been told more than once about how you speak to others. Not only that, but I also expect you to be able to do your job and train the workers I give to you, whether they have a learning disability or not. This, I said pointing to the file, is your responsibility as his line manager. This shouldn't have gotten as far as it did. And furthermore, if you knew he wasn't grasping what he was supposed to do, why weren't you keeping a closer eye on him?"
"Because I have my own work to do," she yells at me.
"Jasper and I need to talk about what is going to happen. Please sit in the waiting room, while we discuss this matter."
Angela adjusts in her seat and stares at me "This wasn't my fault – if anyone should be fired, it's Keith."
"Angela, go to the waiting room right now, this is not up for further discussion."
"You can't fire me. I will take you to court," she states.
"Now!" I yell pointing at the door.
Angela walks out the boardroom and sits in my office waiting room. I sit back down and just look at Tanya and Jasper.
"I vote to fire her, and I will train Keith," Tanya says.
I merely look at her. "You're a secretary," I remind her, but she rolls her eyes at me.
"I am aware of what I am, but I can also do Angela's job with my eyes closed. The boy is a good worker; he simply needs the right guiding to learn it the correct way. He shouldn't be disciplined or fired because Angela wasn't able to fulfill her role as a line manager."
"I have to agree with Tanya, Edward. Angela has been handed more than her fair share of warnings about her behavior and treatment of her team."
"Yes, and she has also had sexual harassment complaints filed against her. I am sure if she were a male, she would've been fired before now, for that alone," Tanya adds.
"We are agreed then, Angela is fired, and Keith will be moved to be trained with someone else. Due to this mess, he needs to be put on a probation period, or else it looks as if we are not holding all employees responsible. We cannot give Angela grounds for a lawsuit. Keith will need training, and it will take time to erase all the bad shit she has let happen, so his probation period will be three months, agreed?"
They both nod. I send Tanya to my office to conference in with HR to complete the paperwork for Angela's immediate dismissal, under the misconduct clause of her contract. As I wait for the paperwork, I drink my coffee.
"Are you ready for the ball?" Jasper asks, taking my mind away from this mess.
I nod at him sipping my coffee. "Yes, the girls—all of them—are looking forward to it. They went out last weekend and bought dresses," I say with a smile. "Cordie and Kassie showed me theirs, but Bella's keeping hers a secret."
"I not sure if you're happy or disappointed about that," Jasper laughs.
I smile a little more. "Not sure myself, but I do know that whatever she has selected she will look beautiful."
Jasper hums as he drinks the last of his coffee. "You sound as if you're falling in love with her."
I swallow but shrug. "Maybe I am."
Jasper looks at me in surprise; he isn't able to say anything as Tanya joins us again.
"Sir," she says placing down a copy in front of me and then another in front of Jasper.
I already know what some of the pages entail as they are standard. I only have to read the specific information that has been added for Angela's dismissal.
"This looks good; have you forwarded a copy and the evidence to our company lawyer?"
"The email is ready, waiting to be sent, Sir."
I nod at her and look at Jasper.
"This is not going to be fun. We should probably call security before we bring her in," Jasper says.
"I have already done that, Sir. Two officers are waiting at the end of the hall. Two additional officers along with Angela's secretary have already secured and removed her personal items from her office, and the officers are waiting in the private elevator with them. Once I have called Angela into the room, the two officers at the end of the hall will move up to wait outside the conference room door."
"Now, Darlin', why are you still his secretary?"
"Because, I'm actually the boss and I need the best working for me," I answer for Tanya. "Game on, show her in," I direct to Tanya.
Tanya goes to the door and Angela walks in, with her arms crossed, and a face full of thunder.
I don't motion for her to sit and immediately get down to business. "I am sorry to say this, Angela, but you are fired—"
"For someone else's mistake?" she shrieks. "I will take your ass to court and own this company in the end!"
"No, you are not being fired for someone else's mistake. You are being fired for a number of your mistakes, one of which is how you speak to others. This," I say holding up the file, "should have been noticed before now. What were you doing on company time; it certainly wasn't what you've been being paid for and it stops now?"
"If you fire me, you'll regret it. I'll make sure you do," she threatens.
"Angela, that wouldn't be prudent for you or your future in this business. My company and name are well known, and if you think that other companies will hire someone who talks badly about their previous employers, you're sadly mistaken."
"We will see, won't we?" Angela turns sharply on her heels and walks out of my office slamming the door so hard that the whole wall shakes for a few seconds afterwards. We hear her screaming, and know that security has intercepted her, and she is being taken to the elevator where her things await her exit of the building.
I rub my head and let out a breath. "See if you can drum up five to ten people who are willing to work overtime to get this fixed. Tell them dinner is on the company and they will receive double time pay if they stay tonight."
Tanya nods and walks out the door.
"I better call Alice and tell her I have a longer day at work."
~PP~
I don't arrive home until almost midnight. I lose my tie as I walk through the door.
"Hi." I smile looking up at Bella who looks a bit tired. "You didn't need to stay up for me," I tell her.
Bella smiles before kissing my lips softly. "I wanted to. Did you eat dinner?" she asks.
I nod and she holds my arm. "Come to bed, and I'll give you a rub."
"Hmm, that sounds really good," I reply as I follow her to my room.
"Yeah, I meant your shoulders and back," she tells me over her shoulder. "You look tense."
"There is something else that you could rub that would help me relax you know?"
"I know, but I'm too tired," she states.
I pull her to me kissing her neck. "Baby, you wouldn't have to do a thing besides lay there with your legs open."
