Chapter Nine
18 years later…
I had just sat down when I heard another bang. It's been chaos since 7am, once again we were hosting the annual family barbeque and this was my first chance to sit down after making sure I had all the food I'd need for today as well as the drinks which Edward had promised to get two weeks ago. Of course the doofus forgot what with the excitement of the football team he's been coaching winning the cup just last Saturday.
Even since Isaac started walking without falling over, Edward dreamed about being his son's coach but that didn't quite work out. Yeah my son loved the game and constantly watched it with the guys but he wasn't interested in playing professionally.
My Edward decided that he wanted to coach kids after leaving the army. I saw the joy it brought my husband and I was just glad he wasn't missing the army. Without sounding biased, he is one amazing coach, his team respected him and they made him proud when they won the cup. We were all there cheering him on as well as his team. Quite a few of the boys he coached got scholarships because of my Edward.
We definitely celebrated that night, a lot.
I walked upstairs to see what the cause of the banging was and I wasn't surprised to see Olivia had knocked off another one of her ornaments, I told Edward she was getting too big for this room.
Oh and Olivia is our fifteen year old daughter. A daughter we are proud to say we planned. She has Edward wrapped around her little finger and she takes full advantage of that. Having said that, he still ends up being the bad cop sometimes which leads to my little girl coming to me when she wants something.
Isaac had just turned four when Edward and I decided it was time for kiddie number two. I got off the pill and Edward worked his magic, a month later I had this little bun in the oven. Our girl is absolutely beautiful and Edward is going grey with worry when she starts dating. She hasn't shown interest in anyone as of yet but that was probably because her big brother was in the same school as her and the younger boys were definitely scared of him. I wasn't surprised either, with Edward being in the army and Isaac the same height as Edward but built somewhere between Edward and Emmett, the boys were scared to come anywhere near our Livie. Not to say she didn't have any male friends because my girl seemed to get along better with boys, but not one of them became more than a friend which pleased both Edward and Isaac to no end.
To say I've been blessed with two amazing kids is definitely an understatement.
When I became pregnant with Livie, Edward said it was time we looked for a bigger place. We had found the perfect house just a block away from Edward's parents' house. It was a huge relief having them live so close because whenever we needed a sitter, they were always there to help. Spoiled my Isaac rotten and then of course Olivia but I'm glad to say that it didn't make my kids snobby or think they were better than everyone else just because their family has money.
"Livie what did we tell you about practising in your room? Dad's garage is more spacious than your room sweetie." My gorgeous Olivia, the contemporary dancer and also the fifteen year old going onto thirty. My baby girl has an old soul and is sometimes way too mature for her age. We constantly tell her to stop growing but she won't listen. She has my brown locks as well as my eyes, Edward swears she's a carbon copy of me. She nearly gave us a heart attack when she was ready to join the big world, I had to have a C-section in order to meet her, it had scared us so much that we decided two was enough. We simply didn't want to risk anything.
She found a love for dancing from the age of five. She went to ballet classes, jazz classes, gymnastics, street dance classes, you name it she attended the class. She was a busy bee and hardly found the time to socialise with other kids whilst growing up. She obviously hung out with the kids from the dance classes but once she found the style of dance she fell in love with, she put all her focus into it. Contemporary has been her one true love ever since. Whereas I expressed everything through writing, my baby does it through dance and it was just beautiful to watch. She has the medals and trophies to prove how good she is and her father and I are so very proud of her.
Our Isaac is a smart kid, I still call him a kid even though he's nineteen and it really annoys him but he won't ever tell me to stop. The first lesson Edward ever taught him was to respect women. It would be a lie if I said I've never caught girls sneaking out of our house early hours of the morning or our son sneaking in at stupid o'clock but the kid is a split image of Edward when Edward was Isaac's age. It's not an excuse but I sure as hell don't blame them girls. It probably sounds like there have been a lot but there hasn't. I've managed to meet all five of them when they've sneaked out. He dated them of course but it never lasted long and I sometimes feel like Edward was living vicariously through his son. Their bonding moment always included talking about girls, it was quite funny to watch when Jasper and Emmett joined in.
I believe right now, my son is single which is good because he's focusing on his career now and it's scaring me a little. We have had countless of arguments and late night chats about what he wants to do. We let him make the decision himself and we are currently waiting to hear from Quantico. Yeah my baby boy wants to join the FBI. The day he showed interest in what his father used to do, it scared the living hell out of me. I hoped and prayed he didn't want to follow his father's footsteps because I just couldn't send my son out there and not know if he will come back. He was interested in what Edward had to say but he didn't agree with following orders that included taking people out just because some asshole told you to. Edward laughed and said he was close to becoming that asshole but there was a higher asshole than his rank who told him what to do, and then Edward had to tell his men. I stormed out of the house when Edward told Isaac that he once lost a boy Isaac's age, I don't know what those news did to my son because I didn't stay long enough to find out.
