The next couple of chapters are dedicated to those who have experienced great loss a the hands of a hurricane. Especially those who survived Harvey, Michael, and Florence.
Even after a year and a half after Hurricane Harvey, Texas (where I call home) is still rebuilding. While I didn't experience much damage in my area, a lot of close friends and the communities I often visit did. Witnessing the destruction firsthand is humbling.
Those who lost everything or nearly everything has come a long way since August 2017, but our communities are being built again, stronger.
Thank y'all for the continued support. Leave your thoughts below!
Downstairs, everyone stood in the formal dining room, looking elegant and poised. Honestly, I was reminded of Downton Abbey and the fancy family dinners they held every evening, everyone held a flute in their hand. Nana Platt wore a silver ankle length dress. The beadwork glimmered gracefully even under the dimmed lights. As we entered the room, her eyes met mine as her red lips sipped from her flute.
I felt a pang as our eyes connected.
"Alright everyone, we can now sit." She rounded the long dining table covered in a beautiful white tablecloth and fine china and stood behind her chair at the head of the table. Carlisle stepped to pull her chair out for her and she gave him a pleased smile. He then offered his assistance to his wife, who sat at the right of Nana Platt. The boys each pulled the female's chairs out for them as well, Edwards hand "accidentally" sweeping over the small of my back. I looked up to him from my chair and gave him a small smirk. He returned an innocent smile.
At the table, Edward and I sat furthest away from his grandmother. Rosalie and Emmett sat next to Esme and Carlisle, then Alice and Jasper sat next to them, in birth order.
A small salad was brought out by two servers and placed in front of everyone. Suddenly hungry, my hand began to move towards my fork. Alice grabbed it, placing it back onto my lap. Thankfully, this escaped Nana's notice. She set her napkin on her lap and looked to everyone, meeting my eyes last.
"Prayers?" She questioned. Everybody began to gather hands, and I followed suit. I looked to Edward to see if I should grab his hand from across the table, but he gave a slight shake to his head.
"In the name of the Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit," Everyone did the sign of the cross and I did my best to follow along. Bowing their heads, I lowered mine too. "Thank you, Lord, for bringing my family together this evening. We again thank you for everyone's safe arrival. Thank you for our blessings today and for our blessings of yesterday. Now we pray, bless us O Lord for these thy gifts, which we are about to receive from thy bounty through Christ our Lord."
I only looked up when I felt Alice bring our hands down and separate hers from mine. Nana was looking at me again.
Blush washed over my cheeks. I saw everyone starting to eat their salads. Alice nudged me to grab the correct fork. I thanked her silently.
"Mother," Esme said softly, "how was your gathering with your friends?"
"It went well. We are in talks for hosting a benefit early next year."
"Wonderful, what is the charity?" Carlisle asked.
"We are still in the final stages of confirmation, but it looks like it will be 'Connor's Closet', a charity which can help women and their newborns who otherwise couldn't afford the basic needs of their baby."
"A worthy cause, Mother."
"Wow, Nana seems like you've picked a great charity this year," Alice smiled.
"Yes, they are quite deserving. I'd love for your help, Esme."
"I can see what my schedule looks like. I have a plethora of new clients. Speaking of my clients, Bella, I sent over your information to a couple of my clients who are building beach homes. I'm sure they would love some seascapes for their new houses."
"I appreciate that, thank you," I smiled to her from across the table.
"Esme spoke of your profession. An artist?" She took another sip of her champagne.
"Yes, ma'am. I own a gallery in Clear Lake. I mostly work in acrylic and oil. Sometimes gauche."
"If I may say, Nana, Bella is truly a talented artist," Carlisle spoke up.
"I would like to judge it for myself." She responded. "You must show me sometime, Isabella."
"Nana, Bella is an avid gardener herself," Edward chimed in.
"Is that so?" Nana quirked a brow at me.
"Yes, ma'am. My garden pales in comparison to yours. Your's is exquisite." I smiled faintly.
"I thank you for your compliments, dear."
I nodded back. It still felt wrong to be sitting here in luxury spearing leafy greens covered in fine vinaigrette while Aro would soon attack Clear Lake. I squirmed in my seat, catching Edward and Nana's attention.
