WARNING: THE CHAPTER 8 A/N HAS BEEN REPLACED WITH AN ACTUAL CHAPTER. IF YOU AHVE NOT DONE SO PLEAWEE GO BACK AND READ CHAPTER 8 BEFORE READING THIS CHAPTER.

So here is another chapter. Again this was already prewritten. I am just posting it. Hope you enjoy.

again this is unbetad. sorry.


A New Life:

An Emmett and Angela Love Story

Nine

Emmett:

"The party can begin now. I am here." I yelled into the empty room. I dropped our bags at the door and grabbed Angela by her shoulders guiding her into the center of the room. By now I was use to that pulsing electric feeling every time we touched.

Angela giggled making me smile. I heard Bella laugh softly from somewhere upstairs and the sigh of the rest of my family. Slowly everyone started to make their way into the room but I could hear Angela's heart pounding out of her chest. Before I could blink Angela was behind me, head down and in a submissive stance. Everyone in the room froze in shock; I just stood there with my mouth open. Jasper choked out a gasp. What the hell just happened?

"Whoa…I did not see that coming." Alice whispered.

"Sorry, just a little nervous." Angela apologized with a sheepish smile. Everyone was still in shock, including Bella but soon unfroze and gave her a comforting smile in return. I reached out behind me for her hand and pulled her to my side.

"It's cool Ang. I told you no one here will hurt you. I promise." I whispered into her ear. She nodded and took a deep breath.

"Hello Angela, welcome to our home. I understand how overwhelmed you may feel right now; just know that you are safe here." Esme greeted, her motherly instincts putting Angela at ease.

Once she was relaxed enough she moved to sit on the loveseat. I took the seat next to her and kept a hold of her hand. I won't lie it wasn't just for her comfort but because it just felt right and good to be touching her right now. Edward cocked an eyebrow at me while he sat down and placed Bella in his lap. I shrugged. Once everyone was seated Carlisle stood in the center facing us and started.

"Alright,first let me just say, welcome Angela. I know you must be confused and nervous and maybe even a little scared. But know that you are safe here and we are happy to have you in our home. Please feel free to make this your home as well and do not hesitate to ask for anything that you might need." Carlisle said smiling warmly at her.

She blushed and ducked her head, showing the first signs of the old Angela. "Thank you." She said softly.

"so it seems we have an issue." Carlisle continued on, "One, which I'm sorry to say, we did not see coming and because of that we put a member of this family in immediate danger. Bella, you have no idea how sorry I am that we left you and even worse left you to face that. We have all missed you very much and are so happy to have you with us again." He smiled at his youngest and newest daughter.

"Thank you Carlisle, but I already told you all that I hold no hard feelings for what happened. None of us knew that Victoria was out for revenge and as far as you all leaving… well I am slowing learning to forgive you all. You didn't know how I would react to that." Bella said looking around at all of us.

I still felt bad for leaving my little sister and I don't care how long it would take me to make it up to her I would. I loved her and missed her to much not to have her in my life anymore. Everyone looked remorsefully at her as Carlisle nodded and started again.

"Now, we also need to apologize to Angela." He said turning to look at her. Her eyes widened in surprise and confusion.

"Me, why?" she asked.

"Because had we not have left then you also would not have been in danger. I understand you were with Bella to help her through her pain and ended up in a dangerous situation and you stayed which in and of itself is remarkable. For that I apologize. I don't know what would have happened if she had gone alone. Edward, Emmett and Jasper may not have made it if Victoria had just attacked without thinking. I can only assume that she was hoping to catch Bella alone but you surprised her. But mostly just thank you for being a good friend to her, for being there for her when we were not. You were there for her when no one else was, when no one else wanted to be. You gave her someone to talk to. So thank you." He said in a heartfelt tone. Angela's eyes glistened as she nodded.

"There's no thanks necessary. Bella has always been a good friend to me and I would have done anything to help her." She reached over and squeezed Bella's hand. "And as far as being there with Big Red and the dark knight showed up, well there was no way in hell I would have left her to deal with that alone." She joked to lighten the tense mood. Everyone snickered.

"Okay, well, I know you may have some questions, correct?"

"Just a hundred or so." Angela smirked and shrugged. Again, everyone chuckled. But I could tell that she was still a little nervous and her mouth was running away from her somewhat.

"Alright, we will answer those after we finish this short family meeting." He looked at her for confirmation. She nodded again. "Good, so why don't we start at the beginning. Now from what I understand we believed Bella to be dead. Can anyone explain what happened?"

"I would like the answer to that myself." Alice pouted crossing her tiny arms and narrowing her eyes at Bella. "I saw you jump off a cliff Bella. What were you thinking?"

"Oh, you saw that, huh?" Bella blushed bright red. "I know what you are all thinking but I was not trying to kill myself. I was just… cliff diving… you know… for fun." She answered softly.

"CLIFF DIVING?!" four voices yelled at once, Edward, Alice, Angela and I, only one of us sounded excited. Bella nodded and ducked her head.

"That must have been hella fun." Angela yelled out and bounced in her seat smiling. We all turned to stare at her now. Bella's head snapped up and she smiled at Angela.

"Yeah it was, well until I hit the water. It was freezing, and then I almost drowned so that took some of the fun out of it." She rolled her eyes. Edward winced, probably at the thought of Bella jumping off a cliff then almost drowning. Those were the images that were running through my head as well.

