A/N: Okay, so I was finally able to finish this story. I've also rewritten the first part of the story and decided to make it a two shot! I hope you enjoy it!
"Carlie, hurry up! That floor has to be spotless in thirty minutes!" my boss yelled at me.
I gave him a surprised look. "What? But my shift is supposed to be over in ten minutes!"
"The sooner you start, the sooner you can go home." Then he laughed at me. Asshole! So, without any further complaint, I started filling two buckets with water to mop the floor. This was SO NOT FAIR!
Thirty-five minutes later, I was finally able to go to the locker room and change to go home. After a drive of ten minutes, I was 'home', or what was supposed to be my home now. "Carlie, is that you?" Aunt Rose called for me.
"Yes, it's me. Sorry I'm late, had to work over." I groaned and walked into the kitchen.
"Oh, honey! You must be hungry. The food is in the fridge," she said, while changing the diaper of my little six month old cousin.
"Thanks," I said and heated it in the microwave. It was already seven-thirty in the evening and I was starving! I hadn't eaten since lunch.
"Oh, before I forget: solicitor Jenks has called. He demanded to see you as soon as possible. Something about the will."
"Yeah, okay, I'll give him a call tomorrow." It was only Monday evening, and I had already the feeling this would be another tough week!
xxxxx
Friday, at three 'o' clock, I had my appointment with Jenks. I wondered what he wanted now. My eighteenth birthday had been last week, and he had made all the installments so I could inherit everything from my mother, as her will had stated.
Yeah, well, that's me: I'm Carlie Andy Swan, orphaned three months ago. My mom, Bella Swan, died from cancer and I've never known my father. I'm a senior in high school in Seattle and only a month away from graduation. And now I live with my Uncle Bear (aka Uncle Emmett), his wife, Aunt Rosalie, and my three cousins. Kate, the eldest, was only one year younger than me and was like my shadow. We did everything together: shopping, gossiping, make-overs, going to the movies, cooking,…
Then, there was James (but everyone called him Jamie). He was fourteen now and definitely in puberty. Ogling girls, putting on a big mouth, playing video games, hanging out with his friends and getting in trouble for pulling pranks are just a few of his favorite activities.
And then you had Tanya. She was only six months old and a little accident. But we wouldn't wanna miss her for the world. She is just so cute and adorable. She giggles all the time and is everyone's pupil. Especially Uncle Bear's.
She was now her daddy's little girl: first Kate and I were, but we grew out of it. Uncle Bear and Aunt Rose have always been like a father and second mother to me. I've lost count of how often I had sleepovers with Kate, or how often they had babysat me. They had always been my second home, until my mom passed away three months ago and they took me in.
"Well Carlie," Jenks started, while looking at the papers in his hands, "you must wonder why I summoned you here. Along with your mother's will she gave me an envelope she wanted you to receive once you turned eighteen. So here it is, my dear. If there are any other complaints or questions, you know you can contact me." He gave me a big brown envelope.
"Okay, thank you, Mr. Jenks." I said and left his office. Once I sat in my car, I wondered what was in the envelope and I opened it immediately. There were a smaller envelope and a letter. I took the letter and when I started reading, the tears followed quickly.
Hey my little girl,
Oh well, I know you're not so little anymore now you're 18, but you will always be my little girl to me. I hope you've got some time to get over my death. But please, my dear, don't grieve too long over me: you're too young and too beautiful to let your life be lead by sorrow. I miss you, my dear, and wish I was still there to see you growing into the beautiful young woman you'll become.
To see you in your prom dress; to disapprove of your future-boyfriends; to cry the day you leave for college; to see you graduate; to see you in a beautiful white dress at the altar; to hold your hand when you're in labor. I wish I could be there to see you smile because, my dear, you have a beautiful smile! You always have, and always will. Share it with the world, please. Let them see you're a strong, independent, beautiful woman, Carlie. Don't cry to much over me: you can't change the past, you can only wallow in it. And life's too short for that, believe me: I've learnt that the hard way.
That's something I just wanted to tell you, before I tell you the one thing you've been whining about for years. The one thing I've never wanted to tell you until you're old enough. The one you've always wanted to know and I never told you. If you think carefully you'll know what I'm talking about. That thing is written in a letter that's in the little, white envelope. But you have to know, my dear, once you read the letter, there's no way back. I know what you'll do when you read it, so think wisely before you do so.
Are you ready to change everything you thought you knew about me? Are you ready to know my biggest secret?
If you think you're ready and you want to know, you can read the letter. But remember: there's no way back afterward. So, it's your choice: I know you'll make the right one, anyway.
Love always,
Mom x
I don't know how much time had passed since I had read that letter. I was dumbfound: what could she possibly have to tell me? And did I want to know? My thoughts were broken off by the ringing of my mobile. "Hello," I answered with a thick voice, without checking caller-ID.
"Where are you?" Uncle Bear's voice shouted through the phone.
"Sitting in my car."
