This is really bad if we’re being dragged to the head honcho’s office.
Edward must have seen my worried look, so he gave my hand a gentle squeeze. I looked up at him, getting lost in his eyes.
How is it possible that one look from this man can make all my worries evaporate?
I took a calming breath as we crowded inside the Director’s office.
The man behind the desk was big and intimidating, although surprisingly young for such a high level position. He stood up from his desk.
“Mr. Swan, what do you have to say for yourself?” He stated, glaring at my brother.
Emmett stood there with his hands on his hips, glaring back. “I think the better question would be, what the hell do you want with me douche bag?” He said as he crossed his arms over his chest in the official ‘fuck you’ stance.
Our entire group gasped at the same moment.
What the hell is Emmett doing? Doesn’t he realize that this guy can have him arrested?
If Emmett were to get arrested, I was pretty sure that Chief Swan would be on the next flight to L.A. in order to rip out his liver.
And serve it with some fava beans and a nice chianti.
Shut the hell up Hannibal, this is no time for jokes.
I saw Rose relax her shoulders and start to chuckle.
She’s finally flipped her lid. Emmett has driven Rose crazy. It’s okay Bella, you can visit her in the nuthouse on the days you’re not visiting Emmett in prison.
I was mentally trying to calculate how many visits I could fit into my week, when Emmett and Mr. Director started to laugh at the same time.
Emmett pulled the guy into a big bear hug, and then turned to face us with his arm around Mr. D’s shoulders. “Everyone, I’d like you to meet an old friend of mine, Elliot Robbins. We went to high school together.”
Elliot.
After thinking about it, I remembered Emmett talking about his buddy Elliot. He said something about Elliot joining the Marines and going overseas.
I guess that changed.
We all breathed a sigh of relief, and everyone started chattering at once.
“Sorry if I frightened some of you” Elliot was grinning. “When one of my guys saw this idiot doing the Jedi training on the security monitor, he called me in there to watch. We were both laughing our asses off, when I realized that it was Emmett. I couldn’t let you leave without seeing you man.” He slapped Emmett on the back.
“I heard you were working here.” Emmett told him. “I even asked one of the guards when I first arrived if you were here, but he told me he thought you were off today.”
“I don’t usually work on Saturday, so this is a stroke of luck.” Elliott answered.
Emmett introduced each of us to Elliott. He already knew Rose. Turns out that Elliott had been in the military for several years, and was a decorated combat veteran. He married a girl from California, and when his last tour of duty was over, jumped at the chance to take this job with Disney so that they could settle down. “We’re expecting a baby in a couple of months.” He beamed.
We all congratulated him. “I hope that Jen and the baby will be up to the trip to Forks for our ten year reunion this summer.” Elliot said.
Emmett looked a little put out. “I haven’t heard anything about that.”
Elliot frowned. “Maybe those women on the reunion committee are holding grudges.” He laughed.
Emmett looked confused now. “I never did anything to them, why would they hate me?”
Elliot shook his head “Because Emmett, you never gave any of them the time of day. You ignored them, and dated a girl from Seattle. Every one of them hated Rose with a passion.”
Rose spoke up then. “Elliot, I’d appreciate it very much if you’d keep us informed about this reunion.”
“Do you want to go babe?” Emmett asked.
Rose narrowed her eyes as she answered. “You’d better believe it. Whether they realize it or not, it seems that there are a couple of bitches in Forks waiting for Rosalie to ‘bring it’.“
Oh my.
--V&V--
“Now ladies, I need you all to follow me. The boys and I have a special treat planned for you.” Christopher announced as he led us to the building that served as our makeshift dressing room this morning.
We had just had dinner, and had been planning to enjoy the rest of our evening at a leisurely pace until it was time for the fireworks display.
Evidently, our men had other plans.
Inside, we found three beautiful vintage dresses. Well they were vintage 1940’s repro, designed no doubt by Christopher. He even had a couple of people on hand to fix our hair and makeup.
“What’s going on Chris?” Alice questioned. “It’s not every day you can sneak something past me. It’s making me feel strangely off-balance.”
Chris smiled and kissed her cheek. “For once Alice, just sit back and enjoy the ride, don’t try to manage everything.” He patted her hand before exiting the room.
We were buzzing with excitement as we got ready, all three of us wondering what the boys could possibly have planned. We were dressed and ready to go in no time. I thought it ironic that Edward and I had been discussing the World War II era, and now the girls and I had dressed the part.
