Author's Note: Thanks so much for all your reviews! I appreciate the support and ideas! Thanks to all who have put me on their Author Alert list! Talk about flattering!
Ch 3 The Family
EPOV
As I neared my house I felt greatly relieved. The talk with Bella hadn't been so bad, really. It probably could have been more graceful. . .Elephant and Butterfly, I rolled my eyes at myself. But at least it was done. I could move on and away from the whole topic.
Then I walked through the door and found Carlisle lounging on the couch,with Esme.
"Good morning, Edward," he was speaking aloud, I knew this was going to involve Esme. "I spoke with Esme about your, situation," He began, I rolled my eyes again, this couldn't be happening.
"I've already spoken to Bella," I interjected, hoping to quell any further discussion.
"Oh," he said, a little surprised, "Esme had agreed that it should be between you and Bella, but I didn't think you'd act so soon."
I didn't feel the need to explain that I had used the awkward conversation to distract Bella, and I had to admit, myself, from other activities. I started toward my room. I had come home to change, after all.
Carlisle cleared his throat, stopping me, "Um, Edward, I'm afraid my conversation with Esme was, overheard."
Great, I thought, "By who?" I asked, trying to decide which member of my family could make this the worst.
Carlisle cleared his throat, again, "I'm afraid it was Emmett."
Of course it was Emmett, I though sourly.
"I thought I should warn you before you went upstairs." He finished.
"Thanks," I said, Carlisle cringed at the acid in my voice, but I was too preoccupied to feel bad about that. I considered turning around and going straight back to Bella's, forget the change of clothes. Then, when I thought of Bella, I realized that if I didn't face the gauntlet of siblings now, I would have to face it later, perhaps with Bella in tow. That thought horrified me enough to give me the strength to head up the stairs.
I was braced for the worst all the way to my room, but the others' thoughts seemed elsewhere. Have I really escaped the torture? I dared to hope. Then Emmett came barreling into my room.
"Ed! I'm glad you're back," he started, "Man I gotta say, being with Bella before she's changed. . That's either the bravest thing I've ever heard, or the stupidest. I'm going with brave, Rosalie, of course thinks you're stupid."
I wasn't surprised he had talked with Rosalie about it. I was pretty sure he had talked with everyone about it. "Uh, thanks Emmett."
"I thought you could use some brotherly advice, seeing as it's your first time and all," he waggled his eyebrows at me and I mentally prepared for him to give voice to some of the vivid thoughts he often had about Rose. Thoughts I strived to block out.
"It's not about you." he said simply.
I stared at him.
"I mean the truth is, you're a guy, Edward, whatever happens, you'll be happy." He winked at me. I was still to shocked to speak. "Girls are different, they need a little finesse, you know? I tried to get Rosalie to give you some pointers,"
"That's really not necessary," I finally found my voice.
Emmett scowled, "Yeah, well, she said she 'wanted nothing to do with it', anyway. You know how she can get."
"Really, it's okay Emmett, I think I've got it covered. Thanks for the advice, though," This was not the conversation I had expected from Emmett, at all.
"Yeah? Well alright, but hey, when you two start to really warm up, I can tell you a few things. Rosalie was shy at first, but now she's a wildcat, I'll tell you. . ."
"Yeah, sure. Emmett, Thanks again," I stopped him before he really could tell me. I could already see where his thoughts were headed. That was more like the Emmett I knew.
"Right, well, later then." He could tell he'd been dismissed, but it didn't bother him much. Nothing bothered Emmett much.
I stood in the middle of my room, still stunned by the surprising conversation I had just had with my boisterous brother. I heard Jasper's thoughts outside the door. Why not? I thought, If Emmett can be sensitive, Jasper's gonna be a piece of cake.
"Come in," I called to Jasper.
Good morning, Edward, he thought to me. I just wanted to have a word, if I could.
"Of course, Jasper," I said. Hit me with it, I thought.
Well, I wanted to say, what you're going to do with Bella, it's just so dangerous. But, I know how persuasive women can be.
I had no doubt of that. He was, after all, married to Alice.
And so I wanted you to know that if you want help, I'm here for you.
I stared at him. Once again one of my brothers had taken me completely by surprise, "I don't quite follow you, Jasper." I said, not really wanting him to explain, but of course, he did.
Help controlling your urges, of course. I've never really tried it through walls before, but I could try to help you, stay calm.
It didn't surprise me Jasper was worried about my urges considering the trouble he had controlling his own, but surely he wasn't suggesting. . .
Alice could keep an eye on things, though I'll admit she's not too keen on the idea. But if you asked her to, or better if Bella asked her to . . .
Yes, he was suggesting it. "No thanks," I repeated my response to Emmett offer of 'help'. "I appreciate your concern, but I really wouldn't be comfortable. . ." I couldn't even finish the thought.
Alright, but the offer stands Edward. Should you decide you need help, all you need to do is ask. And then he too, left.
I sank to the edge of my bed, trying to recover from the shock both my brothers had just given me. I couldn't believe Emmett had actually given me good advice. . .
Edward,Alice's thoughts interrupted mine. I looked up, but she was thinking to me from her own room.
"Not now, Alice," I whispered, knowing she would pretend she couldn't hear me. I also knew that's why she hadn't come in person. She didn't want to be interrupted.
I just want you to know, you shouldn't worry. I didn't look at how the two of you got there, but I saw you afterward. Everything will be fine Edward. Bella looked very happy. Worrying about it will only make things more complicated.
I couldn't help myself, I had to smile. 'Bella looked very happy.' Leave it to Alice to help me feel better and embarrassed all at once. I lay back on the bed I had bought for Bella, trying, again to recover from the sledgehammer of my family's love.
And really, I knew that's what it was. As hard as it was to take sometimes, I knew they all meant well. I was also touched by their unanimous concern for Bella. They truly love her, almost as much as I do.
As I got up to change and head back to Bella before she woke, I was again overwhelmed by my fortune. Not only did I have a wonderfully amazing, if slightly flawed, family, but I was about to add the woman I adored to our seamless circle of love. I was truly fortunate indeed.
I hope you enjoyed my story! Please Review!