"But, I would fall asleep, and just think of what that would do to your ego."
"Not a thing," I tell her kissing her neck some more. "You can sleep if you like, but you'll be missing out on some epic sex."
Bella chuckles as she pushes me to sit on the bed. She drops to her knees and undoes my shoes. My hand reaches out and strokes her face. "You know you look beautiful tonight."
Bella again chuckles, and undoes my pants and shirt, and then motions for me to lie on my front. I do as she directs, and she straddles my legs and starts to rub my back.
"Oh fuck, this is so good," I mumble.
I hear her voice talking but she sounds too far away. It's almost as if she's moving away from me. As her hands keep working my muscles, I know she's still on top of me, but I am falling asleep.
"You're too good to me," I mumble as I drift off to sleep.
~PP~
The last week has been long and hard, but thankfully we have been able to repair the cluster-fuck that Angela left. Keith is now working with Tom, who is taking him slowly through what he needs to know. It's clear that it will take a few weeks for him to pick up on it. It's also clear that Angela didn't work closely with him, not even a little bit.
The only good thing that has come out of this week is that it has become clearer to me that Bella and I have something more than a simple 'friends with benefits' thing going on. She hasn't just been taking care of our girls, but every night when I get home, she's been taking care of me, too. I am only a little put out that tomorrow she's planning on going home to her apartment. Everything in me is screaming no. I just want to have her move in with me. I would pay any amount Jake asks to get her out of her lease. The only thing that is stopping me is that I know she's not feeling the same as I am. I'm not sure she's willing to accept what there is between us, and that it's far more than friends with benefits. I know it's not because she doesn't care about me, but more so because she's scared. The loss of her parents hit her hard, much harder than I think she's willing to let on. Combine that with her previous boyfriend, and her reluctance to jump headlong into anything is quite understandable.
"Daddy," Cordie calls as she walks to me.
"You look like a princess," I tell her when I see her beautiful formal dress.
"What about me, Teddy?" I look at Kassie who looks just as adorable as Cordie in her dress. Their dresses are identical, but different colors. They look like miniature little princesses.
"You look like a princess, too," I say as I hug both of my girls.
I hear small foot falls and look up the stairs in time to see Bella walking down them. I swallow as my mouth drops open. She looks exquisite. Although her dress was not designed specifically for her, it looks as if the designer knew her body exactly.
"Fuck me," I mumble under my breath as I keep my eyes on her.
"So," she says as she spins around in front of me, "what do you think?"
"You look amazing, breathtaking, and beautiful," I tell her and pull her a little closer. "Gorgeous and sexy as can be, and you're not stepping out of my arms the whole night," I whisper to her.
Bella giggles as she backs away and gives me a smile. "Is everyone ready to head to the ball?"
"Yeah!" Both girls say with a jump.
"It's going to be so much fun! It's a shame that Mommy has to come with us, and not enter later like Cinderella," Kassie tells Cordie.
"Yeah," Cordie says.
"No, this way will be better because I'll have all night to enjoy the party," Bella tells them as we walk out to the car.
"Wait for me to open your door," I tell Bella when we reach the car.
I open the back doors, letting the girls in first, and buckle them in. Once they are settled, I open Bella's door, and help her in as well.
The drive to the ball is smooth, and when we arrive, I allow the valet to take the car. I open the doors, and help Bella out, before helping the girls. I normally hate using the valet, but I don't want Bella or the girls to walk from the parking lot to the building. It's not far, but the last few days have been wet, and I don't want their dresses to be spoiled.
"Oh, my, God! You look amazing," Alice squeals moving to us.
"You want to come to the kids' dance floor with me?" Colton asks both girls, who turn and look at Bella and me.
Turning to Bella, I lean close. "The kids' area is safe and fully staffed. The only exit is into the main room where we'll be."
Bella nods and I look down at both girls.
"Be good and don't leave the room that you are in, unless it is to come to me, and stay together, no matter what," I tell them.
"Come and get us, anytime," Bella adds on, and they all run off.
"You're going to have such a magical night, Bella," Alice says quickly making me tilt my head at her. "Your heels aren't too high, which is good because you'll be dancing all night. Oh, wait, what song are you going to sing?"
"Alice, stop and take a breath. Remember to take a break when you talk."
Alice just looks at me, but I raise my eyebrow at her, making her take a breath.
"I'm fine, just excited," she tells me with a pout.
"I know that you are, but just relax a little," I say as she continues to breathe deeply. I know she is excited, but I know the best way to stop her from talking is to talk myself.
"I haven't chosen a song yet, but when I do, you'll be the first to know. You are allowed to ask Bella to dance, but you can't force her hand. Not everyone can dance the night away, like you can. The night has just begun, so take it easy, and no drinking, please."
"I know, Dad! Besides, Jasper already told me. I mean, what am I, five?" Alice says with a roll of her eyes. "You should remember I have had ADHD forever, Dad. I know myself best. I know that I shouldn't drink when I am hyper."
I feel a little guilty and pull her to me. "We just care about you, Alice, and we love you."
"I know I just hate it sometimes, because it stops me from having fun."
"It won't stop you, because you can have fun without drinking," Bella says softly, giving Alice a smile.
"You look really amazing, Bella," Alice says.
Bella gives Alice a small nod.
"See you both later," Alice says, and I watch her walk off and let out a sigh.
"Do you really have to be on her back about drinking?" Bella asks sounding rather upset.
"Sadly, yeah. She ... when she gets hyper, drinking makes her worse, and not in a good way. She easily gets distracted and forgets she's not supposed to drink; therefore, we all try to remind her."
