Falling for a Dark Soul Update

 FFADS Chapter 33 on FFn

FFADS Chapter 33 on AO3

FFADS Chapter 33 on fanfiction.online

FFADS Chapter 33 on Stars

FFADS Chapter 33 on Wattpad

Sitting in the waiting room of my psychiatrist, I was growing more frustrated. I liked the doctor who I was seeing, but he was never on time. I’d usually wait, at least, a half hour to see him. I learned that the hard way when I tried to schedule an appointment during my lunch. I ended up missing the entire afternoon, along with a meeting with Jane and Eric of York Towne Clothing.

Suffice it to say, I moved my appointments to the end of the day or on the weekend. Today, it was the former. I’d bugged out of the office a half hour early to make it to my appointment on time, only to wait. I only dealt with this because I’d felt a connection with the doctor, Dr. Daniel Spencer.

He reminded me a lot of Phil.

The door opened and my doctor poked his head out. “Come on in, Bella,” he said, giving me a slight grimace. “I’m sorry about the delay.”

“If I didn’t like you so much, it would be a problem, Dr. Spencer,” I chided, following him to his office. “I also understand why you are behind schedule. You actually care about your patients.”

“I do care about my patients, very much. Please, have a seat. Do you want some water? Coffee?” he asked.

“Water would be nice. It’s too late for coffee. If I drink coffee now, I’ll never be able to sleep tonight,” I snickered, sitting down and crossing my legs.

“I’ve got another four hours. I desperately need the coffee,” he quipped, ducking out of the office. A few moments later, he came back into the office, handing me a bottle of water and putting his coffee on the side table next to his chair. “How are you doing today, Bella?”

“I’m alright, I guess,” I shrugged, sipping my water. “Focusing on work and rebuilding my relationship with Edward.”

“How did the belated birthday celebration go?” Dr. Spencer asked.

“He was completely surprised and we both enjoyed our time together,” I smiled. “I’m still feeling like it’s my fault that he was in that car accident and I know he blames himself for what happened on the night of his birthday. We’re both trying to come to grips with what happened, but we’re dealing with our guilt.”

“Bella, we’ve talked about this. It was not your fault that he was in that accident. Nor was it his fault for his upbringing that caused his inherent distrust,” Dr. Spencer chided.

“My mind gets it, but my heart is taking its sweet time to play catch up,” I snorted humorlessly. “I just wish I could move past this guilt, and fear.”

“Have you tried driving?” Dr. Spencer asked.

“Every time I try, I end up having to take an anxiety pill,” I choked out. “I can’t stop seeing those gouges in the mud and the damage to the trees. I see Edward in that hospital room, a sickly shade of gray and with tubes coming out of him, every which way. He’s got some serious injuries to his ribcage because of those animals who beat the shit out of him as a kid. It was exacerbated by the car accident. He wouldn’t have been in that car accident if I’d only spoken with him that afternoon. I was the one who told him to come back later. I forced him back, driving in a deluge …”

“Bella, sweetheart,” Dr. Spencer murmured, crouching in front of me. “Focus on me. Focus on the here and now.” I closed my eyes, feeling tears coming down my cheeks as Dr. Spencer, squeezed my hands. “Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. That’s a good girl.”

I listened to Dr. Spencer as he talked me through my panic attack. His deep, resonant voice kept me rooted in the office, but my mind was spiraling around Edward, my parents, Katie and my irrational fears. I blinked a few times, finally seeing Dr. Spencer’s dark brown eyes swirling with concern. “I’m sorry,” I whispered.

“Never apologize, Bella. What happens in this room, stays in this room,” Dr. Spencer said quietly, handing me my water. He sat down on the cocktail table as I continued to calm down. “Better?”

“Slightly,” I sighed. “Tiny victories. I didn’t have to take a pill.”

“That is good,” he smiled. “Now, all we need to do is get you able to get behind the wheel again.”

Falling for a Dark Soul Update

FFADS Chapter 29 on FFn

FFADS Chapter 29 on AO3

FFADS Chapter 29 on fanfiction.online

FFADS Chapter 29 on Stars

FFADS Chapter 29 on Wattpad

I raised my shaky hand to face and felt the tears on my face, on top of the goose egg that was forming on top of my forehead. What just happened?

“Man, Cullen needs to pull the stick out,” James said coldly.

I whirled around, glaring at the man who had single-handedly ended my relationship. “You caused this,” I sobbed.

