February 14, 2009
I stopped by Angela's house on my way home last night. I must admit that I took no notice of anything in her house save for her scent and Emmett's that I followed up stairs to her bedroom. The sight of her fragile human body hidden beneath the thickness of blankets and wrapped in my son's arms was as disarming as it was endearing. The sight of her tucked against his side with her head pillowed on his chest stilled my mind even as it warmed my heart. It brought me a sense of peace to see her sleeping so deeply, her hand fisted in Emmett's shirt next to her face.
When I sat down on the bed behind her, she stirred only to curl closer to Emmett and I chuckled at the sight of his adoring smile. I saw in that moment how attached he is to her and I can't say that I am any less affected by her pull either, nor am I unhappy about it. The need to protect her was still there, but it wasn't as maddening as it was either time in the hospital. I felt calmer then, simply drawn to her in the same manner that I am to my other children. It seems that I have already accepted her as one of my own, even if I hadn't consciously admitted it beforehand. She is in my heart.
It still amuses me, what Emmett told me last night. He had tried several times to put a pillow between his body and Angela's, but he said she wouldn't have it. He told me that it kept her awake and she would tug it out of place. She only slept when in direct contact with him. The expression on her face, even as weak as she was, still seemed peaceful and happy as though she had found the comfort she has always been seeking. I have no doubt that after this experience, all of my family will be paying closer attention to her and guarding her, whether she's aware of it or not.
When I came home Esme asked me about Angela, having heard from Alice and Rosalie the events that had taken place at school. I told her all I could and I wasn't surprised in the least when she insisted on seeing Angela for herself. I took her back with me a few moments later, knowing that she wouldn't be satisfied until she saw her and found myself humbled by the way my wife took to Angela. She sat down next to Emmett, studied the girl's sleeping face and touched her cheek. It can take only seconds for a vampire's heart to accept someone new into their lives and Angela seems to have an almost instantaneous hold on each of us. Strangely enough, I don't think that any one of us is upset by it in the least.
I watched as Esme stood and just when I thought she was ready to leave, she stepped over to a small bookshelf nearly hidden inside Angela's closet and pulled out a well worn copy of Black Beauty. My beautiful, loving, passionate and incredibly kind wife told me that she wanted Angela to know that she wasn't alone. She took her seat beside Emmett once more and read to Angela. She read the entire book to her. We didn't leave until just before sunrise and I knew that she was in good hands and would be well taken care of by my children. I wonder…what events will bring Angela into our family? What events will lead to her finding out what we are or even possibly becoming one of us?