"I know she just … she looks so sad. She looks like you just told her Santa wasn't real."
I pull Bella to me and look around. "Hush, we haven't told her that yet," I whisper making Bella just look at me.
I chuckle and she slaps me. "You're mean."
"Yep, that is something I am better at than you," I tell her.
"Whatever," she flips her hair at me.
I chuckle and walk us into the ballroom, "Holy hell, this looks—"
"Like it belongs in a book?" I finished for her.
Bella nods and looks around. "Yeah, Alice, and my mom, along with some others take care of the decorations. I must say they have outdone themselves this year." My eyes drift to Bella. "Or it could be this is the first year I have had such a beautiful woman on my arm to notice or care."
"Oh, my, God!" I hear Tanya's voice, and turn as she stumbles into me.
"Are you okay, Tanya?" I ask.
"Yes, no thanks to you. Who would have ever thought that you could be charming?"
Bella snorts and then starts to giggle, but I just roll my eyes.
"Tanya, this is Bella Swan, Bella, love, this is Tanya."
"Hi," both women say, as Bella offers Tanya her hand.
Tanya shakes her head and opens her arms. "I am a hugger," she tells Bella as she pulls her close. "You're more beautiful in person," Tanya tells Bella.
Bella blushes a little and Tanya just winks. "I'll see both of you later. I'm off to go to find some nice hunky man to dance with."
Tanya takes two steps and stops, she turns and gives me a full on sneer.
"What?" I ask holding up my hands.
"Why can't you tell your family that the psycho twit should not have been invited?" she says with a point of her finger.
I follow it and groan seeing Maggie smiling as she talks to my parents.
"Her father must have brought her," I answer, because she was not sent an invitation.
"Then tell him his daughter needs to be committed," Tanya sighs and looks to me again. "Really, Edward, I am in six-inch heels, and that's not a good thing to wear when the need strikes to hit a bitch."
Bella gasps and then she barks out a laugh holding her sides.
"God, I knew I would love you. Mine are only two-inch heels, and I have a great right hook, if the occasion calls for it," Bella says.
"Good to know," Tanya gives one last glare in Maggie's direction and then walks off.
"Would you like to dance or get a drink?" I ask Bella.
"Let's dance. We should make it clear to everyone that we are here together," Bella says with a whisper.
My eyes dash around the room seeing that there are one or two men looking over at us. "I agree," I say pulling her close and heading to the dance floor. "But I want to make it loud and clear that not only are you here with me, but you're leaving with me, too."
Bella smirks. "Let's see who's better at claiming the other."
I pull her closer to me, making sure there is no space between us. "Oh, baby, I will win this time."
I place a kiss on her nose and wink as I move us around the dance floor.
The night goes by with Bella and I mainly staying with each other. We are either on the dance floor or at a table for two. My parents come over to say hello, but like everyone else, they quickly leave us alone. When we check on the girls, we both smile. They are playing together, and with Colton. It makes me so happy to see them all together. We are back in the main room, bidding on a few of the auction items they have, when my attention is drawn to the stage.
"Hello, Ladies and Gentlemen," Tanya says with a smile. "We have come to one of my favorite parts of the night—the Karaoke." Tanya pauses for the cheers and I start making my way with Bella to our table, so that I can make my way to the stage.
"As usual, Edward Cullen will start off the show; however, tonight ..." she says holding up her hands looking at me, "This time he will be joined by the beautiful Bella Swan."
My head turns to look at Bella who looks shocked and scared.
"Both of you come up here," Tanya calls and everyone begins to cheer.
"Come on, Mommy!" Kassie cheers.
"Yeah, you, too, Daddy!" Cordie adds.
Our girls are now on the stage with Tanya. I hold out my hand for Bella, and she takes it as we start to walk to the stage.
"I am going to kill the both of them," Bella mutters making me chuckle.
"Don't worry, baby, I can sing very well, I'll make it work for the both of us." I can feel Bella's glare but I don't look her way.
"Normally, a person gets to choose what they are singing, but these two beautiful girls have chosen a song they think suits both of you," Tanya tells us and looks down at my daughter who is laughing as she leans in close to an also laughing Kassie.
"Here you go," Tanya says handing us each a microphone."
"What's the song?" I ask.
"You'll find out when the music starts, and don't worry you both know it," Tanya laughs.
When she walks off the stage with our girls, she looks at Bella who's still looking at her daughter. Tanya starts to chuckle and looks at me, and I glance at the screen.
"Anything you can do I can do better," I whisper and raise my eyebrow at Bella. "Ha," I say, I know this one.
"Anything you can do I can do better, I can do anything better than you." Bella says singing as the music starts.
"No, you can't."
"Yes, I can."
"No, you can't."
"Yes, I can, Yes, I can!"
I smile at Bella and hold up my hand. "Anything you can be, I can be greater. Sooner or later I'm greater than you."
Bella shakes her head as she sings the next part. "No, you're not."
"Yes, I am."
"No, you're not."
"Yes, I am."
"No, you're not!" Bella says looking sulky even adding a small stomp of her foot.
"Yes, I am, Yes, I am! I can shoot a partridge with a single cartridge."
"I can get a sparrow with a bow and arrow," Bella sings doing a little action to go with the words.
"I can live on bread and cheese."
"Oh, and only on that?" Bella sings looking at me.
"Yes." I can't help but put on a cheeky grin.
"So can a rat!"
I give her a playful glare and move on to the next part. "Any note you can reach, I can go higher."
"I can sing anything higher than you," she sings.
"No, you can't," I sing going high.