“Oh, bull shit,” James scoffed. “Cullen is a fucking pussy. I know that you two are together …”

“Not anymore, James,” I cried, interrupting him. “Because of your actions, you trying to kiss me, he just ended it. His ex-wife cheated on him in this office and now, it would appear that history had repeated itself.” I stumbled, falling down, and leaning against the front receptionist desk. My heart was stammering against my ribs. I had broken him. James’ actions had broken Edward. He looked so … shattered.

The elevator doors opened and I hoped it was Edward, but it wasn’t. Emmett stepped through, holding up bags from Portillos.  “I have food,” Emmett sang as he walked into the lobby. “What the fuck happened?”

“I tripped and fell. James helped me up and we were both slap happy. James thought it would be a good idea to try and kiss me. Edward saw that and …” My voice cracked, curling myself up into a tight ball.

“James, you crossed a line,” Emmett said, sitting down next to me and enfolding me in his arms. I leaned against him, gripping his shirt as allowed myself to fall apart.

“This is my fault? It’s Edward who’s a fucking nutcase!” James argued. “We’ve been pulling insane hours to get this advertising campaign done, Emmett. We still have a shit-ton of work to finish it …”

“You don’t,” Emmett said coldly. “This was the straw that broke the camel’s back. You’re fired. Bella didn’t feel comfortable enough to work with you, but she did despite her trepidations. You crossed that firmly drawn line by trying to kiss her.”

“She wanted it,” James argued, leering at me angrily. “Good luck trying to get this campaign done without me. It’s my ideas, my work. Jane wanted me.”

“No, she wanted Bella and she got Bella,” Emmett said. “And if you try to encrypt the work we’ve completed, you will be sued for breach of contract and you get to explain to Jane and Eric why their campaign didn’t go live. Pack up your shit and get the fuck out of the office …”

“You’ll be hearing from my attorney,” James snapped at us, stomping away and grabbing his computer and tablet. He threw the flash drive at me. The metal edge hit me near the eye and my tears came anew. James left the office and he scowled as the elevator doors closed.

O'Hare

Linda Newton

Mike Newton

Bella's Forks home

Beverly Crowley

Lauren Mallory-Crowley

Olympic Medical Center

Deputy Mark Burke

 

Falling for a Dark Soul Teaser

 I raised my shaky hand to face and felt the tears on my face, on top of the goose egg that was forming on top of my forehead. What just happened?

“Man, Cullen needs to pull the stick out,” James said coldly.

I whirled around, glaring at the man who had single-handedly ended my relationship. “You caused this,” I sobbed.

“Oh, bull shit,” James scoffed. “Cullen is a fucking pussy. I know that you two are together …”

“Not anymore, James,” I cried, interrupting him. “Because of your actions, you trying to kiss me, he just ended it. His ex-wife cheated on him in this office and now, it would appear that history had repeated itself.” I stumbled, falling down, and leaning against the front receptionist desk. My heart was stammering against my ribs. I had broken him. James’ actions had broken Edward. He looked so … shattered.

The elevator doors opened and I hoped it was Edward, but it wasn’t. Emmett stepped through, holding up bags from Portillos.  “I have food,” Emmett sang as he walked into the lobby. “What the fuck happened?”

“I tripped and fell. James helped me up and we were both slap happy. James thought it would be a good idea to try and kiss me. Edward saw that and …” My voice cracked, curling myself up into a tight ball.

“James, you crossed a line,” Emmett said, sitting down next to me and enfolding me in his arms. I leaned against him, gripping his shirt as allowed myself to fall apart.

“This is my fault? It’s Edward who’s a fucking nutcase!” James argued. “We’ve been pulling insane hours to get this advertising campaign done, Emmett. We still have a shit-ton of work to finish it …”

“You don’t,” Emmett said coldly. “This was the straw that broke the camel’s back. You’re fired. Bella didn’t feel comfortable enough to work with you, but she did despite her trepidations. You crossed that firmly drawn line by trying to kiss her.”

“She wanted it,” James argued, leering at me angrily. “Good luck trying to get this campaign done without me. It’s my ideas, my work. Jane wanted me.”

“No, she wanted Bella and she got Bella,” Emmett said. “And if you try to encrypt the work we’ve completed, you will be sued for breach of contract and you get to explain to Jane and Eric why their campaign didn’t go live. Pack up your shit and get the fuck out of the office …”

“You’ll be hearing from my attorney,” James snapped at us, stomping away and grabbing his computer and tablet. He threw the flash drive at me. The metal edge hit me near the eye and my tears came anew. James left the office and he scowled as the elevator doors closed.

