A Fresh Start

The ER

Author's Note: I own nothing. I just like to play with the characters that were created by Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended.

Also, thank you for those of who have commented and offered well-wishes in my difficult time. It means a lot to me. Writing these stories has been my strength (as silly as that sounds) and has grounded me.

Rated M for future lemons.

Chapter 13: The ER

The rest of the week went by quickly. Each moment I doubted my feelings for Edward, I looked at the beautiful bouquet of flowers on my desk. I then put my hand on the sweet, poignant note he wrote to me with the flowers. I kept it in my pocket.

I didn't see Edward the rest of the week, unfortunately. He had to do his administrative duties on Thursday and then ended covering an overnight shift in the ER on Thursday night. He texted me when he had a spare moment, each time saying his love for me. Each time I read 'I love you,' I blushed tremendously. It warmed my heart and it burst through my chest. On Thursday night, I pretty much crashed after I put away the food from dinner. I was so exhausted from staying up so late and being up so early.

Saturday was Alice's bridal shower. It was at Esme and Carlisle's home. I woke up at a decent hour and got dressed for the shower. I put on my outfit that Alice insisted I wear. She's such a wedding Nazi! Jeez! It was deep, blush pink sheath dress. She also had me wear a pair of beige peep-toe heels. I was hesitant to wear them, but what Alice wants, Alice gets. I did slip a pair of brown sandals into a bag, just in case. I straightened my hair and spiked it. I also put on my makeup, very softly on my face. I finished my look with a set of pearls and pearl earrings. I checked my watch. I needed to get going. I wasn't sure where Esme and Carlisle lived. I printed out directions last night, but still I was leery about the location.

I grabbed the present I bought for Alice and Jasper: a large crystal vase and a set of matching crystal candle holders, and carried it to my car. I hopped up into my beast and backed out of the parking spot. I got on the highway and drove to Esme and Carlisle's home. I followed the directions and pulled into a lavish looking subdivision. The homes were huge and immaculately kept. I checked the house number and I drove through the gorgeous neighborhood. I found Carlisle and Esme's home. The mailbox was bedecked with pink balloons and streamers. I pulled in and parked the beast. I gathered my present and camera and walked up to the front door. I balanced the present and rang the doorbell.

Esme opened up the door. "Bella! You look lovely," she gushed. "Come in, come in."

"Thank you, Esme. You have a lovely home," I replied.

"Oh, why thank you, my dear," she said quietly. "It's a bit of a passion. I'm an interior decorator and I love decorating a home with my creativity."

We walked to the living room and I deposited my present on the pile of other presents. Alice was wearing a white dress with a pink sash around her waist. Her black hair was curled and she had a large pink flower pinned behind her left ear. She looked at me. Her face broke into a huge grin and she skipped to where I was standing. "Bella! You look beautiful," she smiled as she kissed my cheek. "That dress is gorgeous on you."

"Thanks, Elf. You look radiant," I said as I wrapped her in a hug. "Can you believe this happening?"

"Yes," she gushed. "It's been forever. Jas and I were together since college and it took this long to propose. Now it's really happening."

"What took him so long?" I asked.

"He was gun shy. His parents got divorced and it was nasty. I mean a ton of mudslinging and nastiness. Jasper wanted to make sure that I was the one. But I knew. As soon as I met him, I knew," Alice said wistfully. "Speaking knowing, do you have some news for me, Ms. Swan?"