Falling for a Dark Soul Update

 FFADS Chapter 34 on FFn

FFADS Chapter 34 on AO3

FFADS Chapter 34 on fanfiction.online

FFADS Chapter 34 on Stars

FFADS Chapter 34 on Wattpad

“What are you doing?” Katie asked. Since I was still off for a couple more weeks, I’d volunteered to pick up Katie at school. She had taken off her uniform and was helping me make dinner. Or rather, I’d started dinner and I was trying to find a birthday present for Bella. I knew that last year, Bella ignored her birthday. This year, I wanted to celebrate her birth. “Edward?”

“Sorry, Little One,” I chuckled, blinking up at her. “I’m trying to find a birthday present for Bella. Her birthday is coming up.” Katie frowned, tears welling in her blue eyes. “What is it, Katie?”

“Last year, I forgot Bella’s birthday. We had just moved here and were sad because of Mommy and Daddy,” she muttered. “She gave me a special day for my birthday and I ignored her. She must hate me.”

“Katie, Bella does not hate you,” I said, picking her up and putting on the counter. “Katie, losing your parents, it changes you. Bella was more focused on making sure that you were happy, healthy. She didn’t really care about her birthday because her thoughts were on you.”

“But, everyone deserves a special day,” Katie muttered, gripping my shirt. “Bella didn’t. Not last year. I want to make it up to her.”

“You do, Little One, with each smile and each moment that you’re happy,” I said, wiping her tears away. “She adores you and would do anything for you.”

“I want to do anything for her,” Katie replied, sliding her arms around my neck. I picked her up, carrying her to the living room and sitting down. I gently ran my hand up and down her back as she cried. She must have dozed off because her cries quieted. I looked down at her. Her face was flushed and there were tear stains on her cheeks. I kissed her forehead, holding her in my arms.

As Katie snoozed, I let my mind wander. I wanted this. I wanted this forever. I wanted to come home with my girls, sharing my future with them. I’d been denied a happily ever after and this was my dream. I knew I wanted to marry Bella. However, we were not ready for that step. We were still healing from what happened on my birthday.

Which was officially cancelled.

From here on out, my birthday would be on April 17^th. June 20^th held too many negative memories, from the death of my birth parents to the catastrophe that happened a few months ago.

“Forever,” I whispered, smiling as I realized what I could get Bella for her birthday. I picked up Katie, tucking a blanket around her on the couch before I went back to my computer. I typed in what I was looking for, grinning widely when I reserved it at jeweler. “Forever may not be long enough, but it’ll have to do.” Rubbing my hands, I made plans for Bella’s birthday. It would be a two-pronged approach. One part will include Katie and the other will be just Bella and me.

I missed her.

I missed the intimacy, the physical intimacy, we’d had prior to the car accident.

I was feeling no pain when I did daily activities. My strength was returning, along with my stamina. I was also cleared for sexual activities. At least, that’s what the doctor said. Granted, it couldn’t be marathon love-making sessions like we’d had in February, but we could try. Even if I couldn’t make love to her in the traditional sense, I would love to be able to show her how much loved her.

That’s if Bella wasn’t disgusted by the new scars I had on my body. I had a smaller scar in between a couple of my ribs from where I had the chest tube. My left hip had an eight-inch long scar from where I had the joint replaced. I also had another scar along my left thigh. At least, the scars were done surgically and not ragged like the rest of the damage to my skin.

 

Falling for a Dark Soul Teaser

 “What are you doing?” Katie asked. Since I was still off for a couple more weeks, I’d volunteered to pick up Katie at school. She had taken off her uniform and was helping me make dinner. Or rather, I’d started dinner and I was trying to find a birthday present for Bella. I knew that last year, Bella ignored her birthday. This year, I wanted to celebrate her birth. “Edward?”

“Sorry, Little One,” I chuckled, blinking up at her. “I’m trying to find a birthday present for Bella. Her birthday is coming up.” Katie frowned, tears welling in her blue eyes. “What is it, Katie?”

