Is everyone still with me?
Sitting in the middle of her bed with my Skype on in my lap. Emmett's larger than life smile came across the screen.
"Rosie, My Rosie." I really loved the sound of him calling me his. I knew he was a great man. Even without Edward's confidence in his brother... Something in me told me he was the one.
"My Monkey Man." His booming laugh made me smile.
"Your Monkey Man, huh. I like the sound of being yours. You really sure you want to be with a knucklehead like me?" His face became serious, waiting on my answer. I took a deep breath and answered.
"Yes, of course. I'm nervous, but I think this is a good thing. I don't think that once you were here that I would have met you and been completely honest like I have been. I would have been panicky and nervous, and probably wouldn't have spoken to you. I am really tall and you are even bigger than me. I get really nervous around people bigger than me. Talking with you like this, I'm learning to trust you.
I really like you, though. I want to get to know the real you. I don't know how physical we can be together right away. I don't know how I will feel, but I want you to know... I'm going to try." I was looking down and twisting my hands together when he responded.
"Rosalie, look at me please." I looked up to his bright blue eyes and took in his soft curls.
"Rosalie, you don't have to try for me. Just be yourself. The rest will come naturally. I am glad we met this way. You get to know me, the real me. I want you to trust me, and completely trust me, no matter the circumstance. You are a treasure to me. I don't want you just giving me your trust, I want to earn it, and I will earn it. We have ten months to get to know each other, I just want to know your mine while I get to know you."
"Thank you, Emmett." His grin broke out across his face.
"Now, I can't tell you about my mission, but I can tell you we got those fuckers. The Major was with us, and he don't take shit from anyone." Back on fun territory, I got to know Emmett.
"Who is The Major?" I asked curiously.
"The Major is a modern day badass. They don't make 'em like him anymore. His name is Jasper Whitlock. Dude, I can't tell you his job, but I can say... If I ever get into a jam, I would trust him. I would trust him with my most prized possession. He's Army through and through. His dad was army, his granddad was army, his great granddad was army... I swear it's like all the Whitlock badasses in one man. Too bad he doesn't have any family left. He's my best friend. I shared all the stuff you sent with him. He said 'thanks' by the way. He also said if I didn't marry you, he would, just for your cooking." Emmett laughed, and my heart hurt. He has noone.
"Well, he has us." Emmett's face was looking at me with such admiration.
"Rosie girl, how did I get so lucky? You are it pretty girl. I can see it now... Mrs. Emmett Cullen." I laughed as his hands raised up like flashing lights of a movie premier.
"Mrs. Emmett Cullen huh? Well, you better shape up cause I need a man... And my heart is set on you." He laughed as I quoted the song from Grease.
"God you are fucking perfect for me. I have to get off here babe, but I'll email you later." Then he did something that made my heart smile. He kissed his fingers and put them up to the screen. My sweet, sweet, monkey man. I returned the jesture and said goodbye.
"Dr. Cullen, can I ask you something, as a friend?" Our appointment was almost over and I wanted to ask about the family with Emmett.
"Of course, Rose." Edward switched from Dr. to friend so easily.
"Has your family always treated Emmett differently?" Edward looked at me with shock, but underlying understanding.
"Well, I always thought that as a child, I was just the favorite son. As I grew up and Emmett was around less and less often, I saw how much my mother would call and speak to me, and how much she called and spoke to Emmett. I again thought I was just the favorite child. When I became a therapist, and more importantly, when you became my patient, I started seeing things differently. I saw how things with your parents were, and for some reason, it made me think of how my family got along with Emmett." I looked down at my hands and wondered why quietly. Emmett was so wonderful and so full of life. How anyone could not see him that way hurt my heart.
"I see. Emmett got my package, and he's never gotten anything from anyone. So, it just made me wonder. She hasn't ever sent anything to him. It just made me angry. She cooks family dinner night, gives to charities, cooks for you guys once a week, but has never sent anything to her first born son. I just don't understand."
"I am glad to see you on his side, Rose. I wasn't aware that she had never sent him anything. I see where you are angry with her, and rightfully so. Maybe she doesn't realize it. Hopefully Emmett doesn't notice." The look I gave must have given it away.
"That is why he stays away, isn't it?" Edward looked away thinking quietly.
