A/N: I own nothing..SM owns it all..

The last time...We ended with...

So he gave the only response he'd thought might help him at this point. "No problem Bells." Charlie took a hold of my left hand and lead me up the front porch steps. To the front door. He knocked twice, and we waited for whom ever was inside the house to answer the door.

We didn't have to wait long.

Chapter 3

(BPOV)

The most gorgeous man opened the front door. He was young maybe twenty-five years old. He had blond hair, combed straight back. This man looked like an god. His skin was pale. Paler then mine even. His face held the biggest smile.

"Hello Chief Swan. How are you tonight?" asked the god like man. Gesturing for us into enter his home.

Charlie and I entered the foyer to the nicest home that I'd ever seen. It had light off white walls, and it appeared to be taller then two stories tall.

The walls surrounding the foyer held a beautiful collection of old handmade quilts, what looked like priceless oil paintings, and tons of family photos. The décor of this home was amazing. It held just the right amount of color and personality.

I walked in following behind my dad. "Doing well Dr. Cullen. Thanks for asking. And please call me Charlie." Charlie looked around himself. He seemed impressed with the home that the good doctor, had provided for his family.

"And you should call me Carlisle, Charlie. Come on in."

"Thanks Carlisle. I'd like to introduce you to my daughter Isabella Swan." Charlie said proudly. While pushing me forward.

"Nice to meet you Dr. Cullen. Please call me Bella. I usually only get called Isabella if I'm in trouble." I said. While I was shaking hands with the doctor. His hand seemed cold, but I decided to think about that later.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you Bella. Charlie has told me some great things about you." I turned about ten shades of red. Thinking about all of the stuff that my dad would say.

Before I could think of what to say back a women, as beautiful as Snow White came to stand next to Carlisle. She had shoulder length, light brown hair, and the most perfect facial features. She had a classic beauty. She seemed very graceful and fluid with her movements. This is a fairy tale. I thought to myself.

"Charlie, Bella, I would like to introduce you to my wonderful wife Esme." Carlisle said. He moved backwards towards her. Wrapping his arms securely around her waist.

"Hello Charlie and Bella. Welcome to our home." said Esme.

If the doctor was a god, then this women, Esme was defiantly a goddess.

Wow, that was the only word that kept repeating itself in my head.

"You have a beautiful home Esme." I blurted before I could catch herself. "I mean Mrs. Cullen."

"No problem dear. I'd love for you to call me Esme. And thank you for your complement on our home." Esme said.

I was trying to make a good impression on this couple and felt like I was failing completely.

"Come on in and make yourselves at home. The kids are in the living room waiting for us." said Esme. Grabbing my hand gently, and then leading me towards the right.

Esme was talking as we walked. "I hope that you enjoy Chocolate cake Bella. I made it special, just for tonight." I noticed that we were being followed by my dad and Carlisle.

In passing I saw a beautiful piano, and several gorgeous guitars that were in the corner of the huge living room.

"Yep. I love chocolate in any form but who doesn't?" I answered her.

The living room was decorated much in the same way as the foyer. Earth tones and classic, homey designs. You had to go down three wood steps that surrounded the living room, to enter it. Leaving the instruments sitting on the landing, a few feet above us.

When we entered the room I found myself facing four people. And I forgot instantly about my surroundings.

What is it with this family? Did they all have to look like they just stepped out of a fashion magazine! I thought.

I was taking a major hit on my already low, self-confidence.

This family could all do teeth whiting commercials. Then have there faces printed on every magazine from GQ to Vogue.

All of a sudden I found myself staring, face to face, with a pair of butterscotch colored eyes. Esme mother to this angel like family. Turned towards me so quickly that I was

completely stunned for a minute.

"Bella I would like to introduce some of my children to you. This is Emmett Cullen and Rosalie Hale. They both just graduated from Forks High School, this past June." Esme said inclining her head towards the two people sitting on the light colored loveseat.

Emmett was a huge guy. He had muscles on top of muscles. He stood maybe six foot, four. He had deep brown, curly hair. He was around nineteen years old. Emmett still had a baby face. Yes he was huge and intimidating, but a big kid all at the same time.

Emmett got up from his seat. Walking towards me with his left hand extended to shake mine. He was so graceful for someone of his size. It was kind of memorizing to watch.

"Hi Bella. I'm Emmett. Nice to meet ya." He was shaking my hand while talking.

