Saying Goodbye
We went over to my parents for lunch on Sunday and told them all that had happened in the past week. They were ecstatic at first when they heard about Bella being pregnant. They didn't like it when we told them about the attack but they could see we were fine now and relaxed a little. Afterwards, we forgot what happened and focused on celebrating Christmas together.
We then returned home to be welcomed by Olly and Eliza. After we had a big family dinner with everyone, we took Olly to bed but he refused to be alone so Bella took him to our room and stayed with him.
"Edward. Thank you."
"Eliza come here."
She came over and sat next to me on the couch leaning her head on my shoulder.
"I want to thank you for everything you and Bella have done for Olly; for me. Ever since I came to you for help, you've treated me like your own. You took Olly and me in even though it put you in danger. You've been the father I never had. The father Olly never had. I know tomorrow we will be taken away to the kids home and eventually have a new family, I want you to know that you'll always be my dad."
"You'll always be my daughter Eliza. No matter where you are, I'll always be here for you. You're family."
"Thank you."
"You never know. There could be a nice couple out there looking for a teenager and a younger brother to look after. If I've learnt anything that would be to never give up because it won't get you anywhere. There's someone out there for everyone. It's all about what you risk, to get what you want."
"There's no one out there for me. I just hope the same can't be said for Olly. He needs someone to look after him."
"Everything will be okay Eliza. You just wait and see."
"I'll miss you dad."
"I'll miss you too Eliza."
I wrapped her up in a hug, placing a kiss on her head.
"Come on. I think you should go to bed. It's getting late."
"Okay Edward. Good night."
"Sweet dreams Eliza. Everything is gonna be alright."
She climbed the stairs with tears in her eyes and I knew she wouldn't be getting much sleep tonight.
"Mom."
"Yes Edward?"
"Can you help me with something on Tuesday?"
"What is it?"
"I need someone with interior design skills."
She smirked at me and nodded her head.
"Of course son. And don't worry, I won't tell anyone."
"Thanks mom. I appreciate it."
"No problem son. I'm glad you came to me and not someone else."
"Why would I go to someone else when I have you mom?"
"Thanks son."
"I love you mom."
"I love you too son. Can you tell me where we are going now?"
"Nope. You'll find out when we get there just like everyone else."
"I'll get it out of you one way or another. I haven't been your mother all these years and not know how to get you to tell me."
"You just have to wait until Friday mom."
"Fine."
"Thanks mom. Goodnight."
"Goodnight son. I'll see you in the morning."
"Love you."
"Love you too Son."
I kissed her head and walked down the hall to the guest room where we were still staying in as Bella wasn't comfortable going up the stairs just yet. I quietly got ready for bed and climbed in next to Bella and Olly.
"Goodnight love."
"Goodnight honey."
I wrapped an arm round both of them, holding them to my side.
Waking up I saw Bella in the bathroom throwing up.
"I'm coming baby."
Scraping the hair out of her face, I held my hand to her forehead. She wiped her face and sat back between my legs.
"I bet you're getting used to this baby. Soon it won't feel so bad."
"I don't know about that but I wouldn't this baby for anything."
"We worked hard to create this baby; I'm not going to let you get rid of it that easily."
"I wouldn't dream of it."
I pulled her lips to mine as she wrapped an arm around my hair.
"No offence baby, but your breath doesn't taste all that good. Why don't you brush your teeth and I'll get you some chocolate, then we can kiss for as long as you like."
"Sounds like a plan."
Helping her up, I held her waist and kissed her cheek before going into the kitchen.
"Morning Eliza. Morning dad."
"Good morning Edward."
"Morning Son. How's Bella?"
"As good as she can be with morning sickness."
I grabbed a bar of chocolate and went back to Bella. She was in the bedroom wearing some panties, hidden by one of my longer T-shirts. Her lips hit mine when I wrapped my arms around her waist.
"That any better honey?"
"Certainly. I must say I like the clothes but what if Olly wakes up?"
"He won't, not yet."
"Well let's get you dressed, just in case."
I stuck a bit of chocolate in my mouth and kissed Bella, transferring the chocolate across to her. She moaned into my mouth as my tongue circled her mouth.
"Come on baby."
"Okay."
Lifting her into my arms, I grabbed a black lace skater dress and black bra. I carried her into the bathroom and helped her change into the dress.
"There baby. Stunning."
"You know I'm going to get cold."
"You know there are such things as tights. Woman wear them to keep their legs warm when they have skirts and dresses on."
"I know what tights are. I do wear them."
"Then you know what I'm talking about. Now come on. We have to get Olly up and dressed for when the social worker comes."
"Don't you think we should tell them our plan?"
"No. They need to make this choice on their own. Eliza will have a difficult choice but I know that if she listens to her heart she'll choose the right path but we can't make this decision for her."
"Okay honey. We'll see them on Thursday anyway."
"That we will. Let's get your hair tied back and your glasses on. Then you'll look even more stunning and tempting baby."
"Then we need to get you dressed honey."
"Why do we have to get me dressed? I can dress myself."
She leaned up so her lips were hovering over mine, our eyes connected.
"I just do it so much better."
