Hey Guys!
Here's chapter two for you! It's significantly longer than the first chapter and I want to ask what you (my readers) prefer. Long chapters, or short ones? Review and Enjoy!
Chapter Two: Silver Lining
Point of Views: Jasper, Edward, Alice, Rosalie, Esme, Emmett, Carlisle and Bella
Jasper POV:
"Almost there, almost" Faster, I had to run faster. Every second I wasted could mean a turn for the worst in Bella's condition.
Although it felt as if I had been running for days, years even, I knew it had been mere minutes. I kept getting a sense of Dai Ja Vu - Didn't I go past that tree already? I Swear I've smelt that Squirrel before... - but I disregarded it, all the trees looked the same, all the Squirrels smelt the same.
I wasn't lost.
The scent of the house, and the others along with it, was becoming stronger, 30 seconds more and I'd be walking through the front doors.
Get in and get out, fast. Every second wasted could me a turn for the worst-
"What could get worse?" someone asked.
I jumped, realizing I was in the house, running up the stairs to Carlisle's study. I'd been too lost in my thoughts to notice.
"Like I haven't heard that before." Edward muttered. He was running at my side, trying to figure out what was wrong. I quickly ran through the situation in my head, while at the same time going to Carlisle's study and grabbing his medicine bag.
I heard a sharp intake of breath from Edward's direction but didn't bother to look at him; I knew what he was going to say next.
"Just because you know, doesn't mean you shouldn't be told!" he yelled "You shouldn't go back there; you're a danger to her, more so than any car accident."
I turned and snarled at him, releasing all my pent up rage and fear. Rage at myself for not being able to help Bella, Rage at Edward for voicing my thoughts, Rage at Maria for making me a monster, Fear that I wasn't enough, Fear I wouldn't make it in time and ultimately, fear for Bella. It wasn't fair for life to be so cruel, she was still only a child, and now she had nothing left.
Edward raised an eyebrow at me wondering what I meant. She reminds me of Alice, so small, fragile...vulnerable. When I saw her in the car all huddled in on herself, trying to avoid the pain, I-I-I couldn't handle it. I have to help her. I will NOT hurt her.
Edward nodded his head, eyes downcast; I could feel the repentance, understanding and guilt coming off of him.
Abruptly Alice stood in front of me, her small hand resting on my chest in an attempt to calm me.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, not opening them until I was in control of myself.
"There's the Gold I love…" whispered Alice, stroking my cheek gently.
I signed and smiled weakly in return. Slowly I turned to face Edward.
"Sorry" I said, hanging my head in shame "I shouldn't –"
"You have nothing to apologize for" interrupted Alice, she turned to Edward "You on the other hand, do."
I watched as his eyes widened slightly and he took an involuntary step back. I smirked; no one was scarier than Alice when she was angry, well other than Rosalie of course…
Edward glared at me, but nodded his head, agreeing with my thoughts; I grinned.
I'd just apologize if I were you, that is, if you want to live… I thought, knowing full well he was listening.
"Please forgive me Jasper, I was out of place" he said, glaring murderously at me the entire time.
"It's okay" I grinned at him. I laughed at the look he returned.
"Guys!" Rosalie called from downstairs. "Carlisle's back!"
Carlisle must have left only moments after I had...or I had gotten lost and wasted time...
I bolted down the stairs, Edward and Alice at me heels. At the same moment that we reached the bottom of the stairs, the front door opened and Carlisle rushed through, Bella limp in his arms.
Oh God, I had been too late.
Edward POV:
We stood in various places, hardly moving, staring at the human lying on the lounge.
Not much I can do for a broken rib, other than painkillers, and I'll have to leave that up to her whether or not she needs or wants them. I wonder if she has any allergies? I'll have to remove those stitches, but that gash is looking better...well besides the bruise. And her ribs should be fine in about 6 weeks. She's lucky, I've seen car accident victims with much, much more severe injuries than her, live to tell the tale; she'll be fine. What else is there that I can do?
Carlisle continued running everything through his mind, wondering if he'd missed anything, sometimes he'd take a step towards Bella, prepared to examine her again, but would start arguing with himself that she should sleep and go back to his place by the TV. He did however find medical jargon comforting. Honestly? It was annoying.
She'll be fine, you didn't do it, no reason to blame yourself, even if hadn't ran in circles Carlisle would still have come back. Edward, why are you irritated with me? I'm allowed to think, get out of my head.
I laughed quietly; Jasper was still blaming himself; even after everyone had tried convincing him he wasn't to blame.
He scowled at me and subconsciously sent a wave of irritation through the room. Alice, who was cuddling next to him on the couch, felt it and kissed him on the cheek calming him instantly.
The poor girl, both her parents... gone. She'll have to go and live with relatives now. I just wish…
Esme, the most loving of us all, was thinking about Bella's future. Losing both parents at such a young age would leave deep scars in anyone. No child should have to go through that.
Looking at Bella, Esme was reminded of her grief, she wanted children so badly.
Oh my, But what if she has none?
"No what, Esme?" I asked her, breaking the silence and tension in the room.
She smiled slightly at me but otherwise didn't acknowledge that I had been listening to her mind. They were all used to it now.
"No family. What if her parents were her only relatives? What then?" she asked, no longer smiling.
"She's not yet 18, so she'll be put into the care of an Orphanage or into a foster program" Carlisle said.
"No." Rosalie said.
"Rose?"
"She won't go to an orphanage. I won't allow it."
"Rosie, we have no choice. We're not her family, we don't even know her" Emmett said.
Everyone turned to stare at him. Emmett was hardly ever serious, always joking around, pulling pranks, acting more like a child than an adult. Everyone was surprised to see him acting sombre.
"What? It's true!" he said. I laughed, he was so oblivious sometimes.
"Strangely, Emmett's right, Rose. We have no claim on her" I said. Emmett shot me a grateful look – You're agreeing with me? Hmmm that's a first…
I suppressed a smile.
Rosalie stood up and walked over to Bella. Carefully not to disturb her, she sat down on the lounge next to her head and started gently stroking her long brown hair.
