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Chapter 4: Think About It
Edward POV
We are all sitting here looking at each other in shock, not really knowing what to say; waiting for him to answer as to how this will help us in our current situation. My mother tries to stifle a sob, and fails as my father wraps his arms around her. She has been on an emotional roller-coaster since this whole mess started. It's no wonder that she is having difficulty keeping it together; especially with having this intense of a conversation.
I know how my mom is. If someone in the family is in trouble, then she will be the first in line to make sure that you're taken care of. Bella is not family, but mom really seems to care for her and is extra protective of her.
"Now, I want to suggest something to all of you, and I want you to really think about it with your heart before you respond, please," my dad requests. "Either way, you will not hurt my feelings if you decide this is not something that interests you."
"A couple of days ago, Bella emailed to ask me some questions about her daughter's latest bout of seizures. She mentioned that the ranch crew will be even busier than usual this summer due to word getting around about the camps they will be holding at the ranch. I keep in touch with Charlie's childhood friend, Billy, who works for Bella. We have been friends almost as long as Charlie and I. From what he has told me, they are wanting to add extra camps this summer, so all the specialized requests they have received are accommodated. What makes it even harder on Bella is that she needs to concentrate more on Cassandra's therapy as well.
"I believe that our family can help her and help ourselves in return. Everyone in this room has skills and knowledge that would benefit in helping those kids that come to the ranch either directly or indirectly. I believe our prayers are being answered with this tragedy that has been bestowed upon our family by that she-devil," he states looking at us all.
"What could a chef and restaurant owner do on a ranch, really dad?" I ask. "I am not saying I won't help this girl, but I just want to know how I can help her," I stress. "I was just burned badly by one woman, of which I use that term loosely. So, pardon me, if you think I am going to let some single woman with a kid, play the woe is me card and worm her way into our family to strike us down again." Maybe I am being harsh, it's just hard for me to move past the hurt that Tanya's betrayal has created for my entire family.
"Whoa, Edward, slow down. It sounds to me like dad is the one asking Bella for the favor here. Am I right dad?" Jasper pleads while trying to contain a tense atmosphere. "Did you suggest this to Bella or did she come to you for help?"
"Yes, Jasper, in my latest email to her, I mentioned maybe having us come help her on the ranch," dad said with a slow nod of his head. His eyes search mine, conveying his sincerity.
"I think that we are past the point of dancing around this topic," my mother cuts in suddenly, looking to my father as she dabs at her eyes. He nods at her, knowing that she is trying so hard to keep her emotions in check in front of her family.
"In order for us to recover as a family, we need to leave Seattle," she says with a heavy sigh.
"I was thinking that maybe we need to start over somewhere new before things get worse," she states firmly, wiping her forehead as a sign of the emotional stress that she is dealing with.
"So, I suggested to Bella that we could come help her on the ranch," dad states hesitantly, finishing mom's explanation.
I know my father will do anything for his family, and he just proved it with that one statement. He and my mother are willing to give up everything they have built to get out of the madness that has become all our lives. We were raised in this house, my mother remodeled and redecorated it several times over the years. Emmett broke lamps and even a couch once; I broke my arm jumping off the same couch. We even snuck out the side window in the middle of the night and Jasper told on us. I love this house; it always felt like home to me. But for some reason it doesn't feel like that anymore and that causes an uneasy feeling to come over me.
All because of me. They would all give up everything; all because of me.
"Do you trust her, Carlisle?" Rose asks quietly leaning her head against the back of the love-seat. "We know that you knew her parents," she continues, "but, do you know her well enough to move your entire family, states away?" Leave it to Rose to be blunt and straight to the point.
"With my life, Rose," he declares with a firm nod. Rose, being her cautious self, eyes my father's face for any unwavering conviction. When none is evident, she nods her ok.
"I would like to say something before you all make any decisions in regards to Bella's character," my mother says softly sitting up a little more.
"Of course, sweetheart," my dad says, giving her the floor.