"I'm sorry, Edward. I promised Emmett I wouldn't discuss anything that we talked about together." Edward just nodded, still distracted.
"Well thank you for keeping his confidence. I know he would appreciate you taking up for him."
Getting home that afternoon, I started the cookies and pretzel candies I had found on pinterest. While they were cooking, I decided to check my email.
_
Angel -
I miss seeing you already. I can't wait 'til I'm back so I can hold you and talk to you instead of Skype or email.
You said you didn't want to lose my family, you wouldn't. I know they are your support system and I would never take them away from you. I seriously doubt we are ever going to split up though. You are it, Angel. I told you, Mrs. Emmett Cullen, and I meant it.
I'm sorry the doctors said you have alot of scarring. If there comes a time that we can't have one, then we can adopt. Nothing would make me happier than a little kid running around that looked like you or me, but if we can't, adopting isn't out of the question. Don't worry.
I really don't want to live too close to my parents. I wouldn't mind two to three hours away from them though.
A wrap around porch huh? Sounds amazing. Can we have four or five bedrooms? We are going to need them for all those babies we are going to have. ;)
A fall in Tennessee would be great. Maybe I could take some R&R in the fall. We could both fly to Tennessee. Gatlinburg maybe? I could come for your birthday, then (depending on how long I could take off) us fly to Seattle to see the fam? Let me know what you think about this idea. It's only two months away, so I will need to get the leave approved and our tickets.
Your questions : I think being a man, it's a right of passage to know how to grill. Charcoal, of course... My favorite food would have to be a big juicy steak, with a baked potato, some grilled brussel sprouts, dessert of some sort, and we can't forget a cold beer.
Right now, I am stationed at Joint Base Lewis - McChord or Fort Lewis. It's in Tacoma. It's about an hour from Tacoma to Bellevue where the folks live. My things are still in storage in California, though. They transferred me to Ft Lewis and I knew I'd be deployed shortly after, so I just stored it all.
I know I haven't asked, but how are my family? Have you spoken to Bella yet, since the other day? I haven't met her, but only heard good things. Edward keeps me up to date on things back there. He didn't tell me about you though, which makes me wonder what he was thinking. He emailed me the same day you did, and I believe he said "I found you a girl... Trust me..." and that was it. I really wasn't expecting you.
I have to get going to the showers. Let me know about Gatlinburg. Miss you babe.
Emmett
Q1 : Does drinking bother you?
Q2 : What color are your eyes? I can't seem to see them on Skype.
Q3 : Do you like sports?
Emmett -
Edward definitely has a private agenda. He told me he wanted me to start emailing you because he knew I didn't like alot of new people. He wanted me to get to know you before you came back all larger than life.
Adoption huh? I never really thought of that. I would want that though, if I couldn't have one of our own. Ours? I really like the sound of that. I can't believe I have known you three weeks and already thinking about OUR children.
Gatlinburg, TN? Are you sure? I would really like to see you in person. I know you wouldn't hurt me. I already feel more for you than with any other man I have met. What if I have a panic attack or something or a nightmare? They really mess me up, I would just hate for you to have to see me that way and have no one to help you. I really want to go though. I would love to be close to you away from everyone. I hope you don't think badly of me because of this. I am just worried.
You family has always been nice to me. But, I am kinda disappointed in Esme at the moment, but I will get over it.
Q1 : Drinking doesn't bother me, if it's to an excess then it makes me nervous.
Q2 : My eyes are green.
Q3 : I love baseball, football, basketball, and hockey. I'm a Braves fan but love watching any team. Football, I really like the Seahawks. Basketball, I love Michigan State and Baylor, I don't really have a pro team. Hockey is my real love though and my team is Boston. :) I hope you can deal with my sports addiction.
Talk to you soon.
- Rosalie
Q1 : Favorite sports team? _
Q2 : Favorite childhood memory?
Q3 : Favorite Disney movie? Mine happens to be The Fox and The Hound :-)
"Dr. Edward Cullen speaking."
"Bro, seriously? Always so formal with the answer?" He heard Edward's laugh.
"Sorry Em, I didn't recognize the number. How's the desert?" Emmett ran his hand through his hair and leaned his chair back.
"It's hot. Listen, I called for a reason."
