Chapter 2 - Always a Show
Carlisle:
Yesterday at the Lodge was a little trying with Leah being so close to Sam and Emily. Hopefully, working with me and Seth in the clinic part of the Lodge, will help Leah. She will not have Sam and Emily right in front of her all the time. The clinic has its own entrance along with an entrance from the Lodge also. That way members of the Tribe who need to be treated, can enter just the clinic instead of having to go through the Lodge. We did this on purpose since most of the Tribe do not know anything about the Wolves. Therefore, it is safer for the wolf shape shifters and they don't have to be on guard all the time. Today is Sunday and we are going back to the Lodge.
"Hello Carlisle and fellow Cullen's," Billy greeted us at the Lodge.
"Hi ya Pop," Jake said to his father.
"Billy, how are you today," I asked him.
"Fine Carlisle, you're my friend today not my doctor, right?" Billy asked giving a wry grin.
"I'm both all the time, Chief Black, and don't you forget it," I scolded him while shaking my finger at him.
"Ha ha, got chewed out already," Jake laughed.
"Carlisle, could all of you come into the Lodge so I can gather the Pack and make an announcement," Billy asked.
"Of course, come on family," I said to my brood.
We all made our way in and Sam and Emily were also in the main gathering room in the Lodge. Leah looked over at Sam and Emily but then cast her eyes down and concentrated on Billy. She stood near me and Esme. Billy called all of the Pack to come in since he had an announcement to make. Very quickly the Pack had assembled and wondered what this was all about as we did.
"I called you all here in order to set some ground rules," Billy began. This was met with grumbling from both sides of the fence.
"Now, now, they are common sense rules but I feel I must say them and set things on the right track from the get go. Now, as you know, Carlisle has generously offered this renovation at his expense. Therefore, when Carlisle Cullen is on the premises, he is in charge with full authority over both the Pack and his family. I want that understood by everyone and it takes place right this moment. Sam and I are the other authorities and you will obey what the three of us say. When Carlisle is not here, I am in charge with Sam right underneath me. Carlisle has the authority to dole out any punishment as he sees fit and it will be accepted with no backtalk or resistance. Is that clear to everyone?" Billy asked the Pack.
"Yes, but why? Isn't this our land and our Lodge," Paul asked.
"Yes, but since Carlisle is funding this renovation, he has say over everything. Also, you will respect and answer to Sue Clearwater, Emily and Esme Cullen also. We are the adults and you will respect all of us as your elders. This goes for the Cullen children also," Billy stated.
"Are you kidding? Who do you think we answer to now?" Jake asked his father. "Gee, talk about stating the obvious."
"Jacob, you will respect your father while he is speaking and accept his rules," I said to him firmly.
"I know Dad, but he knows we have to do what you say, he's been with us and witnessed it," Jake said shaking his head.
"I'm just making sure everyone knows and understands this, Jacob. The Pack needs to hear this also," Billy explained.
"Like we're going to disobey Dad here in front of everyone, come on Billy, smoking a little too much on the peace pipe," Jake said laughing.
"Jacob Cullen, come here," I called to my wisecracking son.
"Oh great, now look what you got me into," Jake said to Billy as he trudged over to me.
"Ah ha ha! Jake got called on the carpet," Paul said snickering.
"What did I say about respecting your father, especially while he is speaking and setting rules and guidelines," I asked him.
"I need to respect him," Jake stated with head bowed.
"Do you understand it now, or do I have to explain it a little further to you in a most embarrassing way in front of everyone?" I put to him.
"I got it, I got it, Dad!" Jake said quickly.
"You better have, now what do you have to say to your dad," I said glaring at him.
"I'm sorry Dad, it just seemed redundant to me," Jake said sincerely to Billy.
"That's okay son, just remember what I said if you don't want to demonstrate for the Pack what will happen if you go against Carlisle," Billy warned him.
"You know he'd do it, too. Sorry Dad," Jake said to me as he went back to his original place.
"Now that the rules and guidelines have been set, carry on construction crew," Billy said grinning.
"Dad, are we going to work on the clinic again," Seth asked eagerly.
"Yes, we need to finish putting up the sheet rock panels and then seal them with the putty and wait for them to dry then sand them off," I explained.
"Do it at vampire speed, it will go faster," Rosalie suggested to us as she walked by.
"Not everyone is a vampire, Goldilocks," Paul sneered at her.
"Aw, shucks, too bad for you, big bad wolf," Rosalie said to Paul.
"That's enough you two, get busy and make yourselves useful," I warned them.
"Hey Jake, work with me and Jared today," Paul called to Jake.
"Okay, where?" Jake asked.
"In the living quarters, we are working on the individual rooms for the Pack," Paul explained.