"But I don't get why you didn't see me come back up. I mean if Jacob hadn't pulled me out of the water then yes, I would have been dead but he did. He took me back to his house to warm up and then drove me home."

"Jacob?" Edward asked in a strained voice. I chuckled silently, Eddie was jealous. I laughed out loud when he growled at me.

"Yeah, my friend, or ex-friend rather, Jacob Black." She answered. Edward growled louder.

"What?" Angela and I asked missing something.

"Jacob Black is a descendent of Ephraim Black, the chief of the first pack." He said. I nodded in recognition.

"Ooohhh..." Angela and I both answered simultaneously. We looked at each other and then laughed.

"Seriously Bella? You were hanging out with wolves?" Alice questioned.

"Well I didn't know they were wolves when I was hanging out with them. After a while Jacob stopped talking to me so I never knew. Not until Victoria told me in the meadow." She defended.

"That would explain the smell around your house, though I probably should have guessed it after talking to Sam on Monday." Edward groaned. "Leave it to you to find the first monsters you can when the vampires leave town."

"Hey, what's wrong with hanging around with wolves? Sam is actually the one that found me after… you left." Bella edited. I had no clue what she was talking about but I guess Edward did because he stiffened and closed his eyes.

"Well for one thing, they are dangerous and the young ones are very volatile." He argued.

"They could have just as easily hurt you then save you Bella." Alice explained softly. But Bella ducked her head again.

"Hey, leave her alone." Angela spoke up. "They can't be any more dangerous than hanging around Vampires day in and day out. Beside's you all should be happy that she had someone looking out for her while you were away. Cut her some slack." Angela defended her angrily. I loved the angry side of Angela it was cute with just a hint of scary. But I was glad it wasn't directed at me.

Alice looked shocked, as did Carlisle and Esme. Jasper shrunk back in his seat. Like me glad he was in the clear, knowing that Angela could be scary when she glared and went on one of her tirades. Edward ducked his head in shame and I shook with silent laughter.

"You are right, Angela. I am sorry, love. I am glad you had someone there that could keep you safe." Edward apologized with a kiss to her temple.

"Me too Bella. We should just be grateful that you are alive right now and not worry about how you were kept safe, just that you were." Alice chimed in.

"It's okay." Bella whispered and snuggled into Edward's neck.

"Okay…" Carlisle began at a loss for words. "Now that, that mystery is solved let's move on shall we. We know that Victoria chased after Jasper, Edward and Bella until they reached the Denali's. Then she disappeared again. We know that she had some newborns with her that stayed to keep watch but were disposed of, correct?" he asked his attention on Jasper. Jasper nodded once.

"What happened on your travels, Emmett? Alice only told us that you ran into some trouble yourself." He turned to me.

I launched into my story of what happened on the way to Seattle. Angela's hand tightened around mine to the point I was scared she would hurt herself. I switched hands and placed my arm around her shoulders, squeezing gently. She leaned into me but still looked upset as I went on. I ignored the looks I was getting because of those actions. I wasn't sure what was going on myself so there is no way they knew. I just felt this urge to comfort and protect her and it was like I couldn't stop myself. I knew Angela felt safe with me and that was all that mattered. I was confusing myself now.

"…so after sending Laurent on his way I ran to the hotel and met up with Angela and that was it." I finished tiredly. This battle hasn't even begun and yet I was getting sick of it.

"I see. I will have to call Eleazar and let him know to keep a close eye on Laurent." Carlisle stated.

"I still think you should have torched his ass." Angela grumbled with slitted eyes. Everyone stared at her except me. My thoughts were along the same line. "What? The asshat wanted to eat me. I have no sympathy for him what so ever. And yes I know you could never hurt him without hurting your other family but as far as I'm concerned the bastard can go f-."

"Whoa… calm down Angela. We understand." Jasper said, amusedly, sending a wave of calm through the air. Angela took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "You okay now darlin'?"

"Yep, I'm good thanks. Geez, you're like a walking talking Xanax pill, aren't ya?" she laughed and we all joined her except Jasper who started pouting.

"Yeah, yeah laugh it up." He grumbled.

"Sorry Jasper." She giggled. He smirked at her and winked letting her know he wasn't really upset.

"Okay, so is there any other information that we need to talk about that pertains to this? Alice, do you see anything happening?" Carlisle asked getting the meeting back on track.

"She's rebuilding, that much I know. But she's taking her time. Especially since she lost two in her ranks. The guy that Emmett questioned and a young girl that was recently turned left her so she is doing this all on her own now. She's still moving too much for me to pinpoint a location on her. I see Alaska, New York, Portland and somewhere overseas but nothing concrete. She's also not making any other firm decisions. She's trying to block me." Alice gritted out. "When you call Eleazar, make sure you talk to our dear cousins about giving outsiders knowledge of our family gifts."

"Yes, I think I will have to. I understand Laurent is Irina's mate, but it seems he fully disclosed our family to Victoria. That could pose a problem. We may not be able to know when she is coming." He sounded worried.

"It just means that we will have to start preparing now, for all possibilities. We also may need to start making contingency plans just in case, especially for Bella and Angela. It will be iffy at best since there are newborns involved, they aren't really known for thinking before acting. But if she is building an army I say we have a while maybe a few months at least before she tries anything else." Jasper said.

"Okay, we will defer to you on this Jasper, since this is your area of expertise." Carlisle conceded with a sigh.

Angela and Bella looked at Jasper in confusion. He squirmed uncomfortably, probably feeling their curiosity.