"Yes, I can," Bella sings much higher.
"No, you can't."
"Yes, I can."
"No, you can't," I sing, this time hitting the highest note that I can.
"Yes, I can!" Bella sings clearly beating me.
Everyone claps and I smile at her.
"Wow, how can you sing so high?" I sing.
"Because I am a lady," she sings giving me a look to ask if I am stupid.
"That's not what I heard." Before she can give me a comeback, I move on to the next part. "Anything you can say, I can say softer."
"I can say anything softer than you," Bella sings.
"No, you can't," I sing making my voice go soft.
"Yes, I can," Bella sings back going softer.
"No, you can't," I sing even softer.
"Yes, I can," she sings softly as she moves closer to me.
"No, you can't," I sing yet again softer.
"Yes, I can," Bella sings with a wiggle of her nose and body making me chuckle a little.
"I can drink my liquor faster than a flicker."
"I can drink it quicker and get even sicker!" I nod and agree with her as she sings.
"I can open any safe."
"Without being caught?" she sings.
"Yes," I sing proudly.
"That's what I thought ... you crook!" Bella sings with a roll of her eyes.
"Any note you can hold, I can hold longer," I sing.
"I can hold any note longer than you," she adds.
"No, you can't."
"Yes, I can," she sings.
"No, you can't."
"Yes, I can," she sings.
"No, you can't," I say holding it as Bella sings, "Yes, I can."
"Yes, I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I CA-A-A-A-N!" We both hold on the last letter, and smile looking at the other.
I continue to hold the note with her, and smile letting her know that I am not going to simply let her win.
Everyone starts to clap as we keep holding it, but I stop not being able to hold it any longer. I stand in awe, watching Bella go for a few seconds longer clearly showing she can hold it longer.
"Yes, you ca-a-a-an! Where do you hold all of that air?" I sing and Bella looks at her breasts and smiles at me. "Oh, God. Anything you can wear, I can wear better."
"In what you wear I'd look better than you."
"In my coat?" I sing raising my brow.
"In your vest!" she answers.
"In my shoes?" I sing on as I picture her in my shoes with her tiny feet.
"In your hat!" she answers.
"No, you can't!" I sing even not truly believing my own words.
"Yes, I can. Yes, I CAN!"
"Anything you can say, I can say faster."
"I can say anything faster than you," she misses no beat.
"No, you can't," I sing fast.
"Yes, I can."
"No, you can't," I sing even faster.
"Yes, I can," Bella sings again but not as fast as I did, making her pout and me laugh at how cute she's being.
"I can jump a hurdle," I sing.
"I can wear a girdle."
"I can knit a sweater," I sing.
"I can fill it better!"
"I can do most anything," I sing.
"Can you bake a pie?" Bella asks pointing at me.
"No," I sing, shaking my head.
"Neither can I." she sings with a giggle.
"Anything you can sing, I can sing sweeter," I sing.
"I can sing anything sweeter than you," Bella sings and flutters her eyes.
"No, you can't," I sing sweetly.
"Yes, I can."
"No, you can't."
"Yes, I can."
"No, you can't, can't, can't."
"Yes I can, can, can."
I smile as I sing, "No you can't." As Bella sings, "Yes I can."
We end the song with a bow on the last note and every one stands and claps for us.
I look at Bella who looks a little red faced, but clearly happy. I know at this very moment that I am without a doubt completely and totally in love with her.
~PP~
Bella POV
Edward takes my hand and helps me off the stage.
"Oh, God that was amazing," Alice says with her eyes sparkling.
My eyes move to Edward who seems to just be looking at me, but there is something new in his gaze that makes it more intense than the way he has looked at me before. My heart seems to be flip-flopping all over the place.
"You were great!" Cordie and Kassie say jointly as they hug Edward and me.
They pull back and smile. "We're going back to the other room," they again say together.
Before Edward or I can say a word they are off, both of them running.
"That was odd," I comment but Edward just hums.
I turn looking at him to see he's still looking at me with an almost intense way about him.
"Come with me, I want to show you something," he says holding out his hand.
I look around to see the next person to sing is up on the stage, so I nod at him.
Edward leads me outside to a small almost private garden.
"This is so pretty," I tell him as he helps me to sit on one of the stone benches.
"You never told me you could sing like that," he says sitting beside me.
I smile at him. "You never told me you could sing that well, either," I state.
"Touché'."
I giggle with him. "It was good ... fun."
Edward nods and smiles again. "And a remarkably perfect song choice by the girls," he says.
"I wonder if they had any help."
Edward just shrugs, and leans in closer to me. He pushes my hair back over my shoulder. "You look beautiful tonight," he whispers close to my lips.
"You already told me that," I whisper back.
"Just making sure you know." Edward pulls back slightly, swallows and I watch as his Adam's apple move as he does. "You've changed my life—mine and Cordie's—for the better. I will always be grateful for not only what you have taught her, but for the way you have opened my eyes, too." He stops and leans in and kisses me. Just like with his eyes, moments ago, there is something more in this kiss. The way he is touching me makes my whole insides come alive.
"Oh, Edward, Bella." Both Edward and I groan as we turn to see Maggie, who has a woman standing next to her.
"This is my friend Charlotte. Charlotte, this is Bella and my dearest friend Edward."
"The one that's in the stock market?" the lady beside her asks.
"Yes, that is the one," Maggie says with a strange tone to her voice.
"It's so good to meet you, Edward," Charlotte says as she eyes Edward up and down.
"Nice to meet you, too," Edward answers with snippy tone, "but if you'll excuse me."