The sight that greeted our eyes when we exited the building, caused my heart to skip a beat, and my knees to go weak. All the boys, including Chris and Gerry were waiting for us. They all wore black pants with white dinner jackets, a single red rose in their lapels.
The editor of GQ would kill to have this photo op L.B.
I walked over to the love of my life, he smiled as he offered his arm to me. “You are beautiful beyond words Isabella.” He leaned down and murmured close to my ear.
“You’re pretty yummy yourself Mr. Movie Star.” I smiled up at him.
I expected everyone to recognize Edward as we passed through the throng of park patrons, but found it more amusing when they also took note of the other members of our party. I saw a lot of slack-jawed looks of amazed wonder. I had to admit that we did make a striking display. This was one of those times that I actually felt beautiful, and worthy of being on Edward’s arm.
“Where are we going?”
“Patience Miss Swan, you’ll see soon enough.” He kept grinning as the boys led us toward Carnation Plaza Gardens.
Evidently, they held ‘Swing Dancing’ here every Saturday night.
“We’re going swing dancing!” Alice exclaimed excitedly, as she hugged Jasper and then ran over to Chris, throwing her arms around his neck. “Thank you Christopher. You knew I always wanted to do this. You thought of everything.”
“Alice dear, you know I’m very much a perfectionist. I believe if we’re going to do something, we ought to do it right.” He smiled indulgently at her.
I noticed the band getting ready to start. “Don’t tell me you know how to swing dance too Edward?”
“Isabella, I learned how to swing dance in high school.” He quirked an eyebrow, I resisted the urge to lick it. “I also had a refresher course for the movie.”
“Well, I can’t do it.” I muttered.
“You will be fine. Just follow my lead.”
The next thing I knew, the band began playing, and Edward pulled me into his arms to dance. ‘Following his lead’ was easier than I thought, and before long I was relaxed and enjoying myself.
“Chris had no way of knowing this, but I have a weakness for white dinner jackets. I think it must stem from seeing Sean Connery as James Bond years ago.” I grinned.
Edward raised his eyebrows. “Miss Swan are you telling me that you have a thing for James Bond?”
I thought for a moment. “Well, maybe only Sean Connery.” I smiled. “If you ever played Bond, I’d definitely have a thing for you.”
“Okay I admit it, I already have a thing for you.” I laughed.
Then I thought about all the ‘Bond girls’. “On second thought, don’t ever play Bond, that would be a terrible role for you.”
Skanky Bond girls
Edward laughed. He was so on to me.
We spent the next couple of hours dancing and enjoying the music and atmosphere. I watched in fascination as one elderly couple took to the dance floor. They were probably our age when this music first became popular, and I could almost see the years melt away as they gazed into each other’s eyes.
“I hope we’ll be like that one day Bella.” Edward spoke into my ear as we watched them.
He’s so sappy and sweet.
I took turns dancing with all the guys from our group, not flinching once when they held me.
Edward has changed my life in so many ways. I’m learning to trust again.
Although I wasn’t brave enough to venture outside of our circle of friends, I still felt as though I’d taken a huge step forward.
“So did you enjoy your Spring break Bellaboo?” My brother asked as we danced.
“Well Emmett, for a week that started out as shit, it’s definitely ending with fireworks.” I said with a grin, alluding to the display we’d be attending later.
We both laughed as we watched Edward and Alice ‘jitterbug’ across the dance floor.
I looked back at my brother and decided to broach the subject that had been on my mind. “What’s going on big brother? Rose is worried, and I covered for you, but I know the way you’ve been acting isn’t just about Mom.”
Emmett shook his head. “You know me too well Sissy.” He got a serious look on his face as he continued. “I’ve been thinking about the wedding.”
I worried my lip. “You’re not changing your mind are you Em? That would destroy Rose.” I whispered.
His eyebrows shot up in surprise. “No! Nothing like that.” He paused, gathering his thoughts. “It’s just that the more I think about that day, the more I realize what I want. Rose keeps pestering the living shit out of me for a decision about where to have the ceremony. I’ve been running all the options over and over in my head, but keep coming back to one.”
This was a relief. Emmett wasn’t concerned about getting married, only about where.
Please don’t let it be in the middle of Qwest Field.
I waited for him to speak.
He began in a whisper, something I’d always thought him incapable of, “I really want a church wedding.”
I didn’t know what to say.
“I know you probably think I don’t care Bells, but I actually do.” He slowed his dancing as he spoke. “It’s not like Rose is attached to any one faith. The only time she goes to church is with me.”