"It's a long story and not for today, I think." Carlisle saved him. Both girls nodded and did not ask. "Now, is there anything else we need to discuss?"

"I actually have a question. Has anyone talked to Rose lately?" I asked and Angela stiffened at my side. I looked down at her but she was staring at the wall. She was still my wife and I was worried about her.

"I just talked to her not long ago. She's in Denali now." Esme answered looking at me in concern.

"She called last night. I think there is something wrong with her. She seems… I don't know… depressed? More so than usual, but also more angry than necessary." I said keeping my grip on Angela. She rubbed my hand soothingly but stiffly.

"How so?" Carlisle asked.

"Just little things she said, some of it about Bella and Angela. Then it's like her whole personality flipped and she…well let's just say she was no longer sad or angry but running high on passion." I emphasized the last word. He nodded in understanding.

"Yes, I fear that Rosalie is not stable at the moment. When she left here she was happy but also sad and passionate. We will have to be careful if she is ever to come back while Bella and Angela are in the house. Maybe it would be helpful for you to go..."

I shook my head. That would be a bad idea right now.

"No, I don't think that would be a good idea. I don't think that it's me she needs and I think that us being in the same room together would end… badly, dad. But I do think that you should try to talk to her."

"If that is what you want, son…"

I nodded.

"Are you guys having troubles?" he asked in a vampire whisper, Esme turned to look at me. I nodded once in confirmation. "Divorce?" he asked.

I thought on that for a moment. I wasn't sure what I felt on that issue. On one hand I wasn't really sure I wanted to be tied to her that way anymore. The last year or so has been a test for us and it seems that we were failing it more and more every day. We seemed to have grown as far apart as we could right now. But on the other, I wasn't sure if her fragile state could handle a divorce right now. Rose has always prided herself on being wanted by all men, minus Carlisle, Jasper and Edward- the last one she still had trouble with for some reason. I'm not sure if my initiating it would push her over the edge or not. Maybe I would wait until I talk to her and see where her head is at. No, I didn't love her that way anymore but I did still care about her and I really didn't want to hurt her anymore then she already was.

I shrugged at him to let me know I wasn't sure. He nodded and whispered back that we would talk about this again later.

"Okay, so if that is all. Then I think we have some questions to answer, yes?" he asked cocking an eyebrow at Angela who seemed to be lost in her own world. I squeezed her shoulder and she looked up at me in question.

"You have questions?" I asked.

"Oh, yeah I do." Then her stomach growled in unison with Bella's. "But I guess they can wait." She giggled and blushed along with Bella. We all laughed.

"How about we reconvene tonight after I get off of work? I am due in for a shift in about an hour so I should be going anyway, I will be back around nine. Is that alright with everyone?" he asked. Everyone nodded and parted ways.

"I think I will go start lunch for the girls."Esme said jumping up and heading for the kitchen, as Carlisle headed to his office to grab his briefcase.

"Oh Mrs. Cullen, you don't have t-." Angela started.

"Nonsense, it will only take me a few minutes. You have had a long journey, just relax." Esme smiled at her warmly. "And Angela, honey, call me Esme."

Angela opened her mouth to protest again but was stopped.

"Give it up Ang; you won't win this battle… ever." She snorted, in fact we all did. Esme winked at her before going back to the kitchen. We soon heard pots and pans slamming around.

"I think Bella and I will head back upstairs for a while. We will be back when lunch is ready." Edward said grabbing up his mate.

"Oh Bella, we are so having a slumber party tonight, me you and Angela. My room nine o'clock don't be late." Alice said clapping her tiny hands and bouncing next to Jasper who looked like he was struggling not to do the same.

"Awww, Alice I really don't want to. Can't we do that some other time?" Bella whined.

"Really Alice, can that not wait. She will be here for a while-." Edward complained at the same time.

"Don't even try it. I will come drag you out of that room if I have too." Alice threatened. Edward sighed in defeat and Bella looked scared at the prospect. I chuckled. Some things will never change. A heavy snort came from beside me.

"Wow, what ever happen to free will and choosing for yourself?" Angela blurted out then looked embarrassed.

"That flew out the window when we gained a future seeing Pixie. She knows how to get her way." I answered, jokingly.

"Well that's not right." She blurted out again then continued in a rush, hoping not to make anyone angry. "I mean you didn't even ask me if I wanted to have a slumber party. Don't get me wrong it sounds like it might be fun. But after the last two days I really just want to relax and get settled in, if that's okay. I mean, no offense Alice, but if there is no immediate danger or anything shouldn't everyone be able to choose and decide for their selves what they want to do with their time?" she asked nervously. Edward, Bella, Jasper and I all looked at Angela in awe. None of us ever argued with the pixie.

"It's not like that Angela. I would never force Bella or anyone to do anything they didn't really want to do. But Bella is unnecessarily difficult when it comes to my ideas. If I don't push her then she won't do it."

"I'm sorry Alice but that seems like forcing to me. You do know that Bella doesn't really care for slumber parties right and seeing as you are both in the same house, isn't everyday a slumber party here?" Ang asked. The rest of us was looking back a forth between the two as if watching a tennis match. Even Esme came from the kitchen to watch.

"No, I want some girl time with both of you. If I don't push her then she won't spend time with me." Now Alice was whining. I rolled my eyes. She knew that wasn't true. Bella loved Alice and would happily spend time with her of her own free will.

"Alice, you know that is not true. I love spending time with you and I would be happy to submit to whatever form of torture you have at a different time. Just not right now, please." Bella pleaded. Alice frowned and gave Bella the puppy dog eyes.

