Story Name: Secrets that Heal
Chapter Name: Rose's Room
Protection: © Copyright 2012 EmmettMonkeyMan™. All rights reserved.
Summary: Sequel to 'Secrets that Kill.' Bella and Edward are still battling through their pasts and trying to grasp the loss of their dear sister and friend, Rose. What will happen when they are both thrust into the world of parenthood? Will they survive? And what surprises are in store for them? Will they be able to handle their emotions, thoughts and relapses with a baby on the way? *better than it sounds.*
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or its characters. I just own the plot of this story.
Families:
Swans;
Bella
Charlie
Cullen's;
Carlisle
Esme
Emmett (oldest of the bunch)
Rosalie & Jasper (twins, the next in the family)
Edward (adopted in the family 3 years after the twins were born)
Alice (the youngest of the bunch)
(All of them are Carlisle and Esme's real children apart from Edward)
Bella Swan
"Bella," Edward tugged on my hand lightly, pushing me gently into the car. I stifled a small sigh and settled myself into the passenger seat. It had been two weeks since the family had arrived, and we had finally made our decision. We were going home. I was both nervous and excited.
Was Forks such a good idea?
"It's alright, Bella." Edward whispered as he pulled away from the house – his hands resting calmly on the steering wheel. He wasn't afraid at all. I was just scared that Forks might bring bad memories. I was already missing Rose so much.
I nodded. "I know. I'm just worried about going back to the house." A shiver ran through me at the thought of the room Rose and I had shared.
Edward released a small sigh. "I know exactly what you mean."
The drive was a quick, quiet 1 hour one, and all too soon we were driving up the long driveway to the Cullen's mansion.
The house was just as grand as it always was – it's coated white walls still bright and new. Esme had done a great job keeping it in order. I was surprised that there wasn't an odd, longing feeling around the house because of Rose's lack of appearance. I'd felt it the last few weeks after Rose had died, and I was surprised it still wasn't there. I didn't know whether I was happy or sad about it. In a way, I was happy the feeling wasn't going to make anyone feel low, but did not having the empty feeling around mean the house had forgotten about Rose altogether?
I pushed back my thoughts and quietly rubbed my bulging stomach as Edward helped me out of the car.
Before we could even get up onto the porch, Esme came running out of the door; a huge smile on her face. However, it looked slightly off. There was a light black edge around her eyes that was smudged, and I could only assume that her eyeliner had run from tears she'd previously cried. My heart broke for her as she pulled Edward and me into a hug.
"It's so good to see you both again." Her voice was soft and gentle and it reminded me just how much I still missed my own mom. The last few months I'd been slightly better at letting the Cullen's touch me, and I was putting it down to my mom. She'd want me to be happy and have people touching me like normal. I didn't need to keep her touch – she was in my thoughts everyday.
"The delivery van came 2 hours earlier." Esme continued. "Your stuff is all sorted out. I'm sorry you didn't bring all your stuff."
"Its fine," Edward smiled at his mother, taking my hand and leading us into the huge house. "We decided that it was best to bring as little as we could. Where did you put it?"
Esme smiled back as she joined her husband on one of the small loveseats. "We put all of your things in your room, Edward – so you can both share. We can easily replace the bed. We left the baby's things on the hallway…" She halted for a second. "We weren't sure what room you wanted…"
"Thank you."
What else was there to say? These people were so caring.
"Hi Bella!" A little voice called from the stairs.
I smiled up at the voice; already seeing Alice's tiny form running down the last few steps. She ran across the front room; her little feet sliding across the solid floor, before she crashed into my open arms.
I laughed lightly. "Hey, Alice."
Once the greetings were over, the normally bubbly Alice shifted on her feet uncomfortably. I grew very nervous watching her. "Um…Bella?"
"Yeah, Alice?"
She swallowed carefully; a clear sign that she was nervous about something. "I kind of…I thought…" She huffed and wrapped her small arms around her frame carefully. "I thought that we could use Rose's room for a nursery."
I took in a sharp breath of air along with Edward.
The silence lasted more than 5 minutes; none of us knowing what to say. Could I just barge into Rose's own personal space and transform it into a nursery? It didn't seem right, but in a way it meant the baby would be closer to Rose. All of this was tearing us apart. Losing someone was definitely the worst feeling in the world.
Alice was staring at the floor and I knew she was afraid of my reaction. It was kind of ironic seeing as Rose was her sister and not mine.
Since it seemed okay with everyone else, and Alice, I took one of her small hands in mine and nodded simply.
The joy that came over her face was indescribable. She was jubilant to say the least. As soon as I'd approved, she'd squealed and bounded off to the stairs – obviously off to plan something for the nursery. I tried to let her help. It was hard though. This was Edward and I's first child and we wanted everything to be special.