With the previous cliffhanger, I'm planning on updating the story on Wednesday. So, here's a brief teaser for you! 

 

Falling for a Dark Soul Update

FFADS Chapter 26 on FFn

FFADS Chapter 26 on AO3

FFADS Chapter 26 on fanfiction.online

FFADS Chapter 26 on Stars

FFADS Chapter 26 on Wattpad

My stomach churned and my heart lurched. I’d never seen her so shattered. Her disappointment was apparent in her posture, her eyes and her voice. She was close to tears. I wanted nothing more than to take her into my arms, but I couldn’t be what she needed. Not at this particular moment …

I had to be the boss. I had to be fair. Impartial. I had to take what she said into account. I also had to listen to James, as much as I abhorred him. He had crossed the line with Bella. He was already treading a fine line, but this was beyond the pale.

Seeing Bella’s look of betrayal in her eyes, it made me sick. I shot up and stomped into the bathroom. I fell to my knees, emptying my stomach of my lunch. I gripped the edges of the toilet bowl, feeling disgusted with myself. I sat down heavily, trying to calm myself down. I could feel my emotions surging beneath my skin. I had hurt her, betrayed her. I was no better than the assholes who had hurt me.

Fuck, I was an asshole.

I didn’t deserve her.

She’ll never forgive me.

“Sit down, James,” said Emmett. His voice was tight, clearly angry with his employee. “Edward will be right back.”

I heard James mutter under his breath, but I couldn’t understand it. I took a few deep breaths, flushing the toilet and quickly brushing my teeth. I ground my teeth together, turning off my emotions and walking back into my office. “Emmett, do you have the incident report?”

“He said he’d only talk to you, but I did have him read the employee handbook. Specifically, the section going over sexual harassment,” Emmett growled.

I took the blank incident report from Emmett and I sat down. “Okay, Mr. Holden, tell me, in your own words, what transpired between you and Ms. Swan?” I asked.

“I needed to make a copy of a contract for one of our clients,” James began, leaning back on the couch. “Isabella was in the copy room, tearing apart the machine. I made a comment about her attire and she flew off the handle.”

I arched a brow at him, gripping my pen tightly. “Her attire?” I asked dubiously.

“Yep. I did not sexually harass her,” James scoffed. “She’s delusional.”

“You said that she was on the rag. How is that not sexual harassment?” Emmett snapped.

“Cullen would know,” James said, giving me an evil grin. “She is your girlfriend. Or, is she?”

“James, you are … deplorable,” I hissed. “You knew our expectations from the moment you walked into our offices. We knew that you had some difficulties with your last employer and it appears that you have not learned your lesson. Saying that another employee is ‘on the rag’ is not appropriate, nor is any commentary about their attire.”

“Aren’t you the king of double standards?” James yelled. “She’s your subordinate! And yet, you’re dating her!”

“Human resources is aware of our relationship and if you’d actually read what Emmett gave you, as long as we don’t flaunt our relationship, it’s okay. But, my relationship with Bella is not being contested. Your actions toward her are,” I explained, my voice sounding almost robotic. “James, with your actions and behaviors, you were clearly in the wrong here. Based off the statement that Bella gave and your subsequent reactions to …”

“This is bullshit,” James spat. “Complete bullshit.”

“No, what’s bullshit is you making another employee in my company feel unsafe and uncomfortable. You’re suspended for a week, without pay. In addition to that, your probationary period has reset. One more toe out of line, and you’re done,” I said. “You also need to write a letter of apology to Ms. Swan for your words.”

“What about Bella? What’s her punishment?” James asked.

Having me as her boyfriend. I’m a worthless piece of trash …

“She was the victim, Mr. Holden,” I replied. “You can take your punishment and come back. Or, you’re fired. No references and a personal letter to every advertising agency that you’re a sexual harassment cancer. You won’t be able to work in the field you built your reputation in. Your choice, James.”

Falling for a Dark Soul Teaser

 My stomach churned and my heart lurched. I’d never seen her so shattered. Her disappointment was apparent in her posture, her eyes and her voice. She was close to tears. I wanted nothing more than to take her into my arms, but I couldn’t be what she needed. Not at this particular moment …

I had to be the boss. I had to be fair. Impartial. I had to take what she said into account. I also had to listen to James, as much as I abhorred him. He had crossed the line with Bella. He was already treading a fine line, but this was beyond the pale.

