Chapter 31: The Hospital at Christmas
Author's Note: I own nothing. I just like to play with the characters that were created by Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended.
Also, thank you for those of who have commented and offered well-wishes in my difficult time. It means a lot to me. Writing these stories has been my strength (as silly as that sounds) and has grounded me.
Thank you so much for reading and reviewing. It means so much to me. More than you can imagine. These stories (this one in particular) are my babies and I adore the reviews and comments I receive. Much, much love to ALL of you!
Chapter 31: The Hospital at Christmas
I was laying in our bed, completely blissed out. I felt Edward's warm body behind me and he was holding me tightly. I was on the cusp of being awake and asleep. As I lay there, I heard Edward's voice sing lightly behind me. It was slightly rough, but perfect. As he sang, I nestled back into his chest, relishing the moment.
Winter snow is falling down
Children laughing all around
Lights are turning on
like a fairy tale come true.
Sitting by the fire we made
You're the answer when I prayed
I would find someone
and baby I found you.
All I want is to hold you forever
All I need is you more every day
You saved my heart
from being broken apart
You gave your love away
and I'm thankful every day
for the gift.
Watching as you softly sleep
What I'd give if I could keep
Just this moment
if only time stood still.
But the colors fade away
And the years will make us grey
But baby in my eyes
You'll still be beautiful.
All I want is to hold you forever
All I need is you more every day
You saved my heart
from being broken apart
You gave your love away
And I'm thankful every day
for the gift.
All I want is to hold you forever
All I need is you more every day
You saved my heart
from being broken apart
You gave your love away
I can't find the words to say
That I'm thankful every day
for the gift.
"Hmmmm," I murmured. "You have a voice like an angel."
"Thank you," he blushed. I turned and looked at him. His hair was gloriously messy, his jade eyes were bright and loving and he was lightly tracing patterns on my naked back. "You are such a gift, my beautiful girl."
"Did you write it?" I whispered.
"No. Jim Brickman did. However, it has always been a favorite Christmas song for awhile," Edward replied. "I've always wanted to share it with someone who I adored. Now, I've shared it with you."
I reached up and gently kissed his swollen lips. His stubble rubbed against my skin and I pulled him closer to me. I opened my legs and his erection pressed against my thigh. I smiled as I twisted my fingers into his hair. As sore as I was, I wanted to feel him. I gently guided him so he was hovering over me. Edward pulled away, giving me a wary look. I reached up and kissed his mouth fully, letting him know my intentions. Edward reached between us and felt between my legs. He groaned at the arousal I had. His voice, his sexy, velvety voice did that to me. He removed his fingers and he slid into my body. I hissed and I clamped my legs around him. "Bella," he whispered. "Are you okay?"
"Just a little sore, but I'm fine," I said, looking up at his eyes. "I need you. I need to feel you. Please? Just go slowly." Edward nodded and with reverence, he moved in and out of my body. With soft lips and tender caresses, he kissed my lips. He touched my breasts and quietly brought me to my climax. It snuck up on me and I didn't realize it was happening until my body started shuddering in ecstasy. My breaths came out in erratic pants and I had no control over my body as I arched into his, begging him to plunge deeper into my core. Edward's eyes widened as he watched me climax. I could feel his own body respond to mine and his cock hit inside me. His lips were everywhere and I wanted more. I wanted him. Only him. Edward's eyes captured mine and as he moved within me, I only saw love. With him I felt complete. Like I was home. He was my home. My everything. "I love you, Edward. Let go. I need to feel you come," I rasped. "Please, baby?"
"Baby," he murmured and he crashed his lips against mine. "I love you, Bella." He increased his speed and I could feel him get harder in my body. My second release was close and I pushed on his shoulder. Edward took the hint and rolled us so I was riding his cock. I rotated my hips and Edward gently caressed my clit with his thumb. "You are so beautiful, Bella. So exquisite. Perfect." His hips bucked in sync with my rolling of my body. It plunged him deeper into my heat. I leaned back, bracing my hands on his thighs. My breasts were bouncing, along with the rest of my body. I screwed my eyes shut and felt his dick get harder inside and twitch slightly. "Bella…I'm…fuck…Don't stop, baby," he yelled. "So good. Fuck, it feels fucking amazing."
I moved more aggressively over him and I felt my muscles clench and clamp down on his cock. I let out a scream and Edward inhaled sharply. Soon after my second climax, he spilled into my body, latching his lips to mine as he sat up. We rode out our climaxes together and fell onto the bed in a heap of arms, legs and sheets. I laid my head against his chest, listening to his erratically beating heart. "That was, um…wow," he mumbled intelligently. "Intense."