Well, there is one alternative – but we couldn't… Oh are you listening Edward? Hmm well…
"Esme…" I muttered "Just say it already"
She laughed lightly and looked a Rosalie.
"Rose?" Esme called "What do you think?" Rosalie looked up at Esme and smiled brightly, nodding fiercely.
The room was once more filled with the beautiful tinkling of Esme's laughter.
"What is it Esme?" Carlisle asked.
"Well, the Girls and I have been thinking about something for a while…"
Alice POV:
It was so exciting! Why hadn't I thought of this sooner? Esme was a Genius! Let's just hope the boys agreed... What am I saying? Of course they will! ...They'd better...
"Alice, please calm down" Jasper whispered in my ear.
I smiled brightly at him, but continued bouncing on the spot. He sighed, sending me calming waves. He practically drowned me in them but they had no effect on me, I was too excited.
I looked over at Jasper to see him grinding his teeth, I grinned. I knew what he was doing. He was trying to resist jumping up and down on the spot - like me.'
"You could if you like." I whispered conspiratorially, "I won't mind"
"I'm sure you wouldn't, but they-" He gestured to Emmett and Edward "-would hold it against me forever...literally" Jasper whispered back.
I laughed and turned my attention back to Esme.
"We were going to tell you about it any day now, but we weren't sure" she continued.
Bella's eyes fluttered open, she looked up to see a beaming Rosalie, stroking her hair.
"Hi" she whispered.
Blushing slightly Bella said: "Hello, do I know you?"
"No Honey, I'm Rosalie"
"Bella" she replied, smiling shyly.
Rosalie laughed "Nice to meet you"
Bella laughed, filling up the room with the beautiful sound.
I bounced forward, enveloping her in a gently hug.
"This is Alice" Rosalie said, laughing again.
Bella smiled slightly but then turned to Rosalie. "Where are my Parents?"
Rosalie frowned.
I blinked, looking around the now silent living room.
"What is it, Alice?" Carlisle asked.
I shook my head slightly "Bella's going to wake up in 1 minute and 45 seconds."
I looked at Edward; he was shaking his head slowly. He didn't know what to do either.
"Thank you, Alice." Carlisle said, calling my attention back to him "So what is this plan of yours Esme?"
"Well, you see. We wanted to...Umm-" stuttered Esme, unsure how to say it.
"We want to adopt" interrupted Rosalie.
Silence followed Rosalie's statement. Everyone too stunned to say anything.
"1 minute 25 seconds" I whispered.
"We've talked about this before, countless times. We can't!" Edward reminded us "and how is it that I haven't heard about this before?"
"We've been careful..." Esme whispered.
"Why not?" Rosalie burst out "We can look after a child better than any human! Why can't we-"
"Because we're Vampires, Rosalie!" Edward yelled "We wouldn't be helping the child, we'd be endangering it!"
"How do you know that!" Rosalie shouted, now standing up, glaring at Edward "We've been around humans for decades we CAN control ourselves!"
"65 seconds" I muttered.
"Edward, I agree with Rosalie…"Carlisle said "You have to put a little faith in everyone, look at what Jasper did today!"
Jasper wince slightly, I glanced at him and saw he was frowning slightly. I squeezed his hand, reassuring him.
"Edward, you know how badly Rosalie and I need this, even Alice, we could at least try…" Esme whispered.
Everyone knew that when Esme used that voice, nobody would deny her anything, not even Edward. Rosalie grinned, triumphant, and sat back down next to Bella and continued stroking her hair.
Edward grimaced, but he too, knew the battle was lost, so he sat down quietly and nodded, but I could tell he had more to say. I knew him well enough to know that he would find the chance to make his ideas known.
"Carlisle, are you sure?" asked Jasper gently.
"They need this" he said simply.
Jasper nodded, agreeing, but I could tell he hadn't been talking about that. I squeezed his hand again.
"35 seconds, get ready…"
Rosalie POV:
I stared down at Bella's beautiful face, wondering. Would she run screaming from the building? No, Carlisle said about 6 of her ribs were broken, she couldn't run. But that didn't mean she couldn't scream…
I heard Edward chuckling and turned to glare at him, a growl building up in my throat. Edward smiled but stopped laughing; wise of him. I turned back to Bella.
Her lips twitched slightly and her eyelids fluttered a little.
"…incoming...3…2…1…" I heard Alice whisper excitedly.
I smiled, typical Alice.
Bella's eyes opened, immediately seeing me.
"Hi" I said, smiling.
"Hello" Bella said, blushing a light pink as she did "Do I know you?"
"No Honey," I laughed "I'm Rosalie"
Bella smiled a little "Bella"
I laughed, she was acting as we had just run into each other on the sidewalk and were getting to know one another.
"Nice to meet you" I giggled, moments later Bella joined in.
I frowned; it had been such a long time since I giggled…
Suddenly Alice jumped forward and hugged Bella, it was a little awkward seeing as Bella was still lying on the couch.
"This is Alice" I said, bursting out laughing again at Bella's expression. She seemed so surprised, amused and curious at the same time. It was so adorable.
Bella smiled politely at Alice, seeming somewhat overwhelmed. She turned back to me and asked the question everyone was dreading.
"Where are my Parents?" she whispered urgently.
I couldn't help but grimace.
Esme POV:
I walked over to Bella, smiling faintly in greeting. As I approached she pulled herself up into sitting position, wincing slightly as she did. Rosalie helped Bella up and then sat holding her hand.
I sat down on the other side of Bella, exchanged a glance with Rosalie and answered Bella's question.
"I'm sorry dear, they're gone…" I whispered
Bella had looked at me with hope shining in her eyes, but by the time I was done they were a void; empty of all emotion. She looked down at her hands and nodded.
"I thought I was dreaming…" She whispered "I-I wish I had been…"
Bella seemed to remember that there were others in the room. She raised her head and looked around, an enticing red blush lighting up her face.