Seeing Bella’s look of betrayal in her eyes, it made me sick. I shot up and stomped into the bathroom. I fell to my knees, emptying my stomach of my lunch. I gripped the edges of the toilet bowl, feeling disgusted with myself. I sat down heavily, trying to calm myself down. I could feel my emotions surging beneath my skin. I had hurt her, betrayed her. I was no better than the assholes who had hurt me.

Fuck, I was an asshole.

I didn’t deserve her.

She’ll never forgive me.

“Sit down, James,” said Emmett. His voice was tight, clearly angry with his employee. “Edward will be right back.”

I heard James mutter under his breath, but I couldn’t understand it. I took a few deep breaths, flushing the toilet and quickly brushing my teeth. I ground my teeth together, turning off my emotions and walking back into my office. “Emmett, do you have the incident report?”

“He said he’d only talk to you, but I did have him read the employee handbook. Specifically, the section going over sexual harassment,” Emmett growled.

I took the blank incident report from Emmett and I sat down. “Okay, Mr. Holden, tell me, in your own words, what transpired between you and Ms. Swan?” I asked.

“I needed to make a copy of a contract for one of our clients,” James began, leaning back on the couch. “Isabella was in the copy room, tearing apart the machine. I made a comment about her attire and she flew off the handle.”

I arched a brow at him, gripping my pen tightly. “Her attire?” I asked dubiously.

“Yep. I did not sexually harass her,” James scoffed. “She’s delusional.”

“You said that she was on the rag. How is that not sexual harassment?” Emmett snapped.

“Cullen would know,” James said, giving me an evil grin. “She is your girlfriend. Or, is she?”

“James, you are … deplorable,” I hissed. “You knew our expectations from the moment you walked into our offices. We knew that you had some difficulties with your last employer and it appears that you have not learned your lesson. Saying that another employee is ‘on the rag’ is not appropriate, nor is any commentary about their attire.”

“Aren’t you the king of double standards?” James yelled. “She’s your subordinate! And yet, you’re dating her!”

“Human resources is aware of our relationship and if you’d actually read what Emmett gave you, as long as we don’t flaunt our relationship, it’s okay. But, my relationship with Bella is not being contested. Your actions toward her are,” I explained, my voice sounding almost robotic. “James, with your actions and behaviors, you were clearly in the wrong here. Based off the statement that Bella gave and your subsequent reactions to …”

“This is bullshit,” James spat. “Complete bullshit.”

“No, what’s bullshit is you making another employee in my company feel unsafe and uncomfortable. You’re suspended for a week, without pay. In addition to that, your probationary period has reset. One more toe out of line, and you’re done,” I said. “You also need to write a letter of apology to Ms. Swan for your words.”

“What about Bella? What’s her punishment?” James asked.

Having me as her boyfriend. I’m a worthless piece of trash …

“She was the victim, Mr. Holden,” I replied. “You can take your punishment and come back. Or, you’re fired. No references and a personal letter to every advertising agency that you’re a sexual harassment cancer. You won’t be able to work in the field you built your reputation in. Your choice, James.”

Falling for a Dark Soul Teaser

 The following day, Edward and I went to the office with our bags. He also pulled some strings with his attorney to discuss setting up my will, just in case. Jason Jenks came over early. He was an older gentleman, about Phil’s age with bright blue eyes and a friendly smile.

“So, you’re the beautiful Bella that I’ve heard so much about,” Jason grinned, shaking my hand. “Why are you with him when you could be with me.”

“Stop flirting with my girlfriend, Jenks,” Edward grumbled, tossing a pencil at his attorney. “You’re here to work.”

“I know, I know. Besides, my wife would kick my ass,” Jason chuckled. “What can I do to help you, Bella?”

“I don’t know if Edward told you my story, but I’m my half-sister’s legal guardian. A little over a year ago, my mom and my stepfather were in a car accident. There was a drunk driver and they were killed instantly,” I explained. “I don’t have any other living relatives and I want to make sure that my sister is taken care of, in the case that something happens to me.”

“Bella, you’re young, healthy,” Jason argued.

“So were my parents,” I snapped back. “Phil had high blood pressure, but he was healthy. My mother? She suffered from migraines around her time of the month, but she was healthy. They were killed by some asshole who didn’t think to before getting behind the wheel after he had too much to drink. Accidents happen and I can’t have my sister be thrown into a situation where she’s lost another parent.”