"You can say that again," I chuckled, kissing his neck.
"Intense, perfect, hot, loving, and everything in between," he said, pulling my face to meet his. "Unfortunately, our post coital bliss has to end. We have to be at Craven in an hour."
"Drat," I grumbled, putting my head against the crook of his neck.
"It was your idea, Ms. Swan," he sniggered.
"I know, doesn't mean I don't want to stay. Right here," I sighed, wiggling my hips and feeling our connected bodies.
"Bella," Edward warned. "I'm not a seventeen year old boy with the stamina of a mad man. I need some time to recuperate. Last night was very pleasurable, as was this morning. But Edward Junior is tired."
"Oh, poo," I sighed as I climbed off his body. "Okay, my cooter is not happy with me either."
"Perhaps tonight, love," Edward said as he rolled onto his side.
"Or a week from now," I said with a grimace. "Let's shower. Together. Conserve some water."
"Your wish is my command," Edward smiled as he hopped up from the bed. As he moved, I heard his back crack and he groaned. "Okay, I'm too fucking old. I was going to pick you up, but my muscles are protesting."
"Edward, I can walk to the bathroom," I giggled as I got up from the bed.
Edward gathered me in his arms, "That doesn't mean I don't like holding you as much as possible. Come on, dirty girl."
We showered and managed to not go at it like bunnies in the bathroom. This was in part of Edward's sore muscles and our tired bodies. Our shower was just that, a shower. We did caress each other lovingly and I washed Edward's hair. I had to push him onto the small bench so I could reach his head. He was nearly a foot and few inches taller than me. Edward returned the favor and washed my hair. After our shower, we dressed. I put on a pair of black dress pants and a red sweater set. Edward was in a pair of navy dress pants, white dress shirt and a red Santa tie. I arched a brow and he told me that the tie was from his Peds rotation.
I did my hair and makeup as Edward checked on everybody to see if they were still coming. The only couple that was unavailable was Angela and Ben. Angela's father was a pastor and he needed both of them at his church for Christmas services. Edward snuck into the bathroom and he did cursory shave with the electric razor. He then attempted to style his hair. "I need a haircut. I look like a hippie," he grumbled as he fussed with his bronze locks.
"Take off your shirt," I said.
"Bella?"
"You need a haircut, I'm giving you a haircut," I said simply. Edward eyes warily as he removed his tie and shirt. As much as Mike was an ass, I did give him good haircuts. He was too cheap to pay a stylist to cut his hair. I was all but forced to learn how to cut his hair. I picked up the trimmer I found his drawer and the scissors I bought when I cut Mike's hair. I sat Edward on the tub and trimmed his neck. I then moved to the rest of his head, snipping and cutting his hair swiftly. When he was done, I picked up some of his usual gel and ran my fingers through his hair, causing it to lay in its usual disarray. "Done."
Edward arched a brow and got up, looking in the mirror. He ran his fingers through his hair and smiled. "Nice. You do better than my usual stylist. You understand the madness that is my cowlicks."
"You were pretty shaggy, Edward. I was almost tempted to attack that mop the night of the Christmas Ball," I giggled. "Now, you look devastingly handsome."
"Thanks to you," Edward said, kissing my lips before he put his shirt and tie back on. We finished getting dressed and headed out to the garage. Edward drove the Audi and parked in his usual spot. He darted into the hospital and returned with a large cart. We loaded the presents onto the cart and walked into the main entrance, waiting for the rest of our group. Jasper was standing there already, playing with his phone.
"Hey, Jas," I smiled. "Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas, Bells. Edward," Jasper said as he hugged us both. "Alice is helping Ren change into the Santa suit."
"Oh, I bet that's a ton of fun," Edward laughed. "Is Jake here?"
"With Alice and Ren. They are so cute together," Jasper said with a wistful smile.
"Jake and Ren?" I asked
"Yep. It's really sweet to see them interact. They are so loving and attuned to each other," Jasper said. "I also think that something happened last night with them."
"Good, I'm assuming," I said with a lopsided smirk.
"Yeah. I think they took the plunge," Jasper said, waggling his brows. "Some loving, if you know what I mean."
Edward leaned forward and whispered in my ear, "Obviously, we weren't the only ones who had the idea of making love on Christmas eve night. Love you, baby."