"Where? Are you alright?" he asked. I didn't know. Was I? No, probably not. I didn't feel fine, anyway. I felt empty.
"I'm still at Jenks' office. I don't know, I feel weird."
"What did he say?"
"I've got to show you something."
"You want me to come to pick you up, honey?" His voice was softer now.
"No, I'll be fine. I'll see soon. Bye." I hung up before he could answer.
xxxxx
Half an hour later I was home and was sitting with Uncle Bear on the couch. He was reading the letter and frowning. Never a good sign with him. Normally he's a goofball, joking around and now he had that serious face, the one that always tells you something is seriously wrong.
"Have you already opened the other envelope?" he asked. I shook my head. "Good, probably the best."
What? "What do you mean? You know what it says?"
"No." He acted surprised.
"Yes, you do. Stop lying!"
"I don't."
"Yes, you do! I can see you're lying. Tell me, do I wanna know what the other letter says?"
"If I'm right about what it says, you…" He sighed. "It's something you've wanna know for years. But I don't know if you'll be happy after you know the truth."
"Why? What's this about?"
"Think about it Carlie. Isn't there something you've been dying to find out all those years?"
"Apparently something you know of."
"Yes, something I know of, yeah." He admitted.
"What is it?"
"Think, and you'll know sweetheart." He said, kissed my forehead and walked over to the kitchen to set the table for dinner.
I wasn't really hungry and hadn't eaten much. I went to my room for the rest of the evening and thought about the letter. Did I wanna know? Was I ready for it? How life-changing could it be? Did I want my life to change? My life wasn't perfect, far from it, but it wasn't miserable either. Although I had lost much, I still had something left. I had some money inherited, and an old house that was going to be sold. And I had Uncle Bear and his family: they'd always be there for me. I had my friends at school who were understanding, and I knew I was lucky to have them. I wouldn't have survived the past nine months without them. From the moment my mom was diagnosed with leukemia, they'd all supported me as much as they could.
So, wondering if I should open the second envelope or not, I fell in a restless sleep.
The next morning, when I woke up, I remembered the letter immediately. I still had to decide whether to open it or not. Uncle Bear had to tell me what it was about.
"I can't tell you," he said.
"Why the hell, not?" I fired back.
He sighed. "If I tell you what it's about you'll rip the envelope open and you'll read something you didn't expect. Everything you know about Bella will change. And I don't want you to run into that. You don't know what you're getting yourself into, Carls. I don't want you to get hurt too." He sounded genuinely worried, although the last didn't escape my attention.
"Get hurt too? Who got hurt first?"
He sighed again. "Please Carl, don't do it. For me. I can't lose you too. Not because of that stupid letter!"
"Why would you lose me?"
"I'm just gonna shut up. You're a smart girl, you'll figure out what to do, but I hope you make the right decision, for everyone," he said before walking away to play with Jamie on the PlayStation. Sometimes he was just a little kid.
But his words worried me. Was the only family I had left worth hurt and loss? No, they weren't. When my mom died, they mourned too. They got hurt as much as I did. They lost someone too: a sister and an aunt. Losing someone? Uncle Bear doesn't want to lose me too, because of a stupid letter. But how could a letter from my mom be stupid? Oh God, this was so frustrating.
I decided to let the subject go for now, and to concentrate on my homework. Around six 'o'clock, it was all finished, and my mind wandered back to the letter. What could it hurt to just read it? It can only be my actions afterward that can hurt people. I just can read the letter and then let it go…
Like you'd ever do that. Letting go… You suck at letting go, Carlie! And you know it. My conscious yelled. Or do you need a reminder of Tyler? You were crushing on the guy and he didn't want you! You cried for weeks after that. You were pathetic, although you said you could let him go.
I knew it was right. Damn conscious!
xxxxx
Three days later, I was still debating with my conscious about opening the letter, even though my mind should have been with my finals that started tomorrow. Stupid finals! Stupid letter! Stupid Conscious!
My life pretty sucked right now. My friends at school saw something was bothering me. Uncle Bear begged me to not open the letter and burn it. "Let the past be!" he had said. And Kate listened to my rambling and complaining, but didn't want to give me advice. Usually she always does. She's the kind of person that has an opinion on EVERYTHING. Literally! But now she didn't want to share. She said I had to do what I thought was right, without letting Uncle Bear influence me.
So, that evening I did what seemed right: reading it and deciding afterward what to do with the information.
Hi honey,
I knew you would eventually open this. You've always had a very curious nature, always wondering about everything. As a child you asked always the why-questions and, most of the time, I didn't know the answer myself. But there was one why-question I've never answered, although I knew the answer. Why didn't you have a father? If you don't want to know, I suggest you stop reading this now. But I know you'll read this anyway, sooner or later.