“Last year, I forgot Bella’s birthday. We had just moved here and were sad because of Mommy and Daddy,” she muttered. “She gave me a special day for my birthday and I ignored her. She must hate me.”

“Katie, Bella does not hate you,” I said, picking her up and putting on the counter. “Katie, losing your parents, it changes you. Bella was more focused on making sure that you were happy, healthy. She didn’t really care about her birthday because her thoughts were on you.”

“But, everyone deserves a special day,” Katie muttered, gripping my shirt. “Bella didn’t. Not last year. I want to make it up to her.”

“You do, Little One, with each smile and each moment that you’re happy,” I said, wiping her tears away. “She adores you and would do anything for you.”

“I want to do anything for her,” Katie replied, sliding her arms around my neck. I picked her up, carrying her to the living room and sitting down. I gently ran my hand up and down her back as she cried. She must have dozed off because her cries quieted. I looked down at her. Her face was flushed and there were tear stains on her cheeks. I kissed her forehead, holding her in my arms.

As Katie snoozed, I let my mind wander. I wanted this. I wanted this forever. I wanted to come home with my girls, sharing my future with them. I’d been denied a happily ever after and this was my dream. I knew I wanted to marry Bella. However, we were not ready for that step. We were still healing from what happened on my birthday.

Which was officially cancelled.

From here on out, my birthday would be on April 17^th. June 20^th held too many negative memories, from the death of my birth parents to the catastrophe that happened a few months ago.

“Forever,” I whispered, smiling as I realized what I could get Bella for her birthday. I picked up Katie, tucking a blanket around her on the couch before I went back to my computer. I typed in what I was looking for, grinning widely when I reserved it at jeweler. “Forever may not be long enough, but it’ll have to do.” Rubbing my hands, I made plans for Bella’s birthday. It would be a two-pronged approach. One part will include Katie and the other will be just Bella and me.

I missed her.

I missed the intimacy, the physical intimacy, we’d had prior to the car accident.

I was feeling no pain when I did daily activities. My strength was returning, along with my stamina. I was also cleared for sexual activities. At least, that’s what the doctor said. Granted, it couldn’t be marathon love-making sessions like we’d had in February, but we could try. Even if I couldn’t make love to her in the traditional sense, I would love to be able to show her how much loved her.

 

Falling for a Dark Soul Update

FFADS Chapter 19 on FFn

FFADS Chapter 19 on AO3

FFADS Chapter 19 on Fanfiction.Online

FFADS Chapter 19 on Stars

FFADS Chapter 19 on Wattpad

“Esme?” I called, walking into the kitchen. She hastily wiped her eyes, turning around and giving me a watery smile. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, sweetheart,” she answered. I arched a brow, like how I did with Edward. “I can see why he loves you.”

“He hasn’t said it, but I understand why he’s hesitant,” I shrugged.

“My son had such a difficult life and he always kept everyone at arm’s length,” Esme muttered. “Even his father and me. Edward doesn’t trust easily, but he let you in.”

“He’s easy to love,” I murmured. “And those people who hurt him deserve to rot in hell.”

“Trust me, many of them are,” Esme replied darkly. “Edward lived in about twelve homes before he came into our custody. Out of the twelve foster families, nine of the parents were arrested for child solicitation, molestation and wrongful death.”

“Somebody died in their care?” I hissed.

“A little girl,” Esme growled, “In a home in Dwight. Anyway, they were put away for life. The district attorney wanted Edward’s testimony because he’d told his case workers, but they didn’t listen. He stopped telling them and took the abuse until …” She walked over to a cabinet and poured herself a glass of bourbon. “Want some?”

I nodded and sipped the drink. “You wouldn’t let Edward testify.”

“He was finally accepting that he was a part of our family. Carlisle asked him if he wanted to testify but my son told him that no one cared what he said years ago. Why would they care now?” Esme frowned. “I never, in my wildest dreams, imagine seeing Edward as comfortable as he is with you and your sister. He never smiled. When he did, it was forced.” She took a sip, leaning against the counter. “He’s brilliant, ambitious, funny but he never let down his walls. To see him today? It’s like he’s a whole new person. I’m crying because I’m happy that he has someone that loves him unconditionally.”