"Oh, Edward, dear, don't rush off," Maggie says with a tad of a whine in her already annoying voice.
"It's okay, Maggie, remember you are spending time with him next Tuesday. You know your daddy arranged for you to take a guided tour of his office, and Edward is the one who is showing you around. I'm sure you'll finally get to see him alone then," Charlotte tells Maggie.
"I am not working that day, so you'll have to be taken around by one of the normal guides." Edward quickly tells her as we walk off leaving them behind.
I sigh hating that she ruined the kiss Edward and I were sharing.
"Sorry," Edward and I blurt out together.
"For?" he asks with a chuckle.
I shrug a little. "Just ... I'm not sure." Edward pushes me so my back is against the wall.
"Let me make it up to you, Nayeli."
"Nayeli?" I'm able to get out between his kisses.
"Yeah, my new nickname for you."
I feel Edward smile against my neck. "I should have always been calling you Nayeli."
I can't help but smile over how the nickname rolls of his tongue and the way he says it makes me sway. "Are you going to tell me what it means?"
Edward shakes his head. "Not yet, come on, let's get our girls."
We reach the ballroom to see the girls and Colton are with Esme and Carlisle.
"There you are," Esme says as we approach them. "We were wondering if the girls could come home with us. Colton is coming to stay as well, and we already have plenty of sleep clothes and clean outfits for tomorrow at our house," Esme says with a smile.
"Please, Mommy, it means you and Teddy can stay longer and have more fun." Kassie looks so happy that I feel a little choked up.
"Cordie?" I ask looking at her to see she looks as happy as Kassie is.
"I normally go to Gran and Papa's house after the ball," she says with a smile.
My eyes flicker to Edward who seems to be leaving the choice up to me.
"Okay, both of you be good," I tell them hugging both close to me.
"I love you, both," I tell them.
"Love you, too," the girls say together. They move from my arms to Edward's and hug him as well.
Edward and I walk them out and wave them off.
"So what now?" I ask not really wanting to go back in there with Maggie eyeing Edward up at every turn.
"I say we go home and get some more rubbing taken care of."
I nod at him as Edward leans in to kiss me. His hand clasps mine and we walk to the valet. Edward hands him the ticket and he runs off to get Edward's car. Edward goes back to kissing me softly as we wait.
"I think we need to talk to the girls soon. I'm not sure I can go without kissing you when I see you," Edward says as he kisses my neck.
I hum in agreement knowing that there have been times when he's come home this week, and all I wanted was for him to kiss my lips as he says hello to me.
Edward's car arrives, and he helps me into it. As I am buckling up, I feel as if someone is looking at me. I turn my head seeing Maggie in the doorway. The light allows me to see her face, and she is sneering at me. She seems to notice that I am looking at her, and places a fake smile on her face and waves. Her look makes my stomach feel off, and I worry what she is plotting. I wave and turn away, but my mind is screaming at me that something is amiss and red flags are flapping. I'm not sure why, but everything inside me is telling me to watch out for her. I'm sure she would gladly stab me in the back, especially if it led her to being with Edward.
"Nayeli," Edward says softly bringing me out of my thoughts. "You okay?" he asks.
I nod at him and move so that I can rest my head on his shoulder. I feel his lips on the top of my head and smile pushing thoughts of Maggie out of my mind. I plan to thoroughly enjoy my one-on-one time with Edward.
We arrive back at Edward's house and kiss softly as we walk to his room. After we get there, we both slowly strip each other, in between our kisses we lie down on the bed. We stop kissing and Edward looks at me.
"I am going to make you feel so good, Nayeli," he says in a husky tone.
I can't help but feel that the tone of his voice is like a caress on my skin. My body tingles and trembles in anticipation of his touch.
He kisses my forehead, and both my eyes. His thumbs slide over the apples of my cheeks, and his mouth finds my lips. His fingers thread into my hair as his kiss deepens. If it were possible to become one without having actual sex, this would be it. He moves to my neck, and as he kisses my neck and leaves nips across my skin, he is holding me close to him.
He makes his way lower, and it is as if he is getting his first taste of me. He is leaving no place untouched by his lips and fingers. This feeling soaring through me, which he is enticing has my head spinning. The tender touch feels wonderful, yet unlike anything I've ever felt before. The intensity and tenderness is not unwelcome, but completely new to me.
He continues down my body, and when he brings me over to the edge, I wait for him to move up to have sex with me. I'm shocked when he keeps moving down, and at the bottom of the bed, he kneels. I raise my upper body to look down at him and the look on his face is not about sex, it seems more about devotion.
"Lay back, Nayeli, let me show you," he says in a tone that is like silk and velvet across my skin.
He makes his way back up my body, trailing his mouth and touch as he goes. The way he is touching and tasting me has my body humming and it isn't even sexual. I can't begin to fathom how much time he spends worshiping my body. He has me feeling a tingling sensation that covers my body and trembles my insides, too.
He moves over me, and kisses me. Looking in my eyes he gently pushes inside. The feeling of being one intensifies and before he can move I can feel the all-consuming rush as ecstasy floods my body.
As my world slows and my panting returns to normal breaths, I open my eyes to see he is still there, unmoving, looking at me. I reach up and stroke his cheek. He leans down and kisses me again. The kiss is not erotic and hungry, it is tender and enchanting. He pulls back his face and looks at me again.
"Nayeli," he whispers as his hips start to shift and his body moves within mine.
