Blockbuster Teaser

Seth

I woke up with the feeling of cotton in my mouth. I smacked my lips, trying to shift on whatever I was laying on. My head was pounding, and I couldn’t move. Well, I could, but I felt like I was moving through mud.

I opened my eyes, trying to figure out where the hell I was and to get more comfortable, but my arms and legs were tied up. The bindings were so tight that my fingers and toes tingled. Everything in my vision was fuzzy.

The room was warm, overly so. It also smelled musty and gross. I wasn’t sure if it was the room or the bed I was laying on. I needed to pee. I refused to piss myself, so I called out.

“Hello?” I croaked, my voice cracking. I tried again, “Hello?”

The door slammed open, and I saw my sperm donor. His hair was greasy, and he wore the same clothes I saw on him at the park. There was blood splattered on the legs of jeans. I checked my body, seeing if he’d hurt me, but other than the woozy feeling from whatever he injected me with, I was perfectly fine.

Well, as fine as could be, being kidnapped by my sperm donor and his loser buddy.

“What the fuck do you want?” Jacob sneered at me.

“I need to pee,” I answered, glowering at him. “Or would you rather I hose you down, asshole. You could use a bath, dude.”

“Your mother allows you to talk that way?” Jacob retorted coldly. “For that … I should let you pee all over yourself.”

“But, we’d have to smell it, Jake,” said the other guy. He was as dirty as my sperm donor, with more blood on his jeans and some splattering onto his shirt. “No thanks. It already smells like ass in here. We don’t need to add piss into the mix.”

“Fuck you, Paul,” Jake snapped, shooting a scowl at his friend.

With a shake of his head, Paul walked over to me, untying my arms and legs. “No funny business. You try to run; you’ll be dead before sunrise. We’re in the middle of the desert.” He grabbed my arm, pulling me from the bed. I stumbled clumsily. I was shot with something, and it made me dizzy, uncoordinated. I couldn’t have run, even if I wanted to.

Paul practically tossed me out of the doorway. He told me to ‘answer the call of nature’ wherever. I huffed out a breath, stumbling away from the door. I peed and allowed myself a few moments to cry. I missed my mom. I missed Edward … my dad. Paul stomped toward me and wrapped his meaty paw around my arm. “You’re crying? Because of that whore?”

“My mom is not a whore,” I hissed. “She’s the best mom and person I’ve ever known.”

I went to say something else, but Paul backhanded me. I fell to the ground, catching my hands on the rough sand. I spit out some blood and my jaw ached. Paul grabbed my arm, dragging me back into the house. I was tossed back onto the bed, locked into place. Instead of ropes this time, I was tethered to the bed with handcuffs that bit into my wrists and ankles. “Tying up an innocent kid. You guys really are assholes,” I shrugged, trying not to show how much I was freaked out.

“It’s for your own safety,” Jacob said mockingly. “Heaven forbid that you get bit by a rattlesnake.”

“I’d rather be bit by a rattlesnake than be with you,” I argued. “You’re nothing but poison.”

Seth

Joshua Tree National Park, cabin

Paul Lahote

Jacob Black

Falling for a Dark Soul Update

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My world lost its light and I was bathed in darkness once again.

Sam whimpered, putting his head on my lap. His gaze almost sympathetic and I slowly pet behind his ears. His face contorted as tears welled in my eyes. I felt so alone, so empty. I looked around my condo, surveying the destruction and I shook my head. I stiffly stood up. The door to my condo opened and I secretly hoped it would be Bella.

Unlikely, asshole. You broke up with her yesterday because you’re a fucking piece of work.

“Edward?” came the sweet voice of my mother. “Your downstairs neighbor called …” She looked around and gasped. “What happened? Were you robbed?”

I lifted my hand and let out a gruff, harsh laugh. “No,” I answered.

“Is it Bella?” she asked. Hearing Bella’s name made me choke and stumble. Esme walked over to me, guiding me to the couch. “Edward, you look … broken. Tell me, sweetheart. What happened?”

“I don’t know what to say,” I mumbled.

“Well, how about you tell me what the hell happened to the condo?” she pressed.

“I lost my temper,” I answered. “Mom, why am I so unlovable? Why do people just throw me away?”

“What are you talking about? Edward, you are one of the most lovable people I know,” she cooed, brushing my hair back. I flinched and moved away. I couldn’t handle being touched. Not now. Not ever. My mother looked confused, but she took a breath, continuing, “No one would throw you away.”