“When we first met, Edward and I did not get along,” I snorted. “Oil and water, really.”

“He told us about how he treated you and the guilt he felt afterward. If anything, you’d figure he’d be understanding since Katie is in a similar situation with losing her parents,” Esme shrugged. “But, she has you.”

“Unlike Edward,” I frowned. “I also think that’s why Katie and Edward are so close. They’re kindred spirits, really. They both lost their parents at a young age without the ability to understand why it happened or cope with that sense of loss.”

“You also lost your family,” Esme argued.

“But, I’m twenty-eight. I have the coping skills to work through it. Yes, I struggle with their absence. I have days where getting out of bed is a struggle,” I shrugged. “Therapy has helped. Katie and I go to a grief counselor. I got the name from the preschool I enrolled Katie in. I didn’t know anyone when I moved here from the Pacific Northwest. I toyed with the idea of seeing a psychiatrist, but I didn’t want to take medications unless absolutely necessary. I miss my mom. There are moments when I wanted to call her to tell her all about Edward …”

The oven dinged and Esme checked whatever was inside. “I hope you like lasagna,” she said.

“I love it,” I smiled.

 

Shaky Ground Update

SG Chapter 8 on FicPad

SG Chapter 8 on Stars

SG Chapter 8 on AO3

SG Chapter 8 on FFn

SG Chapter 8 on Wattpad

Edward was in his car, driving to his parents’ house. It was his mother’s birthday and they were having dinner. It was the last day off before he had to go back to the hospital. He was grateful for the time off. He spent almost all of his first day off in bed, sleeping and catching up on rest. The next day, he ran errands and scoured his house, making it smell like something other than whatever was rotting in his fridge. He also worked on his dictations and read, for fun. He started the Alexander Hamilton biography since he’d gotten tickets to the musical for his mother’s birthday.

Which led to today, his final day off. On the passenger seat, he had a gift basket of all his mom’s favorite perfume, body wash and other girly goodies, along with the card and tickets to see Hamilton. He parked in the driveway, picking up the gift basket and present. Using his key, Edward slid inside. “Hello? Happy birthday!” Edward called out. He made his way through the multi-million-dollar home on the shores of Mercer Island. He found his parents on the back porch. “I figured you’d be out here.”

“We bought this house for this view,” Dr. Edward Masen, Sr. smirked. He got up, hugging his only child. “You look good, son.”

“Sure, Dad,” Edward chuckled. “I look like I’ve been working too hard.”

“I agree with that. Too thin,” said Dr. Elizabeth Masen. “But, I can see what your father is saying. That haunted look is missing from your eyes.”

“Ma, don’t shrink me,” Edward grumbled. She tutted, kissing his cheek and ruffling his hair. “Happy birthday.”

“It is a happy birthday. My baby boy came to visit me,” Elizabeth smiled, her green eyes sparkling in the sunlight and her caramel colored hair blowing in the slight breeze. She was a renowned child psychiatrist, working with children with autism and OCD. However, she was concerned for her son because of his hatred of women due to his past. She’d tried to talk to him, but he refused to open up and eventually not talking to her for almost six months. Elizabeth ran her fingers down her son’s cheeks and he stepped back. She sighed, still broken-hearted that he was still standoffish. “How did you get the day off? I thought you said you had to work?”

“I covered for Aro so he could go to his granddaughter’s dance recital,” Edward said. “I was granted a three-day reprieve. I caught up on sleep, cleaned my house and relaxed.”

“Did you meet someone?” Edward Sr. asked. “You look happy.”

“I didn’t meet anyone,” Edward replied. “I’m not … don’t even think about it. I don’t need Mom shrinking me, or you trying to force me into something I don’t want or need.”

“Mase,” Edward Sr. frowned, looking at his son and calling him by his childhood nickname to distinguish the two Edwards apart. “What Tanya did …”

“Look, Dad, I can just leave. I’m over it,” Edward snapped, stalking over to the edge of the deck and panting heavily.