I'm almost frightened by the intense feelings between us, and I will not even begin to go into the love territory, but this is so different from anything that has come before it. The entire time he is watching me, even when my eyes close in pleasure, I can feel his eyes on me. When he falls into his own climax, his movements are still different from any time before. Something has changed between us, and I dare not think about it too much, but I know it's not something simple anymore.
~PP~
I wake and feel more relaxed and alive than I have felt in a long time.
"Morning," Edward says sounding just as happy as he was last night.
I blink my eyes looking at him. He has a smile across his face that's so big it's reaching his eyes.
"You seem very happy this morning," I comment.
"Believe me this is as happy and content as I have been in a very long time. I almost want to say I've never been as happy as I am right now."
I just look at him and he smiles even wider than before, and kisses my lips.
"I have something for you," he says.
I look at him in wonder, but he moves off the bed, and I follow him with my eyes. He takes something out of the drawer of his dresser and comes back to the bed.
"Close your eyes," he says with a smirk, "and hold out your hands."
I close my eyes. "You better not put your dick in my hands," I mutter as I hold my hands open.
"Oh, Baby, I would've told you to close your eyes and open your mouth if that were the case."
I peek my eyes open and look at him. "Close your eyes, both of them," he adds when I close just my right eye.
Edward places something cold in my hand, and I frown as I try to work out what it is.
"Open your eyes."
I do what he says and look to see that I am holding a silver tone bracelet that has charms on it in my hand.
"The matching platinum amethyst and diamond girl charms are for the twins. Each charm has an initial on them, one K and one C," he says. "The emerald cut alexandrite is for me," I look at him and he winks at me "The sapphire is for your birthday. The schoolhouse is for your job, the stock market charm is for my job. The diamond heart shows our family love, and the platinum engraved 'best friends forever' is for our friendship."
I swallow feeling very touched. I love it, even knowing it must have cost a fortune. "I thought you were making it?"
"I did," he smirks.
I look at him with some disbelief. "Okay, well Jake helped a lot, but I designed the entire thing. Since none of the ones I could design looked manly enough, mine was all hand made, but my charms, which match yours were purchased at the same place." He holds his arm out and I see that he has a black leather bracelet on that has all the same charms.
I move hugging him close to me. "This is the best gift and friendship bracelet ever, hands down."
Edward takes the bracelet from me and puts it on my wrist. His eyes meet mine and I have a strong urge to kiss him. Before doing just that, he lays me on my back and crawls over me as I go. He kisses me and slides himself inside me at the same time.
"Oh, Nayeli, I don't think I will ever get enough of this ... of you."
~PP~
The weekend comes to an end and both Kassie and Cordie are sad when we go back to the apartment. I knew when I stepped inside that it felt different ... cold, and no longer like it's my home anymore.
I also feel like there's a hole in my heart. I hate being away from Cordie, it's almost like she's my daughter just like Kassie. My feelings for Edward are strong, too. I can't sleep very well, and I keep reaching out to feel for him beside me.
~PP~
"Bella!"
I jump and turn to see Emmett standing there.
"You've been looking at the coffee pot for a few minutes now, are you going to have a coffee or are you just stopping the rest of us from getting one?"
"Sorry," I say pouring both Emmett and myself a cup.
"How are things between you and Edward?" he asks as we sit down.
"Good," I say and he only looks at me.
"I think ... I'm not sure Em. He ... he makes me feel things I have never felt before. He looks at me, and my heart just takes off."
"You're in love with him," Emmett says although it almost sounds like he's asking, too.
"Not sure. I've never been in love ... in love with a man before, in a non-family member way. Do you think it's too soon? I mean, is it just based on the girls?" I rub my head looking at him. "What if what I feel for him is manifested because of Kassie and I don't want to be away from Cordie?"
Emmett drinks his coffee. "Is it? Did your feelings for him appear before or after Cordie?"
"The same time. The more I feel for one, the other seems to magnify that feeling."
"Maybe you love both of them."
I groan feeling so unsure. "I don't want to have this epic love to find out it was based on something else. I can't and won't put Cordie and Kassie through that. I can't have them thinking we're going to be a couple, get married, and live happily ever after, only to have it ripped away from them."
"Bella, you and Edward are clearly into each other. It's clear to anyone who's in a room with the two of you. You, of all people, should know that kids pick up on things very easily. I'm sure they've already seen that something has changed between you both. Hell, you've shared a bedroom nearly every night now for weeks. I can't tell you if in fifty years you two will be together, because that all depends on both of you and how willing you are to making things work. What I can tell you is that you have to let someone in, and sometimes the risk and fear is what makes things more worthwhile." Emmett winks at me and stands up.
"Thank you," I say giving him a smile.
"Anytime, honey, now we best go and round up the children it's time for class."
Emmett walks me to the playground as we talk about the upcoming Halloween party.
"Fight, fight, fight!"
Emmett and I just look at each other and take off running down the hall.
"Everyone better stay right where they are!" Emmett booms down the hallway.
When we get to the kids, Emmett starts making his way through, with me right behind him. As the children part, my face drops when I see Colton's on the ground holding his nose which is bleeding. Right in front of him is Kassie, and she has a grip on the collar of a much taller boy.
"Kassie, let go," Emmett demands, but not in a harsh tone.
Kassie lets go but just stares at the boy. "You're a stupid-head."
"Enough!" Emmett again demands, this time in a stronger tone.
"Everyone, aside from Colton, Johnny, Kassie, Seth, and Taylor, go directly to the main hall and sit on the ground, criss cross applesauce. None of you are allowed to speak to one another until you are told otherwise. Move now." All the children quickly move off and my eyes watch a scared Cordie walk off with them. As much as I want to pull her to me and hug her, I know I can't.
