SINKING SHIPS

Bella

Happiness depends upon ourselves. - Aristotle 

Bella, with a heavy heart kissed everybody goodbye and told them she would go get her test and then see them in a week to go over the test results for the bone marrow transplant that Aunt Bonnie needed.

Bella quietly boarded the airplane home.  She leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes hoping to get some rest. She had enjoyed her time with her family but was now mentally exhausted. She was still struggling knowing that Aunt Bonnie was her biological mother but was glad to have some answers about her adoption after all these years.

Bella unboarded her flight feeling a little rested after her nap. As she stood by the carousal waiting on her luggage she couldn't help but think about all the work she would have to get done in such a short time so she could  go back to her hometown for the bone marrow test results. Grabbing her luggage and exiting the airport she was taken by surprise at how cold the air was. She flagged down a cab and quickley got in to the cab to escape the cold air.  The weather here was nothing like the weather she had experienced while on the cruise.  She was already missing the nice warm salt air.  The cab smelled musty from all the people that had been getting in and out of it all day. 

She could not wait to get home. She had managed to make her small apartment warm and inviting. She felt good when she was there but there was always a sense of loneliness surrounding her. She walked into her apartment and set her luggage off to the side. Mail was scattered all over the floor, she grabbed up her mail and placed it on the long side table.  The mail was going to have to wait until morning. As she entered her bedroom, she looked over to her warm, inviting bed. She hoped she would be able to get a good night's sleep. She proceeded to the bathroom to run a nice hot bath.  As she poured in the lavender bath salts, she thought about how early the alarm would be going off in the morning.  She slid into the tub, taking in the scent of the lavender.  She leaned back and closed her eyes.  Almost instantly she could feel her body relaxing.  She stayed in the bath until the water started turning cold.  Time for bed.  She slipped in between the soft silk sheets on her bed. A slight hint of lavender still lingered from her bath along with the luxurious comfort of her bed, it did not take her long to drift off into a deep sleep.  Before she knew it, she heard her alarm blaring. Time for work.

Bella shut the alarm off and stretched to wake herself up.  She rolled out of bed and headed to the bathroom to get her day started.  As she glanced in the mirror she was pleased with what she saw.  She always tried to wear what was categorized as ultra-sophisticated.  The pretty pink sleeveless sheath dress with the pink and white jacket was a nice backdrop to her long blond hear.  Her new bronze tan was standing out against the pretty pink.  She was not much for wearing makeup.  Just a little eyeliner, mascara and lip gloss.

First order of business when she arrived at work was to go to the human resource office and ask for time off so she could be there for Aunt Bonnie.  She filled out all the necessary paperwork.  Hard to believe all the paperwork that had to be completed just to take some time off. Now to go to her office and try to get through the workload waiting on her.  Bella was greeted by her assistant and given an overview of all that happened while she as out of town. Bella breathed a sigh of relief that there had been no major issues and no fires for her to put out. 

She looked around her office.  It had taken her a while to get this far. She was proud of how far she had come.  Her office was nice and comfortable.  She had a huge window overlooking the lake making it a nice relaxing environment to work in. She grabbed a cup of hot coffee and signed into her computer.  She had made it a habit to always check messages and emails from corporate first.  Interesting, a new hotel was opening in her hometown. Out of curiosity Bella began to review the images on the hotel’s website.  The hotel was absolutely beautiful.

As Bella moved through her day, she kept thinking back to the new hotel opening in her hometown.  She wondered what it would be like to be in her hometown again.

It had been a long day but now Bella sat on her couch eating dinner.  She was not much of a cook.  She typically picked her dinner up on the way home. Tonight, it was a nice dish of Shrimp Lomein with egg rolls. Chinese was her favorite.  She loved the flavor of the sauces.

Before she knew it, she found herself on corporate's website looking to see if a job listing for the new hotel existed.  Nothing yet.  She could not shake the feeling that this was fate.  It would put her closer to her Aunt Bonnie if she was to transfer to the new hotel.  She would be able to spend more time with her. Maybe then she would not feel so lonely all the time.  Before she knew it, she was emailing corporate requesting information on the new hotel and asking if there was an opportunity for a Director of Operations.

Her day had started off busy and unorganized.  She had waited until last minute to pack for her trip to Aunt Bonnie's and was paying the price now.  She could not miss her flight. She rushed around and headed out to her cab.  As she ran through the airport terminal, she prayed there would be no gate changes.  She made it just in time.  As she looked out the window, she thought about the new hotel again.  Maybe she would get a chance to tour it while she was in town.

 It had been a week since the girls had taken their tests.  Today was the day they would find out if any of them were a match.

Bella was extremely nervous as she walked into the doctor office.   It was so quiet.  You could hear her heals clicking against the sterile white tiles as she proceeded down the hall. They had all agreed to meet at the doctor's office to get the results together. As she turned the corner, she could hear Abigail and Calista asking their mother if she needed anything.  When Bella looked up, she saw Aunt Bonnie.  She was so beautiful even though she was looking very pail and frail.  It was the first time that Bella realized she had Aunt Bonnie’s blond hair and blue eyes.  As she stood there looking, she realized she favored her quite a bit. She prayed the doctor would have good news for them.  