"Oh sorry dear, this is my family. I'm Esme by the way." I told her.
Bella turned towards me and smiled brilliantly.
"That's Emmett over there, Edward, Jasper and my husband Carlisle" I told her, gesturing at everyone respectively as I said their names. Bella smiled politely at everyone, providing slightly warmer smiles to Carlisle and Jasper.
When I was finished Carlisle stepped forward smiling dazzlingly.
"How are you feeling Bella?" he asked.
"I'm okay." She said "Just a little tired"
"How are your ribs?" Carlisle chuckled, seeing through Bella's poker face instantly.
Bella sighed, realizing that she'd been caught.
"They're sore and they sting when I move, but it's okay." She said quietly.
"Let me know if they get worse, I've got some aspirin if you need it." Carlisle replied.
"Okay…"
"Bella, do you have any family that we could call?" I asked "To let them know you're alright."
"No, I've got no one left now."Bella's face fell slightly as she said it "I'm alone…"
Emmett POV:
Whoa, this kid was tough. I hadn't even seen a tear shimmering in her eye yet…
But then again, Jasper was in the room. You can NEVER trust your emotions when Jasper's in the room. He was always messing with us just for the fun of it. Normally it was hilarious, unless he was doing it to you...
Alice had dragged Bella upstairs to change her clothes. The little pixie, having realized she was the same size as Bella, had all but snatched her from Esme and run upstairs to get her changed.
I didn't get it, Rose and Esme were girls, but they weren't this obsessed with shopping and clothes. But then, I'm a guy, how am I meant to understand it?
I could hear Alice talking to Bella about going shopping and laughed, poor kid, Alice wouldn't give her a break.
Downstairs, we were talking about something far more serious. I wished I could go upstairs to the attic and play my video games; I just got some really good ones. Full of blood and guts –
"Emmett will you concentrate, this is serious!" Edward barked at me.
"Dude, you know how I am with serious…" I said to him.
All I got in reply was an eye roll.
"Boys, we all have to talk about this, as a family" Esme chided us.
"Sorry Esme, I'll try to focus" I said with a slight grin.
"I don't see why not. She has no family and she's obviously not bothered by us if she can handle Alice" Rosalie continued "Plus we've all proved we can handle her blood. She was sitting a few centimetres away from me and I was fine."
Edward opened his mouth to argue but Rosalie cut him off. "Don't say anything about Jasper or Emmett; they both handled it perfectly fine and so did you." She said fiercely.
"Yeah, I don't know to explain it, but she doesn't smell exactly…human." I said quietly.
Everyone in the room other than Edward and Carlisle nodded their head.
"When I first smelt it, I thought it was the wolves…" Jasper whispered. Again, everyone nodded.
"Shall we take a vote? Emmett?" Carlisle asked.
"Hell Yes, this is going to be so much fun!" I'd turn this girl into a prankster before anyone had time to blink…
"Emmett, that's hardly appropriate." Edward stated. I just laughed.
"I think I speak for Rosalie and Alice when I say yes…" Esme said carefully. She glanced warily at Rose.
"This is my second chance as much as it is yours Esme, I say yes" Rose reminded Esme.
"Alice agrees with Rose" Edward muttered.
"Then so do I" Jasper said "I can't really explain it. But I feel like I'm meant to be her friend…"
"I get what you mean, Jazz" I said loudly "It's the same for me…It's confusing…"
"You're telling me..." He grinned
Carlisle POV:
I cleared my throat, gaining the attention of every Vampire in the house.
"I can't help but agree, a child would help the family, and we could help her…" I said loudly.
Suddenly, the air was ripped apart by a squeal. "Alice…"I whispered.
"I've found the perfect shoes! What do you think!" she told Bella
I sighed, nobody was better at covering things than Alice...
"Alice, I can't wear high heels, considering I was just in an accident, and I can barely walk in sneakers on a normal day…" Bella answered.
I stopped listening in on their conversation, knowing Alice she was probably going to go into a heated discussion about shoes…
I turned to Edward.
"Edward, we're waiting on your vote…" I informed him.
Edward frowned, he knew that no matter what his decision was, we would still be offering Bella the chance to join our family; he had been out voted.
"I still think it's a bad idea, but I can see that no matter what I say, the girls have already decided." he said "I guess it couldn't hurt…"
Esme grinned and ran over to hug her eldest son. I knew that Esme respected Edwards's opinions a lot more than he cared to admit.
"So when do we tell her?" I asked.
"We'll worry about that later, at the moment I have to go," Carlisle said, "I've already phoned in the accident and told the authorities where Bella is, they're fine with it for the time being, but I have to go sort some things out. Tell them what happened..."
He trailed off, wandering towards the door, lost in his thoughts.
Bella POV:
"Alice, don't you just have a pair of old jeans and a t-shirt?" I asked. "I begging you, please"
Alice glared at me. "Fine! But if you have to wear Jeans you're going to wear a nice shirt and you're going to LIKE it, God damn it!" she said fiercely
"Deal as long as I get to wear sneakers" I told her. This earned another frown. "Come on, Alice! Please?"
"Doesn't have any fashion sense, Sneakers? Eww." She muttered to herself. "You'll see, Someday..."
It was odd, they way Alice and I interacted together; you would think we were the best of friends and had known each other for years. I knew it was strange and irrational but I knew that if she left me; I'd die.
"Alice? It's just occurred to me, but since I was in an accident, shouldn't I be in the hospital going through thousands of tests?" I asked.
I couldn't figure it out. They would have given me brain scans, x-rays; the whole arsenal of medical procedures…
"Carlisle called the hospital when you were sleeping, seeing as he's a registered doctor at the hospital, he has the authority to set up this kind of thing." She explained.
"But how do they know Carlisle isn't lying?" I questioned.
"You'll have to have a trip to the hospital later; Make sure we haven't eaten you" She joked.
"Oh okay, that makes sense…" I muttered
"But?" Alice asked
"But, I can't understand why you would want me here in the first place." I whispered.
Edward POV:
"Okay, now that we've agreed on adopting Bella we need to talk about something." I said.
