A Fresh Start

The Birthday

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.

Thank you so much for reading and reviewing. It means so much to me. More than you can imagine. These stories (this one in particular) are my babies and I adore the reviews and comments I receive. Much, much love to ALL of you!

I'm also trying to limit Edward's point of view on this as it is Bella's story. Her fresh start. But I wanted to put the dream about Tanya and her approval of Bella. There may be some more EPOV, but not too much. As always, thank you for reading the ramblings from my brain.

And, I'll stop talking. On with the story ;-)

Chapter 22: The Birthday

After Edward's Lasik procedure, I made a solemn vow to never let him drink. Even if he wanted to. What a hot mess. He was loopy. Handsy. But completely adorable. He woke up after his nap, unaware of what he had said before he went to sleep. His brows furrowed and he didn't like not being in control. I told him to stop obsessing over his lack of control and pressed him to tell me how his vision was. He removed his shield, which was fucking riot to see, and he looked around the room. He grinned and said that the procedure worked. I sniggered and went back downstairs to finish what I was working on: a theater lesson for my language arts classes.

Edward plopped down on the couch next to me and read over my shoulder as I typed my theater lesson. "Your birthday," he said simply.

"Sucks," I retorted. "Don't even think about anything. Doing anything. Getting anything. NOTHING related to my birthday."

"But Bella," he whined.

"Fuck, Masen, you sound like my middle schoolers," I teased. "'Ms. Swan, it's not fair!' 'I didn't deserve that grade.' 'Ms. Swan!'" I mimicked.

"I don't sound like that," Edward said, tickling my sides.

I swatted his hands away, giving him a pointed glare. "Edward, you know why I don't like my birthday."

"I do. But, Bella, I want to do something for you," he said, jutting out his lip in an endearing pout.

"You've already done so much, Edward. Letting me live here..."I began.

"I'm not letting you live here. I invited you. I want to live with you. This is not my house. It's our house," Edward said fervently.

"I don't feel like a contribute anything. I mean, I pay half of the utilities," I said.

"I'd rather you not pay for anything," Edward sighed. "It's not like I don't have the money, beautiful girl."

"But it's not right," I said. "I need to help out. I make a good amount of money. Not as much as a doctor, but enough."

"Bella, call me old fashioned or call me whatever. But my job is take care of you. Whether it's helping you out with your mortgage for your tainted condo or letting you stay here. It's my job and I enjoy doing it. Please, baby, let me spoil you," he said, lacing his fingers with mine.

"Have you gotten me the moon?" I teased.

"Not yet. But it's work in progress," he winked. Edward's phone chirped from his pocket and he grumbled. "Eye drop time. Blech." He got up and went into the bathroom, putting his eye drops into his emerald eyes.