“There was a time, after Mom died, that I hated the church. I couldn’t understand how God could let that stuff happen to our family. But, as the years have passed, the more I’ve spoken with Father Pat, I’ve come to understand that bad shit happens to good people sometimes.”
“Even though our shit was really bad, there have been plenty of people that have survived worse.” He stopped dancing altogether now. “I’d kind of like to rejoin the church. I think it’s important for our kids to have that in their lives, but I also want it for me.“
“Wow. It sounds like you’ve been giving this a lot of thought.“ I said, amazed.
“Yeah, I really want to start things the right way. Now I just need to talk to Father Pat, and see what he says.”
“Emmett, I think you’d better speak with Rose first, this is her wedding too.” I said, knowing full well that Rose would want whatever made Emmett happy.
“Yeah, I’ll do that as soon as we get back. I was thinking of talking to Father Pat next weekend when we go to Forks for Easter.” He added.
“Sounds like a plan.” I smiled at my brother.
--V&V--
We all thanked Chris profusely for the wonderful evening, when it was time to leave for the fireworks.
As expected, the fireworks display was spectacular. Edward stood behind me and pulled me against him, his arms around my waist as we watched. Now and then I would feel a kiss on my neck or shoulder.
Did my insides just melt into goo? Affirmative L.B.
After the fireworks, our early morning wake-up call started to catch up with us, and we had to say goodbye to the Happiest Place on Earth.
Emmett didn’t get us tossed out after all.
--V&V--
The music started to play, and I was aware of being in my church in Forks. I was wearing a white gown. I saw Edward at the altar, waiting in a black tux. His back was to me, but I’d recognize that tousled bronze hair anywhere.
I ran up the aisle to him, reaching out and touching his arm as soon as I was close enough.
Edward turned to face me. But instead of the brilliant green eyes I expected to see, I was greeted with the dark, dead eyes of Jeff Dryden.
I watched as the tousled bronze hair became a dull mop of dirty blond.
“You didn’t think I’d ever give you up did you Isabella?” He leered at me as he grasped both my upper arms painfully with his hands. “You’re mine. You will always be mine.”
“No” I whimpered. “I love Edward.”
“You love me Isabella. You always have. You’re just confused, but that’s alright. I’m here now and I will get rid of anything or anyone that stands in our way.”
My eyes searched the church, frantically trying to find Edward. I gasped in horror when I saw the lifeless bodies of those I loved lying strewn about the floor behind Jeff. I sobbed as I recognized each one, Charlie, Emmett, Rose.
“What have you done?” I cried. Father Pat, Alice, Jasper, Chris, Esme and Carlisle, all dead. Then, I saw him, my beloved. Overwhelming grief took hold of my heart, I couldn’t even think his name. He was lying still and lifeless next to the bodies of his parents. “No, no, no, Edward” I wept uncontrollably as I tried to free myself from Jeff‘s grasp.
“Bella, sweetheart” I heard a frantic voice calling. “Bella, wake up. Please Bella.”
I opened my eyes to find myself safe in the circle of Edward’s arms. “Bella, you’re trembling. That must have been quite a nightmare.” Edward said in a worried voice.
I lay there unable to speak for several minutes because every time I tried, the only sound to leave my lips was another sob. I couldn’t shake the image of everyone I loved lying there dead. Edward held me, waiting patiently.
After a while, I calmed enough to speak. “It was terrible Edward.” I whispered. “He killed everyone. Jeff killed everyone.” I couldn’t think about it or I knew that a whole new round of tears would start.
I took a deep cleansing breath.
Edward was quiet for a few minutes.
“Bella, don’t get mad at me, but do you see a therapist?” He spoke quickly now “There’s no shame in it you know. They can help.”
“I used to see someone in Port Angeles, but I haven’t been in a couple of years.” I said sadly. “I thought I was getting better.”
Edward held me tighter. “Bella, all I know is from my own experience, but sometimes we still need help from time to time. Our needs and our reasons change, but a therapist helps give us perspective. Even if the problems seems small and insignificant.”
“You see one?” I asked.
“Yes. Not regularly like I used to, but if I’m having a problem, I’ve found that seeing my therapist can only help me. I think you should consider going back.”
I thought about this. My nightmares had all but disappeared since meeting Edward, with the exception of the ranger episode and seeing the Dryden family on television. If a therapist could help me put an end to the bad dreams once and for all, it would definitely be worth the embarrassment of having to bare my soul.
“You’re right. I’ll call this week.”
He smiled and kissed my nose. “Let’s get ready. We’ve got another big day ahead of us.”