I was the one that ended the relationship with your father. He was never the one who had left, I was. I'm sorry for only telling you this now, but you would have been too young to understand. I've always loved your father very much. But I was his employee at the time and he was my boss, and it was unprofessional to do the things we were doing. When I discovered I was two months pregnant with you, I left him. I wrote him a simple note, saying I was sorry. I quit my job and moved back in with Grandpa Charlie and Grandma Renee. They were furious at me, but helped me during the pregnancy and your first year until they died in a car accident two years later. They loved you very much. Emmett was about to get married with Rose and she became pregnant quickly after. Ever since, you and Kate were inseparable.
You're partly named after your father, Carlie. Your middle name, Andy, is an abbreviation of his middle name, Anthony. His full name is Edward Anthony Cullen, CEO of Cullen Inc. He was a sweet, gorgeous, and wealthy man. But his P.A. being pregnant with his child, would have broken his career. You were a love child, not an accident from a one-night-stand, not from the sperm bank. Your first name is a contraction of Charlie, my dad, and Carlisle, Edward's dad.
So now you know the truth, it's up to you about what you're gonna do with it. But whatever you decide, I will always love you. And Edward. Don't blame him, my dear. He doesn't even know he has a daughter.
I wish you the best, Carlie. And I know you'll make the right decision.
Love Always,
Mom x
I read the letter over and over. This couldn't be true. When I had finally accepted after mom's death, that I would never find out who my true father was, I find out. How ironic is that? Then something else hits me. Emmett was about to get married with Rose. They knew all along! No, that can't be! I ran down the stairs in no time and entered the kitchen where Uncle Bear and Aunt Rose were sitting. "You knew! All along, you knew! And you've never told me!" I yelled at them.
"We knew what?" Uncle Bear asked skeptically.
"This!" I smashed the letter on the kitchen table and I saw them both cringe.
"Honey, we…" Aunt Rose started, but I cut her off.
"Don't 'honey' me! I'm not a child anymore! I had the right to know, and you both never told me."
"Bella didn't want us to," she said calmly.
Mom didn't want them to? Now I was confused and my anger went away instantly. "What? Why?"
"We told her so often she had to tell you the truth, but she said you were too young to understand. She wanted to tell you when you turned eighteen, but then she became sick, and was worried she wouldn't be able to tell you, so she decided to write you that letter. She had forbidden us to tell you. She wanted to do it herself, when you were old enough," Uncle Bear explained.
"But you said you didn't want me to open the letter?"
"I know, but that's what I think. Carlie, we know you. You'll go away to meet him and I don't want that. You've always been more like a daughter than a niece to me, and I don't want him to hurt you, just like he hurt Bella."
"But the letter says she left him? How could he hurt her? Wouldn't it have been the other way around?"
"Carlie… Leaving him is the hardest Bells has ever done in her life. She loved him, truly, She always has. Until the day she died. She didn't want to destroy his career and left him out of love. Like everything she's ever done it was out of love. No matter how many times I had warned her he'd break her heart eventually, she stayed with him. Until she was pregnant. I said she had to tell him, but she didn't want to. She was afraid he'd dump her, so she left by herself."
"Why would he dump her if they were in love? Why didn't she have her happily ever after?"
"Because she loved him, but she always doubted his love for her, although he kept assuring her about it. Carlie, you know how doubtful you're mother has always been about herself. She saw him as a perfect man: handsome, wealthy, popular, kind, caring, selfless. Way out of her league. She thought she wasn't worthy of him, so she left without telling him the truth."
"But, then, why would he hurt me, if I told him the truth?"
"Sweetie, how would you react if someone was standing on your porch, saying 'Hello, I'm your long lost eighteen-year old daughter. Do you have a bed for me?' Believe me, most men wouldn't react too well."
I sighed. Okay, maybe he was right. Maybe I just should let this go.
What? Wasn't that the point of you reading the letter: you can't let this go! Do you think Mom would want you to do that, if she wrote that letter?
'Welcome back, conscious,' I thought sarcastically.
The next two weeks I mainly focused on my finals, but the newly revealed secret was always somewhere in the back of my mind. I wanted to meet him. I wanted to know what he was like, but there was also the doubt: what if Uncle Bear was right, and he didn't want to get to know me? What should I do? Mom, please, help me! You always knew what to tell me! I know you'll make the right decision. And how was I supposed to know what the right decision was?
He had the right to know I exist and I had the right to get to know him, I decided. Did he have family? Got married and had children? I knew two things for certain. One: he was wealthy and was an important business man. And two: he had had a relationship with his PA nineteen years ago and made her accidentally pregnant. Well, it was a start.
But maybe my knowledge about him could go further: so in the week after my finals, I graduated, went to senior prom and googled Edward Cullen and Cullen Inc.
Apparently Cullen Inc. was a large company, with the headquarters in LA, for import and export, for all kinds of things. It had a lot of subsidiaries: a mall, a shipyard, a fashion company (which was run by Alice Mary Cullen, his younger sister), an interior design company (founded by his mother Esme Anne Cullen-Platt), a toy company, and so on. The founder was Carlisle Cullen, father of Edward and Alice. All of them were still alive and Alice, a famous fashion guru, was married to Jasper Withlock, a historian who worked at the UCLA. They had fifteen-year old twins: a boy Diego and a girl Charlotte. When Carlisle decided to take things slower, about seven years ago, it was Edward who had become CEO. That means Mom still followed him from a distance, if she knew he was CEO.
