“I’m okay Dad.” I said as I tried to calm down. “I’m just freaking out a little.”
“Why? Tell me what’s going on Bella.” Charlie said in a demanding tone.
I took a deep breath and began quietly. “I got another flower delivery, and I know it shouldn’t scare me like this, but it does. I can’t help how I feel. It’s just that everything had been going along so well and I’d put the first delivery out of my mind because I’ve been so happy and…”
“Bells, stop.” My Dad cut off my rambling. “First of all. You’re not over-reacting to this. It’s perfectly normal, given what you went through.”
It was unusual for Charlie to refer to my mother’s death. The subject was taboo for him. It was the only indication I had that he was truly upset about this.
“I need to ask you a few questions. You need to be calm. Can you do that?” He ordered.
“Yes.”
He sighed. “Okay. Where are you right now?”
“I’m at work.”
“Good, so Rose is there with you?”
“She’s here, but I didn’t tell her about the flowers.” I said quietly.
“As soon as we’re finished, I want you to go to Rose’s office and tell her. You are not to go anywhere without someone accompanying you. It can be Rose or Emmett or Lou, as long as one of them is with you. Do you understand?”
He’s even bossier than Edward.
“Yes Dad.” I didn’t even consider arguing with him.
“I’m going to get in touch with the Seattle P.D. and have someone call to question you.” He said in a gentler tone. “I take it that the flowers were delivered to the station?”
“Yes, both times.”
“Was there a card with this one?”
“Yes. It was unsigned and only contained the word “Soon”.”
“Okay Bella. I don’t think you need to panic about this. Just continue to be careful. It doesn’t sound like this guy knows where you live. He hasn’t called or sent you any text messages has he?”
“No.” I started to relax a little at my father’s words.
“So, it’s probably safe to say that he doesn’t have your phone number.” Charlie sounded a little relieved. “Feel a little better now?” He asked.
I released a breath. “I guess so.”
“Promise me you won’t go anywhere alone.” He insisted.
“I promise.”
“Good. Listen, I’m going to let you go so I can make that call. Are you going to be okay?”
“Yeah Dad. I’ll go tell Rose.” I answered.
“Okay. I’ll call you later. I love you Bells.”
“Love you too Dad.”
I sucked up my courage and carried the vase of flowers with me into Rose’s office. She was on the phone, but I noticed how her brow furrowed as soon as it mentally registered what I was carrying.
She quickly ended the call. “When did those arrive?” She asked with an edge of anger in her voice.
“A few minutes ago.” I answered quietly. “I already called Dad.”
Rose’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Good Bella. That was the right thing to do.”
I went on to tell Rose about Charlie’s instructions, and she agreed wholeheartedly.
“Bells, no one wants you to worry unnecessarily, but there’s no point being stupid about this. Better safe than sorry.” She reminded.
About an hour later, I received a call from Officer Burton. I remembered her from my park ranger ordeal. She questioned me for about fifteen minutes before advising that there really wasn’t anything they could do. Unfortunately two flower deliveries weren’t considered any kind of threat.
When I got home, I knew I’d have to tell Edward about the flowers, and I also knew that he’s flip his shit.
Rose went straight to her apartment, while I was met at my door by Emmett. “Bells, I spoke with Pops. He questioned the florist and said that the orders both times were paid in cash, but no one can give a description of who placed them. They couldn’t even remember if the customer was male or female. Not a lot of help there I‘m afraid.”
“I know you feel uncomfortable, but it’s nothing to panic about. You may just have a secret admirer.” He tried to play this off, but I knew my brother. Inside he was seething.
“Thanks Emmett.”
“Are you going to be okay for a couple of hours, I promised to take Rose out to dinner.” He looked a little sheepish. “I want to make up for being a jerk.”
I laughed. “I’ll be fine. Have a good time.”
“I already checked your apartment for assholes. Make sure to lock yourself in.” He instructed.
I smiled at that. “Thanks brother.” I said before turning and disappearing into my apartment.
“Hey baby.” Edward said as soon as I connected to skype.
“Hi.” I answered with a smile. “I have to tell you something.”
There was no sense in dragging this out.
His eyebrows shot up with curiosity. “Oh yeah?”
I swallowed. “I got another vase of yellow carnations today.”
