Blockbuster

Chapter Thirty

I adopted this plot bunny a year or so ago. It really intrigued me. I posted a poll in my group asking which story I should work on next, and this was the winner. It's definitely a WIP. I've only got a rough outline figured out and I'm going back to my roots with this ... writing with a vague plan. I hope that I can do this justice.

None of this is mine ... I wish it was. Sigh ...

So, the previous chapter was ... the calm before the storm. Let's just say that things will get a bit bumpy. Buckle in, kids.

Chapter Thirty

Bella

"Thank you so much for picking us up, Esme," I said. "We could have gotten a cab or arranged for a car service."

"Nonsense, I'm more than happy to pick you up," Esme replied, waving a hand airily. "Besides, it gives me a chance to talk to you and Seth. How was your musical?"

"It was good, Mrs. Cullen," Seth answered. "I have a DVD of the performance, if you want to see it."

"I would love that, Seth," Esme grinned, blinking back to his spot in the backseat. "Are you happy that you're on summer break?"

"I'm excited to sleep in. I hate getting up to an alarm," Seth snickered.

"It was a nightmare to get him up at ten to get onto this flight," I snorted, giving my son a wry grin.

"I'm not a morning person, Mom," Seth laughed, scrubbing behind Bear's ears. "So, a nap is in order when we get to Edward's place. Do you think I can stay in that guest house he offered up the last time we were here?"

"We'll ask Edward when he gets back home," I suggested. "For now, put your bags in the same room you stayed in at Christmas. Okay?" He nodded and put his ear buds in, listening to some music. "I feel weird walking into Edward's house without him there. I mean, it's his house."

"It may be his house, but you're a part of the family. Reach in my purse, Bella," Esme said. "There's a keychain in there." I picked up a Hermes Birkin bag. This purse cost more than my car. "In the inside pocket, you'll find what you're looking for."

My fingers wrapped around a keychain. It had three keys on it. "Are these ...?"

"The golden keys are for the house and the large black key is for the Range Rover," Esme explained. "The larger key is for the main house and the smaller key is for the guest house."

"Thank you," I sputtered, looking at the set of keys in my hand.

"I can see that you're confused, Bella. When my son goes all in, he goes all in," Esme grinned. She exited off the freeway and navigated through Malibu to Edward's home. "Bella, my son adores you and he's like all Cullen men."

"What do you mean?"

"When they fall, they fall hard and fall forever," Esme breathed. "Carlisle was like that with me. Edward's grandfather, Anthony, was like that with his wife, Elizabeth."

I looked out the window, worried that Edward would eventually see me as a drain on him. I wasn't good enough. I couldn't give him any more children. What if he wanted more?

Esme was quiet until we pulled into the driveway of Edward's home. "Seth, here are the keys. Can you take Bear out for a walk on the beach?" I asked.

"Let me get our bags, too," Seth said, taking the keys and hooking the leash onto Bear's collar.

"We've got it, Seth," Esme murmured. My son nodded, taking Bear out of the car, and walking toward the beach with the keys in hand. "I can see the hamster going in your head."