Everyone had been so excited about the possibility that Bella might join the family, that I'd had no time to tell them something incredibly important.
"What is it Edward? Is something wrong?" Esme asked,
"I don't really know…" I replied "I don't know if it's a good or bad thing…"
Just spit it out already Emmett thought.
I laughed - classic Emmett - But, stopped quickly, the gravity of situation sinking in once more.
"I can't hear her" I told them all.
"What do you mean you can't hear her? You can hear everyone! Even the Volturi!" Jasper burst out.
"What do you mean Edward? Why didn't you tell us before?" Esme asked.
"I just thought it was because she'd been unconscious, that her mind had shut off temporarily, but when she woke up, nothing changed. I couldn't exactly tell you right in front of her…" I told him
"Edward, what is it? Is there something wrong with her?" Esme worried.
"I don't know, I'll have to talk to Carlisle about it..." I mused. "It's a peaceful silence, not threatening."
Alice POV:
"Come on! You're so slow!" I told Bella, rolling my eyes.
"Alice, not everyone eats batteries for breakfast, well besides you of course" she told me in mock seriousness.
I snorted, "You don't need to eat batteries to walk fast"
Bella rolled her eyes, but continued walking slowly and carefully watching where she placed her feet. Not once looking up at me; she focused on her feet as if her life depended on them. And it seems it did.
"Are you that worried about falling?" I asked incredulously.
Bella stopped and looked up at me, eyebrows raised as if to say "Yes, and?" I laughed; she was one of the most hilarious humans I had ever met.
Already having seen what would happen, I stretched my arms out and grabbed Bella by the waist, saving her from a fall that could have broken her neck – literally.
"Do you really think I'd let you fall?" I asked her.
She smiled sheepishly at me.
We reached Rosalie's room; it took five times longer than usual because of Bella's 'walking' and because I couldn't use Vampire speed.
I 'walked' Bella to Rosalie's vanity and sat her down. "Alice? What are you doing…?" Bella asked, eyeing me warily through the mirror.
I smiled brilliantly at her, "Nothing, just a little touch up…"
Downstairs everyone was talking about the finer details of Bella joining our family, I honestly didn't care, I had seen Bella part of our family and that was good enough for me. Occasionally when everyone aired their views I'd think about mine, knowing full well that Edward was listening and would tell them.
Once we'd been in a slightly similar situation and Edward hadn't told them what I was thinking, well, it hadn't been pretty…at least for him anyway…
"Edward?" I heard Jasper ask. "What does Alice say?"
Instantly I went through a replay of my vision.
.::.
Bella and Esme were sitting on the couch, cuddling, while watching a movie.
"Hey Mum, Hey Sis" Emmett said as he walked past.
.::.
"It would have been helpful to know that beforehand, Alice!"Edward said angrily downstairs.
Well if you'd been paying attention you would have noticed! I thought at him angrily.
"When?" he asked
About 20 minutes ago! It's not my fault you missed it! Stupid, good for nothing Mind reader…What's the point of being able to read minds if you don't?
"I don't pay attention to you all the time!"Edward told me.
Well you should, or this happens…I replayed last night in my head, Candles…Jasper…
"Oh god, not again…"Edward whimpered from below.
Esme POV:
"Uh, Guys?" Emmett said quietly "You're forgetting about something"
"Emmett's right, we're getting ahead of ourselves, this is a huge problem. I can't believe we forgot about the most important thing to this…" Edward muttered, mostly to himself as he paced the lounge room.
Normally whenever Edward had these types of conversations with someone, we were merely irritated. But now that we were all involved…it angered us.
"Edward!" Rosalie and I yelled at him simultaneously
Edward jumped and smiled sheepishly at us, gesturing with his hand to Emmett. As we all turned to look at Emmett, I saw from the corner of my eye that Edward had restarted pacing.
"Emmett?"I asked "What is it, dear?"
"Oh, um, Yeah, How do we tell her?" he answered, seeing the bewildered looks on our faces he elaborated "About what we are…"
"I've thought about that" Jasper whispered "We should tell her at the same time that we give her the opportunity to join the family, otherwise she might make a decision she'll regret…"
"I won't let that happen" Rosalie whispered extremely quietly, the only reason I heard was because we were sitting on the lounge together.
I pulled her into a hug. This was one of those rare mother daughter moments that I could have with Rosalie. She cuddled a little into my side and relaxed. I rubbed her arm soothingly and returned to the conversation.
"-credibly dangerous!"Edward was saying "We can't tell a human about our kind! What if she refuses? What then? We'll have a human running around who knows! Then the Volturi will get involved!"
"Nobody will believe a kid who thinks she's seen vampires. They'll think she got brain damage in the accident and have her admitted!"Emmett argued.
"You didn't answer my question, what about the Volturi?" Edward said angrily
"What about them?" Emmett scoffed.
"Edward? What does Alice say?" Jasper interrupted quietly.
Edward stopped his pacing abruptly and glared at the roof "It would have been helpful to know that beforehand, Alice!" He said angrily.
"When?" He paused "I don't pay attention to you all the time!"Edward grimace and squeezed his eyes shut "Oh god, not again…"
"What is it, Edward?" I asked.
Slowly he turned his head towards me and opened his agonized eyes. Immediately I panicked, were we under attack? What was going on? Edward? What's wrong? I thought desperately.
He shook his head slightly "Don't ask; you don't want to know" he whispered.
I sighed; everyone was fine…well except Edward. It must be something Alice was thinking…I couldn't imagine what she was doing that could bring this reaction from him…
Jasper POV:
"BAHAHAHA!"
"Jasper? Are you alright?" Esme asked me worriedly.
I looked up from the floor and nodded but continued laughing. I turned to Edward.
"Having fun?" I teased between violent fits of laughter; the look on his face was priceless.
"It's not funny Jasper" Edward said angrily.
I could feel the embarrassment, disgust and anger radiating off of Edward in waves, but I could also feel the Lust coming from upstairs.