Edward looked down and muttered a low “fuck” before raising his eyes to look at me again. He was angry. “Was there a card?”
“Yes. It just said the word ‘soon’, and was unsigned.” I answered. “But I’ve already spoken with my Dad, he’s investigating it, and has involved the Seattle police. Everything’s fine, no need to worry.”
He seemed pleasantly surprised that I’d acted so quickly. “I’m glad to hear that you’re taking this seriously Bella, but I‘m always going to worry about you.” He blew out a breath. “What did Charlie say?”
I told him what my Dad had found out, but didn’t share what Officer Burton told me. If Edward found out that the police could do nothing until an actual crime had been committed, I would imagine he’d find a way to be on the next flight home. As much as I’d love to have him back here, I was not going to allow the fact that I may or may not have a stalker, interfere with his career.
After I forced Edward to go to sleep, I stayed up working on homework until I heard Rose come through the door.
She walked back to my bedroom and stood in my doorway with a pissed-off expression on her face.
What now?
Rose didn’t wait for me to ask before she started speaking. “Your brother is driving me crazy.”
“What happened?” I asked in a weary tone.
“Well, let’s see. First of all, before we even left the apartment, he apologized again for accusing me of dressing like a floozy, just before he pointed out that the dress I was wearing was showing too much cleavage.”
“And how did you respond to that?“ I asked.
“I gave him a titty twister, and threatened to give his balls the same treatment if he didn’t shut up about my wardrobe.”
I couldn’t help the laugh that exploded from me. Rose just grinned.
“So, everything was fine for a while after that, until he confided in me that his biggest fear was that he’d forget what I looked like naked.”
What a deep thinker my brother is.
“He’s such a jackass.” Rose admitted. “I reminded him that it was only a couple of months, and that I was certain he’d survive.”
“After that he got really quiet for a long time. What really concerned me was that he wasn’t eating, instead he just seemed to be playing with his food.” She said seriously.
Wow, Emmett never misses a meal. He must be really upset.
“I started to worry. I mean, my poor monkey man must be really sad not to eat his dinner. He was hanging his head, and wouldn’t look up at me.”
Rose sighed. “Then I happened to look down at his plate, and realized that he was arranging his food into the shapes of female body parts” She said in a disgusted tone. “He had even sculpted a pair of breasts with his mashed potatoes for crying out loud.”
Ew.
“I asked him what the hell he was doing. He responded that those were my body parts, and he was doing a ‘memory exercise’. It was like having dinner with a horny thirteen year old boy.” She muttered.
My brother is a freak.
“What did you do?” I asked, thoroughly disgusted.
“I smacked him in the head of course. He made my tits look lopsided.”
This time I bit my lip to keep the laugh from escaping.
Rose sighed again and sat down on the bed beside me. “Then I offered to blow him in the car.” She grinned mischievously. “…aaand then he called me Jezebel again.” She blurted out a laugh.
“Okay, first of all I never needed to know that.” I said as I cringed. “but second, I don’t think he’s going to make it two months.” I chuckled.
“I don’t know about that.” Rose replied. “I only know that if he keeps tweaking my nerves, being horny will be the least of his problems.“ She responded with a smirk.
--V&V--
The next day, I was busily working at my desk when the receptionist informed me that I had a ‘visitor’. I had freaked myself out to the point that I was almost afraid to walk out there. Images of a creepy guy with a vase of yellow carnations were running through my head.
Imagine my surprise when I rounded the corner and was greeted by the brilliant smile of my future mother-in-law.
The reminder of my upcoming nuptials, woke the butterflies in my stomach.
As I approached, Esme’s smile grew even wider. When she held her arms open to me, I didn’t think twice about walking straight into her embrace.
“Oh Bella. I tried to behave. I left you alone for two whole days, but I find that I must kidnap you for lunch today.” She said as she hugged me.
This felt nice. I had missed this. Hugs from a Mom. She was Edward and Alice’s Mom, but somehow I knew that she was mine now too.
In a way.
She smelled nice. Not the same as my Mom, but nice. Really expensive perfume kind of nice.
I tried to push thoughts of my own mother away, or I knew I would end up blubbering right there in the reception area.
Rose had already left to have lunch with her mother, no doubt to discuss wedding plans. So Esme had saved me from having a sandwich at my desk.