Edward Anthony Cullen himself, was said to be a hard-working business man who had transformed the company into a huge empire. At Harvard, he had accomplished a Master-degree in Business and Economy. There was little known about his personal life, but it was known Edward never married. He had occasionally a girlfriend, but nothing that seemed too serious. I wondered why. Photos showed him as a good-looking man in his mid forties. Why wouldn't a guy like that be able to keep a woman? There were several options: he was gay, he was boring (and women lost their interest quickly) or he was a player. The latter seemed the most plausible to me.
I knew I wanted to meet him, but how was I going to manage this? He was probably a busy man and I didn't want to stand on his porch just like Uncle Bear suggested either. Then I found the solution, during one of my Google-sessions about the Cullen family. There was an ad on a website that said they were looking for a new housekeeper. I could apply for the job. Interviews were being held next week. That would give just enough time to sent my résumé, and to fly out to LA.
xxxxx
"What? That's the stupidest idea I've ever heard! Why would you try something like that?" Uncle Bear semi-yelled when I told him.
"That way I can meet them once at least once. And, maybe, if I get the job, I could save some money for my barely existing college fund, and I can get to know them without taking the risk of him refusing me as his daughter." I explained.
"And if they find out the truth?"
"Why would they find out? It's not like I'm gonna use my real name. Using the name Swan would immediately tell them who I am. I'm not THAT stupid."
"Oh, so you're gonna lie to your own family? Are you lying to us too about something?" he yelled.
I couldn't believe my ears. Was he for real? "What? No! Why would I lie to you?" I yelled back.
"If you can lie to them, why wouldn't you lie to us?"
"Is that what you really think of me? That I'm some lying bitch, taking advantage of you and your family?" I asked shocked. If that was the case, then maybe it was best I left.
Uncle Bear took a few deep breaths, calming himself. "No, Carlie, of course not. But I'm not sure if you've really thought this through. What are you gonna do when they find out?"
"I'll see when it comes to that, I guess. If they don't want me, I can come back home. At least, if you still want me here." I mumbled the last part.
Aunt Rose, who had stood at the side-line, now came up to me. "Honey, don't worry about that! This will always be your home. You're practically our fourth child." She hugged me tightly
"I know, it's just… I hope you're not mad at me for wanting to know my other family." I whispered.
"Carlie, I could never be mad at you, and this will always be your home. I promised Bella to take care of you. And it's not that I don't support you. I really do, but I don't want to see you getting hurt in the process. I saw Bella hurt for a long time, after she left. I don't want to see that happen to you too." Uncle Bear said softly. God, I love him as a father.
"Thank you." I whispered, as I started weeping. Aunt Rose hugged me tightly.
xxxxx
Four days later, I sat on the plane headed to LA. I had mailed the Cullens my resume under the name of Carlie Masen and got a positive answer: I could come over for an interview. I had booked a hotel room for two days.
I was incredibly nervous. If I got the job, I could move in with the Cullens. If I didn't, I'd just go back home and maybe find another way to come into their lives. 'Oh, please, let this work! Please!' I pleaded.
After landing, I got my bags and took a cab to my hotel. The next day, I took a cab to the address the Cullens had mailed me. It was on the outskirts of the city and it was huge! It wasn't just a house; it more seemed like a mansion. The cab driver dropped me off and I walked over to the front door. Before I could even ring the bell, the door flew open and I was welcomed by sparkling green eyes.
"Hello. You must be Carlie, right?" a high bell-like voice asked me. In front of me stood a little older, petit, but very beautiful woman with black spiky hair. "I'm Alice. It's so nice to meet you!" She sounded so enthusiastic. She was nearly bouncing as she reached her arms out to hug me. What the hell? Is she crazy or did they already find out the truth?
I hugged her hesitantly back and replied, "Yes, I'm Carlie Masen. Nice to meet you too, Mrs. Cullen."
"Mrs. Cullen would be my grandmother, just call me Alice," she said and pulled me inside.
"Mom, Carlie Masen is here!" she yelled into the house.
The hall was huge: it had a beautiful crystal chandelier and a marble staircase. "Come in, please," Alice's voice rang. She took my coat and led me into what seemed like the living room. There was a huge plasma T.V. against the wall, and design couches. Because the French door to the dining room was open, the room looked endless. And it was beautifully decorated: a modern and classical style combined.
"Please, have a seat," Alice said, while bouncing up and down in hers. Somehow she reminded me of Tinker Bell. Then, an elderly woman with soft grey hair entered the room. She stopped dead in her tracks, when she saw me. Oh-ooh! People always told me I looked a lot like my mom. I hoped she didn't recognize me. When her eyes met mine, she smiled warmly. I felt immediately at ease.