"Something not right, Isabella?"
"Um, just a little nervous about the hurricane making landfall."
"Yes, it is unfortunate."
"We've prepared as best we can, most people have evacuated as a mandatory evacuation was declared. Hopefully, everyone took the mandatory evacuation seriously," Carlisle stated.
"I'd like to watch the news coverage once dinner is done, Nana," Emmett said quietly, rather unlike him.
"I understand everyone is worried, but you are all safe at this moment. Let's enjoy our dinner before worrying about Clear Lake," Nana Platt said decidedly and leaving no room for discussion.
The swinging doors opened, revealing the two servers once more. One server removed all of the salad plates while the other presented soup in small little bowls. In the bustle around the table, I looked at Edward, who raised his eyes to meet mine. He tried to give me an assuring smile, but I could tell he too was worried.
"Esme, dear, you spoke of Isabella's family and our family has a history? I don't quite understand what you meant by that."
"Yes, Mother. Your old friend, Irina Higgenbotham is Bella's great aunt."
"Irina Higgenbotham? I haven't heard that name in ages. Yes, we used to know each other back when we were foolishly young. She never did marry Laurent, did she?"
"No, ma'am," I said quietly. While I had called him "uncle", Laurent and Aunt Irina never did marry but remained a couple until his untimely death when I was around four.
"Irina sure was something else. We had a good friendship while it lasted. In the end, we came from two different worlds. We didn't understand each other."
Her words bothered me.
"My Aunt Irina was one of the best women I've ever known."
"Yes, she was a dear friend of mine, once upon a time. We lost touch after I moved away."
"Remember she used to babysit me, Mother?"
"Of course I remember, Esme. After realizing my place here, I realized she and I had many differences. Our friendship simply fizzled out."
I somehow had the feeling she was embellishing the truth. Esme scrutinized her face before sighing. I could tell she didn't want to have this fight, especially in front of everybody. The Elizabeth Platt she had told me about seemed much different than the Elizabeth Platt sitting before me. This topic was dropped as well, leaving only the clinks of silverware hitting china.
Soon, the main course was brought out.
"Carlisle, you must be proud of Edward for working alongside you. He sure is brilliant."
"Immensely. He is working hard and living up to the Cullen name." He smiled.
"Emmett, I'm not quite sure I understand your new business in Clear Lake."
"Well Nana, we own and operate an auto-mechanic shop. Rose is in charge of all of the financial aspects while I mostly do the diagnosing and repairs. I have a couple of guys who work for me as well."
"And that...line of work satisfies you?"
"It really does, Nana." Emmett shrugged.
"Hmm," she added, but didn't say any more.
"They really have built a name for themselves. I can only expect their business to grow. We are proud of Emmett and Rosalie for the success of their business, we all know what hard work it is." Carlisle added pointedly, yet not sharp enough for Nana to be offended.
"Thanks, Pops," Emmett smiled.
"How are you finding your new job in Clear Lake, Alice?" She had seemed to ignore Carlisle's words.
"Oh, I love it. I have been working with brides and sending out my designs to major companies. I am awaiting responses. If they like my work, they may buy my designs and patterns. I'm also doing some custom work for the shop as well. I've been pretty busy planning my own wedding too."
"Yes, your wedding to Jasper. In November, correct?"
"Yes, November tenth."
"We are all very excited for Alice," Esme beamed, "and Jasper, of course."
A few of us chuckled.
"I am the most excited," Jasper said grinning, "for finally getting to marry the most amazing woman I could have ever found."
"Jasper," Alice squealed.
Everyone smiled.
The dinner seemed to drag on and on. Nana kept the questions and comments coming, leaving everybody slightly uncomfortable, due to her slightly cold commentary. We were all excused and I rushed upstairs to escape the climate in the room and to switch on the TV. It bothered me she didn't seem to care about Aunt Irina. It bothered me she didn't care about our worries and anxieties about the hurricane.
Once alone in Alice's room, I felt as if I could breathe properly again. I felt stifled towards the end of dinner in that dining room. The hurricane was approaching Clear Lake and sitting in that lavish, extravagant dining room ignoring the danger didn't seem right. We had too much to lose.