I returned her smile. “Let me get my purse.”
We ate at a very stylish restaurant in downtown Seattle. I was really glad I hadn’t dressed down for work today. As we waited for our drinks she began.
“So.” Her eyes twinkled as she looked at me, then suddenly, she grabbed my hand to look at the ring. “It’s lovely.” She whispered. “I’m so glad you didn’t decide to hide this from the public. Alice and I are terrible at keeping secrets.” I noticed a serious look cross her face for a moment. “Well, happy secrets anyway.” Her smile returned.
I smiled back. I had been so excited about marrying Edward, I hadn’t thought about all the attachments that came with it. This wonderful woman would not only be a second mother to me, some day she would be our children’s grandmother.
Crap. I’m back to almost blubbering again.
Esme patted my hand. “It’s a little overwhelming isn’t it sweetie.” She said quietly. “Look, soon enough I will want to talk wedding plans with you, but not today. Edward needs to be included, and I can’t in good conscience bring up the subject with him so far away. Alice, on the other hand, will probably start pestering you. She has no qualms about excluding Edward.” Esme laughed.
Knowing Alice as I did, I laughed too. “Luckily for you both, she’s a little busy with Rosalie and Emmett’s wedding.” Then her voice dropped to a whisper. “But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
Lunch was wonderful, and the conversation with Esme even better. I’d spent time with her before, but we always seemed to talk about Edward and Alice’s childhood. This time, she told me about her parents and siblings. Her father was a widower, living in Chicago. She had two sisters and a brother all living in the Chicago area. Carlisle had only one sister. She lived in Montreal with her family.
I suppose I’ll meet them all at our wedding. If we have a big wedding.
The thought made me a little nervous, so I pushed it away.
Too soon, it was time to go back to work. Esme and I decided we would meet for lunch every Wednesday until graduation. I knew that soon the luncheon conversations would turn into wedding planning.
I can’t wait to ‘be’ married to Edward. I just have to ‘suck it up’ and deal with the ‘getting’ married first.
That evening, during my skype time with Edward, we discussed the days events.
“Guess who I had lunch with today?” I asked.
“Hmm, I don’t think I can guess.” He grinned. “Possibly my mother?”
“How did you know?” I asked.
“I try to call her every few days as I’m leaving the studio, just to touch base. She told me she wanted to have lunch with you some time this week. She didn‘t pressure you about wedding plans did she?”
“Oh no Edward, nothing of the kind. We had a really nice visit. She told me all about her family.“
He smiled.
“She mentioned that her father lives in Chicago, and that got me thinking.”
“Yes?”
“Well, do you suppose I could meet him, you know, when we go on the Route 66 trip. We’re starting in Chicago.” I said in a quiet voice.
“Bella, that’s a wonderful idea. I’ve had such tunnel vision about finishing this film, I’d completely forgotten about the road trip. That would be great. He’ll like you very much.” Edward said as he winked.
I smiled, relieved that maybe I could meet the members of Edward’s family a little at a time instead of being overwhelmed at a wedding.
“I was also thinking about our wedding.” I said as I swallowed.
Edward’s head perked up at those words. “Yes?” I had his full attention.
“Well, at the very least, we should start thinking about the when. Don’t you think?” I asked timidly.
I can’t believe I’m actually bringing this up without being forced.
Now he was smiling from ear to ear. “Of course Bella. I told you if it were up to me, I’d have married you yesterday. I’ll be happy with any date you choose sweetheart.”
I cleared my throat. I had actually been giving this a lot of thought. “Well, at first I thought December would be a good time. You know, after you finish filming with Clint. Alice had mentioned how she ‘saw us’ having a winter wedding.”
Edward continued to smile, but I registered a slight disappointment in his eyes.
“But” I took a deep breath because once I said this out loud, there was no going back “the more I thought about it, the more I realized I didn’t want to wait that long.”
Edward was watching me intently now.
“So,” I blew out another breath “how would you feel about August? Maybe around August 14th? It would be after Emmett and Rose return from their honeymoon, but before you start filming. If you don’t want to do it then I’ll totally understand…” I had been staring down at my hands the entire time, and finally ventured a peek at Edward.
The look of sheer happiness, adoration and love I saw on his face literally took my breath away.