"Let's put the dry wall panels up and nail them and then take a break. We don't have to put the putty on them right away," Paul suggested to Jake.
"Why not? Get it done then take a break, lazy ass," Rosalie said overhearing Paul as she walked by.
"Hey butt out Goldie and mind your own snobbish business," Paul said sharply at her.
"I'm just trying to give you some pointers, ignorant dumb animal that you are," Rosalie fired at Paul.
"Nobody asked for your input, Dumb Blond that you are," Paul shouted at Rose.
"Hey Paul, let it go, she didn't mean anything by it," Jake said to Paul.
"Yes she did, she's as haughty and insulting as she always is. Who do you think you are anyway? You walk around with your nose stuck up in the air all the time like you're better than everyone. Well, I got news for you, you miserable, snobbish, conceited, disgusting vampire, that you are, you're like the flu…," Paul shouted at Rose getting her face.
"Hey! Stop it Paul," Jake said to Paul. He also noticed Rosalie's eyes welling up which is unusual for her.
"Well she is! She's like the flu…you make everyone sick and they can't stand you. All people want to do around you is throw up, that's how you make everyone so miserable," Paul kept insulting Rosalie.
"Hey, that's my sister you're talking to," Jake said getting in Paul's face and shoving him back with his right hand to Paul's shoulder. Paul stumbled back.
The barrage from Paul was overheard by the Pack and the Cullen's. Emmett was making his way to the room as I was. I needed to get there before Emmett did. Little did I know what would happen next.
"You're so bowled over by the Cullen's, especially Carlisle and his little rules. How can you stand to live with her," Paul said pointing toward Rosalie. "You fight with her all the time," Paul pointed out.
"Hey, we don't fight. That's the way we talk to one another," Jake said to him.
"Well, this is the way I talk to her, so there," Paul said getting in Jake's face.
"Get out of my face Paul, and apologize to my sister," Jake threatened him.
"Ha ha, make me Cullen wolf," Paul said pushing Jake's shoulder.
"Don't mind if I do," Jake said as he grabbed hold of Paul and took him by surprise.
Paul struggled, but Jake had such a lock on him, he had no choice but to move along with Jake. Jake was bigger than Paul, and Jake drug him through the Lodge and out the front door. Rosalie was right behind them trying to keep her brother from getting hurt. All of the Pack and my children along with all of the adults came out to try to take control of this situation. I was about to intervene, when Billy grabbed my arm and held me back.
"Carlisle, let's see how this turns out," Billy suggested.
"I don't want anyone getting hurt," I said to him.
"Sometimes, my friend, we parents need to let our children handle their own problems," Billy said to me. I reluctantly agreed. How long I could hold out, I wasn't sure.
Jake walked Paul out onto the grass with Paul struggling the whole way. Now Emmett was coming at Paul fast. I flashed along with Edward and Jasper to stop Emmett. We held him back and I told him to let Jake handle this. He wasn't thrilled with that, but did as I said since we all had a good hold on him. Jake shoved Paul down onto the ground and stood towering over him. Rosalie was a little back from Jake on the side.
"Jake, let it go, he's not worth it," Rosalie said to Jake.
"How dare you talk to my sister like that. You hurt her feelings and you are going to apologize to her or else," Jake threatened Paul.
"Or else what? You don't scare me, Cullen wolf, you and your fake daddy, Carlisle," Paul shouted at him.
"Hey," Jake said shoving Paul down on the ground again. "You don't talk about my Dad like that," Jake said.
"He's not your Dad, Billy is," Paul said getting up and glaring at Jake.
"He is too my Dad. He adopted me at Billy's request and you're not going to say anything against him or my family, including my sister, Rosalie. Now apologize to her," Jake said to Paul.
"I can say whatever I want. I'm not apologizing to her, you always argue with her, so who cares?" Paul asked.
"She's my sister and that's the relationship we have together. It's between me and her. I can say that kind of stuff to her, but no one else can, so apologize," Jake demanded of Paul.
Paul just stood there glaring at Jake. "I don't have to apologize to her, Jake wimp," Paul goaded him.
"Do it Paul, then apologize to my Dad, Carlisle. You better never talk like that again against either of my Dads, Carlisle or Billy, the two men in my life I respect more than anyone," Jake demanded of Paul.
Paul stood there and looked at Jake, he then looked at Rosalie and over to where we were all standing. Seeing that he wasn't going to get anywhere with Jake, and having encountered my ire once before, decided it was in his best interest to apologize and stop his antics while ahead.
"Aw, okay, sorry Goldilocks, didn't mean to hurt your feelings, but if you would lose the attitude, maybe people would treat you better," Paul said sharply to her.
"You're insulting," Jake said drawing back ready to punch Paul.
