Disclaimer: I don't own these characters, Stephanie Meyers does. I do own this plot and storyline. I own my own original characters and a sweet little Chromebook I just love. All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Chapter 5: Decisions
Edward POV
I hear Emmett and Jasper speaking quietly to their wives as I sit back into the couch, my fingers are steepled near my mouth. I close my eyes and think over all the information my dad shared with us. This decision will not be easy for them; having to uproot their entire lives. I wonder if they decide to stay, would I still leave? The only time I have ever lived away from my family was when I went to Western Culinary Institute in Oregon, but that really wasn't far. It is only a three hour drive and I would come home at least one weekend a month.
Right after graduating from the institute, I moved back home and was offered a Sauté Chef position at one of Seattle's finest restaurants. I worked my way up to Sous Chef within a year. I always knew I wanted to open my own restaurant. So, I took the remainder of my college fund, left to me by my grandparents, along with my entire savings, and opened Metropolitan Grill.
I worked really hard to open my restaurant and had a lot of support and help from my family. Jasper took care of the building remodel while my mother oversaw the design. I was proud of my restaurant; however, now, there really isn't anything left to be proud of.
How can I still be proud of something when it has become a pawn in a web of lies and deceit?
For some reason, despite all my hard work, selling the restaurant just feels like the right thing to do. It shouldn't be difficult; I've already turned down two previous offers to buy the restaurant.
I wonder if they would still be interested in putting together an offer.
If I stay, it is inevitable that I will end up having to close it down anyway. Tanya's father will make sure of that, there is no doubt. There is one last thing that I feel needs to be done before I leave, though. It is amazing how easily people can be swayed in this city. There is so much to my side of this entire situation that was never even considered, or heard by the judge.
I will clear my family's name.
There is so much hatred built up in me that I feel uncomfortable with the need to hurt someone. Not physically; I could never do that. But, to go after my entire family? That is just...stomach-churning. I know that I have to let the hate go before it consumes me, but I constantly pray for the day to come when Tanya will be judged for her actions.
Hearing my brother's to the point question to Rose pulls me from my thoughts, his tone is serious.
"Talk to me Rosie, what do you think? And I don't want to hear it is up to me. Babe, I know you are unhappy, so lay it on me," Emmett asks Rose with concern and love.
We can all tell that she isn't happy at work based on her comments earlier, but I didn't realize just how frustrated she really is with her job, until today. I feel bad for the shit storm my involvement has brought on them. However, they know, and have repeatedly told me, that the blame falls with that wretched bitch and her douchebag father.
"I know that neither of us are happy here anymore. I think maybe this is the answer to our problems," Rose answers with a deep sigh. "Oh my, God! I really want to rip that bitch's hair extensions out," Rose exclaims as she throws her hands in the air in frustration. "But, I know Karma will get her and her family eventually," Rose looks to Emmett and places her hand on his, which is resting on his lap. "I think I would like to move to Texas, if you are ok with that. But, I need to know that this is something you want to do too, Emmett."
"I am all for this, Rosie. I believe that this is something we are meant to do," he tells her then plants a loud, sloppy wet kiss on her cheek, making her laugh. "I've seen the joy on your face when you get to work with children; teach them new things. I would do anything to see that look again. I think that if we stay, I won't get to."
I should feel guilty for eavesdropping in on their conversation, but I don't. Our family used to be open; no secrets between anyone. We all have our diverse personalities, but there is always the common thread of openness between us.
Between my two brothers, Jasper is the laid back one in the family. He doesn't let things get to him and very rarely loses his temper. But, now, I am taken back a bit when I see anger and determination. I know that we have been through a lot, and determination isn't anything new, especially from Jasper. However, seeing anger from him is unheard of. But, he is trying his very best to conceal it. He could never hide anything from Alice or me, though, and she has, and will, call him out on it every time.
"What's got that scowl on your handsome face, Jazzy?" Alice asks him softly, knowing that a direct approach will only agitate him further.