"Hello Ms. Masen, I hope Alice hasn't scared you off too much. She can be a little overwhelming from time to time," her soft voice said. "I'm Esme. And don't you dare 'Mrs. Cullen' me, like you just did with my daughter. Understood?"
"Yes… Esme." It felt weird to address to them with their first names, but also more family-like.
"So, what makes you think you're right to be our housekeeper?"
"I'm a good cook, if I may say so myself. And I've experience in cleaning. I've worked the last two years in a hospital in Seattle as a cleaning lady."
"Can you iron and do the laundry?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Esme, my dear."
"Okay, Esme."
"Well, then I think it's settled. When can you start?" She smiled friendly at me. Alice again was bouncing. Did she have ADHD or just drank too much coffee?
"Wait, does that mean I'm hired?"
"Yes my dear, you are."
"Eh, okay." I smiled. "I can start whenever you want."
"Where are your things, my dear?"
"My hotel room."
"Well, how about we take you to your hotel room, we pick up your stuff and we unpack you here. You can have a good night sleep and start tomorrow. Is that okay?"
"Yeah, that would be great, actually."
"Well, it's settled then."
xxxxx
Two hours later, I was unpacking in my new bed room. It was on the top floor, bigger than my room in Seattle, and I had my fucking own bathroom. How cool is that? They had given me a grand tour of the house and I had been introduced to Carlisle, Diego and Charlotte. All the Cullens lived in the house. Only Edward wasn't around that much. During the week he stayed at a condo downtown, closer to the office, but in the weekends he came home.
There were seven bedrooms and each room had its own bathroom. The kitchen was heaven for a cook like me, something I had inherited from my mom.
They called me when dinner was ready. Heading downstairs, I saw a man with blond curls. Alice told me this was her husband Jasper Whitlock. He greeted me and I ate with the Cullens, like I was a part from the family, though I had to remind myself I wasn't, really. There was small talk. They asked me about my life in Seattle. I told them the truth: that my mom passed away and that I lived with my uncle now. I just didn't tell them their names were Bella and Emmett Swan.
The next day I woke up, and saw an unfamiliar ceiling. I sat up and looked around. The room was luxurious. Oh shit! The Cullens' mansion, right! I got out of bed, took a quick shower, got dressed and headed downstairs. Today was Tuesday and it was my first day as their housekeeper. I was nervous. When I entered the kitchen I was greeted by Carlisle, Esme and Alice. Jasper had already left for work and Alice and Carlisle were getting ready to get going too. The twins were still asleep apparently. It was Summer Holiday after all, and only 7:45 in the morning.
"What do you want to eat, my dear?" Esme took me off guard. Wasn't I supposed to be the one to make their breakfast?
"Cereal is fine," I said and took a bowl.
"Oh no! We've got a lot to do today. Cereal won't keep you up all morning. I've baked pancakes. Here you go." She took my bowl away from me and gave a large stack of pancakes and syrup. Was I supposed to eat all of that? There were like five on my plate. I would never be able to eat all of that! We ate in silence, but it didn't feel uncomfortable.
"So, what am I supposed to do today?" I asked, after cleaning the table.
"First we've got some grocery shopping to do, and after I want you to help me with cleaning the windows. When we're done with that, it will be around five, I think, and we can make dinner. Does that sound alright to you?"
"Perfect," I smiled.
Grocery shopping went by quickly: Esme knew exactly what she needed and ran like a crazy woman through the supermarket. I was in charge of pushing the caddy and could barely keep up with her. She drove the car back home and while we were unpacking, the twins showed up. She gave me a fifteen minute break time while she made breakfast for the twins. I took a glass of water. Man, that woman was in shape for being sixty-seven. I made a mental note to myself that I had to start running in the morning again. It was something I had done a few times a week, until Mom was diagnosed. Later after moving in with Uncle Bear I had picked it up again, but with my finals and my planning on how to infiltrate the Cullens' life, I had stopped it again.
Around 10:30 in the morning, Esme and I started cleaning windows. We had small talk and lunch around one. Then we continued on cleaning windows. It was 5:15 when we were ready. All the windows in the house were done. And there were many, I can tell you.
Esme said I had worked enough for now and could take a break. So I went to my room to unpack a little more and to read a book. They called me when dinner was ready.
Apparently Alice and Jasper had just arrived home and were starving. I sat with my paternal family at the table, only Carlisle and Edward weren't there.
After dinner, I helped Esme with putting everything into the dishwasher, and she said I was free for the rest of the evening, and that I should join them in the living room.
"Isn't that a little inappropriate?" I asked, unsure.
"Why would that be inappropriate?" She smiled warmly.
"I'm an employee."
"You live in this house; this is your home now. So, come and join us. And I don't take no for an answer. If you refuse, I'm just going to tell you as your boss, you've got to join us. Got it, missy?"
"Yes, ma'am." I laughed.