Frustrated tears formed in my eyes as I sat on the bed, flinging my heels off.
A knock sounded at the door and I quickly brushed the evidence of tears away.
"Come in," I tried to steady my voice but failed.
Edward popped his head in warily, rushing inside and closing the door when he saw the state I was in. He sat next to me on the bed and pulled me into his arms.
"I'm just frustrated," I began.
"I get it. Me too."
"She seemed to disregard my Aunt, and I know there's more to the story she's not explaining."
"And your Aunt isn't here for you to ask her about it or defend herself," he said gently.
"Exactly what I'm thinking. I still miss her every day."
"Bella, you have every right to still miss her. Your grief is completely valid. Especially after the truths you've found out this summer. You are truly unbelievable," he pulled away to look at me in the eyes, "you're so strong. I've seen you endure the truths you've been missing for so many years. Yet, you are still so loving, gentle, and kind, although you have every right to be angry with the world and with people." His words brought a fresh round of tears, yet they were completely different in meaning.
Another knock on the door and Edward moved me into a sitting position. He rose from the bed and answered the door.
"Bella, it's my Mom. Can she come in?" I futilely wiped my eyes again and nodded.
"Bella, sweetheart," she said, coming in and taking Edward's spot on the bed.
"I'm going to change," Edward announced quietly and left the room.
"I want to apologize on behalf of my mother, Bella. It wasn't fair to you for her to brush-off Irina as she did. Your Aunt Irina gave me plenty of wonderful, happy childhood memories, I can't begin to imagine all of the memories she gave you. Moving back to South Carolina changed my mother. She used to not want to end up like her mother, but she started playing a part and became too involved with high society things. Please don't hold it against her too much." She brushed a curl behind my ear.
"I've faced a lot harder things recently than your mother. She won't bring me down."
"Don't allow her to make you feel inadequate. You are so enough, honey. You complete our family." She wrapped an arm around my shoulders and let me cry into her shoulder.
Her words moved me. When I lost Riley, then my Dad and Aunt Irina in a different sense, I didn't feel as if I belonged in my family. Having Esme tell me I belonged in her family meant so much to me.
"Thank you, Esme," I murmured into her shoulder.
"How about we get you changed, everyone is setting up camp in the living room on the other side of the second floor to watch the news. My Mother has retired for the evening."
I nodded, standing up to rummage through my suitcase for some leggings and a comfy t-shirt. "We all love you dearly, sweetheart," she smiled gently and closed the door behind her as she left.
Not finding a t-shirt adequate enough, I tiptoed to Edward's room, knocking gently.
"Come in,"
Pushing open the door, Edward stood over by his dresser, just finishing pulling up his sweatpants. His bare chest, ever so sculpted and muscular, made my heart flutter.
"Can I borrow a t-shirt?" I asked, distracted.
"Sure, just dig through my suitcase," he said, facing the mirror and attempting to brush out the goop that held his hair semi in place. Towards the end of dinner, the bronze mess began to escape the hair gel's restraints.
I walked up behind him, wrapping my arms around his bare waist. "I'm not a fan of the hair gel," I said, smirking and leaning against him.
"Me either," his beautiful face contorted into a scowl, "it's a bitch to get out."
"Just go rinse it out in the sink, you have too much in your hair just to brush out."
"Ugh," he groaned, "you're right," I dropped my arms and he went to the ensuite bathroom. While I heard the sink running, I searched for a t-shirt of his. I found a couple, but settled on the shirt I had previously returned to him that day we had the whole misunderstanding about Tanya.
The water turned off just as I grabbed it and Edward emerged from the bathroom running a towel through his hair.
"I'm claiming this shirt again. Turn around or close your eyes," I said, and he furrowed his brows. "I need to throw on the t-shirt. No peeking!"
Edward's cheeks reddened a twinge and he threw the towel over his shoulder and hands over his eyes.
Satisfied, I quickly took the less comfortable shirt off and pulled the one smelling of Edward over my head.
"Okay," I turned around, "you can look now."