"Now, that's a low blow." Angela just couldn't seem to control her bout of word vomit.

"What?" Alice asked in surprise.

"Giving her sad eyes, that's just a low blow. You are making it so that she agrees with you no matter how she feels on the issue. That just doesn't seem fair. I mean if she's your friendn't she be should allowed the freedom of choosing what she wants to do with her time. Like she said, it's not that she doesn't want to spend time with you she just doesn't want to do a slumber party right now." She shrugged then continued on while the rest of us were speechless. "

Besides, can you blame her? Bella and Edward have been separated for five months, they still have a lot of healing to do with each other and I would bet a lot to still talk about." Angela explained, a little irritated. I sat back and crossed my arms. This was more entertaining than those reality shows on TV.

Alice stared at her with her mouth open.

"Isn't part of being a friend to someone respect for the other person and their choices? Besides wouldn't you rather her agree with you on her own so that she has fun as well. I mean how much fun can it be for her if she is only doing it to make you happy regardless of her enjoyment of it?" Ang asked.

We all sat in awe of the little human girl beside me. There weren't many times that you could catch Alice of guard. I mean when you can see future arguments and the outcomes then it's no longer an argument. It's like reading a script. But Angela managed not only to surprise her but make her speechless. I felt like giving her a standing ovation, but then that would bring down the wrath of the pixie on me and believe me that was no fun. We all stood frozen staring at both Alice and Angela.

Edward was the first to move as he set Bella down on her feet and raced over to kneel in front of Angela. He hugged her fiercely and kissed her cheek. "Thank you. Thank you so much Angela. You are the best." He exclaimed with a bright smile. Angela nodded and bit her lip.

"Uh, you're welcome Edward." Angela stuttered out.

"You're right. You are so right. I never thought of it that way. Oh Bella. I am so sorry. I never meant to make you feel like you had no choice in the matter. I just get stuck in my own head sometimes and don't think. Can you ever forgive me?" Alice asked with remorseful eyes.

"It's okay Alice. I know you never meant anything by it." Bella soothed. "And you are right; sometimes I do need to be pushed to join. It usually ends up being fun." Bella was quick to reassure Alice but was kind a sort of daze.

Edward hugged Angela once more before whisking Bella away upstairs.

"Yes, thank you Angela. You made me realize some things today." Alice smiled.

"You're welcome I guess. I'm sorry if it came out harsh or anything. I didn't mean to offend. I sometimes just can't keep my mouth shut."

"No, don't apologize. What you said was just right and with me you kind of have to be a little harsh so it will penetrate my thick skull." Alice giggled. Angela released a breath of relief.

"Alright, well this has turned out to be an interesting day. I think I am going to go unpack. Alice will probably want to show you your room herself but if you need me I will be in my room on the second floor first door on the right." I picked up my bag.

"Okay. Thanks again Emmy." She whispered. I winked at her and started up the stairs.

Angela:

I watched him head upstairs and soon started to feel anxious now that he wasn't by my side. To say I was shocked when he wrapped his strong arm around me would be an understatement. But I think I hid it well, except of course from Edward. Listening to him retell the story just pissed me off even more. I didn't like to hear about him fighting, or hurting. It made me angry and… murderous for some reason.

Walking into the Cullen home was surprising yet sad. It was an exact replica of the Forks home, down to the wall of windows, the white furniture and the fireplace with the television suspended above it. The only difference was the Black piano that sat in front of the circular window on the other side. It was cloudy today but I could picture the sun shining in on it from every angle. It made a beautiful mental image.

"Okay Angela, I know you have something you want to, uh, present. But make sure you call your parents afterwards and then I will show you your room, alright?" Alice asked bringing me out of my reverie. I had to think about what she was talking about, but when she glanced over at Jasper I nodded. She smiled and danced out of the room and into the kitchen.

"Jasper, can I talk to you for a second?" I asked.

"Sure, what can I do for you?"

I grabbed my bag from the middle of the room and went to sit by Jasper who looked shocked. I smiled and opened my bag pulling out an album.

"Remember when I told you that I had researched you for a paper in my history class?" I asked. He nodded and encouraged me to continue. I took a deep breath and handed him the album. "Well I kept the information that I collected. It was so interesting and I just couldn't part with it."

I opened the album to the first page that read, JASPER WHITLOCK AN AMERICAN HEROE. LOST BUT NOT FORGOTTEN.

"Well, I remember you all saying that you don't remember any of your human past very well and I thought that maybe you would like to have this. It, uh, it has a lot of information on your human family and where you came from. You were very much loved and missed Jasper and I thought that maybe you could, I don't know, start to remember some things if you had this to help." I said softly as he started looking through the book. He started breathing raggedly as he turned the page and started tracing the faces of his mother and father. "I know it's kind of weird and maybe cheesy and maybe you don't want to remember but I figured that you should at least have this so-."

"Oh Angela. It's not cheesy at all and it's perfect. I… I have no words for what this means to me. Thank you, thank you so much for having this." He looked at me with watery eyes.

"It's no big deal. I just wanted you to have it. I saw the bites on your arms and I figured you got them after you were changed or whatever and then I figured you didn't have an easy start to this life so I maybe this would help or something… I don't know." I waved it off.