Perhaps drawing on some higher power, Emmett realized what was going on.
"Oh My God! BAHAHAHAHA!" He burst out as he joined me, rolling around on the floor.
"Ahem, boys?" Esme asked; always the voice of authority "Do you mind informing us 'less fortunate' what's going on?"
Emmett and I looked at each other –instantly sober- and nodded; we turned back to our mother and said in total seriousness "You don't want to know", before bursting into laughter once more.
Carlisle POV:
"We'll have to contact foster care, we don't have one here in forks, but there's one in Seattle" Dr. Brunich was saying.
"Yes," I replied "However, my wife and I are prepared to look after her for a while, before the funeral and such"
"Hmmm, I see no problem with it, as long as the girl agrees and no family is reachable" Dr Brunich replied. I'd never had a particular liking for Dr. Michael Brunich. He was a rather rude and impersonal man who conducted his work as if the patients were objects, not people. However, he was the doctor 'in charge' of the hospital so I had to seek his permission in adopting Bella, or at least, as I told him, looking after her for a few days.
"We'll look after her." I said, smiling at the Doctor "Esme will be delighted!"
"I'm sure she will. Well, I have a lot of work to do, enjoy your day off!" Dr. Brunich said distractedly.
I took all my self control to leave the room without snarling. I'd known for a while that Dr. Brunich harboured a grudge against me because of my wife, but it still irritated me to know that the faraway look that came into his eyes every once in a while meant he was fantasising about my Esme.
I shook myself and continued along the hall to the elevator. I rode down to the last floor, the Morgue. Sighing heavily, I wandered through the various rooms that led to the morgue reception office.
"Hello Dr. Cullen" a bright voice greeted me. I smiled politely as I Janice, the receptionist smiling at me. "What brings you here? It seems out of place from your normal routine."
I laughed "How is that?" I asked, honestly curious.
"You're always happy and excuse me if I'm wrong, but a morgue is not a happy place." Janice said genuine concern and sadness lacing her words. I like Janice, she was a happily married, mother of two, who carried out her work with compassion, kindness, dignity and pride. Unlike many of the women with whom I came into contact with, she was not infatuated with me. This let me tell you, is a relief. It was rare when I could have a conversation with anyone without their obvious jealous or longing.
I smiled half-heartedly and said quietly "Circumstances demand it today..."
"Did something happen? A friend?" Janice asked, frowning.
"Yes, you know the Swans?" I asked, upon her nod and mortified expression, I continued "My son, Jasper, and I chanced upon an accident involving them and another vehicle. The other driver and the Swans were killed, only Bella survived."
"Oh no..." Janice whispered, bringing her hands up to cover her mouth.
"I don't think I'll ever get their faces out of mind..."I whispered, almost to myself.
"Oh no, Dr. Cullen, don't think it's your fault. These things happen." She said warmly. Seeing that I was going to say something else she said fiercely: "And don't start that 'if only I had gotten there sooner' crap. You know it's not true"
"Thank you Janice" I said, smiling a little.
"It's nothing. But what of Bella? Will she go to family?"
"At the moment, she will be staying with my family until any relatives make themselves known. If they don't...well, we won't let her go into foster care" I said determinedly.
Smiling brightly, Janice said "Yes, I think she'll be happy with you"
"I hope she will, I know the girls love her already..." I whispered, trailing off. Waving a little in farewell, I headed off towards the room where the bodies were kept. Mentally stabilising myself, I prepared myself to assist the corner in determining the cause of death. This wasn't normally my job, but in this case, I felt it was my responsibility.
Rosalie POV:
Once the boys were finished making fools of themselves and acting like baboons, we got back to business. The one main concern we all had was the Volturi. Our bloodlust we could control and live with, but the Volturi would crucify each of us in turn for telling a human girl about vampires, which was needed if Bella were to join the family.
If Bella accepted our invitation into the family, we would have to tell her about our Vampire nature, which would mean the Volturi, would have to kill both her and us. No matter how hard we fought, no matter how many people we gathered, we would die.
"Thank you, Miss Positive" Edward muttered
I glared at him. If he didn't like what I was thinking he should butt out and give me some privacy.
"Now's not the time, Rosie" Emmett said, knowing what I about to say.
I sighed, if only we could somehow know what the Volturi would do…Alice had said she didn't know what they would do; there were too many decisions influencing the outcome. But what if…
"Rosalie! You're a Genius!" Edward exclaimed.
"I have my moments" I told him smugly.
"Esme" Edward started.
"What if we ask Aro?" I finished for him.
"What do you mean?" Esme questioned, her eyebrows meeting.
"What if we ask the Volturi if we can adopt her?"I explained quickly.
"That could work" Jasper whispered "But it will take a lot of explaining…"
"We'll have to ask Bella first though" I said.
"Ask me what?" someone said.
I turned to see Bella standing at the bottom of the staircase with a beaming Alice bouncing around behind her.
"Bella?" I asked "Do you mind if Esme and I talk to you?"
I studied her face as I spoke.
She was an incredibly beautiful girl. Her large brown eyes were deep and captivating. She was blushing profusely from everyone looking at her, which only helped to make her more stunning. If she ever became a Vampire, she'd rival me, which was saying something.
Bella looked timidly at me and nodded slightly, "Sure" she said.
Alice quickly ran over to Jasper and grabbed her hand. "Come on Jazz! You have to see what I've found!" she squealed.
It was obvious that the boys were reluctant to leave but this was a conversation that should be done by Esme and I; without the family present. Had Carlisle been here, it would have been his responsibility, but he wasn't so it was left up to me. Of course, we could have waited to talk to Bella when Carlisle came home, but I liked this way better.
Edward stood up and went upstairs, probably to listen to his music or read a book. While Emmett went to his attic game room, which I knew he had been longing to do since I'd dragged him away from there.
Bella had walked over to the lounge and sat next to Esme, who was holding her hand and drawing light circles on her thumb, a smile playing on the edge of her lips.