Elizabeth and Edward looked at each other. Their hearts were shattering at seeing their only son so broken and so distrusting. They never got the full story and probably never would. All they knew is that woman took the last shred of happiness from Edward and threw it into his face. But, today, there was a lightness in his eyes. “We’ll let it go, Mase,” Edward Sr. said.

Edward nodded, his movements jerky. But, his parents’ comments were right. He did have a lightness in his chest and he was more relaxed. That could be due to having sex. Not because of the person involved in having said sex. “Okay,” Edward mumbled. Turning, he faced his parents. “Are you ready to go out to eat? My treat?”

Dr. Edward Masen, Sr.

Dr. Elizabeth Masen

Edward's Car

The One That Got Away Update

TOTGA Chapter 78 on FicPad

TOTGA Chapter 78 on Stars

TOTGA Chapter 78 on AO3

TOTGA Chapter 78 on FFn

TOTGA Chapter 78 on Wattpad

After the holidays, Edward went back to work. It was a bit of a shock to the system. They went from seeing each other all day, every day, to only seeing each other at night, when Edward was not on call. Bella was also preparing to go back to work, but only after the twins’ birthday party. They were turning eight on January nineteenth and were having a combined party, the weekend after their actual birthday. Bella was coordinating all the plans with Alice, Esme and Sue.

And those weren’t the only plans that were being made. Edward and Bella were moving forward with their upcoming nuptials. Edward wanted to get married on Valentine’s Day, as in two months from when they were engaged, but Bella was adamant on having more time to pull things together. After discussing it with Alice, Bella’s matron of honor and Esme and Sue, who had taken on a motherly role in Bella’s life, they decided to get married in early June in Key West, recreating their first family vacation.

Then, after their wedding, Edward and Bella would be flying to Jamaica for a week-long honeymoon while the kids were staying with Nana, Poppy, Papa Charlie and Grammy Sue.

It wasn’t the immediate wedding that Edward wanted, but it was a fair compromise for both. Bella wanted to have the memories of a wedding, albeit a small one, but not going to the courthouse, like Edward suggested. He felt like a tool, remembering that this was Bella’s first wedding and he didn’t want to deny her dreams of being escorted down an aisle on Charlie’s arm and beginning their new life properly.

“Momma, I got a few more RSVPs,” Lucy said, handing Bella a stack of cards. “Everyone is excited to go to the Jump Zone. I think Liam has some, too.”

“Excellent,” Bella sang, looking at the names. Almost everyone they’d invited were coming to the party. One or two were unable to come, due to previous commitments, but they had already delivered gifts to the house from their children. It was an unexpected, but welcomed gesture from the parents. “Where’s your brother?”

“I’m here, Mom,” Liam said, clambering into the backseat. “Sorry. I was talking to Hunter about the party. Here’s his invite-thing.”

“Thanks, sweetie,” Bella smiled. “We need to get stuff for the goody bags and assemble those tonight. Do you have any ideas what you want?”

“Dad used to take us to the dollar store and we’d pick out toys and stuff,” Lucy suggested. Bella nodded, but she knew that the toys at the dollar store were not the best quality. They were only a dollar.

“I think we can get something a little nicer at Target,” Bella said. The twins nodded and she pulled away, driving them to the closest Target. They did find something for the goody bags that wouldn’t break the bank. For Liam’s guests, he got them some sort of superhero action figure, a small coloring book and a set of crayons. Lucy’s guests got a girly doll or small stuffed animal, a sticker set and some lip gloss. They got some plain small gift bags and curling ribbon, heading back to the house.

The One That Got Away Teaser

After the holidays, Edward went back to work. It was a bit of a shock to the system. They went from seeing each other all day, every day, to only seeing each other at night, when Edward was not on call. Bella was also preparing to go back to work, but only after the twins’ birthday party. They were turning eight on January nineteenth and were having a combined party, the weekend after their actual birthday. Bella was coordinating all the plans with Alice, Esme and Sue.