Pressing her lips to mine, her hands wound into my hair. My hands on her hips, circling the front of her hip bone with my thumbs. One of her hands went to the hem of my t-shirt, pulling it upwards. When she got it off me her lips came back to mine.
"I'll go find you some clothes. Just wait here."
"Okay baby. Do it in a minute though."
I crashed my lips back to hers, pulling her against me. Cupping her cheek, I slid my tongue over her lips, asking for entrance. My tongue slipped into her mouth, massaging the top of her tongue.
"I love you Bella."
"I love you too Edward."
Nuzzling into her neck, I breathed in her scent and kissed her neck. When we were both ready for the day, we woke Olly up and Bella got him dressed. We were all sitting round eating breakfast when Alice came round.
"Good morning everyone. Hey mom, dad."
"Morning Alice, how are you?"
"I'm good thanks mom. How are you all doing?"
"We're good thanks Alice."
"Hey Olly."
"Hey Alice."
"How are you today?"
"I'm good Alice. Will you do some drawing with me today Alice?"
She looked up at us and smiled sadly.
"I can't today Olly. Maybe another time."
"Okay."
Eliza picked him up and sat him on her lap.
"Olly. You remember how we can't stay with Bella and Edward forever?"
"Yes."
"Today a nice lady is coming round to take us to our new home. We will live with other children and you can make lots of new friends."
"But I want to stay with momma and daddy."
"I do too Olly but we can't. It doesn't work that way."
"Olly, we want you to stay with us; we really do but we aren't allowed to."
"Okay momma. I'll miss you so much."
"I'll miss you too but you still get to stay with Eliza."
"I love you momma."
"I love you too baby."
She pulled him into her arms, hugging him to her. We spent the morning sitting on the couch together watching films that Olly requested. At three there was a knock on the door and the social worker came in.
"Good afternoon. You must be Mr and Mrs Cullen. I'm Julia. I've come for Eliza and Olly. They'll be perfectly safe."
"It's nice to meet you Julia. I'll get them ready to go."
"Take your time. I know this is a hard time."
"Thank you."
Bella carried Olly down the hall to our room as Eliza went upstairs to get her things.
"I'm Edward. Take care of them. They haven't had a very good life so far. Don't separate them if you can. Eliza's all Olly has ever had and Olly's everything to Eliza."
"I'll do what I can Edward but it doesn't always turn out the way we want. Also it doesn't help Eliza being 18; if she was 17 it would be easier."
"I understand."
Olly came running down the hall and I scooped him up into my arms.
"I'll miss you daddy."
"I'll miss you too Olly. You need to take care of your sister for me Okay?"
"I will. Take care of momma for me."
"I will Olly. You're going to be a great man when you are older Olly."
"Thank you daddy. I love you."
"I love you too Olly."
He buried his head into my shoulder as tears leaked down his face.
"It's okay Olly. Every thing's gonna be alright. Look at me Olly."
Turning his head, I saw his tear stained face looking up at me.
"Don't think of this as an ending. Think of this as the next adventure. You're going somewhere new and exciting. I want you to have a good time because you need to learn to live every day like it's your last and enjoy what you can because it won't always be there. Do this for me Olly."
"I will dad. I will."
"Good bye Olly."
"Good bye daddy."
I kissed his forehead and watched him run over to Esme and Carlisle. Eliza came over to me, wrapping her arms around me.
"I'll miss you dad."
"I'll miss you too Eliza, so much. Take care of yourself."
"I will. Thank you for everything."
"Thank you for coming to us; you did the right thing."
"I see that now. I'll never forget what you and Bella did for me."
"We'll see each other again. I'll make sure of that."
"I can't wait for that day. Goodbye."
"Goodbye Eliza."
She pulled me closer to her once before pulling back, and looking at my face before throwing her bag over her shoulder and turning to Bella.
"I am really sorry. I can see you all have a strong connection. Stronger than I've seen in a while. Most people don't really care as they will only have to look after the children for a short while before they are gone. When did you meet Eliza?"
"I used to teach her English and Bella taught her English before that. She came to us because she trusts us. We've always been here for her whenever she needed us but she never came to us. Not until about just a week ago."
"I'm sorry."
"They mean a lot to us."
"Why don't you adopt them?"
I looked at her with a smile.
"So you are?"
I nodded my head slightly and a smile lit up her face.
"Why make them go through this?"
"They need to make the choice themselves. We can't control their lives."
"I see. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone."
"Thank you."
"We need to get going."
"Okay."
I nodded to Bella and she hugged Eliza. I looked over to see Esme holding Olly in her arms. Taking him from her, he wrapped his arms around my neck.
"It's time to go now Olly."
"Okay daddy. I love you."
"I love you too Olly, so much. Stay safe."
"I will daddy. I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too Olly."
Handing him over to Eliza, I circled them both and Bella into my arms.
"Good bye guys, we'll see you soon."
"Bye Edward we'll miss you."
"Take care both of you. We'll always be here if you need us. I love you guys."
"We love you too mom."
"Come on. You two need to get going."
"Bye daddy. Bye momma."
"Bye Olly. Good bye Eliza."