He was smiling like a fool the whole time. His hand was just as cold as the other's had been. Maybe it's poor circulation running in this family. No that can't be. I thought. They're all adopted.

A stunning women came to stand next to Emmett. She was tall maybe five foot, ten inches tall. Her body put most cover models' to shame. She had the most glorious blonde hair. It fell to just above her hips. It was straight on top and curly towards the bottom.

"Hello Bella. I'm Rosalie. Though I want you to call me Rose. It is nice to meet you finally. We've heard so many great things about you."

I was thinking, Pull it together Swan. You need to say something to these people.

"Thanks it's nice to meet the both of you too." I said shyly. I was feeling overwhelmed. Like I was in jumping into the deep end of a pool and drowning quickly.

I was sure that I could become friends with these two. It made me wonder what exactly, Charlie and Dr. Cullen, talked about. And what Dr. Cullen had said about me to his family. Why would these people seem to care so much about me? They just met me, after all.

I knew right then that everything that I was worrying about would be just fine.

Maybe I'm worrying what everyone will think about me for nothing. I thought to myself. Maybe Charlie's been talking everyone's ears off about my moving back home. Maybe after hearing so much about me everyone thought that they knew me already. Great I've been the center of gossip in this Podunk town for over a year.

"Bella these are my youngest two children." said Esme sweetly. Pulling me out of my own self-loathing thoughts. "This is Alice and Edward Cullen. They are both starting back to school with you in a few days. They're in the their senior years too."

I turned and started to face towards the other couch. It was directly across from the loveseat. Before I could register what was going on I was being wrapped up in a very tight hug from a black haired, blur. The blur was squealing happily into my ear. And her grip on me got even tighter. I was starting to have a hard time breathing.

"It's so nice to meet you Bella. We are going to be the best of friends. I'm Alice by the way." She said quickly into my ear. As she slowly pulled away from me. When I noticed that she was breath taking.

Alice was jumping up and down as she was letting go of me. I knew that I was staring at her with nothing, but surprise written all over my face. I wondered how many pots of coffee that this girl drank every day. Alice was a little over the top for me.

She is short. I'm talking maybe five foot, two inches tall at most. Her hair was short and spiky. Black and very well groomed. You could tell that she was one of those girls that spent countless hours shopping at the mall, finding just the right earrings to match her purse.

"Hello Isabella. It is a pleasure to meet you." Said a smooth voiced young man. He was standing to the side of Alice.

He was tall, but not as tall as Emmett. He had bronze colored hair. And Esme's butterscotch colored eyes. His face was as perfect as a roman god's. Not a flaw to be found. This must be Edward.

"Hello Edward. It's nice to… m..meet you as… well." I stammered out.

Man I wasn't making the impression that I'd wanted to on these people. The birds in my belly were flying around, making me feel more then a little sick at my stomach. My self-esteem was in the tank. And I was sure that at any moment I was going to trip over either my feet or my words.

"Well let's all take a seat, and get to know one another." said Carlisle from behind me.

I turned around and saw that, he and my dad, were both wearing huge chestier-cat grins on their faces.

I sat on the sofa next to Alice. While Charlie sat down next to me, on the arm of the couch. The other four took their original seats. Carlisle and Esme took one of the large light colored, leather chair that encased either end of the conversation area of the room.

I felt like everyone in the room was looking at me waiting for me to say something. I'd had no idea of where or how to start this conversation off. That's when I remembered my surroundings.

"So who plays the instruments?" I asked.

"Well most of the us in this family are musical." said Edward. "Do you play any instruments?"

"NO. Though I've always wanted to learn how to play the guitar." I answered.

"I'm sure that one of us could teach you how to play the guitar, if you'd like?" Answered Rosalie.

No need to tell them I have no hand-eye coordination. Plus reading the music seemed really hard for me. I looked over at her and tried to figure out a way to politely turn her down.

"I'd like to learn someday Rose. But with school starting so soon. I'm not sure when I'll have time to really practice much." I was hoping that this would be the end of the discussion. When the little coffee hound next to me piped up.

"Oh Bella. You'll have lots of time to learn to play the guitar. I've got a feeling that you're going to be here after school all the time."

Damn it. I'm really going to be making a fool out of myself in front of the Cullen' family. I thought.

"What is your favorite subject in school Bella?" asked Esme. I guess she could tell from the look on my face that I was hoping for a change in subject. I smiled up at her. Thanking her silently.

