I know I know this is late in coming, I am so sorry. Life as a Mum got very busy and I have been rather addicted to on-line games, I apologise. Will try to write more often.

Chapter 4

Finding Fred

I paced nervously about the room Alice said was mine. She, Edward and Carlisle had left not an hour ago to get Fred. Alice saw him coming back with them, just to see me and to reassure himself I was alright. She did not know whether he would stay, but I sort of doubted it. Fred was a loner and I wasn't sure he'd be keen on the close knit household. Esme told me of their kin in Alaska, Fred would probably be happier there. We had never talked much but I got the feeling he liked the outdoors.

A noise at the door surprised me a little, even though I had heard Esme moving around and I looked up to see her holding a small stack of magazines and books. "While your waiting, why don't you decorate your room?" she suggested, holding out the books. I stared at her in shock. "You are part of this family now dear, Carlisle and I have decided that the official story is that we have adopted you. So you can do pretty much whatever you want in here." I felt almost choked up at her kindness and eagerly took the books. I had hated the bland room I had grown up in and the idea of being able to do whatever I wanted was really exciting.

A few hours later I heard the purr of the powerful car that Alice, Edward and Carlisle had taken to go find Fred. I was outside on the veranda in the space of a heartbeat and hugging Fred as hard as I dared in the next. He must have tamped down on his gift because I had no trouble getting close to him, although Emmett and Jasper seemed reluctant to leave the veranda. Fred leaned back and looked me over, satisfying himself I was in good shape. "Hi kid, you ok?" he asked and I smiled up at him. "Yeah. Diego is dead though." He sighed and nodded. "I figured as much. What of Riley and Her?" I grinned, a primitive feeling of satisfaction taking over. "Ash on the wind brother. They will not bother you." he smiled, relief very clear upon his face. "Good." He looked up at the house and whistled. Alice giggled. "Nice place, they treating you well?" I smiled. Still acting the big brother. "Yes, they are." Holding my hand he came slowly into the house, everyone carefully edging back from him. Alice huffed and said "Hey, Fred? We are all friends here, no danger. Drop the repellent thing please." He looked guilty and I noticed everyone relax. He grinned at me sheepishly and put his muscular arm around my shoulders. "I am glad your ok, when you didn't show up I thought..." he trailed off. I gave him a soft one armed hug and we settled into the lounge to catch up. He had travelled mostly at night, a little worried about the daylight until he had carefully tested the theory. When he didn't go poof or explode he had sat quietly in the park, in the shade of a big tree. His special talents had kept everyone away from him and he had avoided any unfortunate incidents. When I had not arrived and there was no sign of either me or Diego, Fred had prepared to move on. He had been shocked when Alice, Carlisle and Edward had walked right up to him, showing no fear and introduced themselves. It was only Alice telling him that Bree had sent them that stopped him running. I giggled to hear they had all struggled hard against their urge to avoid him.

We talked for a while before he addressed the two great white elephants in the room. The first being the scent of human and the second, the Cullen's unusual eye colour. He looked disgusted at the idea of eating animals, but was intrigued at the idea of being able to have a semi human life. Emmett and Jasper called first hunting trip and Edward and Carlisle decided to join them. Alice grinned happily at me and explained that the boys would bond and Fred would stay. I was happy, he was familiar and had looked out for me when I needed him. I noticed that they'd left out Bella, but Esme patted my arm and explained that Bella was a bit much to throw at him right now. I got that. I still couldn't figure out Edward's restraint.