“Okay, Bella,” Jason nodded. “What do you need from me?”

“First off, I want to set up a trust for my sister to make sure she’s provided for, similar to what she has now from my parents,” I said. I handed him a copy of my parents’ estate and paperwork from when they died. “I don’t foresee myself dying anytime soon, but I want to make sure that she’s okay.”

“I’ll take a look over this and fashion a similar document for you, Bella,” Jason explained.

“I also want Edward to be Katie’s guardian,” I said. “He adores her like she’s his own and I want her to be with someone who will love her, unconditionally.” Jason blinked to Edward with wide eyes. He apparently knew of Edward’s struggles with his emotions, but not necessarily of his complete past. “Edward’s a part of my family. He is my family.”

Edward took my hand, threading our fingers together. His eyes were soft and he gave me the most adoring smile. I could tell he wanted to kiss me, but we made some very clear rules that our relationship would remain away from the office. People knew we were together, but we didn’t flaunt our relationship or make people uncomfortable.

“Okay, that works,” Jason nodded.

“If something happens to Edward and me, I want Katie to be in Edward’s parents’ care,” I said. “I may be paranoid, but …”

“I get it, Bella,” Jason grinned. “It will take some time to get things set up since I need to look over the information you’ve given me from your parents’ passing. I hope to have something for you in a month or so.”

“Okay,” I sighed. “Is there a way that we can make note of Katie’s guardianship relatively quickly, though? I’d like to have that set in stone.”

“If something happens to you, I’ll make sure your wishes are followed,” Jason said, reaching over and taking my hand. I nodded. “Here’s my card. If you need anything, just give me a call.”

“Thank you,” I smiled.

Jason stood up, grinning at Edward. “Keep her around, Edward. I like her. She’s smart. Probably smarter than you.”

“More than likely,” Edward snorted. “Thanks for coming in today.”

“Anything for my favorite client,” Jason smirked. “Though, you’ve been replaced, Cullen. Bella’s my new favorite client. You are a distant … very distant second.”

“I can feel the love, Jenks,” Edward deadpanned. “Go earn your retainer, asshat.”

    

Falling for a Dark Soul Update

FFADS Chapter 21 on FFn

FFADS Chapter 21 on AO3

FFADS Chapter 21 on Fanfiction.online

FFADS Chapter 21 on Stars

FFADS Chapter 21 on Wattpad

We said our hasty goodbyes. From the looks of it, we were not the only ones who were leaving. Rose and Emmett looked about ready to spontaneously combust. Quil and Embry were also eager to make their exit. Edward was stopped by Garrett and they exchanged phone numbers with promises to start training for the marathon by next weekend. Garrett also seemed interested in Cynthia, but I was eager to get back to my brownstone to get my taste of Edward.

We walked quickly to Edward's car. Neither one of us drank very much, but we were stumbling over each other and laughing. "We look drunk," I snickered.

"We do, but the sidewalks are awful," he said, his arm securely around my waist. "How can you walk in those heels?"

"They're thick," I answered, stumbling on a slick spot. "Holy crap."

"Don't fall, love. I don't want to spend New Year's in the ER," Edward chuckled.

"You think you're funny, Cullen," I deadpanned, taking another stumble until he swept me into his arms. "Don't drop me."

"Never, Bella," he said, gallantly carrying me the last few feet. We made it to his car. He helped me into the passenger seat, kissing me before closing the door. He got into the driver's seat, turning the car over and kissing me deeply while it warmed up.

"A cop is going to break this up, Edward," I panted against his mouth.

"You're just too irresistible," he said, caressing my cheek and gliding his fingers across my lips.

"Take me home, Edward," I commanded. "Please?"

With one more kiss, he pulled out onto the street and navigated the roads back to my brownstone. Shockingly enough, there was a parking spot right in front of my house. "I need to take Sam out, angel."

"I'm going to head inside and get more comfortable," I replied coyly.

He nodded slowly and we went inside. He hooked up Sam, who was sleeping underneath the Christmas tree. He seemed disgruntled and he begrudgingly went with Edward. I scratched behind his ears, walking inside. I left the Christmas tree lights on and I walked upstairs. I washed my face, but put on some lip gloss. I changed out of my outfit from the party and into a slinky navy-blue nightie. I slathered on some lotion while I waited for Edward.

"Bella, do you want the tree on?" Edward asked as he walked in my room. His green eyes popped out of his head. "Holy fuck, angel … you're gorgeous."