The next day, Esme asked me if I could collect the dirty sheets from all the beds and wash them. When I entered Edward's room I saw a picture on his nightstand. I recognized him and my mother on the picture, twenty years younger. Why would he keep a picture of her on his nightstand after all these years? Then the light bulb above my head shone and I crashed down on the bed: he loved her. He still loved her. That's why he never had another woman or girlfriend. Suddenly I imagined what could have happened if my mom never left: a marriage, a young happy couple. I could have lived here for all those years. Maybe had a little brother or sister.
Suddenly, I felt sad. What if this could have been real? After a few minutes of sitting there, I realized I should get back to work before Esme caught me sitting around.
xxxxx
While we were putting new sheets on the beds, it still bothered me. But I knew I couldn't ask Esme. But there was something else I could ask her. Something I had been wondering about.
"Esme, can I ask you something?"
"Sure, what's wrong?"
"Why are you paying me to work here while we do it all together?"
"Carlie, I'm sixty-seven. I'm getting older and not everything goes as smooth as it used to. And I'm also tired of spending my days all alone while everyone is at work or school. So now that you're here, it's easier for me to get the work done, and I have some company. But why are you taking this job? Shouldn't you enjoy your last summer before you head off to college?"
"I can't afford college. That's why I'm taking this job. In a few years, I hope to have enough money to pay my fees. My mom has left me a small inheritance, but she wasn't actually rich or anything."
"And your uncle can't pay it?" She asked curiously.
"I couldn't ask him that. He's done already so much for me, and I have three cousins who need to get the chance to go to college too. So no, I haven't asked him and I'm not planning on it either."
"What about your father? Can't he pay it?"
Honestly, I think he could afford it, but that's not the reason I came here. Could that answer work? Probably not. "I've never known my father." I whispered. "They broke up before I was born. I've never known him."
"Did he just abandon you like that?"
"Not really. You see, it's complicated." I stopped putting the sheets over the edge of the bed and looked down at me feet. "My mom left my father right after she found out she was pregnant. She never told him."
Esme seemed shocked. I wondered how much more she would be in shock if she knew I was talking about her own son. "Why would she do that?"
"He was at the beginning of a brilliant career. She thought a child would break that, so she decided to not tell him and leave."
Esme fell down on the bed, completely in shock.
"Esme, are you okay?" I asked, concerned.
She shook her head and whispered to herself so silently I almost thought I had understood it wrong. Almost. "I don't understand. Bella left because of his career?"
I froze on the spot. She knew? Now it was my turn to look shocked at her. Tears were coming down from both our cheeks. She came over to me and hugged me. "Oh my dear, it's okay. It's not your fault."
"How did you know?"
"I knew it from the first moment I saw you. I knew you were Bella's daughter. But I saw Edward's features too," she admitted.
"I'm sorry," I whispered. "I'm so sorry. I never meant to hurt you by coming here."
"Why would I be hurt? You're my granddaughter. You're finally home and I still can't believe it."
There was a short silence, until she broke it. "Come on, let's finish this bed and then we can have some tea." I just nodded.
When we were sitting in the kitchen each with a cup of tea, I gave her a synopsis of the past year: mom's diagnosis, our agony, her death, Emmett who took me in, the letters and my plan to come here. Esme didn't say a word; she just let me talk until I was finished.
"Oh, my dear, you've been through so much. I wish I could have been there to help you. Bella was always like a daughter to me and the day we heard she'd left, we were all crushed. Carlisle and I had lost a daughter, Alice a dear friend and Edward his heart. He was devastated and moped around for months. After a while, I was got tired of it, and I commanded him to change his attitude. So he became a workaholic and changed the, at that moment, middle-large company into a huge empire. Though he never really got over her."
"Mom was kinda the same. She worked hard and took care of me very well, but she never dated anyone. In the letter she said she still loved him. Uncle Emmett said the same."
"If he'd known, I swear he wouldn't have let her run away. He still loves her. He still has a picture of her-"
"-on his nightstand. I know, I saw it earlier. I realized then that all of this could have been so different," I finished her sentence.
"He has the right to know, don't you think?"
"I know, but I can't tell him."
"Why not?"
"I haven't even met him yet. My point in coming here as your housekeeper was so I could get to know him and his family, and then I could still decide if I eventually told you or not."
"Still, he has the right to know you exist."
"I know, I'll tell him, but give me a few weeks to get to know all of you first, please."
"Okay. I won't tell anyone, for now," Esme agreed and sometime later we got back to work until dinner. Thursday and Friday went by quickly. Esme and I got to know each other pretty well, and she told me things about her family. During the evenings, when I sat with them in the living room, I got to know the others too. Charlotte and I really clicked. And during those evenings, when my eyes crossed Esme's, she gave that motherly smile again. And I felt home.
xxxxx
Friday afternoon I got a phone call from Uncle Bear. I picked up. "Hi there," I laughed.
"Well, someone sounds happy."
"Yeah, it's good here."
"Really?"
"Yeah, although Esme knows, but she gonna keep quiet, she promised," I admitted immediately. I knew he'd find out eventually.
"What? She did? How?"
"She said she knew from the moment she saw me: it was the reason I could start immediately. She wanted me to be a part of this family."