Edward removed his hands from his eyes and yanked a t-shirt on. He gave me a smirk. "Ready?" he held out his hand to me.
"Yes," I replied.
"Oh, and Bella, I definitely peeked."
I swatted his arm and joined him in laughter.
The entire Cullen clan, plus Jasper, of course, sat in the upstairs sitting room. The overhead lights were off, the room was illuminated instead by a couple of table lamps and the lit screen of the TV. Rosalie and Emmett sat ensconced in a loveseat, whispering to each other. Emmett played with the ends of Rosalie's long blonde hair while she laid her head on his chest. I looked away as if I was intruding on an intimate moment.
The rest of the couples were tucked away in their respective choices of seating. Alice and Jasper lounged on the floor on a couple of floor cushions. Alice had her head in Jasper's lap. Jasper dipped his head down and gave Alice's nose a sweet kiss.
Esme and Carlisle sat in the love seat opposite of their eldest son and his wife. Esme had her legs draped over Carlisle's lap and they held hands. They watched the screen with rapt attention.
As Edward led me to the couch, my focused shifted to the screen as well. A reporter stood what seemed to be the covered driveway of a hotel stood wrapped in a raincoat with the hood pulled tight around his face. The rain fell like a curtain, drenching him although he was under a roof. The wind howled behind him. If you looked closely, you could see a single palm tree bent in the wind behind him, trying with all its might to hold on the last few palm leaves it had.
The volume was low, but as soon as Edward and I settled on the couch, Carlisle raised it so everybody could hear.
"–you see. The winds are crazy and are picking up speed as we speak as Aro approaches the coast. I am being told Aro will make landfall within a few minutes. The crew and I are on higher ground so we can bring the latest updates to you if you're watching. The power is out across the affected area of Florida. Please be safe, folks. We are bunkering down as Aro finally hits and will resume coverage with live shots as soon as it is safe for us to report again. Matt is back in our sister studio in Miami."
The logo of the news station appeared on the screen which led to commercials.
"This is it," Emmett said, voice sounding uncharacteristically worried.
"The most important things in my life are right here, sitting around me. No matter what we go back to in Clear Lake, the most important thing is that we are together and safe. Everything is just possessions which can be replaced," Esme said, hugging her husband's side.
Internalizing her words, I realized how true she was. Yes, Aro could destroy our houses, businesses, and our other worldly possessions. What genuinely matters are the people we love and are loved by. I snuggled closer into Edward's side and he wrapped his arm around my waist.
"It is scary," she continued, "to think of our homes enduring damage, but that is exactly what we must do ourselves. Endure. Aro will pass and most likely leave scars, but all we can really do is rebuild. Let's try to keep that in mind as we continue watching the news."
"You are a remarkable woman," Carlisle murmured lovingly. He placed a chaste kiss on her forehead and looked deeply into her eyes, face beaming with pride and admiration.
Everyone was silent as we took in Esme's words.
The news resumed from its commercial break, now a weatherman showed the live doppler of Aro which had now made landfall.
"Aro hit landfall at 9:36 pm as a category three hurricane. His projected path has been updated. We predict Aro will sweep through Orlando, and begin its curved path northwest towards Tallahassee and pass over the border of Georgia and Alabama. Calculations have also predicted the storm will lose strength over its path on land and eventually dissipating while in Alabama."
Everyone stared at the TV as new information came in.
"It's estimated Aro will hover over the coast, the eye of the storm passing through the small town of Clear Lake, a thirty-minute drive south of Daytona Beach. While the coast had been issued a mandatory evacuation, shelters have been established on higher grounds."
"People are still in Clear Lake then?" I asked aloud.
"Yes," Carlisle answered, "The high school was made into a shelter."
"Oh wow, I didn't know," I mumbled.
"I think one or two of the guys from the garage are staying there. Jacob and Aaron." Emmett said.
My eyes darted over to Emmett as he mentioned Jacob.
"I hope they are safe," Esme murmured.
Edward's arms tightened around me.
"We are worried about the rising tides right now. The storm surge measured two and a half feet as of an hour and a half ago, it may increase to five or six feet. While people have been preparing for wind damage, we can not underestimate the danger of flooding due to the storm surge."