"That reason wouldn't be a blonde I know, would it? Not one that was in here ranting about my mother... I can tell you that since she was talking to me as a friend at the time."
"What did Mom do to her?" Emmett asked defensively.
"Slow your go. She was upset that Mom has never sent you a box of things from home. You know, photos, snacks, magazines... She wanted to know why she does everything for us and hasn't sent you a care package. I really didn't notice it until recently man, I'm sorry." Emmett sighed.
"I told Mom not to put herself out by sending me things. I think Rosie is just a little protective of the people that she cares about. Sorry if it caused trouble."
"You are right about Rose. She is insanely protective towards the people she loves. I swear, we could kill someone and she'd dig the hole to hide the body. Then the entire time be bitching about how fucking stupid we were to wake her up." That was his Rosie.
"That's my girl. She really is my other half, huh? This isn't a social call. I was thinking about taking a little R&R around her birthday. We were talking about going to Gatlinburg, TN. She was a little hesitant about me, and I can understand about that... Anyway, I was wondering if you and Bella would like to come too. It's in almost two months. Then we can go back to the folk's house for Thanksgiving. What do you think?" Emmett held his breath as he waited for his brother's response.
"I think that's brilliant, Em. You have done so much for her in just the little time she has known you. You have really brought her out of her shell. She smiles so much, she actually hugged Bella and me the other day. I understand why she is nervous, she doesn't give herself enough credit. I think it would make her feel more comfortable if Bella and I were to be there. It would do Bella some good too." Edward sounded sad toward the end when he mentioned Bella. Emmett knew his brother was not telling him what had happened, but was worried about his wife.
"Don't be mad at Rosie, but she told me about the baby. I'm sorry Edward. I wish there was something I could do to help. Rosie was pretty upset when I spoke to her the other day. If you guys want to come out, I'll pay for the plane tickets and rooms, you guys can cover whatever you want to do."
"No way, we can cover ours. Bella needs a vacation anyways. I was going to take her over Thanksgiving to her mom's house in Florida, but I think this will work better. Both of our families are getting overbarring about us starting a family."
"Tell them to kick rocks, dude." Edward laughed.
"Please imagine Mom's face for a minute if I talked back. They'd probably have a fucking heart attack."
"Alright bro... You can get your tickets, and I'll get Rosie's."
"Alright, love you Em."
"Love you, Eddie boy." Edward laughed off the nickname as he hung up. Emmett opened his computer to email back his girl.
Rosie - What would you think about Edward and Bella coming with us? I talked to Edward and he was game. I don't want you to be uncomfortable. I can't wait to see you, but I don't want you nervous the entire time.
Edward made it seem like Bella needed a break too. Come on pretty girl... Please say yes.
Hockey babe? Now I know we are meant to be! I swear, I may take you to Vegas so we can elope. Too bad you like Boston though. Pittsburgh is my team.
My favorite Disney movie would have to be Toy Story. Buzz Lightyear to the rescue...
My favorite childhood memory, is the one where I caught my first fish. One of the cases dad was working on was a man who had lost his wife about ten years before. Dad use to say he was completely broken. Dad had tried to save her and couldn't. Dad would check on him all the time. He stayed at our house for a little bit too. I remember him being so big. He had to be as tall as I am now. Even with everything that had happened, he was always happy and smiling around me. Back to what I was saying, Big Jim, he took me out when I was little, without the other two. They never liked fishing, one more way we were different. He was so patient with me. He taught me how to cast and reel it in. When I caught the first one, before he threw it back, he took a picture of me with it. I don't know if Mom or Dad have the picture, but I wish I had a picture of me and him. He was the only person I could ever really relate to. His name is Big Jim McCarty. I use to beg to spend the night with him. But, Mom never really wanted me around him.
Alright Pretty Girl, enough bed time stories. I will email more tomorrow. I can't wait to see you. Let me know about Gatlinburg.
-Emmett
After reading his email I decided to look up Big Jim. I knew it was a long shot, but I wanted to do something nice for Emmett. I didn't even know what I was going to do, but my first step was Big Jim.
Google helps everything. After finding Big Jim McCarty Construction in Seattle, WA I went to sleep. I would go see him the next day.