"Oh darlin', you have no idea what you have just done for me. I will always cherish this and you're right I didn't have a great start to this life. You will probably find out sometime soon. But this… this book it's the best thing anyone could have ever given me. Thank you." He reached over and squeezed my hand. I nodded and wiped away the tears that were starting to fall. I have a feeling the empath was spreading this around.

"Well, let's go through it before lunch shall we?" I asked trying to lighten the mood somewhat. He nodded and turned back to the beginning.

We started on the first page where we found the names of his parents, Joseph and Maybelline Whitlock. Jasper looked just like his father, down to the curly blonde hair. He suddenly remembered that he had blue eyes when he was human, while the rest of his siblings had the same hazel eyes as his mother. He had two older brothers, Joe jr. and Thomas, who were spitting images of his mother, and a little sister Anne Mary, who was a good mixture of the two parents.

He left home at the age of 17 to join the service. He went missing two years later at the age of nineteen after being promoted to the youngest general in history. He told me that was when he was turned but time had erased his memory of his parents. At first he remembered them clearly but deciding that since he had to be dead to them that he should give them the same respect and consider them dead to him. But the book went on to show another child being born his youngest brother was born five years after he went missing, Peter. There were pictures of Peter and he looked so much like his big brother that it was scary.

"Fuck me." Jasper whispered as he looked at the picture, stunned.

"What?" I asked worried. He was still staring at the picture but I could see recognition on his face.

"Oh my God. I can't believe this." He said louder but he was gripping the book tightly. Then he started laughing like a loon and held the book up to his face. I was getting a little scared. Was he losing his mind? Now he was laughing hysterically he head flew back as he let out a loud bellowing laugh. Everyone started to come into the room looking at him in wonder. I was soon up and out of the seat next to him and held in Emmett's strong arms. I looked up at him nervously.

"What's going on? Is he okay?" I asked but I found myself starting to laugh with him. When I looked around so was everyone else.

"Jasper will you get a hold of yourself you are projecting, dear." Esme said through a fit of giggles herself.

"Sorry, but… I just can't believe this." He laughed again, but quieter this time which in turn calmed everyone else down.

"Believe what? What is going on?" Emmett asked still holding on to me. I could hear the frustration in is voice as he said it. Edward choked on a laugh as he stared at Jasper, who was still staring at the picture of his younger brother.

"Are you serious?" Edward asked looking over his shoulder at the page. "Wow that is amazing."

"Okay, can the empath or the mind reader please let the rest of us in on this little discovery?" I asked frustrated at the silent conversation that they seem to be having. Wow, that could get annoying.

"Sorry darlin'. Why don't you come and sit back here with me and I will explain. Alice, come join me too sweetheart." Jasper said after he tore his eyes away from the book. Alice skipped over and sat in his lap. Emmett carried me over and sat me down in his as we sat next to Jasper. I looked at him in surprise. He smiled and turned to look at Jasper. Everyone settled themselves around the living room again.

"Okay, I know you all heard but Angela gave me this book. Apparently it's my life before I was turned." He explained firstly. Everyone looked at me. I shrugged and tried to ignore the heat in my cheeks. "There are pictures of my family, my human family, in here. I remembered my three other siblings, two brothers and a little sister. I remembered us living in a small house with only four rooms in Humble, Texas, not too far from Houston…"

"Humble, Texas, that's fitting for you Jazz." Alice giggled. Everyone laughed and Jasper shrugged.

"Anyway, it turns out that after I went missing that my parents had another child, a boy. I have a little brother." He smiled brightly.

"You mean had, right Jasper?" Bella corrected.

"Nope, I mean have. My little brother was born five years after I was born and his name… is Peter." He stopped as if that was the end. Everyone but Bella and I looked shocked.

"Okay so I guess all the vamps in the room understand what that means, but can someone explain to the humans so we all are in the loop?" I asked in exasperation.

"Sorry Angela. It's just that Peter Whitlock, this Peter Whitlock is still alive." Jasper explained. I blinked at him.

"How is that even possible, wouldn't he be over a hundred right now?" I asked the obvious.

"Yes, he is actually a hundred and thirty five. I changed Peter in 1871. He lives in Texas now with his mate Charlotte." Jasper smiled again.

"Really?" I gasped. "You're not shitting me are you?" I asked.

"Angela, can you refrain from using those kinds of words please?" Esme asked though she was smiling.

"Sorry Esme. I am just shocked."

"Nope, I'm not kidding you. I changed my kid brother when he was 24 years old. He was my only friend before he found his mate and I left and found Alice."

"Wow, so you still have a piece of your family then and he followed in your footsteps. That's amazing."

"What do you mean he followed in my footsteps?"

"Jasper, did you even bother to read the article attached to the picture you were staring at." I chuckled when he shook his blond head.

"Well you should know that Peter is a Lieutenant Captain in the Navy, or was rather. He was home on leave when he went missing. He was in the service too." I explained excitedly. I started bouncing on Emmett's lap and almost fell off before Emmett caught me and held on to my waist. I tried to ignore the hammering of my heart when he did. It was bad enough the vampires could hear it.

"Well, I'll be damned. I can't believe this. I have to call Peter. Come on Alice." Jasper stood up with one arm around his wife and took off up the stairs yelling back a thank you as he went with a giggling Alice.

"Well, this most certainly has been an interesting day. Come on girls I have lunch ready." Esme said standing again. Bella hopped up and followed after her, Edward two steps behind her.