Luckily, they did not have to wait too long.  A nurse called them back to see the doctor. Calista must have been able to tell Bella was nervous, she grabbed her hand as they went down the hall giving it a slight squeeze of reassurance. When the doctor came in, he smiled at Aunt Bonnie and asked her how she was doing. His smile was so beautiful.  Bella noticed his nice chiseled features, jet black hair, and stunning blue eyes.  She felt herself blush because she had gotten so distracted. She heard Aunt Bonnie telling him she had been better.  Well, Mrs. Grace we have some good news today. All three of your girls are a match.  Looking at the test results, it appears that Bella will be the best match.  Aunt Bonnie must have seen the shock on Bella's face.  She reached across the table and took Bella's hand and held it with her frail pale hand.  She told Bella she did not have to do this if she did not want to.  The doctor went on to explain all the side effects. Bella, without hesitation said she was going to do it. Good said the doctor.  We are going to move fast on this.  We have put it off long enough.  We are going to go ahead and admit both of you today and perform the procedure first thing in the morning.

Bella had not slept much that night.  The unfamiliar sounds and bed made it hard to sleep. The nurse had come in early to start the preparations for the procedure.  Bella was moved to the room where the procedure would be performed.  It was a small white sterile room.  It had bright lights.  Bella shivered.  She was not sure if she was shivering because she was cold or if it was because she was so nervous.  The nurse prepping the room must have sensed that she was nervous and told her it would be over before she knew it.

The doctor came into the room. Again, that warm smile. How are you today Bella?  Good, Bella nervously told him.  It will be over before you know it.  Bella smiled, that is what everyone keeps telling me.  As the doctor prepared for the procedure, Bella noticed how confidently he moved.  She watched him as he got ready. She was taking in his dark black hair, tanned skin, strong jawbone, and when he turned around those beautiful blue eyes caught hers.  She heard him call her name, You ready Bella.  Yes sir.  In went the biggest needle Bella had ever seen.  Straight into her hip. They pain was intense.  She could feel the tears rolling down her cheek.  She felt him wipe the tears away and tell her it was going to be alright. The procedure was over. It was over almost as soon as it began.

The doctor told her the procedure had went well and she should be able to go home later that day.  He told her he would send her family in to see her soon.  A few minutes later, Abigail and Calista came in to see her.  How are you they asked? Good, just sore.  She struggled to pull herself up in the bed.  Her hip hurt like crazy. Bella was asking how Aunt Bonnie was doing when the doctor entered.  He told her that the procedure had gone well and as soon as she was out of recovery, he would have the nurse let them visit. Aunt Bonnie would have to stay for a week so the doctors and nurses could monitor her for infection.  The Doctor turned to Bella flashing those beautiful blue eyes and that smile, it was a pleasure meeting you Bella.  Call me if you need anything.

Abigail giggled a little bit as the doctor left.  Bella looked at her bewildered and said, what?  Calista laughed and said you know what.  Abigail was giggling and started singing their  childhood favorite. Bella and the doctor sitting in a tree.  Bella threw her a glare and told her to hush.

Later that afternoon Bella was released.  They made their way to check in on Aunt Bonnie.  She was tired but reassured them she was doing good.  Bella and Abigail headed home after seeing Calistaoff at the airport.  She was not able to stay any longer.

When they got to Aunt Bonnie's house, Abigail helped Bella out of the car.  Bella now understood why Abigail had become a nurse. She was good at it.  

It was nice to spend some time with Abigail.  They discussed Teagan and Kane and the relationships they had with them.  Bella had shared that Teagan had begun drinking and had become verbally abusive towards her.  Abigail had been in total shock.  

Abigail went to pick Aunt Bonnie up from the hospital while Bella snuck out to visit the new hotel. When she pulled up on to the grounds, she was captivated with the beauty that surrounded the hotel.  She entered the hotel and looked around at the glamorous design.  Absolutely breath taking she thought to herself. She went to the front desk and asked for the Manager.  She had made an appoint with him to show her around.  They were still in the process of hiring and training, but he had been polite enough to take time out for her.  She found herself in love with the property and excited that she might be able to find a new challenge here. 

Bella had a good day and was excited to see Abigail and Aunt Bonnie when she got back to the house.  Where you been asked Abigail.  Bella hesitated not wanting to tell them what she was thinking.  I have been riding around looking at how much the town had changed.

It was nice to be able to spend some quality time with Aunt Bonnie before she had to go back.  The two days spent with Abigail and Aunt Bonnie had gone by way too fast.  Bella promised to call everyday as she kissed them goodbye and left to go to the airport. On the flight home all Bella could think of was how much she already missed everyone.