"I have met Bella, and we have spoken several times. She is a strong, hard-working woman," my mother starts, as she holds the tissue wrapped finger to her nose. "I am sure as we are all sitting here, that between the ranch and her daughter, she is running on fumes".
"Bella has never been the type of person to chase after things such as money or a name." She chuckles humorously before continuing, "For one, she has more money than she could ever spend in her lifetime," she states looking pointedly at me. "Her grandfather was a well-known horse breeder, and that ranch still breeds some of the top blood line show and dressage horses around.
"She is a very giving person almost to a fault. I know that she's involved in a lot of children's charities and even has a few of her own charities, foundations and scholarships that she has established. She would never take advantage of anyone," she speaks in that fierce motherly tone that is all Esme Cullen; love and faith rolled into one.
"So, wait a minute," Emmett interrupts, trying to process all that we have heard. "She doesn't just have a small ranch and therapy facility, does she?" his brow creases as he tilts his head sideways towards our parents. "What are you not telling us?" Emmett asks them pointedly.
"No, Emmett, she doesn't. It is a horse breeding and large animal rescue ranch; 2,700 acres to be exact," my dad says with a slight knowing smirk.
"Um, Carlisle? What is the name of this ranch?" Alice hesitantly asks.
"Swan Lakes Ranch and Rescue Center," he states with pride in his voice and the smirk on his face growing to a full smile.
"Swan Lakes Ranch...Swan Lakes Ranch. Are you shitting me? No, he couldn't have..." Alice starts to mumble to herself as she shakes her head.
"Alice?" Jasper tries to ask of his wife. "Hun? Is everything ok?" Jasper looks lost at the lack of response from her.
"OH, HELL!" Alice exclaims with wide eyes. "YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! ARE YOU SERIOUS?" Alice yells as she jumps up from Jasper's lap. "YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS! THERE IS NO WAY..."
We all jump at the stark contrast between the once quiet mumbles to the abrupt noise created from Alice's outburst. Each of us staring at one another in shock, speechless by her reaction.
"Alice, dear, are you alright?" my father asks her as she is standing still. She looks frozen in the middle of the living room, with her mouth wide open, not saying anything else.
"Carlisle? Were Bella's grandparents Marcus and Marie Swan?" she asks in a whisper as if she is afraid of his response.
"Um, yes Alice. What's wrong?" he answers her with his own question.
"They are legends in the equine world. They have published books on breeding and training quarter horses; articles in equine magazines, and if I remember correctly; there was even a textbook I used in college that they contributed to. I know their main focus was on how the use of UV lights can bring a mare into season," she states in one breath, and awe dripping from her voice.
"I know. Bella has even published a few articles in medical journals, herself. They were about how animal and equine assisted therapies help children with Autism," he explains further.
"That's all well and good, but as Edward mentioned, how can we all help her?" a concerned Jasper voices. "Maybe Rose and Emmett can help out because of their fields and backgrounds, and Alice with her work with animals, but what about the rest of us?" he asks shaking his head with despair. "I know nothing about horses or working on a ranch, dad."
My father looks around at all of us with pride written all over his face.
"Maybe if I explain it to you this way, you can see how many different facets there are to working on a ranch. I am willing to bet that once I'm finished, every one of you could tell me how your skills could be utilized."
I know that my face isn't the only one with skepticism all over it, but with how this evening has transpired, why not just hear him out. I rub my hands across my face and take a deep breath.
"The ranch offers a variety of camps for children with both physical and developmental disabilities. Most of the children stay on site in a cabin, with their parents or a guardian. In addition, the camps include meals and entertainment. The therapies that they offer are differentiated based on a child's needs. They offer animal assisted therapy, music therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, equine-assisted therapy and play therapy. These children come to a safe environment where they get to enjoy activities and learn new things they would otherwise never get to experience."
"Wow," Rose whispers, obviously in awe of the many programs.
"Now, can you see how you would be beneficial to this ranch?" he asks.