I was still on Emmett's lap and had no desire to move. I looked up into his tawny eyes. He was looking back at me in wonderment. I felt myself flush as I couldn't stop gazing at him. He seemed to be having the same problem. It seemed like we were both stuck and I honestly had no desire to leave his embrace. Suddenly the electricity wasn't just from his touch. I found that my breath was coming out faster and harder as the air around us changed to something that I couldn't name.

He smiled softly at me as his thumb found a slither of skin exposed and started to stroke it in small circles. My fingers started to clench in the effort not to touch him, and I mean really touch him. Emmett's hands pulled me back a little so that I was almost crushed to his chest. I took the initiative to lean back into him but never removing my eyes from his, which had darkened slightly.

"Your amazing, you know that?" he whispered against my ear. I just nodded along not really caring what he was talking about. "You have no idea how happy you just made him. He's gonna be on this high for a while now. Thank you."

I nodded again in acknowledgement. But my brain was starting to fog as his breath hit me in waves. God, how can one being smell so good. I wanted to drown in him, take up residence in his eyes and vacation in his arms. He chuckled at my lack of verbal skills.

"Come on, you should eat." He said moving his arms and looking away from me. That succeeded in bringing me back to the present. I nodded again, because, really, that was all I had to offer right now.

I hopped off his lap and attempted to walk a straight line. Yeah, that so wasn't happening. After one step I almost fell sideways and Emmett caught me and proceeded to lead me into the kitchen. Edward was in silent hysterics so I stuck my tongue out at him as I took a seat next to Bella. Esme was smiling, tightly at Emmett and I which confused me.

"Hey Em, I was thinking about going hunting before Carlisle came back, you up for it?" Edward asked.

I looked down at my plate and tried to hide my frown. The meal looked good though, a grilled chicken pasta salad with homemade garlic bread, yummy. I took the first bite and then dug in.

"Yeah, I'm up for it. Let's go see if Jasper wants to come with us." Emmett bounced on his feet in excitement. I couldn't help but to chuckle at him.

"Yeah, he said he will meet us outside in a few minutes." Edward said looking up at the ceiling.

"I have a feeling that I am going to hate those silent conversations." I announced through a rather large bite. Bella snorted and almost choked.

"You get use to it. Besides its worse when it's Alice and Edward or Carlisle and Edward." Esme told me. I shook my head and went back to eating as the boys made their way upstairs talking about changing clothes.

Alice came skipping into the kitchen and I soon heard the boys boisterous talking as the exited the house and headed into the forest. Bella and I ate, I actually had seconds complimenting Esme, as I ate, on making such a wonderful meal, and we talked. I found out that Alice and I both share a love of clothes and fashion in general, though my love of it had nothing on her addiction to it. We made plans to go shopping soon and Bella agreed to come though didn't sound half as excited as I was about it. After we finished eating and the dishes were done, by Esme at vampire speed which is fast as hell let me tell ya, Alice handed me a phone and pointed outside to a garden area just beyond the kitchen, smiling softly. I nodded and headed out.

I took a seat on the stone bench and stared at the phone. I wasn't looking forward to this and I knew that there was a reason that Alice sent me out here to make this call. If it would have been fine then there would be no need for me to need privacy. Not that I expected it to go well anyway. I took a deep breath and dialed the number.

"Hello?"

I opened my mouth to talk but nothing came out, though tears did start to sting my eyes.

"Hello?" the feminine voice said again.

"H-h-hi, mom?" I squeaked out. There was silence on the other end.

"Angela, is that you?" she asked in a whispered tone. "Oh honey I have been so worried about you. Are you okay? Where are you?" she asked in a rush. I could hear a door close so I knew she was leaving whatever room she was in.

"I'm fine mom. I'm at the house where we are staying in Alaska. I just arrived not too long ago. We had an orientation, sort of." Ii wasn't really a lie.

"Oh Angela, you should really come home. Your father is so worried about you. Just come home and we will forget all of this." She pleaded. It hurt to hear my mother like this. I know she cares but I know that she will always heed to my father when he comes to making decisions.

"I can't mom. I like it here and I have to start living my life for me. I'm sorry."

"Angela please-."

"Who are you talking to Ruth?" my father's voice boomed in the back ground.

"It's Angela." She sighed in response. I tensed waiting for him to do whatever he was going to do. At this point I figured it would be to hang up. I heard a shuffling and then receding footsteps.

"Angela." My father's voice said sternly.

"Yes dad, it's me. I just wanted to call and tell you that I made it safely." I made my voice sound stronger then I actually felt. Even from far away there was something about my father that could make me feel like I was about an inch tall.

"I see that you went through with this debauchery then."

"It's not a debauchery dad. It's just school. It's about my education and it's a wonderful opportunity for me. I thought you always wanted what was best for me."

"And you think you are equipped to know what that is?" he asked.

"Of course I am. This is my life we are talking about. Shouldn't I have a say so in my choices for my future and the outcome? You act like I ran away from home to join the circus. I just went away to school dad, something I would have done a few months time anyway. What is so wrong with that?" I cried. I swiped at the tears in my eyes and my voice cracked.

"Angela." He sighed. "I have no idea what has gotten into you lately. But you are making a mistake and you need to come home, now."

"It's not lately dad. This is how I have always been. I have just suppressed it and bid my time until I could leave. This is not a mistake dad. This is the best decision I have ever made for myself. I like it here and I'm not coming home." I said forcefully.

There was silence on the other end but I could hear his breathing so I know he did not hang up.

"Look dad. I just wanted to call you and tell you that I made it safely so you don't worry and I wanted to tell you that this is not about hurting you or mom but about me being happy. I love you dad, both of you but I need this." I tried to make him understand.