“But, she did,” I snarled.

“Who did?”

“Bella! She threw me away for a dalliance with James,” I snapped, thrusting my hands into my hair.

“I highly doubt that, Edward. She does not like him, obviously. She told me that she thought that James was a toad. Why would she …?” she pressed.

“Because, I’m not worth it. I’m not worth anything!” I shot up and began pacing since my condo could not handle anymore destruction. “The only thing I’m good for is to be used and abused. A punching bag, a living sex toy … I’m nothing, Mom.” I slid down the wall and screamed. “The one good thing in my life … she threw me away.”

My mother sat down next to me, pulling me into her arms. I struggled against her, not wanting her comfort. She wouldn’t stop holding me and I just gave up. I clung to my mother as I completely lost it. She didn’t say anything, but she did hold me. I’m not sure how long we sat on the floor, but she pulled away, wiping my tears. “Edward, in all the years you were my son, you’ve never let your walls down. You always kept everyone at arm’s length, even your father and me. You never allowed yourself to grieve, to cry, to feel that pain from your childhood.”

“I needed to protect myself,” I said, my throat raw. “I didn’t want to be hurt.”

“And now, Bella broke through those walls,” she said.

“But, she …”

“I doubt she threw you away, Edward. Did you give her a chance to explain?” she chided.

“She tried, but it sounded like excuses,” I snapped. “She’s no different that Tanya.”

“That’s not fair, Edward. If I had to guess you lashed out and you left before giving her an opportunity to tell you what had happened,” she sighed. “Edward, I love you more than words can describe. You are my child, even though I didn’t give birth to you. You are not even remotely close to being disposable.”

“Then, why did those assholes hurt me like they did?” I asked.

“Are you talking about Bella or those awful foster families?” she asked sympathetically.

“Both, I guess,” I muttered.

“Bella didn’t throw you away,” she admonished gently.

    

Falling for a Dark Soul Teaser

 My world lost its light and I was bathed in darkness once again.

Sam whimpered, putting his head on my lap. His gaze almost sympathetic and I slowly pet behind his ears. His face contorted as tears welled in my eyes. I felt so alone, so empty. I looked around my condo, surveying the destruction and I shook my head. I stiffly stood up. The door to my condo opened and I secretly hoped it would be Bella.

Unlikely, asshole. You broke up with her yesterday because you’re a fucking piece of work.

“Edward?” came the sweet voice of my mother. “Your downstairs neighbor called …” She looked around and gasped. “What happened? Were you robbed?”

I lifted my hand and let out a gruff, harsh laugh. “No,” I answered.

“Is it Bella?” she asked. Hearing Bella’s name made me choke and stumble. Esme walked over to me, guiding me to the couch. “Edward, you look … broken. Tell me, sweetheart. What happened?”

“I don’t know what to say,” I mumbled.

“Well, how about you tell me what the hell happened to the condo?” she pressed.

“I lost my temper,” I answered. “Mom, why am I so unlovable? Why do people just throw me away?”

“What are you talking about? Edward, you are one of the most lovable people I know,” she cooed, brushing my hair back. I flinched and moved away. I couldn’t handle being touched. Not now. Not ever. My mother looked confused, but she took a breath, continuing, “No one would throw you away.”

“But, she did,” I snarled.

“Who did?”

“Bella! She threw me away for a dalliance with James,” I snapped, thrusting my hands into my hair.

“I highly doubt that, Edward. She does not like him, obviously. She told me that she thought that James was a toad. Why would she …?” she pressed.

“Because, I’m not worth it. I’m not worth anything!” I shot up and began pacing since my condo could not handle anymore destruction. “The only thing I’m good for is to be used and abused. A punching bag, a living sex toy … I’m nothing, Mom.” I slid down the wall and screamed. “The one good thing in my life … she threw me away.”

My mother sat down next to me, pulling me into her arms. I struggled against her, not wanting her comfort. She wouldn’t stop holding me and I just gave up. I clung to my mother as I completely lost it. She didn’t say anything, but she did hold me. I’m not sure how long we sat on the floor, but she pulled away, wiping my tears. “Edward, in all the years you were my son, you’ve never let your walls down. You always kept everyone at arm’s length, even your father and me. You never allowed yourself to grieve, to cry, to feel that pain from your childhood.”

“I needed to protect myself,” I said, my throat raw. “I didn’t want to be hurt.”

