The race took three days and we arrived early Friday morning. After phasing back into a human, Jake hastily threw on a pair of sweat pants and immediately swears he beat me, and I let him believe that, but I know I won. We approached my old two story, Victorian style home. Vines grew up the sides and the paint was chipped and dirty. The ground was soaked from the constant downpour and covered in leaves. I grabbed my old house key from my backpack and opened the door. All the furniture was covered in sheets. Other than that, the house was the same as the day we left.
A call to the electric and water company two days ago insured we'd have working water and electricity when we arrived. Although, after 75 years it probably needed an upgrade. I'd call on that Monday. We wasted no time uncovering the furniture and settling ourselves. Within four hours, we had the place cleaned up and I had, grudgingly, dusted top to bottom. It was then we decided we needed to venture into town. La push first, so we could visit Leah's car shop.
The rain cleared and left a grey sky behind, so we called for a taxi and made our way to la push. It hadn't changed since wed been there last. We had the driver drop us at the edge and we walked five minutes to Leahs shop. Upon entry, Jake and I were tackled by a squealing Leah. "Oh my god I've missed you both so much!" we hugged her back laughing. A growl had me half crouched and prepared to attack in an instant. I eyed a man with long black hair, and hateful brown eyes. He was the one who growled. "Enough Paul." Snapped Leah "But she's a-"
"I know what she is Paul, I invited them here. The council agreed too before you go crying to them. She isn't to be harmed. She's allowed here and I forbid you from attacking her." Paul growled and fled the store angrily. I righted myself and pulled Leah into a hug. "I missed you Lee Lee." Having spent so much time with Jacob her scent didn't bother me. I found it comforting. "
I missed you too bells. I'm so glad you both came back. Its been so long now, wait until you see Seth!" I chuckled. "Unfortunately, it has got to be a short visit today, we need a car, and then we have to shop because Jake swears, I don't feed him." I said with an eye roll. Leah sighed and waved us on to follow her. "Fine, as long as you come to the bonfire next Friday night." We grinned and nodded. Leah led us out back where she kept the cars she had for sale.
Jake picked an older four door Chevy truck, pained black. I on the other hand wanted to buy a bike. Just for fun driving of course. I settled on a red Suzuki GSX-R600. Fast, but reliable. Between Jake and I, we had acquired a small fortune, so buying the two vehicles didn't even dent one of our accounts. We stopped by the DMV after we left to register them both and handle insurance and all that fun adult stuff, then we dropped my bike off at home and headed to the local grocery store. Jake piled the cart full if groceries and I wandered aimlessly beside him, humming an old song. Not really paying attention, I grabbed a random cereal box and started reading the back while Jake threw in boxes. A quiet gasp alerted me someone was near bye and my head shot up, locking eyes with a lady. I tensed a low growl slipping through my teeth and instantly Jake was by my side, his hand on my back shaking. The stranger's eyes were gold like mine. My growls stopped and I cocked my head to the side curiously.
"Hello." Said a bell like voice. "I'm Esme Cullen. I don't believe I've seen you around…" I looked her up and down, deciding she wasn't a threat, and relaxing. "I'm Bella Swan, and this is Jacob Black. We just moved to town this morning. Well, back to town, I should say." Jakes shaking stopped but he left his hand, and I found it oddly comforting then. "Well, it is nice to meet you, Bella and Jacob." She lowered her voice so low only Jake and I could hear. "Perhaps, since we've claimed the area, it would be a good idea for you to come get acquainted with my family, just so we know you aren't a threat." I raised an eyebrow but nodded at her. She told me her address and told us to be there at 8 tonight.
I scowled when she left hastily throwing glances over her shoulder and pulling out a silver cell phone. There went my plans for the night. We paid for our groceries and made one last stop by the hardware store to gather materials to fix up the house and we went home. From noon on, I was painting, installing lights, and by the time 7:30 rolled around I was covered in paint splashes and dirt. Jake had fallen asleep on the couch and I spent 20 minutes trying to wake him. "You're an ass Jake, get up, we have to leave, and we don't even have time to changed and get ready." I dragged him off the couch and picked him up hurling him out the back door. He huffed in anger shaking the leaves from his hair. I snatched my backpack, making sure he had spare clothes, and he burst into wolf form. His russet fur gleaming in the moonlight. "race ya!" I said with a smile.
We made it to the Cullen house, er, mansion, with a minute to spare. Jake dressed quickly and we walked up the front steps. Before I could knock, Esme came to the door and opened it. "Hello Bella, Jacob, welcome to our home. Right this way dears." The hallway opened into a massive living room, pictures adorned the walls and white leather couches sat around a coffee table. 8 vampires stood around the room, but I only registered one. I felt Jacob freeze beside me. Maybe he recognized her from the photograph. "Mary Alice" I gasped my eyes going wide. I started to walk towards the petite girl in front of me and Jake held me back when several sets of growling filled my ears. "The mutt imprinted on Lyra." Said a tall man with unruly bronze hair, that seemed to defy gravity. I realized I was shaking with sobs and staring at the confused girl in front of me.
