A Fresh Start

The Halloween Party

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!

Chapter 25: The Halloween Party

A month had passed since my 'incident' with Aro. A formal investigation was opened and he was none-too-pleased with that occurring. However, he brought it on himself. To make matters worse, my complaint against the Middleton sisters was dropped and they were allowed to return to work. Their flirtations with Edward increased since they knew that they wouldn't get 'caught.' I was pissed about the whole situation but nothing REALLY could be done about it. I was more concerned about Aro's unwanted kiss and getting that handled. Hopefully, it would be handled.

Rose had started her treatment for her legs. She begged Edward to be her primary doctor for the duration of her treatment, but he wasn't a specialist in burns. He didn't feel comfortable with doing it. However, he did go out of his way to be there when she had her skin sloughing treatments. They were brutal, but necessary to remove the charred, dead skin from her legs. She was nearly done with her treatments and they were preparing her thighs with balloons for skin grafts. The balloons stretched her skin so they could extract it. I also spent time with Rose when I wasn't working on practicum shit or preparing for the spring musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Jr. Rose and I had formed a close bond over our fucked up former relationships and now since the fire.

The fire. Former relationships. Michael. That asshat. I hate him. He's still missing.

Even his very pregnant fiancée has no idea where he's at. However, that's what she told the cops. Do I believe her? Hell no. Do I think she's lying for him? Yes. Stupid, pregnant cow. Baby is eating all of your brain cells, honey.

In regard to my condo, I had already closed on it and had received payment at the time of the fire. The poor couple who had bought it was now in possession of a ruined home. I felt horribly. But, I couldn't help it. They tried to sue me for damages, but since they already signed for it and paid me, it was a moot point. With the money I received from the sale of my condo, I paid Edward back for the class and the two months of mortgage payments. I wanted to pay more to him for staying with him, but he insisted that I finish paying off my debt to the bank from the sale of my home with Mike and then invest the rest. He helped me tremendously in setting a stock portfolio. I had no clue what to do, but he was a whiz.

Is there NOTHING the man can't do?

It was a Sunday afternoon and Edward and I were having Alice and Jasper over for dinner. Relations between Alice and Edward were a bit strained after she dropped her pregnancy bomb on us. Alice was pissed at Edward for not being excited about his future niece or nephew. Edward was pissed at Alice for dropping something that important and delicate to him in such a public forum. Edward later explained to me that he nearly lost all control of his temper and emotions at the restaurant. If it hadn't have been for me, he would have been a sobbing crying mess. He also told me that my presence in the house and my support stopped him from careening over the edge of emotional oblivion. When Edward said that, I arched a brow. He sighed and said, "You stopped me from going bat shit crazy. Not eating, showering and counting the imperfections in the wallpaper."