I lay back on the pillows, smiling at him with a giggle. "Oh, this old thing?" I'd purchased the nightie after the lovely day of pampering Edward treated me.

Edward chuckled, plucking the tag from the garbage can near the door. "You don't need to impress me, Bella. Trust me, I'm more than impressed, turned on and everything under the sun." He walked toward me, taking my hand and stood me up. Using my hand, he turned me around. His lips found the soft spot behind my ear. "You are beyond words, angel."

I finished turning around, sliding my hands up his chest. "Thank you, Edward," I murmured. We stared into each other's eyes as I gently scratched his scalp with my fingers. His hands ghosted over my skin, gliding over my spine and making me shiver. "You're in charge, baby. I want a taste … but …" I teased my mouth of his. His palms moved to my ass, squeezing gently. My hips were pressed forward and I could feel his growing arousal.

"I want to explore," he said, his voice quiet, unsure. "But, one request?"

"Anything, Edward," I vowed.

"Just don't hold me down …" he sighed, pressing my forehead to mine.

"I couldn't, even if I tried, Edward," I said. "You're much stronger than me."

"Please, Bella," he whispered. His plea was shattered.

Falling for a Dark Soul Update

FFADS Chapter 17 on FFn

FFADS Chapter 17 on AO3

FFADS Chapter 17 on Fanfiction.online

FFADS Chapter 17 on Stars

FFADS Chapter 17 on Wattpad

FictionPad is being a temperamental little bitch and isn't letting me update. So, you have five other locations to read this update. 

It felt so strange wrapping presents in Edward’s condo without him there. The quiet was welcome, save for some music being piped through the sound system. Sam was curled up on the couch while I put a bow on one of Katie’s presents from Santa, clearly happy to have me hanging out with him. Edward’s furry friend was my shadow, but it was nice to have someone in the condo. Sam’s presence reminded me that I wasn’t home.

Don’t make this a big deal. You’re just in Edward’s inner-sanctum. No worries, right?

Regardless of my feelings of weirdness, I was grateful to have a chance to finish my Christmas shopping. Being sick knocked me on my ass and took away time that I needed to help make Katie’s first Christmas without her parents to be a special one. Regardless of that, there was an emptiness in my heart and understandably so. The first Christmas without our parents would undoubtedly be difficult, but so would Katie’s birthday, a couple days after Christmas.

Crap, I still need to get her birthday presents and plan her party. I suck as a parent. Another thing to add to my never-ending to-do list. Son of a …

“Sam, I think I’m done. Well, done for Christmas. Katie’s birthday? Not so much,” I huffed, putting the last present underneath Edward’s tree. “The only person that I don’t have a gift for is you. Do you want a juicy steak or a ginormous bone, buddy?”

He barked, his tail thumping on the pillow. I smiled, petting his head and standing up from my seated position on the floor. I picked up all of my trash, stuffing it into the garbage can in kitchen. I leaned against the counter, rubbing my chest and trying to keep the tears at bay. I had to be strong from my sister. I had to make things good for her.

Maybe, I can convince Alice to let me have an afternoon off so I could get a handle for Katie’s birthday. Fingers are crossed. But, what should I do?

I was grateful for Edward’s presence in my life. He’d become someone that I never realized I needed. Yes, he was my worst nightmare when we first met, but I realized it was just a façade, hiding his true pain from his horrific childhood. I saw who he truly was when we were alone or with Katie.

My heart, when he helped take care of me when I was sick? I saw a completely different side of him. I saw the fear in his eyes when he tried to cool me off. Granted, I was slightly delirious and embarrassed that my boyfriend was holding me, half naked, in the shower, covered in vomit, but I recognized his terror. It was the same thing I felt when Katie was diagnosed with bronchitis and I didn’t know what to do. It was the same thing that I felt when I found out that my parents had been killed in a car accident.

That fear is fucking crippling.

Then, when I saw Katie curled in Edward’s arms later that morning, I physically felt the love he had for her. His face was so relaxed as he gave her comfort, easing her pain from her bout with the stomach flu. It was all-encompassing, filling the room.

Edward had so much love to give and he was terrified to share it, of losing it.

Is that it? 

Christmas Cookies ... who wants some? 

Edward's staff gifts for MAC Employees

Secret Santa Gifts to Bella

Edward's Secret Santa Gifts from Bella

Katie's Christmas Eve outfit

Edward's present to Bella

Bella's present to Edward