Disclaimer: I do not own the Twilight Saga or its characters, unfortunately. Any unrecognized plot or character are mine.

A/N: I dedicate this chapter to a friend of mine. This story would be nothing if it weren't for the help of AnariaLenair. She has been my muse, pre read my chapters and given me advice when I had a writer's block. Thanks, girl, you're an awesome friend! This is for you!

~Chapter Two-Congraduation!~

I smoothed the front of my graduation gown with my hands, distracting myself from what would happen in less than ten minutes.

The dress underneath was long enough to cover my knees and it was a lovely blue Alice had helped me pick out. The sleeves were short, barely leaving my shoulders and the neckline was modest.

I forced myself to take a deep breath, my thoughts turned to what happened last night after Charlie got home from work.

Flashback:

I fidgeted in my seat, I heard the car door shut and the sound echoed through my ears like a thunder clap. A cold touch caught my attention, I gazed at Jasper's reassuring topaz eyes and gently squeezed his hand. I turned to my left and attempted a small smile for Emmett. It was good of them to be here for support when I told Charlie there was a huge hole in his wall.

"Easy, Belly Bean." Emmett's deep voice soothed my anxiety a bit.

"Bells? Who's vehicle is outside?" Charlie called by way of greeting. He swift removed his boots, but kept his gun belt on and my anxiety was pushing for a return.

"Hey, dad. This is Emmett and Jasper, Edward's brothers, their truck is the 'vehicle outside'." I waited, holding my breath.

"Are they now? What are they doing here? Where's Edwin?" Ah, Charlie didn't miss much.

"They're here for a study session, Edward was supposed to come but he stood us up. About their, uh, presence. . . .see-"

"We accidentally put a hole through your wall, sir. We were rough housing while Bella made snacks and it got a bit out of hand." Jasper had smoothly cut me off and taken over for me, his face sincerely full of regret.

"What?" Charlie's face had grown pale.

I hunched down on myself a bit, waiting for an explosion. I was surprised when none came, more than just a little.

"We could arrange for it to be fixed, of course. Dad could phone a friend and have the supplies out before the end of the week. We thought you should know before he dialed, it is your house, after all." Jasper shot my father a very convincing embarrassed smile.

Charlie stared at me for a moment, it was starting to become uncomfortable. "What do you think, Bells?"

I shrugged. "They want to make it right, I guess we should let them if they're willing. We could never afford it ourselves."

Charlie nodded. Afterward, he shook hands with Emmett and Jasper, then we talked about the arrangements and graduation plans. The Cullens had a party planned for the night of graduation, so I would willingly attend. Edward was sent to Denali, they confirmed his arrival. The boys left shortly after ironing out the details, leaving us Swans to our dinner and other usual activities.

End flashback

I caught myself glancing at the clock, five minutes and counting.

I could hear my fellow-soon to be former-classmates milling around, talking to each other excitedly and my thoughts turned back to what I read. I wasn't able to dwell on the script long, a teacher waving at the front kid in the line jerked me into the present.

Panic punched me in the chest. "It's time already?"

Large, overactive butterflies flew in my stomach, battering the walls with their wings.

The next hour or so was a jumble of nerves and blinding camera flashes.

I breathed normally again once I closed the car door, glancing over at Charlie. "Thank God that's over," I mumbled.

He chuckled at me. "Eh, surely it wasn't that bad."

I glared playfully at him. "You didn't have to walk across a stage in heels while everybody in town gawked at you."

He grimaced. "Okay, maybe it was that bad."

I buckled in, shooting my dad a small smile. "Ready? I don't know about you, old man, but I'm starving."

We pulled into the diner, and I wasn't surprised to see that other families had the same idea.

After a greasy cheeseburger dinner and an hour or two of conversation with Angela, Charlie and Ben, we decided to move on to the party.

My eyebrows shot into my hairline as the road to the Cullen residence.

I had only one word for what I was seeing.

Overboard.

Large pink, blue and yellow bows were tied around the trees beneath beautifully crafted lanterns. Glitter arrows, also in those colors, directed the newcomers to the house.

As the residence itself came into view, I could see we arrived while the party was in full swing.

I said my goodbyes to Charlie and exited the cruiser. The entire student body must be here, I thought as I approached the porch.

Music blared from massive black speakers and multi-colored lights flashed. Dancing bodies were clustered in what used to be the living room.

It now looked like a dance floor, the furniture gone and a large stereo was now the only non-biological object in the room.

I carefully maneuvered my way through the masses, searching out a specific group of graduates.

I found Alice and Jasper at the far side of the room talking to Angela and Ben, only two of them had drinks in their hands. Jasper was smirking about something, Alice was chattering excitedly while Ben and Ang listened with polite smiles.

I gently poke Ang in the side, letting her know I was there. She started, her head whipping in my direction and her face lit up.

"Bella!" She shouted happily.

I hugged her. "Hey, how does it feel to not be in high school anymore?"