"Well I love to read. The last couple of years in California. I've had English Honors classes. I've found many authors that I now love, because of my English class."

Esme and Carlisle both had small smiles on their angel like faces. Nodding their heads in approval. I was guessing that they liked my answer.

Emmett jumped in next. Staring start towards Edward. I noticed Emmett had a shit eating grin on his face when he said. "I don't mean to be rude or anything, but do you think we can do the cake now mom?" Like he had the inside on joke that no one else knew about.

Thank God, someone had enough sense to realize that I was metaphorically dying here. I felt like there was a huge spot light focused completely on me. If I could leave this beautiful home, with a bit of my dignity left. I'd be happy.

"That sounds like a great idea." said Edward sounding very disgusted.

He was looking at Emmett like he'd wished daggers would go throw each of his eyes. I guess boys aren't into chocolate like girls are. I thought to myself.

Esme stood up. And said, "I'll be right back." She walked to the other end of the living room, up three steps, and turned right. I couldn't see the room that she went into from behind the wall. But I assumed it was the kitchen.

Charlie was sitting next me. Not saying a word. I turned my head up towards him. I thought it might be nice to turn the tables on him for a while.

"So dad. What was your favorite class back in the olden days, when you were in high school?"

Charlie looked down at me, from his perch, on arm of the couch. Not looking very happy.

Let's see how he does when the spot lights fully on him.

"Gym. Gym class was my favorite." Charlie stated, never taking his eyes off me. Oh he was loving this. Having fun at my expense. Knowing how horrible I am in gym.

There were three things that I hated about moving here with my dad. One, the already mentioned Cruiser. Two, the gloomy weather. And third and final thing, Gym. It's a state law in Washington, that each student participates in physical education.

"Me to Chief Swan." answered a well amused Emmett. "I love sports. Football and Baseball are my favorites."

Esme brought in a tray full of plates, silverware, coffee cups, clear glasses, and most delicious looking chocolate cake. She lowered the tray onto the coffee table before, heading back out the way that she had just came out of.

"What about you Isabella, do you play any sports in school?" asked Edward. He had a small smile on his face, like he now knew some secret inside joke that no one else did.

OSM

Out of the corner of my eye I saw Charlie. He turned his head to look out the front windows. I could see his body shaking from the chuckles he was holding in.

I rolled my eyes at my father's back while I answered with a quick, "No!"

Esme came back into the room with another tray filled with coffee and a gallon of milk. She knelt down onto the floor, in front of the coffee table as she started to cut and serve the cake. She passed out the full plates as she'd cut the next slice. I was happy to fill my mouth with something other then, my words and my foot at this point.

"Would you like milk or coffee Bella?" Esme asked. "Muirlk, please." I said with my hand held over my mouth. Damn it. I can't even eat right tonight, I thought

"I'll take a cup of a coffee black please Esme." Said a well humored Charlie.

I noticed that the Cullen's were using more napkins then Charlie or I put together. So maybe, I'm not doing that bad after all. I thought.

Everyone finished their cake and placed there dirty dishes back on the tray's. This time it was Rosalie that stood up from the couch and took the trays back into the kitchen.

I sat there trying my best to find a new line a conversation that was not focused on me.

When it hit me. "Um... Charlie said there are five kids in your family."

"That would be Jasper." said Edward.

"But his brother and sister-in-law just came into town a few days ago. They'd already made their plans for tonight. My dad came home just after they left. He just graduated with Emmett and Rose last year. Jasper and Rose are twins. Did you know that? But don't worry I'm sure that you'll be meeting Jasper soon enough." said the girlnext to me almost bouncing out of her seat.

Rose walked back into the room. Instead of taking her seat across the me. She walked over and sat on the coffee table in front of me.

"His brother and sister-in-law?" asked Charlie. "I just assumed that each of your kids came from single child families." I was very happy at this turn of events. Charlie was now trying to pry his foot out of his mouth. I couldn't stop the grin that spread across my face.

"Well Edward, Alice, and Emmett were only children. But Rosalie and Jasper they are Esme's oldest sister's children. When her sister died we adopted them both." Carlisle paused. Then he said, "Peter and Jasper have been best friends for years. They consider themselves to be family. Brothers if you will."

Charlie just sat there bobbing his head up and down to show that he understood the relationships. But his face was turning a light shade of purple at this point. I was thrilled. Charlie was making a fool out of himself. It made being here worth it.