Could this possibly work out for us?
I look up and realize everyone is staring at me. I clear my throat as I think about what I could do to help these children. I feel like maybe this storm is lifting from my heart. Maybe this is what I am supposed to do to redeem myself in God's eyes. Lord knows I need to stick to my faith to overcome this pain I am in.
"Well, most of these children are probably on special diets or have food allergies, right, Rose?" I ask as I see her nod in the affirmative.
"So, I could probably design the menus and prepare the meals for the campers. The employees also have to eat and someone has to cook for them, too. That would help out, wouldn't it?" I ask looking at my father.
A big smile spreads across his face as he nods and I can see that he is still proud of me even if I didn't feel like I deserve it.
"Well, I could offer physical therapy and help out with the activities. I help Rose when she volunteers with the Special Olympics and I really enjoy doing that," Emmett comments shyly, which something I don't recall ever seeing from my big, light-hearted brother.
"Emmett, those kids loved when you helped out. You were such a blessing to them," Rose states as she looks at my brother with pure love, placing a tender hand on his cheek.
Rose redirects her attention back to my dad, "I could help Bella with the programs and the children. I really loved it when I was working with the kids, and not just as an administrator. I went to school to help kids, not push paper all day," she states with a little anger in her voice.
I didn't realize Rose was that unhappy with her job until this moment. This is just another example of how Tanya has blinded me from everything that has gone on with my family.
"I have never really been around kids," a hesitant Alice starts. "Don't get me wrong, I love kids, but I didn't have any siblings as I grew up. But, I could help with the animals. Especially the rescue and rehabilitation part of the ranch," Alice says quietly like she is unsure of herself. I have never known Alice to not be sure of herself but I think she is a little intimidated knowing of the Swans and their success.
"Well, I would love to help Bella with the business or fundraising aspect of the ranch. I could probably even do some work with the charities that she runs, and foundations for that matter," my mother tells us with as much hope as she can express now.
"Well, dad we all know you would be able to help. They would be reassured to have such a veteran doctor on board for when something were to happen to anyone. But, I am not sure how I could help," Jasper says apprehensively. "Everyone else has skills that would be needed, but I just build things. I still don't understand, what could I do to be of any help." He looks dejected at the prospect of not being able to help out.
"Um, forgive me for being a little ignorant, but doesn't a ranch this size have a lot of structures? I mean, they must have bunk houses, barns?" I ask of anyone in the room. "Dad, you mentioned cabins and a main house, but I am sure there are other structures and facilities, too. They would all need maintenance and upkeep, wouldn't they?" My father and mother both nod. "And Jasper, you don't just build things, you are a successful business owner who constructs and improves structures," I state to my brother.
"That is true Edward, and I am pretty sure some of those buildings are in need of updating. Bella just doesn't have the time to make sure that it's done. According to my friend Billy that is the ranch manager there, everyone is spread so thin that they are not able to keep up with everything that needs to be done. Jasper, your skills could definitely be of use on a ranch this size," my dad confirms.
After listening to everything today, I look around the room and everyone has the same expression of hope and awe. It is amazing how, in just a few short hours, pieces of a puzzle can come together to show you a bigger picture. Hopefully a picture of the new Cullen family future.
My mother must have picked up on that same vibe as well, "I think this is a wonderful opportunity for all of us. I, for one, would like very much to believe this is a godsend handed down to us; one that I am not willing to push aside. By no means am I taking this lightly, but I think your father is right in this being an answer to our prayers," my mom says. "A storm can only last so long. Eventually, the sun does shine again."
I smirk at my mother's outlook.
"Well then, if no one else has anything more they wish to say, please think through what we discussed here tonight. I know that this is a huge decision for everyone. Just, let me know what you decide soon as I told Bella I would call her in a few days," my dad says leaving the room.
"I'm going to start dinner my dears," my mother states as she gets up from the couch. I could hear a little excitement in her tone. I will do anything for my family. If moving to Texas will make them happy, then Texas it will be.
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