The weatherman and anchors continued to discuss the kind of damage to expect and the latest measurements of wind speed.
"The news always builds hype, we can't always trust their predictions," Carlisle said firmly, "The live coverage should resume and give us more hard facts."
According to the radar, the eye of the storm was fast approaching Clear Lake.
"This just in: We are now speaking with Chief Embry Call, Fire Chief of Clear Lake. Bill?"
"Thanks, Karen, we have Chief Embry Call on the phone. Chief Call, what can you tell us about Aro's wrath so far?"
A brief crackling sounded as a slightly muffled voice said, "The eye-wall just passed over us so we are in the calm of the storm. We have about thirty to forty-five minutes of calm winds. It appears we've lost power. The winds have been brutal."
"Have you assessed any damage so far?"
"Briefly. The other first responders and I have been hunkered down in the station and we've only seen what is around us. The building next door to us has partially collapsed, a restaurant. Debris is everywhere, bricks, branches, all sorts of things."
"We are told seniors in the senior citizen home are trapped. Are you going to attempt to rescue them tonight, even through the dark?"
"Oh my word," Esme muttered behind her hand. She buried her face into Carlisle's shoulder.
"Unfortunately it is not safe for us to proceed with any rescues right now, the winds have been too dangerous and we don't have access to the roads with any of our vehicles. Our hands are tied and it's killing all of us."
The reporter stumbled. "That must be the hardest thing," she shook her head, "as first responders to have to sit and wait to help people,".
"It is," Chief Call said gruffly.
"What is your community going through tonight? Clearly, we haven't seen the end of Aro and you've already seen first hand the damage."
"It's just a waiting game, a painful waiting game. It's not safe for people to go outside yet. Everyone is bracing the storm. Those who could not leave town are at a center for evacuees on higher ground."
"As a vital part of the community, what do you fear the most for your town?"
"Uh, just the extreme damage to the town. As I've mentioned, the crew and I haven't been able to assess much damage yet, but it's not...not looking good."
"Well Chief Call, the entire country has our eyes on your town and our thoughts and prayers are with everybody facing Hurricane Aro. Thank you so much for your time."
"Thank you very much," We heard the last of the fire chief and lifeline to Clear Lake.
"That was Chief Embry Call of Clear Lake. Now in the studio, I have..."
"My goodness," Alice sighed.
I leaned into Edward and closed my eyes.
"Are you alright?" he whispered, lips touching my ear.
I took a breath and nodded.
"Take a walk with me?" I nodded again and he slipped from underneath me and helped me up. "Bella and I will be right back," he said as he led me through the double doors.
He stayed silent, leading us by his hand down the grand staircase and through the kitchen. He opened the back door leading into the backyard. Our bare feet padded over the deck and down the steps and over the grass which was damp with dew. In a secluded part of the vast green backyard, behind an enormous oak tree, a hammock swayed slightly in the breeze.
"This used to be my favorite spot when I was a kid, even into my teenage years."
"It's beautiful, peaceful."
"I loved swinging on the hammock. Sometimes Emmett would push me. We took turns. He definitely flipped me over a few times," He smiled at the memory.
"I can't even imagine the trouble the three of you got into while you were here. There's so much to do, so much nature. It's breathtaking, although I'm partial to the beach," I smiled timidly.
"I'm partial to anywhere where you are," He pulled us down carefully onto the hammock, the momentum gently swinging us. I curled my legs and settled into his side, resting my head and hand on his chest.
"You're so cheesy. I love it," I swatted his chest.
"I know you love the cheese," he chuckled, the vibration through his chest felt nice against my cheek.
Crickets chirped around us and the breeze played gently with the leaves. A wave of peace filled me.
"You know just what I need, Edward."
"Hm?" I reveled in the vibrations again.
"You always know how to help me."
"I try my best to anticipate your needs."
"It's one of the reasons I love you."
"Just one? Tell me some other reasons."
"Your compassion. You inherited it from your mom. You have a want—no—a need to help people. When you talk about your work, your eyes light up. You're going to be a great doctor, just because of how much you care about people."
"That was very well thought out."