The added bonus it took the spot light off of me.

Charlie moved chairs. So that he could be closer to the other adults. And so the five of us kids to talk easier. Emmett came to sit next to Rose on the coffee table. After a few minutes we started talking about school, our schedules, and teachers. The conversation was flowing easily.

"Well it sounds like I should be set for my classes. Except for math. Does Mr. Varner give out extra credit during the year?" I asked.

"Not really. He's an ok teacher. But he's tough." stated Emmett.

"Math's the only subject that I'm not really good at." I said.

"Hey don't worry about it" Alice chided. "We're all really great in math. Why don't we take turns being your math tutors." Getting more excited by the second.

"Bella how are you going to be getting to school every day?" Esme asked. I thought that the parents were having there own conversation. But they must've been listening to ours. I was getting so involved my discussion with the four other Cullen's. That I'd completely forgotten about Charlie, Carlisle, and Esme were even in the room with us.

"Umm... Charlie said that he wil….."

"Nope not going to happen. We can come by and take you to school. Then you can come over here after school. We can do our homework together, and then get your music lessons in too." I was staring wide-eyed at Alice. I was learning that once you got Alice going there was not stopping her. I forgot to see if Alice drank milk or coffee. But I'd bet a hundred bucks it was the coffee.

After that I'm not sure about what the parents talked about. The five of us talked about everything from what our favorite music is, to what we did our free time. I was becoming more and more relaxed as time passed. After that Alice and Rose offered and took me a tour of the house. To say I was speechless over it is an understatement.

As we were making our way back down stairs towards our parents. I heard the others voices coming from the living room. I didn't know what time it was, but I'd say it was getting late. I didn't know if Charlie had to work in the morning, but I was sure the Cullen's were probably wanting to go to bed soon. It was defiantly time to go.

The butterflies had gone away for awhile after having such easy conversation with Rose and Alice. I was really starting to like them. Being friends with them would be effortless. For the first time ever I might acutely have a couple of close girlfriends. Maybe moving here was a good idea?

Renee has always been my best friend but our relationship is so backwards. I was the one putting up boundaries while she tried to break them all. The relationship was more like she was the kid, and I was the parent. But someone had to be. It would be nice to have someone to talk to, my own age. I thought.

For some reason the butterflies were back like a boom-a-rang all of a sudden. Time to go. I think that I've pushed my luck enough for one night.

"Can you come over tomorrow Bella? I could come and get you. Then we can spend the whole day planning the next couple of weeks." asked the coffee addict.

"Umm... I guess so. I do need to run to town tomorrow though. I need to get some odds and ends before school starts." I replied unsure of myself. My stomach was about to drop threw the floor.

The three of us made it to the last staircase. When I heard a couple of smooth, but twangy accents coming from the living room. Alice and Rose were ahead of me as we descended the stairs.

We stepped on to the living room landing. I was following my new friends to return to our previous seats. That's when I turned into a fumbling idiot.

I remember wanting to know who the new voices belonged too. I was to busy watching Rose's back, looking for the new voices, all the while walking. Instead of taking the three steps into the sunk in living room. I went head first towards the coffee table. In my descent I took out not only Rose, but Alice too. It felt like I'd hit a Mac truck. Here I am the bowling ball, and Rose and Alice became the pins.

I was waiting for the impact, closed my eyes bracing for it. Instead I was caught by two strong, cold arms. The arms belonged to a very handsome man. He had honey colored hair, that brushed the top of his ears. And his face held the most sincere breathtaking smile. I took a deep breath in a rush. That's is when I smelt him. His cologne was amazing. He smelt like fresh cut grass, cinnamon, and something else that I couldn't put on finger on.

This man pulling me into an upright position, was not trying to hide his smile. He looked towards his right and laughed at the two girls that were laid sprawled out across the living room floor. He let go of me and went to help out Rose and Alice. I thought that this was the end of our new found friendships. But both girls were laughing like hyenas. Instead of the glaring at me like I was expecting them to do.

I was left standing there looking at this man in complete and total awe. I couldn't take my eyes off of him. I noticed that the butterflies were even less right now. They were completely gone. It was like they were never there to begin with. But why? All of a sudden?