I kneel next to Colton, who looks to have been crying and trying to hold back more tears. "This is not good, Emmett, he's going to need treatment."
Emmett doesn't look at me but nods in recognition.
"Seth, please take Colton to the nurse. Taylor—and only Taylor—tell me what happened."
"Johnny was teasing Colton about his mom."
Emmett holds up his hand. "Teasing or being unkind?" he asks.
Taylor swallows and lets out a sigh. "Colton was upset with it, so it was unkind."
Emmett gives him a nod to carry on.
"Colton asked Johnny to leave him alone and stop, but Johnny just kept calling him names and saying mean things about his mom. After Johnny made Colton cry, he started to walk away, but he made sure to knock into Cordie who was coming to see if Colton was okay. When he knocked Cordie to the ground, he laughed and Kassie ran right over. Colton told him to say 'sorry,' but Johnny again laughed saying 'why should he' because Cordie would just turn into a wacko like his mother is.
"Johnny grabbed one of the playground balls. He threw it at Colton and hit him in his face. Kassie started yelling that Johnny should say 'sorry,' but he just laughed and said that she was a street rat and shouldn't be allowed in this school." Taylor's mouth twitches a little as he looks at me. "He went to move toward Cordie again but Kassie blocked him. Kassie started to yell and she had a right to defend herself against a mean, big, ugly, bully."
Emmett's eyes move to Johnny, who's shaking his head.
"He's lying – he just wants to date Kassie."
"What? No way, that's gross!" Taylor quickly yells and looks at me with a shake of his head. "She's nice and all, funny, too, but she's only six and I'm not into dating yet."
"We know, Taylor, go to the hall, and make sure they're all doing what they've been told to do. Johnny – to my office now. Bella, go check on Colton, and take Kassie with you. I'll speak to her next." Emmett walks off and I take Kassie with me to the nurse's office.
I walk in and see Colton still looking upset. Kassie runs to him and gives him a big hug. When I hear her cry, I walk over to them.
"I'm sorry," they both say, and Kassie looks at me.
"I'm sorry, Mom, I know I should have walked away. I'm just tired of him being mean to us all the time."
I hush her and sit her next to Colton. It doesn't take too long for the door to open and Emmett walks in.
"Okay, Kassie, you're up," Emmett says and looks at me. "If you could call Jasper or Alice, and Edward, I'd appreciate it."
I nod at him and watch as he takes Kassie away. As much as I want to be there, I know not being there is best because it would be unfair to the other kids whose parents aren't here yet.
I call Edward's office feeling like I am coming a little undone. Tanya's voice comes over the phone and I have to clear my throat so I can speak.
"Tanya, it's Bella."
"Oh, hey, Bella, do you want to talk to Edward?"
I shake my head but take a deep breath. "I should speak to him and Jasper, but I'm not sure if I can without getting upset."
"Has something happened?" Tanya quickly asks sounding so much like a mother.
"Can you tell Edward and Jasper they both need to come to the school?" I stop and look at Colton whose nose now looks swollen despite the fact he has an ice pack on it.
"He should go to hospital and get checked out." Tammy the school nurse says in a hushed tone and I nod.
"There's been a problem, the girls are fine, so is Colton, but he needs to go to the hospital to be checked out."
"What?" Tanya answers sounding shocked. "I will let both of them know right away."
"Thank you," I say and end the call. I move to have a better look at Colton's nose and can't help but wince seeing it looks bad.
"Can you breathe okay?"
He looks at me sadly and nods at me.
"Are you in a lot of pain?"
Again he nods not that he needed to; it's clear from the look on his face that he's hurting.
"I'll call the hospital now and let them know that he should be coming in soon," Tammy says to me as she moves her seat across the floor.
"Yes, in his file is the emergency contact, which is his grandfather after his parents. Call Carlisle Cullen, he is Colton's grandfather and a doctor at the hospital. He will need to alert the ER and let them know Colton will be coming in."
"Colton, are you up to talking to me?" Emmett asks as he walks in.
I look to him, and then to the side, but Kassie doesn't come in with him.
"I sent her to the hall. Victoria is reading all the kids the riot act about what happened, and how it is not acceptable behavior," Emmett says with a smile. "Do you want to go, or sit here with Colton?"
I look at the door, and then to Colton. "I'll stay here; the girls have each other right now."
Emmett rubs my back and takes a seat. "Now, that looks nasty," he says. "I think it will get you out of at least two English lessons."
Colton smiles a little as Emmett winks at him. "What happened, Colton?"
"Johnny was being mean. He was saying things about my mom," Colton looks down at the ground but Emmett lifts his chin, bringing his head back up.
"Why didn't you tell someone?" Emmett asks.
"I didn't want you to tell my mom about what he was saying." Colton moves closer to Emmett and me.
"It would make her sad," he says.
"Can you tell me what he's been saying?"
"Just that she's a wacko, and she must drink. He said she smells and acts like a drunk. Then he said she was such a terrible mom, and that she will lose me and the state will come and take me away. He said then I would be like the alley-rat in the school and not have real parents." Colton stops and I can see that he's trying hard not to cry anymore. "They won't, will they?"
"No they won't," I tell him calmly, even though I am madder than hell about Johnny's snide remarks about Kassie.
Colton only nods. "He keeps coming up to me. I move away but he follows me saying it all over and over again. Today was bad because he was angry and said he was going to take it out on me. He pushed Cordie because it made him feel better and he said she shouldn't stick her nose where it didn't belong. The ball just flew at me so fast I didn't have time to catch it."