"Jacob Cullen! Don't you hit him," I called from where I stood next to Billy. Jake stopped and reluctantly put his fist down and stepped back from Paul.
"Yeah, listen to what your leech daddy says," Paul taunted snidely. With that, Jake swung and punched Paul in the jaw. Paul stumbled back and fell onto the ground holding his jaw.
"Never insult my sister, my Dads, Carlisle and Billy or my family again," Jake said glaring at Paul. Turning away from Paul laying on the ground rubbing his sore jaw, Jake put his arm around Rosalie who was standing there stunned with her hands covering her mouth. "Come on Rosalie, don't pay any attention to the likes of him," Jake said leading her away and back to the Lodge.
As Jake and Rosalie walked back to the Lodge, I panned the Pack and my family standing there taking this scene in. Everyone, including the Pack, had a slight smile on their faces as Jake defended his sister, family and me. I normally do not allow physical fighting, but I couldn't remove the proud grin I had on my face at my son's defense of us. Billy had the same grin, along with Esme and my girls, and Emmett had a proud look on his face as his brother came to the aide of his mate. If we hadn't been holding onto Emmett yet, I think he would have run up to Jake and picked him up and spun him around. Jake and Rosalie passed all of us and entered the Lodge. The rest of us just stood there looking after them. I looked down at Billy who looked up to me.
"I don't think I've ever been prouder of that boy," Billy said to me.
"Me either, Billy," I said patting his shoulder and letting go of Emmett. I then walked over to Paul who had managed to get up but was still rubbing his jaw. He saw me walking toward him.
"Let me see your jaw, Paul," I said to him.
"Going to lecture me, Doc?" Paul asked.
"It's certainly warranted, but I think you learned a lesson about my family," I said to him. "Looks like it will be bruised, but nothing seems to be broken. Thank goodness for your rapid healing," I said to him. "Put some ice on it to help with the swelling," I advised him.
"Thanks Doc…uh…I'm sorry for hurting her feelings. Sorry for what I said about you too," Paul said to me.
"I certainly hope you mean that. However, if you ever insult my daughter or my family like that again, you will answer to me, Young Man. Do we understand each other?" I said glaring at him.
"Yes sir," Paul said. "Just giving Jake a run for his money," Paul said.
"Lay off taunting my son, Jake. That's right, I said my son! Becoming his father is an honor I have been granted to share with Billy and you will not make light of it nor will you mock it. Is that clear?" I admonished him.
"Yes, it's clear. I need some ice," Paul said and quickly took off away from me.
I walked back to where everyone else was and the rest of us made our way back into the Lodge. As we entered, a familiar sound graced our ears. One my family is certainly used to.
"Listen weasel brain, you have to make sure you get the mud or putty in the crack. Goop it on there and then smooth it out with the trowel. Let it dry and then we sand it. Not while it's wet, you antelope," Rosalie fired at Jake.
"Who appointed you Miss Construction Vamp of the Lodge? I helped erect the Lodge when we first built it," Jake griped back at Rosalie.
"Yes, well this is the real Lodge, not the one you built out of Lego's," Rosalie said smartly to him.
"Oh, ha ha ha ha, you think you're so smart. We're adding onto the lodge we built, not starting from scratch, which is what you do to your hair since it is full of lice, scratch, scratch, scatch," Jake taunted her.
"OOOOOOOOOOooooooooo, you flea bitten hyena," Rosalie shouted at him.
"Well, I see things are back to normal," I said to Billy and Esme.
"That sure didn't last long," Billy said.
"Never does," Esme said shaking her head.
"Bimbo Blond!" Jake yelled.
"You Wild Boar, and you smell like one too," Rosalie shouted back.
"Rosalie and Jacob! I'm coming in there," I said walking to the room they were in.
"Now you got us in trouble with Dad. Satisfied?" Jake said to Rosalie.
"You're the one who don't know what he's doing, just like an animal," Rosalie came back.
"Stop it, both of you! A few minutes ago, I was swelled with pride at my son and daughter and how they looked out for each other. Now, I'm ready to haul you both over my lap and spank some sense into you," I scolded them. "How can you turn on each other in so little time?" I asked them.
"Easy, just spend a few minutes trying to work with Bossy Blond over there," Jake said pointing at Rosalie.
"Daddy's blond!" Rosalie said smirking at Jake.
"Uh…um…Dad…you know I didn't mean you," Jake said now backing away as I walked toward him.
"Do I?" I asked Jake.
"Of course…I…I…wouldn't say that to you…hey…what are you doing…Daa-aad…no…put that down…I meant her…" Jake prattled. "No…Daa—aadd!"
"SPLAT!"
"Aaawww! Uuggghh, look what you did, Dad," Jake griped.