“Say something Edward.” I whispered.
He cleared his throat. “I really wish you were here with me right now, because I desperately need to kiss you Bella.”
I smiled, relieved.
“I love you so much.” He continued to smile as he sat contemplatively. After a few minutes he spoke. “So three months huh?”
I bit my lip. “I know. It’s not a lot of time to plan a big wedding. Alice is probably going to kill me.” I said with a guilty shrug.
Edward barked out a laugh. “Bella, I don’t care about a big, lavish wedding. Three months is plenty of time to plan what we want.”
I nodded in agreement.
--V&V--
The next afternoon was very busy. Rose had a lot of projects with which she needed my help. I went to the break room to get her a coffee refill and practically ran right into Victor James.
Ugh.
Please don’t talk to me. Please don’t talk to me.
“Well if it isn’t the lovely Isabella.” He murmured in a voice as smooth as glass.
Almost as smooth as Edward’s.
I could understand how the women fell for him left and right. I’m sure he could be quite charming when he wanted to be. Unfortunately for Mr. James, the only effect that voice had on me was to turn my stomach.
“I’ve been meaning to speak with you Isabella. I’d hoped in a more formal setting, but this” He gestured to the break room “I suppose, will have to do.” Every time he spoke, he moved slightly closer to me.
I began to feel cornered.
“I’m aware that Miss Whitlock is leaving the station sometime in June for another position.”
I nodded. This was well known. What I didn’t understand was why he was wasting my time with this.
He moved a little closer. “Well, you see, I find myself in need of a personal assistant.”
How does he manage to make those words sound dirty?
“I wanted to offer the position to you first. I’ve always felt we had, hmm, for lack of a better word, I guess you could call it chemistry.”
Eww. The only chemical reaction I have to Mr. Nasty would be the strong urge to vomit whenever he comes near.
He moved impossibly closer with those words. I took a deep breath to calm my nerves. When he reached toward me to touch a wayward lock of my hair, I took a step back.
I noticed his eyebrows quirk as he studied me. “Hmm. No one allowed to touch you? Does that rule also apply to the boyfriend?” He remarked with disdain. “Because I distinctly remember seeing photos of you all over him.” He said in a snide tone of voice.
“To answer your first question. I’m not interested in staying at WIRI without Rose, but even if I were, I’d never be interested in working for, or with, you.” I answered him back with just enough venom in my voice to get my point across. “As for Edward. You’re right. He is and will always be the only man allowed to touch me. And for your information, he’s not my boyfriend, he’s my fiancé.”
I turned my back to him as I fixed the coffee.
He stood there for a moment. I rolled my eyes when he started to speak again.
“You know, I find it amusing how delusional most women can be. Do you really think that your relationship will culminate in marriage Isabella?” He chuckled darkly as I turned to glare at him. “A lot of men are fascinated with the thought of a girl that is, shall we say untouched.“ He had the nerve to smirk at me. “The infatuation tends to fade once that issue is resolved.”
How dare he?
He must have confused my shock at his statement with embarrassment, “Oh, I see, maybe it’s a little late for that, maybe the issue has already been resolved?“ He looked closely at my face. “No?“
Why did his eyes light up at that?
“Well, no matter. I still stand by what I said.“ With those words, he turned his back to me and breezed out of the room.
In the not too distant past, words like those would have cut me deeply. They would have tapped into my old insecurities and sent my self-confidence into a tailspin.
Not any more.
Armed with the knowledge that Edward was just as hopelessly in love with me as I was with him, and knowing that we were building a future together, and that no matter what hardships or difficulties we faced, we would survive as long as we were together, I turned and followed that fuckwit Victor James down the hall.
He was not going to belittle what I had with Edward because it was beyond his comprehension.
“Excuse me, Mister James.” I said when I stood directly behind him. He turned to face me with a sneer. “I would prefer it, if from now on you didn’t speak to me.”
He looked amused.
“It’s obvious what you were hoping to achieve with your asinine remarks.” I stated in a calm voice. “You seem to suffer from the delusion that every woman you meet is dying for the opportunity to drop their panties for you.“ I barked out a laugh. “Let me be clear. No matter what you say or do, I will never, let me repeat never, allow you to touch me. I really resent the fact that you tried to cheapen what Edward and I have because you are incapable of understanding something that isn’t tawdry or indecent.”