"Bella," I started, there was really no easy way to say this. "Earlier on you mentioned that you have no family members left…"
Bella's face fell ever so slightly, revealing the incredible pain she was feeling. I frowned sympathetically; this couldn't be easy for her.
"Are you sure there's absolutely nobody we can call?" I asked. I dreaded her answer, perhaps she wasn't alone.
"No," she whispered quietly, eyes downcast "My Gran died a few years ago and my parents were the only ones I had left."
Esme squeezed her hand reassuringly; Bella looked up in response and smiled a little at Esme. Suddenly, She turned back to me a small frown forming on her brow "If you want me to leave…" she started
"No, no Bella" Esme said "You can stay as long as you want. We'd love for you to stay here"
I could see Esme was already attached to the girl as were Jasper, Emmett and Alice. It would hurt them if she left. Edward was even beginning to become fond of her (he hid things well. But I had caught him staring at Bella a few times; that is, before he noticed and looked away. But it hadn't been before I'd noticed him smiling.). I already knew that I needed this girl, she may not be a child anymore, but she still needed somebody to love and care for her.
I wasn't sure about Carlisle, he hadn't really been around her much yet, but I knew that he'd go for anything that made Esme happy.
Unexpectedly, I was thinking about my relationship with Bella. I'd never had any children which caused me endless grief but I'd always hoped that a child would fill the hole that both Esme and I have within us.
But now that there was a child that needed me, depended on me, the Hole was gone. I suddenly understood how Esme felt with every new addition to our 'family'. In a matter of hours, our entire lives had shifted to revolve around this one human.
In a matter of hours, she had us all inexplicably hooked. I couldn't explain it, and I honestly sure if I wanted to. If Bella had gone into the temporary care of a human, would they have been as bound to her as we were? Or was it a result of us being vampires? I didn't care, all I knew was that I wanted, no, needed this girl with me.
"Bella, Esme and I have something to offer you. Carlisle would be here in my place, but he's not here at the moment, although we know he agrees." I started "I know you may not want to, especially after what you've just been through…"
This was extremely difficult to say. I knew that if I said even one thing wrong, the tears I'd been waiting for, would pour forth. I didn't want to upset her; I only wanted the best for her; for her to be happy.
As I was struggling to find the words, Esme took over.
"Bella, dear, if you want to, you can stay here as long as you like. I know this may not be the right time to say this and I'm sorry. But, we were wondering if it's alright with you if we adopt you." she said gently.
I stared in wonder at the woman that was my mother and wondered how I had been so lucky to find this marvellous, extraordinary, brilliant person. Okay maybe I was exaggerating, but she was just...Awesome.
"We'll understand if you don't want to" I added quietly.
Bella was staring at her hands her brow furrowed in concentration as she thought of a way to answer. Slowly she looked up at me.
"But why would you want me?" she asked.
As I was about to stutter an answer, I was once again saved by Esme.
"Bella, I can't have children. Alice, Jasper, Emmett, Rosalie and Edward are all adopted" she told her simply. I could see the under layer of pain in her features but it wasn't as noticeable as it usually was.
"But there are thousands of other kids out there that need a family like you. I don't understand why you want me. I'm broken." She whispered.
Bella POV:
I couldn't believe it, this wonderful family wanted me; me of all people. They must just be trying to make me feel better while inside they were screaming "Say no! We don't want you! Say no!"
Esme picked me up and placed me on her lap as if I were only a little child and hugged me. I couldn't help it. They were gone. I'd just gotten them back. I'd never see them again…
Esme held me as I sobbed. Vaguely I was aware that somehow I was feeling happy, I pushed the feelings away. They were gone. I would give anything for them to be alive again, even my own life.
Eventually the feeling of happiness stopped trying to take over me and I felt the entire weight of my grief fall on me; it was a wonder I didn't collapse.
Slowly my tears slowed down and my sobs quieted. Esme continued to hold me and stroke my hair.
"I'm sorry" she whispered.
"For what, Esme?" I asked. I looked up at her face, confused. In the back of my mind I noted that Rosalie was gone; I must have scared her.
"We shouldn't have, shouldn't have..."she whispered, struggling to find the words.
I realized what she was talking about. She was upset about making me cry. She didn't understand.
"I love them. And I'll miss them terribly. The pain will never go away. I'll always feel it." I started "Please don't think it's your fault. I'm sorry I made you think that. I would love to be a part of your family, but I'm not sure that I'll be good for it. I don't know… I don't know how I can…I can't replace them…I can never replace them. And I don't want to give you false hope. I won't be good for your family" I explained.
It was hard to talk about my parents. Every moment I felt like breaking down and crying again. But I needed her to understand. I needed to convince her I wasn't any good for them. They were a normal happy family, and I was…well I don't know what I am.
Esme's face was blank of all emotion; I began to regret what I had said. I'd upset her. It was wrong of me to do that. She was a wonderful person, who had looked after me, treated me as part of the family and I had thrown it back in her face and upset her.
"Bella? Would you like to stay?" She asked slowly.
I nodded slowly "But I can't" I whispered.
"As long as you want to you can stay here with us. I don't want to replace your family; I just want you to be happy and looked after. Please don't think that I want you to forget your parents. I don't. I had a son once and no one can ever replace him, so I know what you're going through. Bella we all want you as part of the family. You may not realize it, but you mean a lot to us. All of us." Esme told me.
I stared at my hands for what seemed like forever. Finally I looked up into Esme's beautiful golden eyes.
"As long as you want me, I'll stay" I told her.
Suddenly, I was pulled backwards. I yelped in surprise only to find myself in Rosalie's lap and her hugging me with what seemed like all her strength.
Esme POV:
I hugged Bella with Rosalie. She was such a wonderful person. I wonder what I had done that had provided me with this beautiful soul. I loved her. She was my daughter. Nobody would ever replace my poor little boy, but I was happy that I could help Bella. Look after her, Help her and Love her.
"I'll always want you, Bella. Always" I whispered into her hair. We sat for a long time just hugging each other.
Eventually I could hear the others growing restless, especially Alice.