"Mary Alice, its me, Bella, please tell me you remember me." She hesitated but slowly answered "I'm sorry, but I really have no clue who you are." Mary Alice looked around uncomfortably at her family members. A pathetic whimper left my mouth as I threw my backpack to the ground sinking down to my knees and digging out my wallet and her file. I pulled out an old photograph of the two of us, human, holding hands under an old willow tree. Smiling wide in black and white.
I held out the photograph from my place on the floor, and she looked around at the others before slowly walking towards me grabbing the photograph gently. She studied it her eyes going wide. She looked down at me, her mouth opening and closing but no words coming out. The other vampires cirlcled around her trying to get a good look. I stood uneasily, backing into Jake. He wrapped his arms around me while I shook, resting his head on top of mine. "It's okay bells, this is a good thing." I shook my head refusing to blink, afraid if I did, she would disappear. A tall blonde man cleared his throat. "My apologies, my name is Carlisle." He stepped forward offering me his hand. We both shook it and I held Jake closer to me. "I'm Jacob Black, and this is Bella Swan. I'm sorry for the state we're in, this is all just so… unexpected." Carlisle nodded stepping back. I gripped the file closer to me when Mary Alice came closer still holding the picture. "You knew me when I was human." I nodded. She handed me back my photo and I hesitantly held out her file. She looked at it confused but the first page, with her picture made her blanch. "I've been looking almost a hundred years for any trace of you, Mary Alice. We just found your file a few days ago. Your death certificate is in there. I gave up then." My voice quivered. Her golden eyes looked troubled but curious. Before she could speak Carlisle spoke again. "Perhaps we should sit and resume introductions. Especially since everything just got very complicated."
"We nodded and Jake released me leading me to a loveseat nearest to us. We sat closely and Jake held my hand, but I noticed his eyes on a redhead with freckles and a cute button nose. I assumed that to be Lyra. I gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. The rest sat quietly, and the awkward silence hung for a few moments. I watched Mary Alice flip through the pages her frown deepening considerably. With a cough, Carlisle began the introductions.
Jasper was the one covered in bit marks with honey blonde curls. Edward sat next to him, holding his hand, his hair was bronze, and he wore a crooked smile. The giant man with short dark curls, dimples, and arms the size of tree trunks was Emmett and, on his lap, sat a beautiful blonde bombshell names Rosalie. Next came Lyra, and I felt Jacob shift uncomfortably. They were locked in a staring contest it appears. Next came Mary Alice, or just Alice as she liked to be called now. Carlisle and Esme reintroduced themselves formally and more silence ensued.
Alice shut the file, a frown marring her fae like features. She looked at me and studied me quietly and I stared back drinking in her presence. Our mutual staring was interrupted when Lyra spoke up. "Well, I for one, would like to know about this imprint." I frowned and looked at Jacob, who bit his lip. Edward curled back his lip in disgust. "It means you're his soulmate dear sister." She gasped and Jake looked at me panicked. A wave of calm blanketed the room and I looked between them confused. I control and sense emotions." Said jasper simply. I simply nodded. "Bells?" said Jake quietly. "I need to speak with her. Alone. Are you okay?" I nodded at him and inclined my head towards Lyra. He kissed the top of my head and stood. "Can I speak with you privately Lyra?" he asked shyly not meeting her eyes. She skipped over grabbing his arm and pulled him out the door. I sighed rubbing my eyes.
"Listen, Cullens, I came here tonight to establish that we weren't threats. We've been wandering the world for a century, unable to come back because Jake was exciled by the last Alpha of the pack. We missed home greatly, and we wish to be allowed to stay. We pose no threat to you; we just wish to coexist. Maybe," I hesitated. "Become friends, while we are here." I said my eyes locking on Alice. She smiled brightly then and my heart melted. All the love and pain id felt for a century bubbled to the surface. Seeing her smile for the first time in so many years eased me like nothing ever had. Jasper grunted and looked at me curiously. I sheepishly tried to reign in my emotions. "Why can't I read you? Said Edward curiously." I shot him a confused look. "I can read minds Bella, but I can't read yours." He cocked his head looking me over. "Oh, um, years ago I met a man who said I was some kind of shield. I don't know how it works, but he said it protects my mind from mental attacks." He hummed still studying me. "Interesting. I wonder if you'd be willing to let me test how it works?" I nodded my eyes drifting back to Alice. I offered her a small smile. "Well," said Carlisle "I think, it's time for us to retire don't you dear? We don't think you're a threat and we would love to get to know you both better."
I smiled at him. "Thank you, Carlisle. We are looking forward to making new friends after being alone for so long." In pairs, they all left until only Alice and I remained. "Bella?" she asked shyly. "Would you like to go talk in my room? They're all sound proofed. I'd like to learn more, if you're up to it." I smiled softly and nodded, holding out my hand for her to take. She took it and I sighed in relief and happiness. Without another word, she led me up to her room.