"Angela," he started softly and I had hope that finally he was starting to soften. That maybe he understood more then he let on. It was no secret that my grandfather was constantly on his back to do what he considered right, even to this day. So maybe he could see my side of things even a little. But then his voice became hard and distant. "Until you come home I have nothing left to say to you and neither does your mother. You are ruining your life with this nonsense and until you see sense then this is the last time I will speak to you." He said and hung up.

I sat there with the phone still pressed to my ear, stunned and heartbroken. My father just disowned me. I knew he would be angry and hurt but to just cut me off all together, well that was more than I thought was possible. How could he do this? I was doing this to save not only my life but theirs and he hates me for it. I know he doesn't know the truth but… was me wanting to live my own life so wrong? And my mother, how could she allow him to do this? Was I that easily expendable to them. Could she not for once stick up for me, her own daughter?

I felt the phone being lifted out of my hands and looked up to see Esme standing there looking at me with sympathy. She sat beside me and pulled me into her chest. I couldn't control it I broke down. I clung to her hard and sobbed continuously into her shoulder. She whispered soothing words to me and stroked my hair. I cried even harder because never once did I ever remember my own mother doing this for me.

"Oh sweet girl, I know it hurts and I know that I am not your mother but I will be here for you Angela if you need me. We all will if you allow us. This may not be where you grew up but I hope that you will consider this your home soon. You are always welcome here." She said. I nodded into her shoulder. I pulled back to look at her and offered a small smile.

"Thank you." I said in a thick voice.

"It's my pleasure, dear." She smiled a warm smile in return. "Would you like a few minutes or do you want to come in a join us? We are just watching a movie waiting for the guys to return."

"I think I need a few minutes to get myself together. I will be in soon." I promised. She nodded and kissed the top of my head before leaving.

I brought my knees up to my chest and placed my chin on them. I stayed that way staring into nothing and thinking for a long time, until the boys came back from hunting. It was still weird to hear about their eating habits but not as disgusting as I thought it would be. I turned to look at them and smiled, ignoring the concerned looks I was getting from them. With Edward reading my mind and Jasper feeling my emotions I knew they knew what was going on. But Emmett took the initiative and kneeled in front of me. His eyes were searching my face with crinkled brows.

"Go ahead and head in guys. We will be there in a moment." He said. My eyes were focused on his again but I saw they nod in my peripheral. "What's going on Ang?" he asked.

"Nothing. Just a stressful conversation with my dad." I tried to act nonchalant as I rolled my eyes but he wasn't buying it. He quirked at eyebrow at me and waited. So I explained what happened and what was said. When I finished his jaw was flexing furiously as he eyes hardened. "I'm okay Emmett really. It was just really unexpected. But I'm fine." I told him. He looked at me for a moment before his face softened and he nodded.

He stood and held out a hand for me. I took it without hesitation and let him pull me up. He yanked my arm and flung me onto his back. I let out a screech at the suddenness which made him laugh.

"What are you doing you big oaf?" I squealed and I wrapped my hands around his neck so I wouldn't slip off.

"What does it look like? With your human legs we wouldn't get into the house until night fall. My way is quicker." He guffawed.

"You are so full of shit, you know that." I slapped his chest gently.

'That's not possible. Vampire's cant shit." He explained as he giddy upped into the living room. Everyone laughed as they saw me clinging to him with my eyes closed.

"Oh I am so gonna kick your ass." I said slightly nauseous when we had stopped. I slid down him and sat unceremoniously on the floor.

"I would like to see you try kicking my very fine ass." He said. I looked up at him and had to agree.

Edward laughed and I stuck my tongue out at him and crawled my way over to the couch next to Esme. I climbed up and curled into her side hoping she didn't mind, I just really needed a mother at the moment. She seemed fine with it as she put her arm around me. We all sat and watched movie after movie until around seven when Esme cooked us dinner. While we were eating Carlisle came back in and joined us in the kitchen. All the vampires were still fascinated with watching Bella and I eat. But then Carlisle started the second family meeting of the night and they stopped.

"Okay, I understand that this maybe a little much for Angela to take seeing as its only been a week since she has found out our secret. So Angela, feel free to ask anything you like and we will answer as best we can. The floor is yours." He said.

"Okay, well maybe we can start with why Raggedy Anne is after Bella?" I asked after swallowing a mouthful of Esme's delicious veal parm. Damn for a vampire she sure can cook.

"Fair enough, who would like to answer that?" he asked. Bella raised her hand and started. After hearing about how James stalked and tortured her was appalling and made me see that Bella was stronger than I ever imagined. I'm pretty sure I would have pissed myself and begged for my life.

"so let me get this straight, little red riding bitch is upset that this James is dead because he apparently went after the wrong human and she blames Bella for it although its clearly obvious that Bella could no more do damage to him then a bunny rabbit could a lion?" they all nodded. "Well that's just ridiculous. It seems to me that she is just looking for the weakest link in the chain and going after that first. My guess is that she has no intention of actually fighting you all herself. She doesn't seem like the fighting type from what I have seen."

"How do you mean?" Jasper asked.

"We'll look at it this way. If she knew of Laurent's whereabouts then that means she knew of yours as well. But instead of confronting you herself with the vampires she already made she decides that the best thing to do is to go after a human with no real chance against her. And now she is out there trying to build a new army to take you out. I just think that she is going to sit back and let them all get killed or let them kill you. I mean none of you knew she was building the first army anyway, right?" I asked.