“And now, Bella broke through those walls,” she said.

“But, she …”

“I doubt she threw you away, Edward. Did you give her a chance to explain?” she chided.

“She tried, but it sounded like excuses,” I snapped. “She’s no different that Tanya.”

“That’s not fair, Edward. If I had to guess you lashed out and you left before giving her an opportunity to tell you what had happened,” she sighed. “Edward, I love you more than words can describe. You are my child, even though I didn’t give birth to you. You are not even remotely close to being disposable.”

“Then, why did those assholes hurt me like they did?” I asked.

“Are you talking about Bella or those awful foster families?” she asked sympathetically.

“Both, I guess,” I muttered.

“Bella didn’t throw you away,” she admonished gently.

 

Falling for a Dark Soul Update

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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

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After I dropped Bella off, I decided to spend some time with my adoptive parents. I picked up Sam and drove to my parents’ home. My mother was there by herself. My father was working. “Edward, what a pleasant surprise,” she said, hugging me. “I thought you had plans.”

“I do. On Sunday,” I chuckled, walking into the foyer. “Tonight, I wanted to spend time with you and Dad.”

“He’s filling in for an attending. He likes to take an occasional shift to keep his techniques up to snuff,” she explained, hanging up my coat. “So, you’re stuck with me.”

“I wouldn’t say that,” I smirked, unclipping Sam’s leash. “It smells good in here.”

“I’m making some comfort food,” she explained. “It’s cold and dreary outside. So, I made chicken and broccoli casserole. It’ll be good for me and delicious for your father when he gets home after his shift.”

“Do you need any help?” I asked.

“Just talk to me. It’s been too long since we’ve had a mother/son date,” Esme crooned. “How are things going with your therapist?”

“Nice way to ease into the conversation,” I snorted, sitting down at the counter. She put a glass of wine in front of me, giving me an all-knowing grin.

“It’s been a couple of months. I’ve noticed a difference,” she said. “You smile more. You’re not as jumpy.”

“Therapy is going well. Dr. Gibbs and I have a pretty good rapport. The first few appointments were spent getting to know each other before delving into my neuroses,” I sighed, sipping my wine. “He also suggested that I see his partner, Dr. Marsden, who is a psychiatrist.”

“They want to medicate you?” she frowned.

“Only some anxiety medications, as needed. They suggested an anti-depressant, but I’ve dealt with my issues without medications for thirty-five years,” I shrugged. “However, I do have moments where I feel out of control or so angry that I need help calming down. Before, I’d use either alcohol or sex.”

“Edward,” she chided.

“What? It’s not like I was ever a virgin,” I snorted humorlessly. “My innocence was long gone, left the building when I turned five.”

Esme looked at me, her eyes wide. I’d never spoken so frankly about my childhood abuse. “Edward … I didn’t mean to … I’m sorry,” she sputtered. “Five?”

“People are ugly, cruel,” I spat.

“I knew it was bad, but five years old?” Esme whimpered, tears welling in her hazel eyes. “Who would do that to a five-year-old?”

“Raymond Burton and his brother, Ralph,” I said, my voice hollow. 

Quil

Falling for a Dark Soul Teaser

 After I dropped Bella off, I decided to spend some time with my adoptive parents. I picked up Sam and drove to my parents’ home. My mother was there by herself. My father was working. “Edward, what a pleasant surprise,” she said, hugging me. “I thought you had plans.”

“I do. On Sunday,” I chuckled, walking into the foyer. “Tonight, I wanted to spend time with you and Dad.”

“He’s filling in for an attending. He likes to take an occasional shift to keep his techniques up to snuff,” she explained, hanging up my coat. “So, you’re stuck with me.”

“I wouldn’t say that,” I smirked, unclipping Sam’s leash. “It smells good in here.”

“I’m making some comfort food,” she explained. “It’s cold and dreary outside. So, I made chicken and broccoli casserole. It’ll be good for me and delicious for your father when he gets home after his shift.”

“Do you need any help?” I asked.

“Just talk to me. It’s been too long since we’ve had a mother/son date,” Esme crooned. “How are things going with your therapist?”

“Nice way to ease into the conversation,” I snorted, sitting down at the counter. She put a glass of wine in front of me, giving me an all-knowing grin.

“It’s been a couple of months. I’ve noticed a difference,” she said. “You smile more. You’re not as jumpy.”