Waking up I was excited, I quickly emailed Emmett and told him I was busy for a couple hours this morning, but hopefully I'd talk to him later. I was going to see Big Jim and then Dr. Cullen. I was hoping to get the sessions cut down to one time every two weeks, but for right now one time a week would do.
Pulling in to Big J.M.C I was so excited. I worked on my breathing exercises before getting out and going in, but was suprised to find I really felt okay.
Inside there was a young girl dressed in a t-shirt popping her gum. I couldn't stand someone who smacked their gum. She looked up at me and asked how she could help.
"I was hoping to see Big Jim today."
"I'm Lauren, take a seat and he'll be with you shortly. BIG JIM, CUSTOMER." She yelled to the back. Then told me to go on back.
I walked back to the big door and knocked. When I heard the rough come in, I walked through the door.
Gasping as I saw the tall man, I sank down in the chair, closing my eyes to count my breaths.
"Pretty lady, are you alright?"
"Water." I gasped, still trying to control my breathing.
When he got back with my water, I took a drink and it calmed me. Looking up, I saw the bright blue eyes that I had come to care about. He was Emmett, only about twenty years older.
"There you go, pretty girl. Drink up, and when your ready you can tell me why you came to me. Just breathe. I'll be right here."
I calmed myself down as best I could. I had to be going crazy. I needed to talk to him though. I needed to understand him. Taking a breath, I looked back up at him.
"Mr. McCarty... My boyfriend is overseas, and he told me a story about you. I came to talk to you." He looked at me and tipped his head for me to continue.
"Well, I am assuming you know... Sorry, I am all backwards here. My boyfriend is Emmett Cullen." Now it was his turn to gasp. His eyes were wide and his dark curly hair was greying around the edges. Emmett was definitely his son.
"How did he know? Esme made it clear they didn't want him to find out." Everything was making more sense now.
"He doesn't know. Well, he will know. We don't have secrets. I really only came to ask you for a photo.
We play this game where we ask each other questions... I asked him his favorite childhood memory. He told me about the time you guys went fishing. He said you took a photo." Emmett's father's eyes brimmed with tears as he got up and walked to his book shelf. There it was, a man that looked exactly like Emmett did now, holding onto a boy that was my Emmett with a toothy grin and a fish.
"Can you tell me about him?" I smiled as he sat down next to me.
"He looks identical to you. I knew right away who you were. He is a Master Sergant in the Army, so funny and brave. Insists I am the future Mrs. Emmett Cullen." I saw his wince at the name I used, but kept going. "He's big, and strong, and would protect me against the world. He is in Afghanistan right now. He will be back in November, for Thanksgiving, and then he returns in July. He loves the Army, and is fiercly protective of his men. I have a picture if you would like to see."
At his nod I took out my phone and showed him Emmett's photo.
"He really does look like me. What is your name, ma'am?" He asked as he looked me in the eyes.
"I'm Rosalie, but my friends call me Rose." He grinned at me and looked down at the photo again.
"Well I am sure you have quite the temper too, but protective also. A McCarty wouldn't settle for someone any less. We have to look upon our equals." He looked away with a sad smile.
"My Abigail was like that. I was always the man of the house, but she was the neck, and last I checked it was the neck that kept the head on straight."
"Can I ask you, what happened to her?" He took a hankerchief out of his pocket and wiped his eyes.
"She was going to the doctor and her water broke. She was a tiny thing. As you see, I'm not. Well, everything with the c-section went fine. We both loved Emmett so much. He was a big baby and Abigail called him her blue eyed boy. About two weeks later the infection set in. If I wouldn't have been so big and made a baby so large, she would have survived. It's all my fault she's dead." Oh no.
"Jim, look at me." I waited for him to look up, then continued.
"It is no more your fault than it is Emmett's. An infection is just that, an infection. I got one after an incident I had. Back then, there wasn't alot to do about it. Sure it could be treated but it wasn't a 100% guarantee. Anyone with a cut can get an infection. I am sorry you lost Abigail. I truly am. Have you remarried?"
"Miss Rosalie, that is the thing about us McCartys'. Once we find our one, there is no going back. So if Emmett says 'you're it' then you are it darlin."
"Where are you from, Mr Jim? You aren't from here. I am from Gatlinburg, TN, and I recognize your accent." He chuckled.