"Do the others know?"
"No."
"And Edward?"
"Gonna meet him tonight. Edward lives in a condo downtown during the week. He's only here in the weekends."
"So, I guess you're rather nervous, right?"
"You've got that one right. But enough about me. How are you guys?" I wanted to change the subject. Thinking about meeting Edward tonight made me ever more nervous, and I already was a nervous-wreck.
"Tanya's got the flu, but she's getting better. Though, she misses you. We all do."
"I know. I miss you too, Uncle Bear. But it's not bad here."
"Yeah well, if you change your mind: our door is always open. I'll buy you a ticket on the first flight to Seattle."
"I know. But I've got to go. Love ya!"
"Bye, Carl," he told me, and hung up.
Now that I was going to meet Edward, it all felt so unreal again. Like I was in a dream or something.
Finally, after 18 years I was going to meet him. Edward. My father.
Alice and I were cleaning up the kitchen after dinner when I heard a velvet voice. "Hi, I'm home." He walked into the kitchen and stared at me. 'Please, don't recognize me!' I thought. Then, he looked at Alice.
"This is our new housekeeper, Carlie, and believe me, she's a real keeper. She's a hard worker and Mom completely adores her." Alice's statement made me blush. Yes, another thing I got from my mom and something of which I hoped wasn't going to betray me right now.
Edward looked skeptically at me, but eventually stretched out his hand. "Hallo, I'm Edward. Nice to meet you." And he gave a crooked smile. Damn, that smile had definitely charm, I understood why mom loved this guy. If he had been 20 years younger…
Okay, Carlie you can stop right there! He's your father, for crying out loud!
Yes, Conscious, got the message!
"I'm Carlie. Nice to meet you too, sir," I answered, shaking his hand. Edward released my hand and made his way upstairs, shortly after.
"Don't mind him, he's always like that. He's a workaholic, difficult with new people. But deep down, under that mask, there's a sensitive guy who will warm up to you. Just give him some time, he'll come around," Alice said.
"Okay." I mumbled, going back to work. Was he like this since mom had left him? I should ask Esme next week. Now, with everyone around, would be too easy to get caught.
Later that night when everyone else was in the living room, Edward wasn't there. He stayed up in his room all night. Also the next two days, I barely saw him. It was like he was avoiding me. Why would he do that? He didn't even know me. I hoped Alice was right and it would get better in time.
"Esme, why was Edward so cold towards me? Have I done something wrong?"
"I don't know, my dear. Normally, he isn't that bad. He stays a lot up in his room during the weekends, but now it's like he has locked himself up there. I don't know what is wrong with him. He's always a little difficult with new people, and the fact you look like Bella won't help him with that," she explained, concern heavy in her voice. "Just give it some time. If it doesn't get better, I'll talk to him. Don't worry."
"Thanks, Esme." I smiled at my grandmother and receive a genuine one back.
xxxxx
The rest of the week passed by without major events. I did my job as housekeeper and Esme was delighted to have some company during the day. Diego and Charlotte were out most of the time with friends anyway. During the evenings, it felt like I was a little more part of this family every day, and I could imagine myself living here with them. As a true family. Again, it became Friday night, and I hoped it would go smoother this time than last weekend. And it did.
He made an effort during dinner to do some small talk and I was very pleased with it. It was much better than being ignored. He even gave me a smile towards the end of the weekend. Yep, this was definitely getting better!
The third week with the Cullens went smooth. Alice talked to me about fashion, she said I needed some fancy clothes. She suggested I go shopping with her and Charlotte on Wednesday. I thought it would be great: wrong guess. Normally I like shopping, but this time it was just torture! I even didn't feel my feet anymore at the end of the day. But I must admit: Alice knew where to go, how to get a huge reduction and how to combine everything. She definitely knew fashion. I had made a few short phone calls with Uncle Bear, and he was happy that I felt at ease with the Cullens. Though it was the first time I was this long away from home all alone and I missed them terribly. But, luckily, Esme knew how to keep me busy. If we weren't cleaning, we were baking, or gardening. Their garden was beautiful and huge. Behind the garden there was a little forest, and even that was theirs.
xxxxx
But, then Friday came, and I would see Edward again. He suggested to help me clean the kitchen after dinner, so we started together putting everything into the dish washer. While I was putting some left overs in the fridge in felt his breath suddenly in my neck. What the hell?
"You know Carlie, you're a very beautiful woman," he whispered into my ear.
"Eh, thank you, I think Mr. Cullen." I blushed deep red.
"Call me Edward."
"If you're gonna act like this, I'd rather not," I answered. I tried to push him aside to continue my work, but he held me at my waist.
"Act like what? Am I making you uncomfortable? I thought that would be the reason you're here, aren't you? I've noticed how you look at me when you think I don't see it. I've noticed how you and my mom keep exchanging looks. You want me, don't you?" His voice sounded husky. I felt suddenly more like prey, than his daughter.
"No, Mr. Cullen. I think you're wrong."