I stared straight into his eyes. “I’ve been called every name in the book by people that make a living out of destroying lives, and it only managed to make my relationship with Edward stronger. You, Mr. James, are an amateur.”
With that, I turned on my heel and headed to Rose’s office, coffee cup in hand, and a smile on my face.
--V&V--
It was Friday morning. I was busily doing homework, because Edward hadn’t logged onto skype. We had planned another movie night. After that, I would leave Edward sleeping while I went to visit my new therapist for the first time.
I’d promised Edward over a month ago that I would make an appointment. After discussing things with Carlisle, I’d decided to start seeing someone here in Seattle, rather than make the trek all the way to Port Angeles for my visits.
He made a recommendation, and I scheduled the appointment.
As I sat there, finishing up my homework, Edward connected to skype. As soon as his eyes registered me on the screen, my favorite crooked smile appeared on his handsome face.
“Hey baby. How are you this morning?” He murmured.
“I’m good Edward. Have you eaten dinner?” I asked.
“Not yet, I’m having something delivered. Today was grueling.” He practically moaned as he removed his shirt.
Fuck me, I should be the one moaning.
“Have you eaten breakfast Bella?”
“Not yet.” I admitted.
He approached the screen again, still shirtless.
Gah.
He smirked when he read my face. “Tell you what. Why don’t you go grab your breakfast and bring it back with you. I’ll take a quick shower. Hopefully by the time I’m finished, my food will be here and we’ll eat together before we watch the movie.”
I smiled. A week ago, we could lie down next to each other and watch a movie. Today however, we’d have to settle for skype.
The movie choice for this Friday was Young Victoria. Approximately five minutes into the film, Edward declared it a ’chick flick’, but I noticed he stayed interested in it all the way until the end.
It was a beautiful story. She and her Albert were very much in love.
“It would seem that Queen Victoria had to suffer through her fair share of negative public opinion.”
Edward grinned and nodded.
“Did you see the most recent story about Tanya?” I asked, side-stepping into this subject.
He shook his head, frowning. “No, what’s going on now?”
“It would appear that someone took photos of her leaving her doctor’s office, her very prominent baby bump showing. Now the photos are all over the internet.” I smiled, shaking my head. “Suddenly, everyone is in love with the thought of her as a mother.”
Edward shook his head and chuckled. “I’m not surprised Bella. Remember, we discussed how fickle people can be.”
“Yeah.” I said, silently hoping that I didn’t lose their ‘good opinion’ any time soon.
Edward smiled at me and yawned. “Okay, that’s my cue.” I said with a wink.
“No, don’t go.” Edward pleaded with a grin.
“I have to Edward. You need to sleep, and I have an appointment, remember?”
His face became serious. “Oh, yes, I forgot. Are you going to be okay?” He asked quietly.
I hated doing this. But I needed to do it for him, for us. I faked an unaffected smile.
“I will be fine. This is necessary.” I paused. “I can’t wait until you’re home though, I’m better when you’re with me.”
“I feel the same way baby.” He was quiet for a moment. “We’ll skype first thing in the morning, and you can tell me everything. I love you Bella.”
“I love you too.”
--V&V--
Lou drove me to Dr. Miller’s office, and even walked me to the door. It was annoying, but I didn’t want Edward to worry, so I was following his instructions to the letter.
By the time I arrived, I was a nervous wreck, which was ironic, seeing that the main reason for my being there was to help deal with my anxiety.
I took a deep breath, and walked through the door. My first real steps on the road to a full recovery.
After a few minutes, I was called back to Dr. Miller’s office. She was middle-aged, with her dark hair cut in a short bob, framing her face. A face which seemed friendly and kind, immediately putting me at ease.
“Good afternoon Isabella.” She said cheerily as she stood from her chair to shake my hand.
“Hello Dr. Miller” I said as I returned her smile. “and, it‘s Bella, actually.”
“Have a seat Bella“ Her grin widened. “I’m Kim, by the way.”
“Now Bella” She started as she settled into her chair. “I’ve read your history, but I hate getting my information that way. It‘s too clinical. How about you tell me something about yourself, whatever you‘re comfortable with to start?”
Oh my. Where do I start?
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