"Hmmmm," I moaned quietly. "Love you more." Our little love bubble was burst when we saw Alice dragging a Santa-dressed Ren into the main entrance of the hospital. She was dressed as Mrs. Claus in a bright red dress and white wig. She looked very cute. So did Ren. Jake was following behind them and he had a huge smile on his face. He danced up to Edward and I, giving Edward a warm hug. Jake kissed my cheek and squeezed my hand. "You look like the cat who got the canary."
"I did," he winked. "Ren told me he loved me last night."
"And…?" I egged on.
"We made love," Jake said. "It was slow and sweet and perfect."
"Oh, Jake! I'm so happy for you," I squealed as I hugged him. "You two are so cute together. He absolutely adores you."
"I feel the same way," Jake blushed. "Ren also said that it didn't matter about my HIV status. He said he'd love me no matter what."
"You were safe, though. Right?" Edward asked.
"Yes. We both want to live long and happy lives. So we wrapped it up," Jake said, looking at Edward. "We made a more intimate experience, using the condoms. However, I won't say what we did. It's for us and no one else."
"Hey kids!" Emmett bellowed as he pushed Rosalie.
"Merry Christmas, Em," Jake smiled. "Rosalie, you're looking radiant this morning." Rose blushed a furious red and she tucked behind Emmett's body. "Are you okay?"
"She's fantastic," Emmett said proudly. "Better than fantastic. Orgasmic."
"Emmett McCarty!" Rosalie shrieked. "You have no goddamned filter!"
"I needed to forget the feeling of Edward's pouty lips…" Emmett joked.
"You're a douche," Edward said as he rolled his eyes. "Come on. Let's head upstairs to the peds floor before I kick Emmett's ass."
"I'll help you, Edward," Rose said.
"You weren't complaining this morning, Rosie," Emmett snickered as he pushed Rose toward the elevators.
"No. But I didn't want to broadcast to the entire fucking hospital that I finally got some," Rose sighed. "Let's go deliver some presents to sick kiddos."
"Hey, Em?"
"Yeah, Bells?" Emmett responded.
"Can I push Rose?" I asked. He smiled and nodded. Emmett went with Edward and the rest of the guys to head up to the peds floor. I waited for the next elevator. "Are you going to be alright, Rosalie? Being around the children? Especially…?" The elevator arrived and I pushed her into the car.
"Bella, you're sweet to worry. However, I'm fine. I got an email from Lily's parents. They got my present for her and are appreciative, of course. But, I love kids. I can't wait to have children with Emmett. But, I'm perfectly fine," she soothed.
"Just making sure," I grinned. "Have you and Emmett discussed marriage?"
"We have and we're going to wait. At least for a little while," Rose responded. "I want to walk down the aisle to him, unassisted. I'll be using crutches and a cane for some time. However, for all intents and purposes, we've decided that we're it for each other."
"I'm glad, Rose. Really glad. You and Emmett are such a good fit with each other," I said as I pushed her out of the elevator and to the common area of the peds floor. Edward was talking to the attending on duty, explaining what was going on. The doctor, a woman, had tears in her eyes.
"Bella? I'd like to introduce you to someone," Edward called. Emmett was at Rose's side in an instant and I walked to where Edward was talking. "Bella, this Dr. Carmen el Salvador. She's the department head of the pediatrics ward. Dr. el Salvador, this is my fiancée, Bella Swan. Bella is the woman who decided to bring the presents for the children."
"Oh, Ms. Swan! You have no idea how much this means to me and the kids. With budget cut backs and financial woes, we couldn't do the traditional 'Santa' gift exchange. Aro sliced our budget in half. Your generosity is undoubtedly the most wonderful thing we've had this year," Dr. el Salvador gushed as she hugged me.
"Edward told me about the babies that were dropped off the night before last and it got my mind churning. No one should be alone on Christmas. No adults and especially not children. It was my pleasure, Dr. el Salvador," I said returning her hug.
"Thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart," Dr. el Salvador sniffled. "And call me Carmen."
"Of course, Carmen," I smiled.
"Edward, I sent the nurses to get the ambulatory children into the common area. You may need to make some stops to the more sick children," Carmen explained. "However, I'd like to get a picture of you and the babies that we're caring for. The ones that Edward mentioned."
"Have you named them?" Edward asked.
"We've been calling the boy David, because he's so tiny. The girls are Katie, Samantha and Iris," Carmen said. "That will change when they're adopted."
"Can we get a picture with all of the children?" Jake asked.
