A Fresh Start

The Emerald City

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 33: The Emerald City

Edward and I spent the rest of our trip with Charlie. He had managed to get some time off. We did some things around Forks and Port Angeles. It was very quiet. It was very relaxing. It was exactly what the doctor ordered.

On the eve of New Year's Eve, Edward and I decided to head to Seattle. While in Port Angeles, Edward got a phone call from one of his old colleagues from Virginia Mason inviting him to dinner. Edward was hesitant to commit to the dinner. When I asked him about it, he said that it was Dr. Moore. He was the attending physician that worked on Tanya. I asked Edward if Dr. Moore was a friend. Edward grumbled that he was. I all but forced him to call Dr. Moore back. We were meeting Dr. Moore and his wife for dinner at the Metropolitan Grill. Edward also mentioned that he wanted to get in touch with Cynthia. She was one of the nurses at Virginia Mason. I suggested lunch. Edward readily agreed.

We met up with Cynthia at a local TGIFridays. She was on her lunch break. She was an older woman with her graying blond hair pulled back in a ponytail. Her eyes were bright and blue. She looked very friendly and kind. "Dr. Masen!" she called as she gave him a hug. He held her closely and they rocked. "It's so good to see you."

"You too, Cynthia. And it's Edward," he smiled. "You know that."

"Old habits die hard, Edward," she teased.

"Cynthia, I'd like to introduce my fiancée, Isabella Swan," Edward said proudly as he put a hand around my waist.

"It's nice to meet you, Cynthia," I said warmly.

She smiled and pulled me into a tight embrace. "I'm so happy you are with Edward. You seem lovely," Cynthia said into my ear. She pulled away and bounced on her toes, looking very much like Alice. "Let me see the ring." I held up my left hand and she gasped. "It's beautiful, Edward. So elegant."

"Nothing but the best for my love," Edward said, kissing my forehead. We were seated by the hostess and we settled into the booth. "So, how are things going with you, Cynthia?"

"One day closer to retirement," Cynthia grumbled. "The new boss is an asshole."

"Sorry," Edward grimaced. "Is he running my ER into the ground?"

"You can say that," Cynthia said. "Our death rate is up because of the scheduling of the residents. The attendings are overworked and don't get me started on the new charting system."

"Who's in charge?" Edward asked.

"Victoria," Cynthia sighed. "She's a great doctor, but horrible at making administrative decisions. She was only supposed to be the interim ER department head, but she's fucking someone."

"Victoria? Red head? Couldn't do a spinal tap in her third year of residency?" Edward asked.

"The same."

"Oh lord," Edward said, rolling his eyes.

"However, enough about Virginia Mason. Tell me about how you met," Cynthia said. "I need me some romance."