"Just thinking, darling. How about you? Tell me what has put that smile on your beautiful face?" he replies to her, swiftly avoiding her question.
"Well, I am excited for this opportunity. I think we are meant to help Bella, but I want to know what your thoughts are before we make a decision," she tells him while taking his hands in hers.
"Well, my initial thought is that you would look really sexy in some cowgirl boots," he deflects with a crooked grin. She slaps his chest playfully, shaking her head and giggles at his antics.
"Now, you know that isn't going to work on me. Tell me what's bothering you? I want us to figure it out together," she growls at him in playful frustration. Jasper hangs his head in mock surrender, knowing that he couldn't get anything passed her.
"I just don't know, Ali, I feel like this is something we need to do. You know the old saying, 'Don't let an opportunity pass you by'? Well..." He plays with her wedding ring, turning it around her finger. "I don't think that this is something that we should just let slip out of our hands," he answers. Jasper takes a deep breath releasing her hands and rubs the back of his neck, "But, am I really going to be of use to anyone on this ranch?"
"Actually, I think you will be of more use on this ranch than you are now, with what you do. Plus, I think that it will be more rewarding for you." She always knows what to say to help ease his mind.
"How do you figure, Ali?" Jasper explores, "By being a handyman?"
"YOU ARE NOT A HANDYMAN!" Alice exclaims, outraged at his self-depreciation. "Think about it Jazz, you would be making sure the facilities are at their safest for these kids. Improving on what is already there and coming up with ideas of your own. You are diabolical with the brilliant ideas that you have and the stunning creations you make."
"She's right you know," I interrupt in agreement. "It's not about a loose board Jasper, it's about creating a safe place; making sure these children and adults alike don't have an accident. I'm sure they are already battling an uphill climb coming to terms with their disability and any limitations they may have as a result. Why not make that climb easier?"
"I have to agree with Edward," Rose cuts in. "You don't see the daily struggles some people with disabilities go through. If you can make that struggle safer by using your knowledge and expertise, than why not. You will have a larger impact in their lives than I think you realize."
Jasper takes in a deep breath as he processes what she was saying. He lets it out slowly as he nods his head at something that he was probably thinking to himself.
"Well then, I guess we better get you some boots, li'l lady," he smiles a huge toothy grin at Alice, using that dreadful, what he thinks sounds southern, accent.
"Dinner's ready," my mother calls to us, gaining our attention. I notice that she is subtly wiping a tear from on her cheek, and can only assume she must have overheard the last part of our conversation.
Sunday dinner is an important tradition to us, it always has been. It is a time that the family sets aside so that we can all catch up with each other's lives. I love seeing the happiness on my family's faces, brought on by the fact that we are all sitting here, sharing a meal together again without any of the tension that came with having Tanya present. I relish in the fact that I am sitting at the table once again, and am surrounded by those that love me unconditionally.
Just as we start to eat, Emmett breaks the silence. "So, Dad, when are you going to contact Bella and find out if she is even willing the have the 'All-Mighty-Cullen-Clan' descend upon her?"
Silence fills the air as we all look towards Emmett. Usually, he doesn't say much during meals. We always figured that it was because consuming food was too important for him to want to start or join in on a conversation.
Clearing his throat, dad puts his fork down and gives Emmett his full attention with a bemused look upon his face. "Well, that would depend on if you are ok with what we spoke about earlier," my father counters. "That you are a hundred percent sure this is right for you."
I nod my head to myself. "I'm all in!" Shocking myself by answering in an even keeled tone. "I'm ready to sell the restaurant and move to Texas."
All of a sudden, dinner turns into a non-verbal tennis match as I watch everyone's heads turn in my direction, showing various expressions of shock and awe and my outburst. Even though no one says a word, I can hear their unspoken questions.