"Oh, that sounds lovely," Carmen said with a radiant smile. "You are?"
"Jacob Black. I work with Bella," Jake said, offering her his hand.
"We'll take the picture after all the presents are distributed," Carmen said. A nurse popped her head and notified us that the kids were in the common room. Jake darted off to get 'Santa and Mrs. Claus.' The rest of us gathered in the common area, with our Santa hats. The kids were excited and abuzz. Some parents were with their children, but for the most part, it was the kids and the staff from Craven.
A hearty 'Ho! Ho! Ho!' resonated through the hallways and Ren burst through the doors. The kids, the ones that could, bum rushed him. He knelt down and held his arms open. Hugs and squeals filled the room. Edward reached for my hand and he twined our fingers together as he pulled me close. His other hand rested on my belly and I know he yearned for his own child. We eventually separated and helped the kids. Alice 'Mrs. Claus' led the kids in a Christmas Carol sing along while we readied the presents. We wanted to make sure we had enough for every child. Thankfully we did. And then some. Each child got a present and a book. Ren sat down in the chair and each kid hopped up on his knee. A friendly nurse took the pictures of the kids as we distributed the presents.
After the presents were handed out, the nurses brought out the babies, David, Katie, Samantha and Iris. With the babies and all of the kids, we all huddled around Ren and Alice. Edward had Katie nestled in his arms and I held David. Several pictures were taken and Edward demanded he get a copy to put in his office. I looked down at the sleeping bundle in my arms and I walked to the window, cooing to David. "You are such a handsome little boy. Yes, you are," I whispered. I leaned down and kissed his soft forehead. His eyes opened up and they were brilliantly blue. His gaze was inquisitive and he gurgled. I made silly, goofy faces at David until the nurse came to take him away.
"You looked so natural, holding baby David," Edward whispered.
"You looked just as natural, holding Katie," I countered.
A little boy who was no more than four bounded into Edward's legs, giving him a toothy grin. Edward crouched down. "What's up, big man?" The boy tugged on Edward's hand and thrust a book into mine. "You want us to read to you?" He nodded shyly and tugged again on Edward. He got up and the little boy put his other hand in mine. Together we walked to a rocking chair. The little boy pushed me into the chair and crawled into my lap.
"What's your name, sweetie?" I asked. The boy blushed and burrowed into my chest.
"It's Todd," one of the nurses called. "He doesn't talk. He's almost afraid to."
"Is your name Todd?" I asked. Todd nodded against my chest. "I'm Bella and this is Edward." Todd pointed to the book. It was one of my favorites, Goodnight Moon. I opened the book and read to him quietly. Todd played with my hair and held Edward's hand as he sat next to us. I finished the story and Todd pointed to the book again. "You must really love this story! It's my favorite story too." Todd looked up at me and his eyes flashed with awe then his brow furrowed. "My daddy read it to me every night before I went to sleep. Hearing him read it to me made me feel safe." Todd smiled and hugged my neck after pointing to the book again. I read the book a second time.
"Todd, you need to take a nap, bud," another nurse said.
Todd began to whimper and he clung to my body. I looked at Edward in a panic. Edward asked the nurse for his chart. The nurse bristled saying that only hospital personnel could look at patient charts. Edward whipped out his ID badge and asked for it again. His eyes were flashing with fire, but his voice never broke its calm cadence. The nurse returned with the chart and Edward briefly looked it over. His eyes saddened and he gently ran his hand over Todd's soft blond hair. I gently rocked the scared little boy in my arms. As I sat with Todd, I could feel his body become heavier and his breathing evened out. I got up from the rocking chair, holding the sleeping boy in my arms. Edward led me down the corridor to Todd's room. I placed him in his crib but he refused to let go. When I finally released his strangle hold on my neck, his eyes flew open and he started crying, silently. "It's okay, Toddler," I whispered. "You're safe. No one is going to hurt you." His hazel eyes filled with more tears and he stood up in the crib, hugging me tightly. "Oh, baby. Shhh, it's okay."
Edward gently rubbed Todd's back and he nestled closer to me. Todd whimpered and he pulled away. "Mommy? Where's mommy?" he sniffled.
"I don't know where your mommy is," I said, wiping his tears away.
"You look like my mommy," Todd said. His lower lip trembling. "Take me home with you!"
"Hey, big man," Edward said softly. "We can't take you home with us, but I promise you that Bella and I will come to visit you while you're here."