"I've loved you a while, Edward. It's not hard to find the ways I love you."
"Tell me another." His hand snuck around my waist.
"I love how you have brought the fun back into my life."
"What do you mean?"
"Before I met you, I stuck with a routine. Wake up, work, eat, clean, sleep, repeat. You broke me out of my routine—something I'm thankful for. Yes, I hung out with friends, but we usually stuck to dinner and drinks. Angela and I have the most in common and get along very well. We've done fun things together, but they are always so...planned. You bring spontaneity into my life."
We stayed silent for a little bit.
"I'll tell you one more, but only one so you don't have a big head. I love how you're so fucking hot."
He burst into laughter, quite loud laughter, and smacked his hand over his mouth. I chuckled alongside him.
"You think I'm fucking hot?" his body shook with laughter, albeit much quieter.
"Who doesn't, Edward?"
After another laughing fit, we fell into silence once again.
"Do you know the reasons I love you?" he asked.
"I don't."
"You're so talented. In multiple mediums. I see your love of creating as I watch you paint, or while trying to teach me to do anything remotely creative. Your art makes you happy, infectiously happy."
I pondered his words. I did love to create. I loved the feeling of seeing what my hands could whip up. How they could create something out of nothing with the flick of the brush or pencil.
"You're incredibly intelligent. We have amazing, thoughtful conversations I always look forward to."
"I'm not that smart, Edward."
"You truly do not see yourself clearly. Who else would have known bread is actually bad for ducks? Remember when you brought corn to our first date at the park?"
"You consider that our first date?"
"I do, what do you consider our first date?"
"I would say that picnic was part one of our first date. Dinner later that evening was part two."
"Ah, I see," he paused, "One more thing I love about you is how you fit seamlessly into my family. You, Alice, and Rosalie get along stupendously. Emmett loves you and sees you as his second little sister. Jasper really admires you too, especially for your tenacity. My parents, they fawn over you. My mom feels a special connection with you, partly because of your great aunt, but also because you are you. It's hard not to love you." Another pause. The last thing, you are really fucking hot!"
It was my turn to laugh, although I knew to keep my volume down. "Oh shut up, Edward!"
"You, my Bella, are unequivocally, devastatingly exquisite." His lips met my forehead.
"Alright, Mr. Vocabulary Master," I looked up at him and shook my head.
"You don't understand how attractive you are, Bella. Men fall at your feet."
"Oh yeah, like who? Other than you!"
"That Jacob guy, from Emmett's garage."
My face paled.
"Jacob?"
"Emmett told me about him making moves on you," he chuckled.
"I didn't know he was at the time, Edward, I could have turned him down bet—"
"Hey," he cradled my chin in his hand that wasn't wrapped around my waist, "I trust you. Emmett told me was persistent, but you still politely ignored his advances. If he bothers you or becomes too much for you to handle let me know, and I can help him figure out you're clearly uninterested in him. You're not interested in him, right?"
"Of course not! How could you think that?"
"I don't. I just had to ask," he shrugged.
"I only am interested in one person, someone else 'fucking hot'," giggles escaped my lips.
"Do you know how 'fucking hot' it is to hear the word 'fucking' come from your lips?" He almost growled, lips coming closer to mine. "Cause it's fucking hot."
He kissed me with force, such a force the hammock swayed backward. His lips furiously crashed into mine, his hands tangling in my loose waves. His lips moved to my neck and my hands found their way into his hair. I gasped as the sensation of his lips on me sparked a thrill through my body, all the way to the tips of my toes.
"Edward," a breathy sigh left my throat.
His lips traveled back up to my jaw, over my cheek, and finally my lips.
"I love you, Isabella Swan, so fucking much."
"Edward Cullen, I can't imagine loving someone more than I love you."
We stayed there, gently swaying in the cool night breeze, trying to remain distracted from the horrors of Hurricane Aro. This moment, laying in his arms, full of light touches and innocent kisses, was to be our last sweet moment together before facing what was left of our lives in Clear Lake.
The conversation between the news reporter and Chief Embry Call was based on an actual news report between the fire chief of Rockport, TX and a news anchor during Hurricane Harvey.