So, here we go again - only much better. I wasn't happy with the way I had written the story last time and therefore wasn't being too inspired to continue. I felt like there was too much background to try to fit into the present and writing Marcus's POV made me want this - so here we go with the new and improved story - yeah!

Chapter 2

Bella Swan looked at the figure on the ground before her, taking in all the familiar features. "Aunt Isabel?" she asked, incredulous.

Her godmother brought her violet eyes up to meet hers. "Bella."

Bella spluttered; her mouth opening and closing but no sound coming out. "I, I, I…." she managed.

Isabel stood up and motioned behind her to a cluster of trees. A moment later a tall, familiar form with mahogany hair and golden eyes sauntered over. "Uncle Alex?"

Alex smiled sheepishly. "Hey, beautiful."

Bella sat down heavily, Isabel and Edward following as she sank to the grass. "Sweetheart?" Isabel asked, worried, her hand slipping to Bella's forehead in a motherly gesture.

"How? What?" She couldn't even form coherent sentences. Despite the situation, Alex chuckled and Bella glared. "I don't find this amusing, Uncle Alex."

"Oh, love, you will. Just give it time."

The group decided that the clearing wasn't the best place for the conversation that would inevitably happen so they decided to reconvene at the Cullen's house. Edward gently put Bella on his back as Isabel watched with a weary eye before she took off, most likely mentally warning him as Edward smirked and nodded before following. Bella's thoughts drifted to the years she had spent in the Cavanaugh's care. Isabel had been more stable than her mother ever had and Alex had been like a father to her. More than once throughout the years she had wished to be their daughter – even sometimes calling her 'Mom' while her real mother was merely 'Renee'.

Bella was brought out of her thoughts as they approached the house she had come to think of as home. In many ways it had reminded her of Alex and Isabel's homes – the tall white ceilings, the openness, the loving feeling that embraced one as they entered – all were characteristics of any home Isabel called hers.

Edward set her down gently, once again breaking her out of her daydreams. As they entered Isabel was hugging Esme – the two smiling and glowing like sisters who hadn't seen each other in years. With one last hug, Isabel turned quickly to Carlisle and jumped in his arms as he twirled her around, laughing and ducking as she ruffled his hair in much the same manner as Alice and Edward. He put her down, gently pushing her arm and calling her a brat – it was one of oddest things she'd ever seen from Carlisle. It truly was like watching Alice and Edward interact.

With one last grin at Carlisle she turned to Emmett as Alex made his rounds behind her, complimenting and teasing Esme. "Hey, big bear. Up for some wrestling later?"

Emmett whooped with joy and literally tossed her up in the air before catching her in a hug. "Sure thing, pipsqueak. I need a rematch anyway." He put her down after she protested, her legs dangling in the air two feet above the ground. "Up for some pranks?" he countered.

Isabel smirked. "Oh yeah. I've been waiting."

"Sweet," Emmett replied, a huge grin threatening to split his face apart. Isabel chuckled and turned to Rosalie. Her greeting was more reserved, but still welcoming and Bella felt like she was looking at a mirror reflecting the bizzaro world. She never thought she'd see someone to match Rosalie's beauty, but looking at the two women, she wasn't sure who was more beautiful. Isabel was all the beauty that Rosalie was – only dark hair and a more winning, loving aura around her. Bella watched as Isabel whispered something to Rosalie, causing the blonde's eyes to widen before she nodded her head in excitement. Isabel smiled and moved on to the bouncing black haired ball of excitement otherwise known as Alice as Alex sneakily handed Rosalie a set of keys.

"Izzy, you are awful for keeping this from me! Will we go shopping? You have to show me what you got in Europe. I am dying to know!" Alice was bouncing on her heels with a disapproving look one minute to be replaced by excitement at the last fashions.

Isabel chuckled. "Naturally. I may even have some things with me."

Bella covered her ears at the piercing screech of excitement.

Isabel shook her head as if to clear it and then moved on to Jasper. She approached him quietly with a gentle smile on her face before gently running her hand along his cheek. "You're doing excellent, honey, I am so proud of you," she said softly.

Jasper ducked his head in embarrassment and everyone in the family did the same as Bella blushed. Edward hissed, "Jasper!" and suddenly Bella relaxed, realizing Jasper's emotions had gotten a little loose. "Sorry," he murmured as Isabel gave a soft chuckle.

She moved to Edward, holding him to her in a tight hug before looking back and communicating wordlessly with him for a few moments. Edward went from looking happy, to amused, to surprised to shocked and suddenly scared all in those few moments, especially when Alex came behind his wife, his face dark and warning. Edward nodded, took Bella's hand, and then burst into laughter, sending a grin Isabel's way.

Isabel smiled back and then fairly pushed him aside. "Now let me see my baby. Oh, darling, I missed you! How have you been? Never mind, I know how you've been. Are you happy? Are you eating enough? You look a little skinny." Isabel regarded her with a mother's eye.

"I've been eating perfectly well, Aunt Izzy and it's lovely to see you. But will you tell me what's going on!?" Bella lost her cool for a moment before Alex chuckled and kissed her forehead. "Ahh, my little spitfire."

Bella only glared.

Isabel smiled at her husband and pushed him toward the couch. Taking her cue, everyone else sat down. Bella snuggled in between Edward's legs so she could view her aunt and uncle better. "Spill," she demanded.

"Well, my dear, it's a long story. It starts many years ago. Are you sure you're ready?"

Bella nodded defiantly and impatiently. "Go." Her aunt nodded and started speaking, weaving a story that made Bella imagine she was there, just as when she was a child.

So, we likey?