"What?" I ask, not liking the spotlight put on me. "I believe this is what I need to do in order to get my life back; the fresh start that I need. I'm not speaking for anyone else, just what I feel is best for me. If you decide it's not right for you, that's fine. I would still like to go." I shrug my shoulders slightly at the unease their silent stares are causing. "If I stay here, it will only destroy what's left of me...of my soul."
I see Emmett glance at Rose before stating, "We want to go, too. I think it will make both of us happy and right now, we are far from happy. I'll be damned if I will wait for the dejection to leak further into our marriage."
Alice is simply vibrating in her chair as she says, "Jazz and I want to go, also. We're not going because everyone else is; we believe this is the right thing for us as well."
Dad nods his head understanding, "Well then, based on what you guys are saying, I guess I will be calling Bella tomorrow," dad says with a small, proud smile, before picking up his fork and starts to eat.
It seems as if, in that one statement, a blanket of hope and healing covers us, and we all began eating and laughing, showing glimpses of the old Cullen Family. And, that also means that Emmett is being, well Emmett.
"You know, Edward," Emmett starts with a sly grin on his face. "You might just find yourself a little Texas hottie."
My eyebrows raise in unexpected astonishment, "I really don't think I am in the right frame of mind at the moment to be finding myself another girlfriend right now," I growl at him.
"Now, I didn't say anything about a girlfriend," he rebuts while wiggling his eyebrows, either not picking up on my tone, or just plain ignoring it.
"You have no shame, son," my mother cuts in disapprovingly. "I didn't raise you to be so crass, especially toward women."
"What's crass about calling a woman a hottie?" Emmett argues back. "You want to know what's crass? When the high school football team thinks your mother is a MILF, now that's crass."
"What's a MILF?" my mother asks as Emmett's face pales as he realizes the can of worms that he inadvertently just opened up. He swallows slowly as a light sheen of sweat breaks out across his forehead.
"Yeah, Emmett," I goad. "And, why were your friends calling our mother one?"
"Son," my father sighs out as he shakes his head in amusement. "Why do you always cause trouble for yourself?"
"Well, I want to know what a MILF is," my mother peruses.
"Me too, Emmett," Jasper says getting in on the banter. "Tell mom what all your friends thought about her. Did they just come over after practice for the cookies?"
He turns to Rose for guidance but she just whispers, "You're an idiot, figure this one out on you own."
"Um...well, you see mom," he stutters out, his face still looking like a shade of puce. "You know, mom, you haven't made any of your delicious cookies in a while. I'm sure..."
"Not going to work son," my mother smirks. "You forget, I raised you three boys and can see right through your avoidance. Now, out with it. Explain to your dear mother what a MILF is and why your friends called me one."
It is then I realize that she already knows the answer, she is just going to make him say it. Out loud. If he would just learn to think before opening his mouth, he wouldn't be in the hot seat right now.
"Well mom, you see, it's an abbreviation. It...umm...stands for, you know...," he continues stuttering and fumbling with his words, looking around for help only to be met with the amused looks of his family members, mumbling about traitors as he tries to continue.
"Yes son, I know it's an abbreviation," she continues with a straight face. "But what does it stand for?"
"Well, I think it's something like...Mom I Like... just Fine!" he exclaims, happy with what he feels is a plausible answer.
Everyone chuckles at his lame attempt to cover his ass, as my mother smirks and adds, "That doesn't fit. If that were the case it would be MILJF." We all watch as Emmett squirms in his chair, the puce color returning.
"Come on, mom," he pleas. "The J is silent."
Leave it to my mother to shock us all as she edges on, "Son, let me help you out, if I am a MILF, then wouldn't that make your father a DILF?" she questions in a calm voice as she goes back to eating her dinner without so much as a giggle.
All of us are quiet as we just stare at Emmett with his mouth hanging open in shock. There is pride on my father's face as we all suddenly break out laughing.
Yes, I think our family is on the right path to healing. This is going to be a new adventure for all of us, but one that I feel in my heart is right.