We let go of them and watched as they picked up their bags and left the house, following Julia. Bella and I stood at the door, watching them leave. We watched the car drive off and Eliza smiling sadly at us.
"Let's go inside baby. You'll get cold."
"Okay honey."
I led her inside, my arm around her waist.
"Why don't you go talk to Alice for a while? I have some more shopping to do."
"Do you want any help?"
"No thanks baby. I can do it myself."
"I'll come find you in a bit though."
"I'll be waiting for you. I know you and I can tell you are sadder than you let on."
"Of course you are. You're always fine. Fine isn't a real emotion though."
"I know but you just have to understand that I am fine. When I'm with you words can't describe how happy I am but there are times, like now, that mean I'm a bit down. I'm alright though. I still have you."
"That you do baby."
I pecked her lips before she went over to Alice, who was sat on the couch, reading a magazine. Grabbing my laptop from my room, I returned to the kitchen where Esme was making lunch.
"Hey mom."
"Hey son. What are you doing?"
"Shopping."
"You're shopping?"
"Believe it or not, I am. There's a lot I need for tomorrow."
"What are you doing tomorrow?"
"Going to my new house."
"You have a house? Since when?"
"Last week I went to the estate agent and went through a couple houses and found a newly built house that's perfect. I haven't told Bella yet though. I'm going to take her on Wednesday."
"Why do you need me though?"
"It's not completely furnished and I have furniture coming tomorrow. I need you to help with the finishing touches."
"I'll be there. What have you got so far?"
I showed her the items I'd bought for, the living room, dining room, and two of the bedrooms.
"I need some things for the kitchen and another bedroom. The rest is sorted out, but there's nothing to decorate the house. I want some pictures and other little things to give it that final touch. Who better to ask then you, mom?"
"Thanks son. I like your choices so far, but why so many bedrooms?"
"Eliza and Olly. Bella and I are going to adopt them if they want us to."
"That's a great idea Edward. I'm sure they want you to."
"Thanks mom. By the way, Bella wants to make the dinner tonight."
"Tell her she doesn't need to. I've got it covered."
"Come on mom. Just let her do it tonight. You've done all the cooking and cleaning for us this past week. You of all people should know how Bella gets when she can't do anything for herself. You notice too much for your own good. Give her tonight and then you can have control of the kitchen again tomorrow."
"Fine son. If she needs any help, then I'm here."
"Thank you mom."
"No problem son and I'll find you some things for the house."
"Thanks mom."
I spent the rest of the morning looking at furniture and showing it to Esme. Finally I had all the furniture ordered with over-night delivery. Just as I was closing my laptop down, Bella came in holding her head.
"Hey baby. Another head ache?"
"Yeah. It's not too bad though."
"Come here."
I stood up, wrapping my arms around her cupping the back of her head. She nuzzled her face into my chest her arms snaking around my waist. Pecking her head, I held her closer to me.
"Why don't you go lie down for a bit baby? Get some rest."
"Will you come with me?"
"Of course baby. Come on."
Turning to mom, I saw her watching us happily.
"Thank you mom. Love you."
I kissed her on top of her head.
"I love you too son. Take care of Bella."
"I will. Call us when lunch is ready."
"Okay son."
Turning to Bella, I took her into my arms again and scooped her up into my arms. I carried her down the hall to the bedroom and lay her on the bed.
"Get some rest baby."
I lay down next to her and she curled onto my chest.
"Are you still going out tomorrow honey?"
"Yeah. There's something important to do for Christmas. Have you talked to Alice about tomorrow?"
"She was going Christmas shopping tomorrow anyway. We are going to leave at about 10 in the morning. You know Alice. She doesn't know when to stop."
"Okay baby. If you get a headache or your legs hurt, tell Alice. She'll understand. I don't want you to come home with a headache."
"I won't. Don't worry."
"I'll always worry. It's part of me loving you."
"And I love you too."
She turned her head up to mine, slowly pressing her lips to mine. Her hand clenched into my shirt as I kissed her back. I pulled her closer to me, wrapping my arms around her waist. Her tongue ran over my lips and she pulled my bottom lip into her mouth. I moaned into her mouth as her hand wrapped into my hair and gently pulled on it.
"I love you."
Her lips came back to mine as she smiled up at me. The kiss was slow and loving. It slowed more until we were just leaning against each other's foreheads. I pressed my lips to hers a few more times.
"I love you Bella."
"I love you too Edward. You're my life and now, so is our baby. You both mean everything to me."
"I'm going to protect you and our baby with everything I have Bella, because you are the most important thing to me in the world. I can't think of anything that has ever been more important to me than you. We are going to have the most beautiful baby, be that a girl or a boy, with you as the mother, nothing will ever be more beautiful than our little baby."
"As long as they have your stunning emerald eyes, he or she, will be the most beautiful baby ever. What do you think it's gonna be?"
"I don't mind but I think it will be a gorgeous girl. I just have a feeling."
"A girl would be amazing but I think it's gonna be a boy. When he is bigger and starts kicking, I'll tell you what I think then."
"Okay baby. Tell me when you've got some names."
"I will. Come here."
I leaned my head down to hers again, bringing her lips to mine.