“Therapy is going well. Dr. Gibbs and I have a pretty good rapport. The first few appointments were spent getting to know each other before delving into my neuroses,” I sighed, sipping my wine. “He also suggested that I see his partner, Dr. Marsden, who is a psychiatrist.”

“They want to medicate you?” she frowned.

“Only some anxiety medications, as needed. They suggested an anti-depressant, but I’ve dealt with my issues without medications for thirty-five years,” I shrugged. “However, I do have moments where I feel out of control or so angry that I need help calming down. Before, I’d use either alcohol or sex.”

“Edward,” she chided.

“What? It’s not like I was ever a virgin,” I snorted humorlessly. “My innocence was long gone, left the building when I turned five.”

Esme looked at me, her eyes wide. I’d never spoken so frankly about my childhood abuse. “Edward … I didn’t mean to … I’m sorry,” she sputtered. “Five?”

“People are ugly, cruel,” I spat.

“I knew it was bad, but five years old?” Esme whimpered, tears welling in her hazel eyes. “Who would do that to a five-year-old?”

“Raymond Burton and his brother, Ralph,” I said, my voice hollow.

 

Falling for a Dark Soul Update

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It was getting harder to maintain my distance from Bella. She just felt so right in my arms. Despite the shit hand of cards she was dealt, she was positive and happy for her sister. She gave Katie every opportunity, navigating single parenthood with grace.

However, I saw the despair in her eyes. It was well-hidden with smiles, hard work and devotion to her family. I saw it. I hated it. I wanted to make it better.

This was why I was elbow-deep in her car’s front-end. I’d removed her dead battery and easily replaced it. I was also installing a gift. Her car was newer, but did not have some of the safety measures I thought she needed. I got her a remote start and a car alarm. Bella was inside, starting to make dinner for her and Katie.

“Do you want some coffee?” Bella asked, walking into the garage. “I made decaf. I don’t know about you, but if I drink regular coffee after three, I’m up all night.” She held two mugs, giving me an uncertain smile.

I stood up, wiping my hands on a rag that Bella had given me. “That’s great,” I answered, taking the proffered cup. “I’m almost done. Do you have your key?” I sipped the coffee, humming at the warmth. “This is good. Perfect for a cold day like today.”

“You’re not wearing your jacket,” Bella chided.

I held up my greasy, disgusting hands. “I didn’t want to get it dirty. I’ll have to scrub them raw to get all of this off.”

“I’m sorry. I could have …” she trailed off.

“Bella, I offered. It’s all good. Doing stuff like this reminds me of how far I’ve come,” I sighed. I closed the hood of the car, grinning at her crookedly. “Start her up. Let’s see if the car still works.”

Bella nodded, opening the driver’s side and started the engine. It turned over, just as I expected it to. “It’s all good. I’ll have to reprogram the radio stations, but other than that, it’s perfect.” She turned off the engine. Closing the door, she looked at me. “Are you certain I can’t pay you? I feel like I’m abusing our friendship.”

“The only payment I require is a sink, hot water and soap,” I laughed.

“I have that,” she giggled. “And a home-cooked meal. You cooked for me. Now, it’s my turn.”

“Excellent,” I grinned. “Now, before we go in, I have something for you. Consider it another gift …”

“Edward,” she chided.

“It’s for your safety, angel,” I argued, inwardly grimacing. I really needed to stop doing that. But, she was an angel. I’d love for her to be my angel. I handed her a key fob, careful that I wouldn’t cover her with the grease from my ministrations in her car. “Chicago has some pretty nasty winters. I installed a remote start along with a car alarm.” She gave me a hard look. “This button arms the car alarm. You press it again; it will disarm it. The blue button? You hold that down and the car will start. Try it, Bella.”

She armed the alarm and then pressed the remote start. The car turned over. A fraction of a smile ghosted over her face. “This is pretty cool,” she murmured.

“There’s also an app for your phone. I can sync it up for you,” I said.

She added the fob to her car key, but she looked at me. Pressing her finger into my chest, she grumbled, “This is too much. I am capable of taking care of myself. I will pay you for the remote start thing, Edward. Don’t think I can’t navigate a computer, bub.” Her eyes were flashing with defiance and her cheeks were pink. With a smirk, she stepped back. “I have some towels and soap in the half bathroom. It’s just off the kitchen. I will have a check for you, Edward.”

