Chapter 4

As we passed the city limit of Fort Covington, the tiny town right next to the Canadian border where our family was currently residing, I really was getting cold feet. In fact, I started to think it was a mistake to bring a random man home. I was still clutching his hand, stronger and stronger as my nerves were kicking in. As if I was the weaker one who needed support. Thankfully, we lived deep in the forest, so I still had a little time.

In the gaps of our meaningless chit-chat, Alice kept throwing strange looks in my direction through the entire way, but I decided to ignore them. I had enough to worry about, thanks very much. And I knew that she could keep the things to herself if she indeed knew anything. Instead, I turned my attention to my creation, who seemed calmer at the contact, so I kept him in my lap during the car ride. He will probably hate me forever for taking his human family and Blondie from him, so I had to enjoy these moments I had. The fact alone- my proximity relaxing him- made my heart sing, but I was desperately trying to keep a straight face for Alice's (and my secret's) sake.

At this moment, the car pulled up to the house and Alice cut the engine.

"You'll explain this. I'm not saying anything." She told me with a smug face.

"Thanks, sister dearest. Thanks a lot." I groaned. I hoped she was kidding.

I had to cut short the complaining, since we barely got out, Esme rushed towards us and- oh no!- the car with full speed. Uh-oh, we forgot to call her.

"Oh, thanks Lord you're both fine! We just saw what happened on the news!" She cried. "It's so terrible, those poor people."

I was glad she wasn't with us. She was the most compassionate creature in the world, it's good she hadn't seen it on the spot.

"It's over now, we're safe and home. It's okay." Alice soothed her, while they hugged each other.

She then came over to me, where I was still standing next to the car and embraced me as well.

"Did you enjoy the trip if we overlook the circumstances?" She asked me. "I know you love the city."

I was about to answer, when I turned my head back to the car, out of reflex. Esme followed my gaze and let out a small gasp.

"Oh my God, who is this young man? What happened to him?" She asked with one breath.

"It's a long story. I think we should go inside and I'll tell you all what happened." I suggested.

I made a movement to pick up the "young man", in Esme's words, when Alice cleared her throat.

"Umm… I think it would be the best if you left him here. Let's not overwhelm the others."

I did as she said, it was the best to listen to her. She'd know, after all.

"Everyone! The girls are home. Family meeting in the living room!" Esme said as soon as we got inside. One of the advantages of being a vampire: you don't need to yell, your family will hear you anyway.

Unlike many others of our kind, I loved every minute of being a vampire. Sure, it was hard to leave behind my past, but I got so much in trade. I could only hope that the man I changed would think so too, or at least he wouldn't attempt to murder me when he wakes up. The family came in, one by one. They all seemed pretty curious, except Rosalie, who looked irritated, as always. I hoped the clothes we got her were going to be enough to calm her when she finds out the biggest achievement of the trip. Jasper must have sensed my chaotic feelings, he just stared at me.

"What is the reason of this meeting?" Carlisle asked.

Alice took pity on me, she stepped forward and spoke up. " Sit down, please, and keep and open mind." She asked the others.

I took the hint and quietly walked out, to the car. I was close to hyperventilating and almost ripped the door out of its hinges. I carefully took the new family member in my arms and ran back inside. Everybody stared at us, mouths open, not talking, not even breathing, except Alice and Esme because they already knew about him. Then they started to speak at once.

"What happened?" -Carlisle

"Yeah, what's up with him?" –Emmett

"Poor guy, he's crazy with pain." –Jasper

"Seriously, a human?!" –Rosalie

"If you just let me tell the story, you'd know." I growled. They went silent.

"So, as you surely know, we were in the Financial District when the attacks happened. Actually, we were two streets away from the WTC. On our way to the car, I found this boy dying. I didn't want him to die, so I changed him." I told, not looking at anyone.

"Are you in love with him, or what?" Jasper asked.

"No! No way! I'm not in love, I just… it was my annual good deed, okay?" I said, pretty angry.

"But why him?" He challenged.

I shrugged. "I don't know. He smells good." Wow, what a lame excuse! I mentally congratulated myself.

Dad, on the other hand, was proud of me. "Well done! You're stronger than any of us was in your age." He said smiling.

"A newborn! I'll have someone to fight with! Cool!" Emmett grinned.

Rose kept suspiciously silent, I almost believed she wouldn't throw a fit, so she scared the living daylight out of me when she jumped up from the couch, marched to the shelf and threw Esme's favorite vase at me with full force.

"Are you out of your freaking mind? Are you?" She screamed.

I didn't want to go in a fight and she didn't need to know I was boiling inside so I calmly answered. "You did the same with Emmett." And that was it. She jumped on me, forgetting I was still a tad stronger than her so I shook her off.

"Stop it already! I'm ashamed of you, Rosalie. Apologize to your sister." Esme ordered, sounding like a real mom.

"Why would I?" She spat. "She only brings trouble, like that homeless looking freak over there!" She shouted, then ran to the sofa and tried to hit MY man. This time, I didn't even amused myself with my possessive thoughts.

In a blink of an eye, I was behind her, shoving her aside while screaming. "How dare you? He's not a freak! You don't even know him, how can you judge?"

"She meant the best." Carlisle soothed her. I shot him a thankful glance.

"You're right. It's all Jasper's fault, had he been stronger, these two wouldn't be here." She said.

Jasper choose this moment to speak up. "Enough! If you can't handle the situation like a mature adult you claim you are, you can get out." He said.

Rose snorted and bolted out.

"I think I should go after her." Emmett muttered and walked out.

"Don't get too worked up, she just needs time." Alice tried to cheer me up, hugging my shoulder.

"Sure. That's why she hates my guts ever since you guys brought me home. And now, his." I whispered.

"Just ignore her. We'll always be there for you." Jasper promised. And with a knowing smile, he added. "Both of you."

I smiled as I took my creation upstairs and I was very, very thankful for having such a wonderful family.