"Then why do you keep looking at me like that?"
"I don't know what you're talking about." Lie, blush.
"You're a bad liar."
"So I've been told before."
"So, you're sure you're not attracted to me, in any way?"
"Positive, sir."
"Okay then, in that case I think you can handle cleaning up the kitchen on your own, right? Later, Carlie." he said. I turned around and then I heard footsteps on the stairs.
What did just happen? Did he just hit on me? EW!
xxxxx
The rest of the evening I sat on the couch, next to Carlisle, far away from Edward. I was watching the TV screen, just like everybody else, but I had no idea what was on. I had also the feeling Edward kept glancing at me. Around 10.30 PM I made my way to my room. I got into my PJ's and fell asleep quickly.
When I woke up, the room was still dark. 12.36 AM my clock told me. My throat felt dry, so I decided to get some water downstairs. While descending the stairs, I heard murmuring in the living room. I looked through the doorway and saw Edward laying down on the couch with an almost empty bottle of Jack Daniels in his right hand. My father was a drunk. Nice to know. I decided to enter. "Edward, are you awake?"
He turned his head and smiled his crooked smile. "Hi there, beautiful." he said. He smelled like alcohol and I felt sick again. Why was he hitting on me?
"Come on Edward, I'm gonna take you up to bed."
"Are you?" Hope sounded through his words, though I didn't know what it meant.
"Yeah, come on." I pulled him up the stairs and into his room.
Suddenly, he acted really quickly for being drunk. He pulled me onto his bed and laid down on top of me. I tried to get out of his hold, but he was heavy and started touching the hem of my shirt. "You're so beautiful. Just like my Bella," he whispered into my ear. "You look just like her. I wonder if you're as good in bed as she was." What? Was he going to rape me? My own father was going to rape me!
I started squirming under him, but he held me captive with his weight. "Please, Edward, leave me alone," I begged. He pulled my shirt up a little.
"I can't. You can't run away from me again, Bella." His hand found his way now to my stomach, up to my breasts. I froze completely. "Don't worry. I'll be gentle." He whispered and hovered over to my face. He was going to freaking kiss me!
"Edward, stop. Let me go, please! I'm not Bella." I started crying and shook my head away from his lips.
"Ssshhh…" He soothed me. He pulled his shirt over his head. And then went back to touching my bra.
"Please Edward. I'm not who you think I am."
"I know you're not Bella, but you're close enough." He started kissing me fiercely. I tried to push him away, but he was too strong for me.
"Oh, you're a feisty one. You like it rough, Carlie?" It sounded so needy, animalistic.
"Stop it Edward! Please!" I begged him again and cried even harder when he started groping my breasts.
"Mmmhhh… so soft." He moaned.
"Edward Anthony Cullen!" I knew that voice! My savior! "What the hell do you think you're doing?" Alice screamed.
"Alice, get out! Carlie and I are just having a little fun."
"Then why is the poor child crying?"
"Eh… Role playing?" He grinned. I used this distraction as a moment to squirm out of his hold. Alice got me immediately. "I'll talk to you later. Now sleep first, you stink of alcohol," she said to Edward and pulled me out of the room. Jasper, Esme and Carlisle, who slept on the same floor, (Charlotte, Diego and I slept a floor higher) were in the hallway. Probably woken up from the screaming.
"What happened?" Esme asked softly.
"Edward was harassing her," Alice answered. Carlisle looked angry at me. Why would this be my fault?
"Tell me, he didn't, Carlie." His voice was as soft as Esme's. I just nodded. Too shocked to say something. Carlisle stormed into Edward's room and started lecturing him. I blocked the noise out. I just wanted to get out of there.
"Come on, my dear. We're going downstairs." Esme put her arm around me and lead me to the living room. Alice followed in silence. The empty bottle of Jack was still on the small table.
Once I was seated, I started crying. Esme just held me, until I had some control over my breathing again. "I'm sorry." I whispered.
"What would you be sorry for?"
"Because I've got to go."
"What?" Esme's eyes were huge.
"I can't stay here, Esme. I… I just can't."
"Please, don't leave us too, honey. We can't lose you too. We've already lost her, we can't lose you too," she begged me.
"He's not how mom used to describe him. She said once he was a gentleman, respectful, especially towards women. Not some drunk bastard who rapes young girls."
"Who's your mom?" Alice suddenly asked. Shit! I'd forgotten she was still with us.
"Eh…" I looked at Esme and she nodded. "My mom is Bella Swan."
Alice was stunned. "Your mom's Bella? That's why you look so much like her. But why would your mom ask you to come and look for her ex-boyfriend?"
"Alice, Edward isn't just her ex-boyfriend. She's always loved him. I'm the reason she left."
"How would you be the reas… Oh shit! You're joking, right?" She had realized who I was.
I shook my head. "Edward is my father."
"WHAT?" I heard from behind me.
A/N: Oh no! The truth's out now. How will Edward react? Will Carlie stay? Will she finally have a father?
Please, leave a review! xx