"Well, I think you must have been fated together then. We are from Gatlinburg too. Even if she would have lived, I bet you would have still met." I smiled as I got up and wrapped my arms around him. I shocked myself by doing it, but I had to. He needed it, and so did I. I just wanted to feel closer to Emmett.
"When are you going to tell him?"
"I don't know. I am going to go and talk to someone, and then he and I will decide what to do. I don't know how he will respond. I know you have your own reasons why you did it, but what do you want me to tell him if he asks?" He looked at his hands as he answered.
"I couldn't do it without her. She was my world, I couldn't be the man she wanted me to be, without her. Tell him to imagine raising a child that was yours, and you had died. If he is anything like me, he will understand." I nodded and walked through the door.
_
Pulling up to Dr. Cullen's office I had to prepare myself for what was coming. I was pissed, more than pissed. I was pissed for Emmett, for the little boy who lost a mother, for a little boy that was always treated differently...
Stomping into Dr. Cullen's office, I didn't even stop at the desk or to knock. He was standing by his desk on the phone. Whoever it was got a quick 'I have to go' and a dial tone. I was still pacing by the bookshelf as Dr. Cullen slowly approached me. He was treating me like a wild animal.
"Rosalie, please come sit down and tell me what's wrong." I closed my eyes and counted.
Breathe in -1 -2 -3 -4.
Breathe out -1 -2 -3 -4.
Breathe in -1 -2 -3 -4.
Breathe out -1 -2 -3 -4.
Breathe in -1 -2 -3 -4.
Breathe out -1 -2 -3 -4.
"Rosalie, come sit. I am worried about you. This isn't the way you act during a panic attack. I would like you to tell me why you look so angry." I walked over and sat down. How was I suppose to tell him this? His family had been lying. The people who always had an open door policy with everything they did, weren't honest.
"Emmett...he told me a story last night. Today I went and tried to get him a replica of something in the story. When I walked in, I saw Emmett there, only not Emmett. An older Emmett, Emmett's dad." Dr. Cullen gasped and sat back in his chair, pulling on his bronze colored hair.
"Rose, I need to call Bella. She is the only one that is level headed enough out of us to discuss this rationally. She will find out eventually anyways, but I am sorry. I don't know how to deal with this." At my consent he picked up his phone and told Bella he needed to see her immediately. As he hung up, he just sat there. Neither of us spoke until Bella came in the door looking worried.
"Edward baby... What's wrong?"
"Bella love, I called you hear because Rose has told me something that we both are going to need your help with. Rose, why don't you start." I nodded and retold exactly what I had said to Edward. When I was finished, Bella was looking shocked.
"Okay, we are all being open here, right?" At mine and Edward's nod, she continued.
"We need to tell Emmett. From what Edward has told me, Emmett has always been the outcast of his family. He needs to know why. We also need to tell Carlisle and Esme, after we tell Emmett. You both know how your family is with guilt trips. They need that advantage taken off the table. Also, we need to be an equal front. All of us need to be on the same page. Would his dad be open to telling him? Maybe a letter? An email, we can help him along. I think at this point if we wait then he could potentially be angry with both of you for not sharing as soon as you know. He may be angry at Rose anyway. Rose didn't go to him first, she went to his brother." At my sharp intake of breath Bella looked over upset.
"I am sorry, Rosalie. I was just thinking outloud. I didn't mean to upset you."
"You are right, he may be angry... even hate me. It's okay though. I haven't really done anything wrong. I know he has every right to be angry. I am not keeping this secret for two months. I can't. He deserves to know." Edward looked at me thoughtfully.
"Rose, I don't think he will have any hard feelings toward you. He knows I am your therapist. Just like Bella knows there are things I cannot tell her about you. That is one of the reasons we use proper names. We know when we are talking in bounds and out of bounds.
So are we all on the same page here? Tell Big Jim to email him, then you email him once he has done that. If he needs someone to talk to, I can help. If he wants to speak to me. On a different note, I do not think it is a good idea for you, Rosalie, to go to Family Dinner Night tonight. I think Bella and I will cancel as well. I would love some answers from my family, but we need to know how Emmett wants to handle things first." I nodded and decided it was my time to leave. I said goodbye and told Edward that I would talk to Mr. Jim this afternoon.