"No, I never saw anything and we had no indication that she was even out for revenge." Alice answered.

"And Emmett didn't you say that the guy, Riley said that she moves around a lot and doesn't really work with the newborns herself but put in him charge of it all?" I asked. He nodded. "So you see she is weak and letting others do things for her rather than doing them herself and she has no quelms about who she gets killed in the process be it friend or not. If I had to say I would say that she is lost without James. I would think he is the fighter of the two of them, maybe even the three of them. From what I heard about Laurent he didn't seem to keen to stay with James and Victoria when offered the chance. That doesn't say too much about his loyalties but his character would show that he likes to hide behind people and he just went from James' protection to the Denali but could never really give up his loyalty to Victoria. She probably kept James from killing him or something." I went back to eating while everyone was silent.

"That's some pretty logical thinking there darlin'. You sure we are not distantly related?" Jasper winked.

"I wish." I muttered while everyone chuckled.

"Okay any other questions?" Carlisle asked.

"Uh yeah, just one for right now, but it's kind of personal." I said sheepishly. He nodded in encouragement.

"Um… why did you guys leave? I mean one day you were there and the next you were gone and there was a rumor about you all moving to California which I am guessing is a lie since you all sparkle liked you were attacked by kindergarteners with a bucket full of glitter. So what happened exactly to make you all leave?" I asked looking around at everyone. They seemed uncomfortable but Jasper is the one who answered. I started to feel enormous amounts of guilt and couldn't figure out if it was me or Jasper feeling that way.

"Um that would be my fault." He said.

"I told you Jasper I don't blame you and neither does anyone else. It was an accident that could have happened to any of us." Edward sighed running his hand through is unruly hair.

"Yeah but it didn't happen to anyone else. It happened to me. And I will always be sorry that I was the catalyst for us leaving." He said remorsefully. "You see Angela, this all started on Bella's birthday…" and he went on to explain the events that led to them leaving. I felt bad for him when he got to the part about him getting thirsty after Bella cut herself on a piece of wrapping paper.

"Oh no." I gasped.

"Yeah and then to protect her Edward threw her back away from me and she flew into a table full of glass and sliced her arm open." He sighed.

"I would bet that didn't help. It probably just made it worse for you all, especially you Jasper." I said looking at him.

"Yeah it did. But I have always been the weakest one. My control has never been as strong as the others." He said sadly. Everyone started to protest but he waved them way.

"No, that's not what I meant. I mean it must have been worse for you because you are an empath." I explained. Bella nodded at my statement.

"What do you mean?" he asked looking up at me.

"Well I mean it can't be easy for you to feel everyone else's emotions."

"True, but what does that have to do with anything?"

"I know that when I am hungry I feel it. Doesn't your guys hunger work the same way? Isn't it a feeling for you also or is it different?" I asked confused. They all went slack jawed.

"Of course, why didn't any of us think of that?" Edward said smacking is forehead. "Jesus and all this time… no wonder…" he said in broken sentences.

"Exactly what I thought after it happened and then I figured it was made all the worse because my scent is stronger to Edward then the others. So if you all went into bloodlust and Edward's was triple what you all felt then Jasper didn't stand a chance." Bella chimed in.

"Oh my God. YOU TWO ARE GENIUSES!" Emmett exclaimed as he jumped up. Bella started and ended up dropping the contents of her fork in her lap. I just looked up at him startled.

"Jasper if this is true then it means you are not the weakest but the strongest of all of us. I think this warrants a few tests to see if this theory pans out." Carlisle said slapping a silent Jasper on the back. Jasper nodded dazed but was starting to smile and spread happy juice all around the table.

"We have got the best humans in the world, here." Emmett went on.

I finished my dinner and Esme swept both of our plates away. After saying that I had no more questions tonight, I mean my brain was ready to explode as is, we all parted ways. Alice jumped excitedly and rushing me along up the stairs. We got to the second floor and at the first door on the left off the stairs Alice stopped.

"Are you ready to see your room Angela?" she asked. Bella had appeared behind her and was just as excited. I nodded slowly but a little worried.

"Close your eyes." She said. I did as I was asked and heard the door open. I felt one cold hand and one warm one on my arms pushing me forward through the doorway. "Okay, open."

I did and was amazed. It was beautiful. The walls were a deep purple color with a silver artful design all over them. My bed was huge and looked so soft and fluffy. There were four flat topped posts, one in each corner of the bed that was black painted wood. On the post sat silver cream colored candles. Over the bed hung a three sectioned picture, black background with two orchids, one purple and one silver, on each on and on each side of the bed was a rectangular window with vertical blinds. There was a small black bare desk except for the elegant looking lamp that sat on top on one side of the room and cattycorner to it was a comfortable looking cream colored armchair with a standing bookshelf and a sconce hanging over it. The dresser and a vanity were across from the bed right next to the door we had entered that matched the bed perfectly. On the other side of the room was a sliding door that I would guess was the closet and another door that I believe led to the bathroom. I wasn't quite ready to see that yet. I was still in awe of the bedroom. The floor was a dark hard wood with a purple and black oriental rug placed in strategically in the center so that it touched all the furniture. I don't think I have ever seen such a beautiful room.

"Do you like it?" Alice asked. I turned and saw that Esme had joined as well.

"I love it." I breathed out and ran over to hug all three of them. "Thank you for this."


hope you enjoyed. let me know what you think.