And those weren’t the only plans that were being made. Edward and Bella were moving forward with their upcoming nuptials. Edward wanted to get married on Valentine’s Day, as in two months from when they were engaged, but Bella was adamant on having more time to pull things together. After discussing it with Alice, Bella’s matron of honor and Esme and Sue, who had taken on a motherly role in Bella’s life, they decided to get married in early June in Key West, recreating their first family vacation.

Then, after their wedding, Edward and Bella would be flying to Jamaica for a week-long honeymoon while the kids were staying with Nana, Poppy, Papa Charlie and Grammy Sue.

It wasn’t the immediate wedding that Edward wanted, but it was a fair compromise for both. Bella wanted to have the memories of a wedding, albeit a small one, but not going to the courthouse, like Edward suggested. He felt like a tool, remembering that this was Bella’s first wedding and he didn’t want to deny her dreams of being escorted down an aisle on Charlie’s arm and beginning their new life properly.

“Momma, I got a few more RSVPs,” Lucy said, handing Bella a stack of cards. “Everyone is excited to go to the Jump Zone. I think Liam has some, too.”

“Excellent,” Bella sang, looking at the names. Almost everyone they’d invited were coming to the party. One or two were unable to come, due to previous commitments, but they had already delivered gifts to the house from their children. It was an unexpected, but welcomed gesture from the parents. “Where’s your brother?”

“I’m here, Mom,” Liam said, clambering into the backseat. “Sorry. I was talking to Hunter about the party. Here’s his invite-thing.”

“Thanks, sweetie,” Bella smiled. “We need to get stuff for the goody bags and assemble those tonight. Do you have any ideas what you want?”

“Dad used to take us to the dollar store and we’d pick out toys and stuff,” Lucy suggested. Bella nodded, but she knew that the toys at the dollar store were not the best quality. They were only a dollar.

“I think we can get something a little nicer at Target,” Bella said. The twins nodded and she pulled away, driving them to the closest Target. They did find something for the goody bags that wouldn’t break the bank. For Liam’s guests, he got them some sort of superhero action figure, a small coloring book and a set of crayons. Lucy’s guests got a girly doll or small stuffed animal, a sticker set and some lip gloss. They got some plain small gift bags and curling ribbon, heading back to the house.

The twins darted off to work on homework, while Bella made dinner. She was finally freed from her wrist brace but it would always be weak and she would know that it was going to rain, thanks to the scar tissue and early onset arthritis. Bella kept dinner simple, reheating some lasagna she’d made over the Christmas break. As she was putting in the garlic bread, Edward came home. The dress clothes he was wearing were gone and he was in a set of dark blue scrubs. He looked so sad. “Everything okay, Edward?”

“Lost a patient today,” he sighed, walking over to Bella and nuzzling her close. “I was working at the office when one of my regular kiddos came in for shortness of breath. It wasn’t shortness of breath, Bella. He had a massive tumor growing in his belly and his mother thought he was having an asthma attack. It came out of nowhere. So, I went to surgically excise the tumor with Dr. VanDuzor. He just wouldn’t stop bleeding. We couldn’t cauterize the blood vessels fast enough. Dr. VanDuzor and I, we worked for hours trying to save this kid, but he lost too much blood. He bled out on the table.”

“Oh, Edward,” Bella sniffled. “I’m so sorry. How old was he?”

“Same age as Liam,” he said, holding Bella tighter and inhaling her soft, feminine scent. “The mother was so upset and understandably so. She threatened to sue us for malpractice, but it wasn’t anything we did. The kid is going to have an autopsy, at my insistence. We need to find out when the tumor began growing. I’m also going to check his history to see if it was something that I missed. His medical records are being delivered to my office tomorrow.” He looked at her, cupping her cheek and kissing her tenderly. “It hurts so much when you lose a patient. And to think that it could have been my fault.”

“Don’t think that way, Edward,” Bella said, her fingers massaging his shoulders. “You did everything you could to save that boy. The mother was probably overcome with grief and needed someone to blame. You were there and she attacked you.” She ran her fingers up to his hair and scratched his scalp. “Go upstairs. Take a shower and relax. Dinner will be ready when you’re done. Also, love up on your kids.”