"Ha ha ha ha, serves you right," Rosalie said.
"SPLAT!"
"HHUUUUHHH! Daddy!" Rosalie gasped.
"Now stop your bickering and get back to work," I said to them after taking two globs of the mud and throwing it in Jake and Rosalie's faces.
"Hey! You'd beat our butts if we did that," Jake complained.
"Yeah, you would, Dad," Rosalie agreed.
"Then I suggest you don't do it," I said as I walked out of the room proud of my handling of the situation.
Walking out I was met by the entire Pack and my family along with the others wondering what I had done. Esme was snickering along with the others.
"Carlisle, what did you do to those children?" Esme asked.
"Let them know who's boss," I said to her.
"Dad!" Jake called.
"Daddy!" Rosalie added.
"What?" I said turning around.
"SPLAT!"
The little snots hit me in the face with the mud. Both of them! Everyone was laughing. Including Paul who had walked back in and wondered what was up.
"Ha ha ha ha! Good thing you didn't mess up Pops' hair!" Emmett laughed.
"Yeah, you know how long it takes him in the morning to get ready to go to the hospital," Edward laughed.
"Yes I do, allow me to demonstrate," Jake said.
"Me too, I'll be Mom and you be Dad," Rosalie said to Jake.
"Oh, this we have to see, Sam," Billy said nudging Sam.
"Carlisle, hurry up, you'll be late! Are you still in that bathroom?" Rosalie imitated Esme. Esme was enjoying this.
"Why yes, darling, mmmm smooch, smooch, smooch, oh, I look so good," Jake clowned imitating me. "That's dad kissing himself in the mirror!" Jake added.
"Ha ha ha ha ha! That's about right," Emmett said.
"Esme do you hear your children?" I said to her wiping the mud off my face.
"MY children," Esme said back to me. Smarty pants little wife. She was laughing too.
"I only have to put about 2 more cans of hair spray on my hair and then I'll be finished, Esme my dove. MMM smooch smooch smooch. Oh I outdid myself this morning," Jake said again imitated me.
"Ha ha ha ha, that's you Pops," Emmett laughed again.
"Oh darling, you're so, so, handsome and adorable," Rosalie cooed as Esme.
"Yes I am, but not as handsome as our son, Jacob," Jake lied as me.
"Oh brother, what a ham," Leah called out.
"I'll say! I called the wrong Cullen a snob," Paul joked. We all laughed at that.
"Oh, Jacob! Rosalie! Come over to Daddy," I beckoned them with my finger.
"Nothing doing, were not falling for that," Rosalie said to me.
"No way, we're not Emmett!" Jake said. Everyone laughed at that including Emmett.
"Ha ha ha ha ha! Hey! Wait a minute!" Emmett complained.
"Come here, my little acting duo," I said beckoning them again and now walking toward them.
"Uh oh, Rose, start backing up slowly," Jake said shoving her behind him.
They both began backing up and I was still coming toward them. When they got to the door, they both took off running outside. I followed hot on their tails. Everyone else came out also, even Billy. They stopped to watch the show before them. Both Jake and Rosalie stopped, knowing they wouldn't be able to outrun me.
"Now wait a minute Dad, you started this," Jake said to me.
"Yeah Daddy, you threw the mud first," Rosalie said to me. I had the mud in my hand and was flopping it back and forth between hands.
"No, I didn't start this. He did," I said now pointing toward Paul. Both Rose and Jake looked at Paul. Then the three of us looked at each other and then turned and looked at Paul.
"Hey, wait a minute. I didn't throw anything at anyone," Paul said now beginning to back up.
"Give me some of that mud, Dad," Jake said grabbing some of it. I gave him a blob of it.
"Me too, Dad," Rosalie said as I deposited a glob of it in her hand.
"Hey come on, I apologized," Paul said to us still backing up.
We all three looked at one another and shrugged our shoulders then looked back at Paul.
"So you did, here's our acceptance," Jake said firing his blob of mud at Paul.
"Mine too," Rosalie said as she lobbed hers at Paul. Both globs hit Paul, one on the right side and the other on the left side of his face, followed by my glob right in the middle of his face.
"Apology accepted!" I said as I brushed my hands off.
"Man you Cullen's are something else, let's play some more," Paul said as he began lobbing one glob after another at the three of us.
We ducked and picked up the globs that missed us and the four of us continued our assault on each other, with all three of us Cullen's ganging up on Paul. We finally got him down on the ground and we all fell down laughing. Our audience was laughing and egging us on.
"See what I mean Sam, it's always fun being with the Cullen's," Billy said nudging Sam.
"Yes, I see that," Sam said.
"It's better than watching a sitcom. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the show," Billy said laughing and enjoying himself along with everyone else.
To Be Continued…
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