“Understood, angel,” I nodded. She whirled around, picking up her coffee mug and leaving the garage. Punctuating her exit, she armed the car alarm. I snorted, picking up my jacket and coffee mug. I turned off the light and closed the garage, following Bella into her home. She gestured to the bathroom. I ducked inside, closing the door. I scoured my hands. The grease came off easier than when I was in high school.

Your hands are also softer than when you were a teenaged hoodlum.

I finished in the bathroom, walking into the kitchen. Bella was sitting at the island, sipping her coffee. Next to her, she had her laptop out and a check sat innocently on my jacket. “You better deposit it, Edward. I know where you work,” she quipped.

“Okay, okay,” I said, taking the check and putting it into my wallet.

Picking up the Pieces Update

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“I’m going to check on the kids,” I said.

“Can I check on them? I want to tell them about Mom,” Edward whispered. He took my hand, his thumb caressing over my knuckles. “You being here, or rather being there with my mom, it meant everything to me and to her, too. I don’t know if I could have done it without you, Bella.”

“There’s nowhere I wanted to be, Edward,” I said, brushing his hair back. “Do you want back up with the kids? They’re going to have questions. Tough questions.”

“No, I think I’ll be okay. Charlie sent a text that they’re both in Grace’s room. He’s reading to them,” Edward muttered. He rubbed his face, looking ten years older and so weary, despondent. “I love you, sweetness.”

“Edward, I love you more,” I breathed, kissing his lips. He hugged me tightly before heading upstairs, going into Grace’s bedroom. I pulled out my cell phone and sat down on the couch. I dialed Alice.

“How is she?” Alice asked when she picked up the phone.

“She’s gone, Alice,” I cried, tears leaking onto my cheeks. “She went peacefully and she was not in any pain. She just took a breath, released it and was gone.” I curled up on the couch, clutching a pillow. “I think it goes without saying that I’m going to be out for a few days, maybe a week. I’m sorry. I need to focus on my family right now.”

“Don’t even apologize, Hells Bells,” Alice snapped. “Seriously, you just lost your mother-in-law. You take all the time you need. I’ll speak to the district office and get you some emergency time off. I’m sorry for your loss. Send my love to Edward, will you?”

“I will, Alice. I’m sorry about putting you in a lurch and leaving you with the Carters and dealing with Micah’s mom,” I said, the guilt building up inside. “I …” A sob burst through my lips and I buried my face into the pillow.

“Bella, no. It’s alright. Don’t cry, sweetie,” Alice sniffled. “You take care of you. Take care of your family. I’ll handle everything else. Call me anytime.”

“Okay, Ali-cat,” I cried. “Love you.”

“Love you, too, Hells Bells,” she murmured, hanging up the phone.

I leaned my cheek against the couch cushion. My dad came down, sitting down next to me. “Edward’s talking to the kiddos. Grace is in shock. John is angry, trying not to cry but when he saw Edward cry, the dam flew open. The three of them are curled up on Grace’s bed, crying.”

“He’s taking this hard, Dad,” I sighed. “I am, too. This was the first death I’ve experienced since Jake. I feel lost, Dad. I don’t know how to handle this. I don’t know how to make it easier for Edward, for the kids … I know I have to be strong …”

“Bella, you don’t have to be strong. You’ve been strong for so many years after you lost Jacob. You grieve how you see fit, sweetheart,” Dad said, hugging me close. “And we’ll be here for you and for Edward. Your mother actually went over to see how Carlisle was doing after you called. She was concerned he wasn’t eating.”

“He did look really skinny, but he was so worried about Esme,” I sighed. “We all were. Her illness was stubborn.”

“It wasn’t the cancer, Bells. It was her. She wanted to make sure that her children were happy,” Dad explained. “Esme was a strong woman, filled with spit and vinegar, but for so much love for her family. You were included in that. I know that she loved you.”

“I loved her, too,” I sniffled. “But, I’m afraid for Edward … he’s …”

“He’ll be fine. He’s a lot like you, Bella. He’ll probably push everyone away, but be patient,” Dad said, kissing my forehead.

“I didn’t push everyone away,” I huffed.

“Yes, you did,” Dad snorted. “Bells, just love him.”

“You know I do,” I sniffed, sliding my arms around my dad’s neck.

Esme's Casket

Floral Spray from Carlisle

Flowers from Edward and Emmett

Flowers from Forks Elementary

Flowers  inside of the casket

Hearse

Flowers from Renee and Charlie

Flowers from Rose  and Bella

Flowers from the hospital

Carlisle's goodbye