"Can you do me a favor, Toddler?" I asked, tweaking his nose. "Edward works here at the hospital. When he comes to visit you, I want you to make sure his shoes are tied. Can you do that for me?"
"Does he forget to tie his shoes?" Todd giggled.
"Sometimes. One time, he wore two different socks," I said with a shocked expression on my face. "Then, when I come to see you, you need fill me in how he did with his shoe tying skills. If he forgets, you have to show him. But, now you need to take a nap, Toddler. Please?"
"Hug?" Todd asked.
"I'm already hugging you, you silly goose," I said, kissing his cheek. Todd wrapped his arms around my neck and he squeezed tightly. Edward's arms went around both of us. Edward pulled away and kissed my head. Todd would not let go and I gently extricated myself from his hold. "What's your job, Toddler?"
"See if Edward's shoes are tied."
"Are they tied now?" I asked. Todd peered over my shoulder to Edward's feet. Todd nodded and I kissed his nose. Gently, I placed him back in his crib and he curled up against a large stuffed bear. "Sleep tight, Toddler." He smiled shyly and his fluttered shut. I ran my fingers through his fine hair until he cuddle deeper into the bear. He snored lightly and I chuckled as we left.
Edward cupped my face and his lips crashed against mine. "You are amazing, Bella," he murmured against my mouth. I blushed and tucked my head under his chin. "I never would have thought of that."
"Ten years of being a teacher really lets you master the art of distraction," I joked. "I know you probably can't say, but what happened to him?"
"I shouldn't say, but I'm going to anyway. His mother was killed in a car crash about a week ago. He was in the car but not injured," Edward explained.
"Why is he in the hospital?"
"He has a rare blood disorder. Apparently his mom was on the way to the hospital because he was very sick. Dad's not in the picture and he has no other family. He's currently receiving treatments but will be placed into foster care when he's healthy enough to leave the hospital."
"When will that be?" I asked.
"About a month," Edward said. I nodded and wrapped my arms around Edward's waist. "You are so fucking incredible, Bella. I can't believe that you're mine."
"Forever and always," I murmured, looking up into his jade depths.
"Always and forever," he smirked.
"Edward! Carlisle and Esme are expecting us in an hour! We gots to go," Alice chirped. Edward groaned and he kissed my lips chastely. As we left, Carmen gave us more hugs and words of gratitude. As a group, we all went our separate ways. Emmett and Rosalie went to Emmett's family for Christmas. Jake and Ren spent it with Ren's family. Edward and I went to Carlisle and Esme's along Jasper and Alice.
We ate a scrumptious dinner of prime rib, mashed potatoes and asparagus. We exchanged gifts at the Cullens' lavish home. Alice received a ton of stuff for the baby. She was excited to get so many outfits and necessities. Jasper received several history books. He actually was a history buff and enjoyed the time period of the Civil War. Carlisle and Esme received a trip to Italy from all of us for their present. It was a combination Christmas and anniversary present. They were married for 35 years and wanted to travel. We got them a month long trip to Italy. Edward got two guitars. One electric and one acoustic with all of the trimmings. He now understood Rose's gift of guitar lessons. I also got him an engraved stethoscope for our use only. I had his nickname engraved. Edward blushed and he kissed me. The presents I received were all based off the wedding. I got a 'gift certificate' for a wedding dress from Alice; a 'gift certificate' for flowers and photography from Jasper; and 'gift certificate' for my own Cullen crest from Carlisle and Esme.
We left the house and drove home after the presents. Alice wanted to play some game, but I was tired and so was everybody else. Edward and I also had an early flight to catch tomorrow. We were heading to Seattle to visit my dad in Forks, Washington. Alice grumbled but relented.
Once we got home, Edward and I crawled into bed. We made love, slow and sweet. Each kiss, caress, touch and thrust was filled with reverence and adoration. "Thank you for making this the best Christmas ever, my sweet Bella," Edward said as he traced circles over my abdomen. "I love you, beautiful girl."
"I love you, too, Edward," I whispered. "This was the best Christmas. I got to spend it with you."
Edward smiled and his eyes twinkled in the moonlight. He held me tightly to his chest and hummed quietly. I kissed his jaw and my eyes drifted shut. I eventually fell into a deep and happy sleep, safe in the arms of my love. The best gift I could ever wish for. Ever hope for.
A/N: I'm dreaming of a fluffy Christmas. Just like the ones I used to know… Up next, Bella and Edward's trip to Seattle/Forks. Visiting Edward's past and moving ahead. Leave me love! (Or hate…)