_
EmPOV
I sat down at my desk for the second time today. I still hadn't heard from Rosie, and it was worrying me. I opened my email to check again.
Noticing a new email I looked at the address and didn't recognize it. I opened it and was shocked at what I was reading.
Emmett,
My name is Jim McCarty and I had a visitor today. Her name was Rosalie Hale. She came to me looking for a gift for you. Unfortuately, upon seeing me she started gasping for breath. I got her water immediately and we sat down and talked.
She came looking for a photo of you as a boy. A photo of the two of us holding your first fish. That girl, I swear, if you don't marry her, someone else will... and you need her.
You see, I am your biological father. My name is Jim McCarty, or Big Jim. When you were three weeks old, we moved to Seattle, WA. Your mother had just passed away due to an infection. I had a three week old little boy and didn't even know how to survive on my own. I met Dr. Cullen at the ER when he was just out of medical school. You had a diaper rash and I was on my last leg. I didn't know what to do. Your mother, she was everything to me. At the time, you needed better than a father who couldn't even keep away a fucking diaper rash. They offered to keep you until I got my head on straight.
When I went back I had stopped the binge drinking that I had started because I missed you and your mother, but you were walking around all happy. I couldn't take you from them. They loved you so much and I didn't even know how to take care of you.
When your girl saw me, she didn't know how to respond to anything I was saying. She just knew, you needed to know. She told me everything about you that I asked. She spoke about you like you hung her fucking moon.
If you hate me, I will understand. Just know, I didn't know how to live without your mother. Just like I am sure if you lost her, you wouldn't know how to live. Us McCarty's are all alike. When we know, we know. That pretty girl said you already knew. She's worth it, son.
She taught me how to attach the picture she came looking for. It's attached. You will understand when you see it the reason she was so shocked. I don't know why your folks never told you about me. Just know, I always loved you. I want you to know, I have regretted the decision all my life, but for the life of me didn't know how to care for you. Then, the longer I waited, the older you got.
Would you mind getting to know me? I'd like that. I am sorry I missed your life.
I love you, Emmett.
- Jim McCarty
I sat there with tears in my eyes. I had many feelings going through my body, but the most was anger at my family, or could they even be called that. I had always felt differently and now I knew why.
Burrying my head in my hands, I took a deep breath. Rosalie knew and had ignored him all day. I knew it was wrong to be angry with Rosalie, she did what she thought was best. I really wouldn't have known what to do if it was the other way around. I guess at least I was told the same day. She was my saving grace. She had figured it out and was now waiting for me to contact her. I just couldn't bring myself to not be angry at the entire world, but my sweet woman needed something telling her I was ok.
RPOV
I checked my email for the millionth time in the past thirteen long hours. I missed Emmett, but knew he would contact me on his own time. I had discovered in these past few hours, while wondering my fate, that I loved Emmett. I knew I couldn't lose him. As I was sitting there willing an email from him to show up, it pinged. It hurt to not see his nickname for me, but at least he was communicating.
Rosalie -
Today was rough, but I know it must have been rough for you as well. I am pretty angry right now, so it would be best if you gave me some time to cool off. I am not really sure of anything at the moment. Every part of my life has been a complete lie. Your heart was really in the right place in seeking him out. I was told you were pretty distraught at first. I am sure it must have been shocking for you, seeing an older version of me. Were you scared or nervous around him? How did he act? I received his email and could understand why he did it.
If the same thing happened to me, I don't know what I would do. Right now though, I need some time to process it all.
When I decide when I want to talk, I'll call you.
Stay strong pretty girl.
-Emmett
Before she could cry or get upset, she emailed him back.
Emmy Bear -
I know you told me you would contact me. This is the only email I will send.
I am sorry this is happening to you. Just know that whatever happens, I will always be here for you. If I can help at all... Please let me know. I am going to miss you so much. Right now, I still feel close to you, but once I go to sleep and wake up I know it will be real.
I got my ticket to go to Gatlinburg for my birthday. I hope you still want to be there with me. If you want to talk to someone who isn't me, Edward is a great listener.
Jim didn't make me nervous at all... It was like I was hugging you.
He acted very depressed and in shock.
All my love
Rosalie
Finishing the email, she turned off her computer as the tears started.