She rolled her eyes. "The same as when I was in high school. Seriously, the only difference is a diploma declaring me fit to move on to college."

I laughed, turning to give Alice a hug and Jasper a warm grin. "So, couldn't wait for me, huh?"

Jasper chuckled, and Alice shrugged. "We probably could have."

"What now for the infamous Cullens? What will you do now that you're no longer seniors in this Podunk little town?" I asked, bumping my best girls on the hip.

"College, of course. After that. . . .well, we shall see." Alice quipped without missing a beat.

There was something about the way she said the last bit. Did she know? If so, was she okay with my decision?

I drew in a sharp, nervous breath. I hope she didn't mind, upsetting her wasn't my intent at all.

Jasper studied me, his head cocked to the side. "Bella?"

I shook my head, making myself smile in what I hoped was a reassuring way. "I'm fine, distracted by thoughts of the future."

Time passed, I wasn't sure how much since I danced with Angela most of the songs so I wouldn't dwell on things. Thirst finally caused me to seek out the refreshment table, I shouldn't have been shocked to see Alice waiting there.

"Alice, hey." I greeted.

"Bella," she replied in her normal, bubbly voice.

"I suppose you know I want to speak to you and your family after the party ends?"

"Yes, Edward is in Denali still, so he will be the only one missing. I cannot see the put come, but I know what I will choose." Alice answered cryptically, before disappearing in a flash of pale skin.

I sipped my punch, wishing the party was finished while simultaneously hoping it would never stop.

Hours passed, the mass of bodies thinned and then finally there were none. I entered the kitchen after the last had gone, choosing to sit at the end of the table. I didn't have to wait long, the Cullens wasted no time joining me.

The couple's each sat near the other, Carlisle at the head of the table. "Bella, I'm sure we're all curious as to why you're still here. Its late and Charlie will be waiting for you at home."

I centered myself, sterling my spine for their reaction. "I need to speak with you about something. . . ."

"Of course, sweetheart, what is it?" Esme smiled, motherly love shining in her eyes.

"I have decided that I would like to become a surrogate for your family." I announced, staring Carlisle straight in the eyes.

The Cullens gasped in obvious shock, their golden eyes wider than saucers.

"What?!" Carlisle exclaimed in shock. Esme sat stock still, her golden eyes locked on my face.

The entire family seemed to be adequately flabbergasted.

"I know female vampires can't have children, I know how much some want children more than anything." My eyes met Rosalie's over the table.

"How could you possibly do such a thing?" Carlisle asked, his eyes conflicted as curiosity and shock tumbled over each other.

"The other day I did some research and found accounts of births related to the infamous vampire legends. I did more digging-a lot, and it wasn't easy since the Volturi destroy any possible evidence of your kind, but I knew what to look for-and located at least one such half-blood, his name is Nahuel."

"Are you sure he really is a half blood?"

"Yes, I met with him in Port Angeles, the day before we got that flash flood warning. He told me everything, he has the eyes of a human but your speed and strength. He demonstrated each at a safe location, he is over a hundred years old."

"Bella! Do you realize the danger you put yourself in by meeting him alone? He could have lost control and injured you, or worse!" Carlisle looked concerned, upset, and-dare I think it-angry with me.

"I took Jake with me, he was ready in case something like that happened. I'm not an imbecile, Carlisle." I frowned at the blonde vampire.

He winced in response, expression apologetic.

I sighed. "Look, I completely understand that you're worried, but I can take care of myself. Now, let's return our attention to the issue at hand. All male parties will donate their sperm and it will be injected via syringe. Carlisle will be the physician during all pregnancies and will administer the injections."

"You've thought this through, haven't you?" Esme whispered, staring wide eyed at me.

"Yes, I have. You are my family, I want you to have what was cruelly taken from you." I turned to Rosalie. "Rose, I know you have wanted children since before your change, but life interfered and you never had the chance. I am offering you a chance to have your children, to see them every day for the rest of your lives. I want that for you."

Rosalie stared at me with shocked joy, venom tears shining in her eyes.

I smiled at Esme. "Esme, you experienced the loss of a child and died before you could try again. You are the sweetest woman I know, I think of you as a second mother and I want you to have everything you missed out on the first time."

Esme sobbed, a beautiful and sad smile on her heart shaped face.

"Jasper, Carlisle, Emmett, you are the most honorable men I have ever had the pleasure to know. I feel blessed to have even stood in your presence for one day, let alone over a year. Jazz, you were practically abused from the moment you were introduced to this life. You never deserved anything that horrid woman did to you. You deserve to experience a child's laughter, to feel the purity and wonder of a child's joy. The same stands for you, Carlisle. You are a wonderful man who gives everything he has into helping others, going so far as to save lives. I am willing and honored to fulfill my promise to you."

All of the Cullen's appeared to be moved by my impromptu speech. I felt the urge to hug them all to pieces, my heart and throat aching with emotion.

Love, joy, shock, amazement and gratitude permeated the air.

I glanced around the room, taking in the faces I saw.

My family.