Today I would have to say goodbye to California. Although I was very sorry to leave Alice and Jasper, the fact that Edward would be flying with me, and spending a few days in Seattle before leaving for England, more than made up for it.
It was Palm Sunday, I was going to Mass fairly early because there were still a couple of touristy things we wanted to do before flying home this evening.
Everyone decided to tag along to Mass, so I chose a church close to our first ‘tourist’ spot.
About ten minutes into Mass, Emmett gave me the ‘beam me up Scotty’ stare. I guessed that he agreed with my suspicion that the priest was an ex-hippy.
There’s nothing EX- about it Bella. This dude is guaranteed to be a dashiki and bead-wearing, incense-burning, touchy, feely Deadhead if ever I saw one.
I guess I’d been spoiled by Father Pat’s conservative ways, and the Archbishop in Seattle who always said a very dignified Mass. I had to remind myself that I was in southern California, and things here were a little different.
But then again, the church I went to last Sunday was okay. Maybe it’s just this priest. I chanced a look at Alice, and she looked appalled.
If I know Alice, it’s because the parishioners were wearing ‘casual clothing’ to church. In Alice’s mind, that would be unforgivable.
Because we’d chosen the earlier Mass, there wasn’t a large crowd in attendance. This must have been what prompted Father Freak Brother to leave the altar during the sign of peace and shake hands with each person individually while distributing the palms.
I wonder if he smells like reefer.
I felt bad for thinking that, until Emmett leaned down and whispered in my ear. “I wonder if he smells like reefer.” I looked at him and we both started snickering.
Not wanting to know the answer to the question, I held my breath as Father Freakshow approached.
“Welcome my friends. Welcome to our Lord’s humble abode. I’m merely the caretaker. Remember our minds are like parachutes, they only work when they’re open.”
Charlie would love that shit.
Emmett whispered again. “I think Pops deserves a vacation in southern California, and I know exactly where I’m taking him to Mass.”
I snickered again, which was quite difficult while still holding my breath.
Father Take-a-toke finally arrived at our pew, hesitating a little longer than usual when he recognized Edward. He handed him a palm. “Good to see you my brother in Christ. Like Ghandi, we should not be ashamed to become pacifists. You should ask for the Lord’s guidance before accepting your next movie role. Glorify peace, not violence.”
I didn’t laugh this time, but heard Emmett and Jasper snickering.
I noticed Edward had a strange look on his face. Probably debating whether it would be acceptable to tell Father Half-Baked to ‘fuck off’. Thankfully, he remained silent. My title as the only member of our group to have uttered the ‘F’ word in church remaining unchallenged.
Emmett grabbed Father Bong-breath’s hand “Hey there Padre. Did you by any chance attend Woodstock?”
I stomped on Emmett’s foot for causing me to hold my breath even longer. I was sure my face was turning purple by this time.
Father Fruitcake’s face lit up at that. “You are very perceptive my friend. It was an experience that changed my life.” He said as he walked away.
I finally released the breath I was holding, while everyone around me shook with silent laughter.
--V&V--
“Rosalie, has anyone ever told you that you’re weird?” I asked my future sister-in-law.
We were standing in the middle of Westwood Memorial Park, yes a cemetery. Not just any cemetery though, this one housed the remains of more than it’s fair share of deceased celebrities.
“You aren’t the first to say so, believe me.” Rose smiled as she peered over the top of her sunglasses at me.
Rose had insisted that we pay our respects to two women she admired. One long dead, and one more recently deceased, Marilyn Monroe and Bettie Page.
After doing just that, Edward and I had wandered away from the others. Every so often we would come across the grave of someone whose name we recognized, and whose life’s work we had enjoyed.
“It kind of makes me feel small” remarked Edward in a somber voice.
“How so?” I asked.
“Well look at them all Bella. All the money, all the fame, it didn’t give them one more minute on earth did it?” He then laughed darkly. “Living and working in Hollywood, we are made to feel that every project we work on is the most important thing ever. It would be easy to get lost in the feeling that you’re going to live forever and that neither illness nor death can touch you. But, in the end, even the rich and powerful wind up here, or someplace just like it.”
“I guess it’s a good thing that you weren’t taken in by the lie then, isn’t it Edward?”
He nodded as he pulled me close to his side while we glanced at the gravestone of yet another member of Hollywood’s golden age.
Suddenly I heard a vaguely familiar female voice call from behind us. “I had a feeling we would meet again, I just didn’t think it would be so soon.”
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