Emmett nods at him. "Okay, thank you for telling me, Colton."
I stand and move with Emmett out of Tammy's way as she cleans Colton up again.
"All the kids are giving the same story as Colton, Kassie, Cordie, and Taylor. I pulled the CT feed, and it supports what I've been told."
"What did Johnny say?"
"That he wasn't doing anything bad, and that it's not his fault. He says he tossed the ball and Colton is weak and obviously couldn't catch it."
"What happens now?"
"I need to call Johnny's dad to come in and tell him his son is being expelled for bullying and assaulting a student."
I just look at Emmett.
"He's already had two warnings about verbal abuse since the school year started. He had four the year before. He's out. I warned his father the last time that it had to stop or he was done. He was already on his last chance and this solidified his expulsion."
"What about Kassie?" I ask fearing she, too, will be expelled.
"She is on a written warning for putting her hands on another student. The camera feed clearly shows that he purposely knocked into Cordie and was about to do it to Kassie when she took him down. She's only in trouble because she held onto him while yelling in his face." Emmett smiles a little. "She also kneed him in the boys; well it looks like it anyway, but nothing was said about it by anyone."
I hold my hands up. "Okay, I agree with your verdict."
I hear heavy foot falls and look at Emmett. "I think Jasper and Edward are here."
He only nods as the door opens and both of the men walk in.
"Colton," Jasper gasps moving to his son.
"How about I speak to Jasper and you take Edward to my office?"
"See you soon, Colton," I say giving him a wave as I walk out.
"What happened?" Edward asks looking frantic.
I take Edward through my point of view and what I have found out since Emmet and I broke up the fight.
"That little shit's dead!" Edward says with a growl.
"He's just a small child, Edward," I say calmingly.
He turns looking at me. "What year is he in?"
"Third," I answer.
"So not only is he older than Colton, but much older than our girls?"
"Edward, calm down. The girls are both upset and we don't need to add to that right now."
Edward merely looks at me and takes a deep breath. "What's going to happen to the little punk?"
Before I can answer, Emmett walks through the door. "Sorry, but I need my office. I have agreed to let both Kassie and Cordie go home for the day, and Bella, your class is covered. Go home, take the girls home, and get everyone settled down."
I walk out with Edward only to find Johnny sitting with his arms folded and a man in a suit next to him. The man looks at me as if I was dirt on the bottom of his shoes.
"Watch how you look at my woman," Edward growls at him.
The man just smirks and stands up. "Your paid whore you mean."
Edward moves toward him, but I quickly step between them. "This is a school, both of you act like it now!"
"Who do you think you're talking to? You'll be out of a job by the end of the day," the man in the suit states harshly.
"Did you just threaten her?" Edward asks.
"Hey," I say pushing Edward back, he looks at me and I narrow my eyes at him.
"No, I didn't threaten her; I only told you that this bitch and her alley-rat kid will be gone from this school."
"Why—"
Edward is cut off by Emmett who slams his door.
"Enough! Mr. Buckley, come into my office. Mr. Cullen, please collect your daughter and take her home." The harshness of Emmett's voice makes me gulp, and his eyes soften when they reach me. "See you tomorrow, Miss Swan."
"Yeah, so she can pick up her crap and get out of this school. This place is too good for the likes of some yard trash from Washington."
"Mr. Buckley, I will again remind you that this is my school. That means my rules, and you and your biased and bigoted opinions have no bearing on what happens. I don't care who you or your family are. You will not threaten my staff, nor decide who my staff is. Now, how about we go to my office and talk privately about your son unless you'd like the entire staff and student population to hear about your son's less than stellar behavioral record? Let me remind you, we don't have long to talk, because the police are coming to question him and likely charge him with assault."
I pull Edward out just as Mr. Buckley starts to yell at Emmett.
"Emmett can take care of himself," I tell Edward pulling him with me.
I get to the hall, and Victoria sees me and sends the girls over.
"We need to collect your things and then we are going home," I tell the girls softly.
Kassie just looks at Edward and her lip wobbles. "I am sorry, Teddy," she cries and Edward immediately drops to his knees and picks her up hugging her close to him.
"I hear you helped your cousin and sister when someone was being mean to them, that means you don't have to say you're sorry," Edward tells her while still hugging her close to his chest.
"See, Sissy, I told you that Daddy wouldn't be upset with you," Cordie says, before she looks down. "He ruined my socks."
I look down seeing they are dirty and ripped. "We'll get you new ones," I say hugging her.
Edward shifts Kassie to one side, picking her up. He looks at me and I smile helping him pick up Cordie on the other side.
"Can we go and see Colton?" Cordie asks.
"We can. I think he would like to see you both."
I get the girls' bags and we make our way out. As we approach the main door, we hear yelling. When we turn the corner, we see Mr. Buckley being removed by the police in handcuffs as a lady walks with Johnny to a car that has the Illinois state symbol on the door.
"You're not getting away with this!" he yells and we all move to the side to let the police pass.
I watch open mouthed as he is placed into the police car, to be taken to the station.
"Do you think Johnny will be okay?" Kassie asks.
"I hope so," is all I can answer.
A/N: So a lot of things happened here, and things are a tad worrisome in a few different ways. What do you suppose this Mr. Buckley has up his sleeve? Any guesses as to how the next chapter will go? We appreciate all of you, and thank you for all the recommendations to our stuff. We look forward to hearing from you, and you can join us on Facebook at TeamAllTwilight & AndTAT Fan Fiction. See you next week, XOXO, (Nikky) & Kasi~