I pulled away from Bella but kept her in my arms. I watching in amusement as Rosalie grudgingly followed my movement.
"How about Lunch?" I asked, smiling widely.
"I'm okay" Bella shrugged, blushing. I was about to believe her when I heard the stomach grumble. Grinning, I grabbed her hand and pulled her to the kitchen, noticing with amusement that she was mortified at having been betrayed by her stomach.
We had to tell her. She couldn't stay with us until she knew the truth. Honestly, I was terrified. I didn't want her to leave. But what we had to tell her would scare her and she would run, screaming from the house.
Edward was leaning against the archway smiling slightly at me, knowing exactly what I was thinking... I smiled back a little, not much as I was still worried about what we had to do know.
Alice and Rosalie bounded down the stairs and started walking on either side of Bella grinning widely at her.
Suddenly Alice squealed deafeningly and threw herself at Bella "You're staying!"
Bella giggled a little and hugged Alice back. "I peeked down the stairs" Alice whispered in her ear, explaining how she knew Bella's decision.
I heard the boys fighting over a controller upstairs and rolled my eyes, fighting the urge to go upstairs and ground them both.
I sighed, rubbing my eyes. We had to tell Bella what would surely drive her away.
Jasper POV:
Esme, Alice and Rosalie had practically dragged Bella to the kitchen almost half an hour ago. After the ordeal she'd been through, Bella needed the normality eating provided.
Normal. I don't even know the meaning of the word anymore. Conforming to the usual standard, yes, but what did that mean?
Our family was far from normal. Heck, we weren't even human. So we didn't fall under that category. Even for vampires we aren't common. Other than the Denali's who else is there like us?
"Nice positive air today" Edward muttered.
You still can't hear her? I guessed, ignoring his grumbles. Frowning, Edward nodded his head slowly.
Is that yes you still can't hear her or yes you can hear her? I asked; the frustration from everyone else was getting to me…
Edward turned to glare at me "The former" he said
"I always thought Humans were boring, you know?" Emmett said, I sighed, here we go "They can't run, hunt, nothing. But this one…" He chuckled, shaking his head. He started muttering something, rubbing his hands together in front of him.
"What do you mean?" I asked, curious.
"Haven't you noticed? She has...the look" Emmett whispered conspiratorially.
I raised an eyebrow "the look?"
"Of evil" He said, cackling. I rolled my eyes as he started laughing. He'd be like this for a while, it was best to ignore him.
I turned to Edward quickly; hopefully pulling Emmett away from his current train of thought "Have you ever heard of anything like this?" I asked him.
"Like what? Like Emmett? No. Like Bella? Again, No. I know Carlisle said that sometimes a human may have control over their gift; even before their transformation. But it's extremely rare. Their extremely coveted, because when they're changed, they're immensely powerful. Aro's been searching for them for centuries, but he's only ever found one and Aro was forced to kill him" He explained.
"Why?" Emmett asked simply, serious once more.
"Why was he destroyed? He created an Immortal child, his younger sister in fact. Aro was forced to destroy him." Edward explained distractedly.
I stood up, pacing; I was too nervous to sit. This was one of the moments when being an empath was a curse rather than a blessing. Everyone's emotions were messing with me.
One moment I wanted to jump up and down squealing at the top of my vampire lungs the next I wanted to run around hugging everyone, then, to top that off I wanted to curl up in a ball in the corner of the room; it was extremely confusing.
Edward cleared his throat, catching my attention "Alice was one" He said.
I froze. We all knew that Alice had been able to see the future when she was human but I hadn't thought much of it. After all Carlisle's theory was that a vampire carried on one of the personality traits on transformation.
I flinched suddenly as a crushing grief filled me; radiating from the kitchen.
Bella POV:
"Really Esme, I'm not that hungry" I said again, I was starting to realize there really was no hope of convincing her. But seriously, one more sandwich and I'll explode.
"She'll make you eat every last one." Alice whispered in my ear. I groaned out loud.
"Really? Esme please, I'll eat this one but then no more. Really, I'm not hungry, I'm fine" I said, almost begging.
Esme looked up from the chicken salad sandwich that she was currently making and scowled sceptically at me. Her soft gold eyes studied me for what seemed like an eternity before her face broke out into a smile.
"Okay dear, but if you get hungry later you tell me okay? I'll make you something to eat." She said lightly, the endearment coming off her tongue naturally.
I nodded quickly, although I don't think I'll be hungry for another 40 years…
"Promise" I said hurriedly, before she changed her mind. Esme frowned slightly, but didn't say anything else, for which I was glad, I was sure that with one question, a torrent would be released.
I was the freak nobody could understand.
I tried to finish the sandwich in front of me, taking tiny little bites and earning glares from Esme. I grinned sheepishly back at her and continued eating.
Alice and Rosalie had been having an argument about which room should be mine. They'd been arguing ever since we'd entered the kitchen. I didn't see what all the fuss was about; I'd sleep in the attic if I had to. But, of course, they'd never let me do that. Not only was it 'the game room' according to Emmett, but Alice would surely have her way. I'd only met them a few hours ago, but already I knew that Alice was not to be argued with…
"Rosalie, that room is in between yours and mine; she'll have her own bathroom and most importantly a walk in wardrobe. The other room is more than half its size anyway" she was saying.
Rosalie opened her mouth to say something but Alice was three steps ahead of her. "Rose! You live in the same house! There's no difference, she could sleep in the attic-"she turned to glare at me "-which you're not," she said to me, glaring at me. She turned back to Rosalie "You'll still see her everyday"
I sighed, well there goes that plan…I didn't understand what she had meant about seeing me every day, but it wasn't my business, so I didn't ask.
My parents had never been strict but they did give me some simple rules; never interrupt a person speaking, don't ask if it doesn't concern you and so on. They were easy rules to live by and they kept everyone happy.
I reached up and silently wiped away the tear that was shimmering in my eye, grieving was a long, silent process, I shouldn't make anyone suffer with me.