I was really hoping that the floor to open up and swallow me whole. God why can't I keep my feet under me? "Are you two ok? Did you get hurt?" Charlie was up off of the couch in a flash. He was in Chief mode. Everyone in the room was laughing. Except for Charlie and I. We were both looking at everyone else confused.

"Yes we're both fine. I didn't see that coming." said Alice. Getting up off the floor. Maybe I took the wind out of sails a little.

"I am so sorry you two. I wasn't paying attention to where I was going, and then I just fell. I do that all the time. I'm so sorry." I said.

I was thinking that now would be the perfect time to go home. Hide under the covers, and pretend that tonight never happened. And I would have if it wasn't for the handsome man. That was now staring at me, he had helped the girls up. My chest felt tight when we looked at each other. I knew that I should look somewhere else, but our eyes were locked on each other.

"Will you stop. We are both just fine, and we'll just have to walk in a room from behind you from now on. At least you'll keep us on our toes." Joked Rose. Breaking the two of us out of our trance.

I was mortified at my klutziness. What a stand out performance I was making. And all in front of this man.

He was tall. At least six foot, three. And he had a body that could stop traffic. He was wearing blue jeans. A nice black silk tee, and cowboy boots. Plus a panty dropping smile.

That's when a women so blonde, that her hair was almost white. Walked up to me. She was shorter then Alice. But just a beautiful. She was still laughing a little bit. When she said, "Hi there. I'm Charlotte. You must be Bella. Your dad was just telling us about you." While giving me a hug. She had a bit of a twang in her voice. I hoped that whatever my dad said it made me look good. Because right now I felt like a complete moron. Here I am staring up at a man that I haven't even met. Remembering what it felt like to be in his arms. "I'd like to introduce to too my husband, Peter Whitlock. And the guy that caught you is our brother, Jasper."

Jasper caught me. Oh. My. God. I thought. I had to force my eyes to meet Charlotte's.

Charlotte gestured towards the man beside her. He was tall maybe six foot, two inches tall. He had medium blond hair. He looked to be in his mid-twenties. He was wearing well worn and fading blue jeans. With a Tom Petty T-Shirt. The difference between this couples heights was kind of comical.

"Hey Sugar. Nice to meet ya I'm Peter." he drawled. That southern accent was deep and very soothing. Just like his wife he hugged me. He was muscular, and well defined.

He let go and pulled away from me. Flashing a smile that would melt butter. Peter nodded his head towards Jasper and said "I know your momma taught you better then to not acknowledge a lady when she trips into a room, and into your arms." Peter pointed out. Reviving the laughter inside the room.

"Sorry mama. I'm Jasper." He said. As he stepped closer to me. He wrapped his left arm around my left hip, pulling me closer to him. I thought that I was going to pass out right there. Right now I was not able to get my brain to function. So I did the only that I could do. I smiled up at him. I'm sure that I looked like a crazy lady. But I felt powerless to do anything about it. Standing this close to him. Smelling his cologne again. I was ready to melt right into him.

Why do I feel so secure just being near him?

Charlie stopped laughing and looked between Jasper and I he was looking startled, and said "Well I think it is time for Bella and I to head back home. Thank you for inviting us tonight, Carlisle. It's been nice…." I let Charlie's words fade away.

For the first time all night, I didn't want to leave this house. I wanted nothing more then to stay clutched close to the side of Jasper.

"Don't worry Bella. I'll see you tomorrow." Jasper whispered very quietly in my ear. Making goose bumps run up and down both of my arms. And doing things south of my bellybutton that should be considered illegal. I was staring straight into his breathtaking butterscotch eyes and couldn't look away.

Jaspers hand was moved from my hip, to the small of my back. He was gently rubbing small circles. He tilted his head to my right ear and said, "I'll see you in the mornin' my Bella. We've got a lot to talk about." His breath hit my ear as he was speaking making anything more then breathing at this point impossible.

"I'll come and get you tomorrow. I'll call before I come over." Alice said. She was acting more hyper right now then she had all night.

I turned my head towards her. My mouth was hanging open. "Catching flies," as Renee would say.

Why, am I so effected by Jasper? I can't wait until tomorrow. I thought.

A/N: I am still looking for a Beta…..So if you know anyone that can help please, let me know. I still don't know were to look for one at.

Please Read and Review.

I would enjoy hearing what you have to say. Both the good and the bad. Maybe what your ideas are.

If you Review, I have a little bit of Chapter 4 that I'll share early. (Bribing might work)

Hugs~Izzy