Esme smiled at me appreciatively as I lowered myself down into Edward's arms on the couch. "Thank you, Bella." Her words were sincere. "Planning and drawing things keep her happy and distracted."
Carlisle squeezed her hand.
I knew exactly what Esme was talking about. All of us had to keep active and thinking because if we didn't, things would become bad. We'd probably fall into a deep depression and that was the last thing Rose wanted us to be. We had to stay strong for her.
"Well," Edward said loudly; clearly afraid of the silence. He hated to let his mind wander lately. "It feels good to be back."
Emmett, who'd made himself known minutes earlier, grinned and chucked the Wii car controller at his brother. Whilst receiving treatment at the house before, I'd become extremely annoyed at Emmett and his childish ways, but seeing him happy and childlike right now seemed a lot better than what he could have been. He had been extremely close to Rose and was always being the protective big brother. I knew he missed her a lot. I'd been told that he'd even helped Esme on the website.
Edward at that current moment, didn't seem anymore mature than his big brother. He gladly accepted the controller; shuffling me over so that he could have both hands to race his virtual car.
Esme and I shared a knowing look – taking ourselves from the chaos that was seconds away from blowing up in the front room. Edward and Emmett playing Wii games was never a bright idea. They broke something, fought over winning and losing, or acted purely wild. At times like that it was always much safer to just leave them to it and evacuate the room.
I settled myself in one of the chairs in the kitchen and played with my hands. I was still expecting Rose to peer around a corner and smile at me but she never did. We had grown so close. I'd finally found someone who truly cared and who I loved and then she was just ripped right from my grasp. My previous assumptions of being cursed came back in strong waves. I sighed.
"Bella," Esme started, taking a seat opposite me. She slid a glass of water across the solid wood with a small smile. "How are you doing?"
I took the water thankfully and took a small sip. "I guess I'm doing alright. Stress isn't good for the baby. How are you doing?" I looked back up into her crystal clear eyes.
She shrugged; being genuinely honest about her feelings. "Carlisle offered to give me some tablets but I refused. These feelings are part of the healing process."
"It's going to be okay someday." I said quietly; hardly believing it myself. How could things ever be alright again?
She smiled and this time it wasn't forced. "Of course they will. That little baby is going to bring such joy to the family. Truly a blessing. Will you be visiting Charlie today?"
I patted my stomach proudly. My baby was definitely a miracle and a blessing. "No, I'm just going to call him later on. I'll pop around for a bit tomorrow."
She nodded.
We sat in a comfortable silence for a few seconds before Alice called me and I was forced to go join her in Rose's bedroom.
I took the stairs slowly; trying to put off the near event. I didn't know if I could handle walking into Rose's room.
"Come on, Bella." Alice whined once I reached the top of the stairs. She took my hand gently in hers and tugged me to the door I knew so well.
My stomach twisted harshly and I suddenly felt very sick. It wasn't supposed to be like this. Rose and I were supposed to be sat in her room right now discussing baby names or something. "Alice…" I choked. "I don't think I can!"
"Shh, Bella." Alice soothed softly; reaching to touch my shoulders. "I know, I know." She hugged me quickly but comfortably, and then pulled me into the large room.
The breath was knocked out of me at the sight of the all familiar, but now empty room and I fell to my knees. Alice was quick on my case and safely lowered me to the floor. We didn't want to hurt the baby.
"It's like a slap in the face, right?" Alice murmured softly; new tears falling from her eyes.
I nodded numbly. I couldn't tear this room apart. I couldn't get rid of all of Rose's stuff. It was wrong. "I can't just chuck her stuff out…"
Alice shook her head in agreement. "We'll only take away some. Esme will keep it all in the basement. We'll just move the bed and some other things to make room for the changing table, crib, etc. We can keep the white wardrobe; it will go really well."
I nodded. "Alice, will you help Edward and I?"
"Sure!" She agreed enthusiastically. I admired her strength through everything.
I took a look around the room softly and slowly rose to my feet. I swayed slightly but caught myself. I had to do this. The tears fell unwillingly down my cheeks as I ran my hand over every little thing the room held. I was hoping to absorb anything that was around. Rose's touch maybe. I needed her with me.
It seemed so unreal. Was she really gone?
Aww! Poor Bella and Edward and everyone else. They're going through so much right now:'( Btw, I haven't forgotten about Jasper; he was hiding in his room on Bella and Edward's arrival. Bella's still 4 months pregnant, but don't worry; time will fly by;D haha.
Reviews make me update so much faster so please, please, please get those reviews flying in:') I love them:)