I tried to concentrate on what Rosalie and Alice were saying but I couldn't hear anything. I kept thinking of the promise I'd made Charlie.
What if I couldn't do it? Would they be disappointed? I know they'd still love me - I'd always know that - but would they be proud of me?
"YES!" Alice yelled, effectively capturing my attention.
"Alice, there's no need to shout. You frightened Bella" Esme chided Alice; turning to me she asked "Are you okay dear?" I nodded my head smiling a little, turning back to face Alice who was bouncing up and down like my shoes when I threw them against the wall too hard.
Huh…What a strange comparison…Not for the first time, I was glad there was no such thing as mind-readers. They'd be seriously freaked out by me.
Satisfied with my answer Esme turned back to Alice, he face confused and questioning. "What is it Alice?" she asked.
Alice was bouncing up and down so much that it took a lot of effort on my part to see her nod her head. You couldn't even call it 'nodding her head' she did it too fast for it to be called that…
"Bella's room is going to look great!" she squealed. I don't know why, but I suddenly got the feeling she was lying, well not lying but hiding something. I quickly shook off the feeling, what would Alice have to lie about?
"I take it you won the agreement?" I said, smiling.
Alice frowned for a moment, but then understanding brightened her eyes. Once again she 'nodded'.
"I see you've forced Bella to eat the entire contents of the fridge…" a soothing voice said, interrupting whatever it was Alice was squealing about.
I turned to see Jasper walking through the kitchen door, Emmett two or three steps behind him while Edward trailed behind. Edward was the only one of them that wasn't smiling.
The look that was on his face was familiar to me. Charlie wore it whenever he was thinking heavily about something. Often it was when he was dealing with a difficult case; he'd come home quiet and not concentrate on anything else very well.
I tried to stay away from him whenever he was like that; not that he'd get angry, it's just that I knew that when people were thinking, they didn't want to be distracted.
Quickly I turned my attention back to Jasper who was now standing side by side with Alice, holding her hand lightly. He was smiling at me, the hint of a smirk playing on the edge of his lips.
"She made me eat three sandwiches, but she was going for five" I whispered to him conspiratorially.
Everyone in the room laughed, well with the exception of Esme, but I could tell she wasn't mad at me. I was glad that my presence made Esme and Rosalie for that matter, happy. It's hard to explain, but I think they're really pleased that I'm here.
What's bewildering me, is knowing that I don't want to leave, even though I should.
I swivelled in my seat, so that I was facing Esme and smiled angelically at her.
"Thank you for the food Esme" I said sweetly. Behind me everyone laughed again, while Esme frowned at me. After a second or two her face broke into a breathtaking smile and she laughed.
"You're welcome, dear" she said, reaching out and ruffling my hair as she did. Emmett laughed behind me, gaining the spotlight. Rubbing his hands together he said:
"Now, on to Business…"
Emmett POV:
This girl, she had the look. I knew it was a good idea to have her around. With Carlisle gone and Esme in a good mood, now was the perfect time to introduce her to the 'art'.
I heard Edward whisper "What are you doing?" but I ignored him, pretending that, like Bella, I hadn't heard him.
'Now, On to Business..." I whispered. Before anyone could say anything, I ran over, picked up Bella and ran up to the attic. At human speed of course, not wanting Bella to freak out. I knew we had to tell her about us being Vampires, but until Carlisle got home, we couldn't.
I set Bella down on the couch and stared at her, calculating. Although surprised, Bella didn't seem scared, only amused. I grinned.
"Are you familiar with the art of...evil" I asked her, wickedly.
"Art of Evil?" Bella asked, confused.
"You know Pranks and Jokes." I said offhandedly, waving it away. Taking on a serious note I said "Bella, you have...the look. There are few people who have the look. Nobody in this family has it, Bella. You and I are the only ones. I have come across a few who have...dabbled in this great art, but there are few who have the Gift for it. I can tell that you, Bella Swan, have this gift. As a future member of this family, would you be interested in trying your hand at this art?"
For a moment Bella was silent, she just stared at me, thinking. And then her entire face transformed into an Impish grin. "I am" she said loudly, confidently.
I grinned, "Are you willing to make a pact?" I asked, her, studying her with one eye, earning myself a giggle.
"I am" she repeated.
I held out my hand and shook hers when she extended it.
"Bella, we are now irrevocably, partners in crime." I said, grinning like a boy on Christmas morning.
Rosalie POV:
When I heard what Emmett was doing with Bella upstairs in the attic, only one thing came to mind. Bad influence by P!NK. Might be odd, but that's what popped into my mind.
But then again, I guess this is why I married him.
Rolling my eyes, I turned my attention to the front of the house and listened to Carlisle's car drive up the driveway and into the garage.
I sighed; it was time to tell her. I took my place on the lounge and waited impatiently for everyone to file in for 'the talk'.
Emmett POV:
"Bella, if you do indeed wish to join our family there is something important you should know about us" Carlisle said.
"You must know that you shouldn't be afraid of us and that none of us would ever hurt you. Okay?" Esme added.
Frowning, Bella searched Esme's eyes, then smiled and nodded.
"You have to promise, you can never tell anyone. If you do…well, it would be very, very bad. Understand?" Again Bella nodded, this time with a passion.
"What we're about to tell you will shock and scare you, Bella. You won't believe what we're telling you but you have to. Please don't do anything rash until we've explained everything." Rose pleaded her.
Bella stared into Rosalie's eyes, then Esme's and eventually Carlisle's. Her face was screwed up in concentration, confusion and wonder. "You can trust me" she told us all.
Carlisle looked nervous. I'd never seen him this way. He was always the father figure in our family. He looked after the family and always knew what to do. If he was nervous…well, next thing you know the Gators would lose the championship.
I heard Edward chuckle. Laugh all you want. But it's true I told him, glaring. Edward just grinned smugly in return. I flashed my teeth at him and cracked my knuckles.
"Boys! Not now!" Esme said too quiet and fast for Bella to hear.
Edward and I both returned to our worried postures, hoping for the best, knowing the worst was coming.