However, my son then started watching crime series with police work and FBI and then did countless amount of research. We were eating dinner one night when he blurted out that he sent off an application to Quantico. His application must have glowed because he's attended numerous kickboxing classes and is in great shape, he's grades have always been high and my soon took everything in stride. I was shocked but relieved at the same time. Yes it's a dangerous occupation but at least he will be in the same country as us. Olivia was fascinated and asked if we can turn his room into a dance room. Edward said no and that was the only thing he said for the majority of the night. He then asked Isaac to step outside with him to have a man-to-man chat. Olivia and I were doing the dishes and tried really hard to hear what they were talking about but we had no luck. We then saw Edward pull Isaac towards him and hug him. Their father and son bond is so strong and always has been, it was beautiful to watch. We are still waiting for them to respond and my son is getting restless.
"But mom dad hasn't cleared it out yet! Plus Isaac's motorbike is still in there." My daughter sighed and carried on stretching in front of her mirror.
"Your dad is in so much trouble baby." I was about to storm downstairs and confront my so called husband.
"Mom what time is Mel getting here?"
"She's coming with your aunt Alice and uncle Jaz sweetie."
Melissa is the girl Alice and Jasper adopted. She is a year and a half younger than Isaac and they have been inseparable growing up. It was because of Melissa that Edward and I knew Isaac would make a great big brother. Her biological mother was Chinese and her biological father was Caucasian. They were not ready for a baby and I believe by the time the adoption agency took her in, her parents had split. Alice and Jasper had done an amazing job raising her. With the help of Esme and Carlisle, the process was easy and quick. Mel is into music and can play the violin, piano and guitar. She is in her last year of high school and is doing really well. When she was old enough to understand, Jasper and Alice told her all about her biological parents and gave her the freedom to seek them out. She refused because she didn't need to know those people. She has a huge family who love her and couldn't ask for anything better.
More than once, Alice and I spoke about our kids getting together. They were in no way blood related and they got on so well. Isaac had always looked out for her and would always interrogate any guy that was after her attention. He was protective of her and more than once have we caught the two of them giving each other the look. You know that look where they think that the other hung the moon. If she ever had any sort of trouble, Mel always came to Isaac for help. She's spent countless of nights at our house, whether it was a sleepover with Olivia or she simply came over and it was too late for her to go home. Isaac would always take her up to his room to "hang out" but I've always found him downstairs asleep on the couch if she stayed. Mel is a really beautiful young woman with a Chinese background she has flawless skin and rich dark hair. What pleased Alice to no end was the fact that Mel loved shopping and whatever the latest fashion trend was. She was also spoiled by Carlisle and Esme and they absolutely adored her.
You can no longer call Emmett's girls, girls. They are both beautiful women now. Ellie is still attending Law School whilst Roxy is trying to buy her own tattoo parlour. Rose, Roxy and I nearly gave Emmett a heart attack when we brought his daughter home after going with her to get her first tattoo. She has been in love with tattoos since and is a great tattoo artist. Both Emm and Rose are helping her buy her own shop so she could start her own business instead of work for someone else. Ellie has always been the focused one and is passionate about Law. Isaac and Ellie have a close bond and with his new found career interest, they spend a lot of time on the phone talking about the law and what is right and wrong. Ellie will make a great lawyer and I've never seen Emmett and Rosalie so proud. Roxy is still the free spirited one. Although she is six years older than Isaac, she always acted like his age around him. If his mates came round and she was visiting, she became one of the boys. Don't get me wrong, she can be as girly as it gets but she loved messing around with the guys…as well as girls…if you know what I mean.
We were at a family gathering when she told everyone. Isaac had just hit puberty so it was definitely fascinating for him to learn that his cousin is bisexual. Emmett nearly choked on his chicken wing and Rose cried because she thought Roxy was about to blurt out that she is pregnant. They took her aside and spoke to her about it. We all had questions and she wasn't embarrassed to talk about it so the rest of the night went well. We all accept who she is because her being attracted to both men and women doesn't change who she is. My son on the other hand, told all of his friends who then kept coming round more often just to see if Roxy will be there. Both twins are absolutely stunning with Rosalie's physique and long blonde hair. All of Isaac's friends drooled over them especially because they're also twins. It was quite comical.
"Right baby, I need to go hunt down your father." I left Livie to it and marched downstairs and straight out to the garden where I found my husband.
"You've got some explaining to do!" I folded my arms across my chest which my husband stared at. Two kids and twenty-six years of marriage and my husband is still insatiable. Our sex life is as good as it's ever been. Coaching the guys has kept my husband in great shape and I take advantage of that.
He has been my rock since day one and has always stayed by my side. When I was pregnant with Olivia and I had an idea for my new book, he was my sex inspiration. My target audience were pregnant women for this book and I used Edward for research. It became a bestseller in three days. I provided them with sex positions as well as ways to get the grandparents to take the kids away so you and your partner could reconnect.
It was days like this that my Edward knew how to grind my gears. He claims he has control of the situation but that's far from the truth. He says he will clean the garage, did he do it? No, of course he didn't. Has he finished cleaning the barbeque? No, of course he hasn't.
"Whatever it is, I didn't do it. It was Isaac." He held his hands up in surrender
"Exactly! You didn't do it Edward! I asked you to clean out the garage, you didn't do it. You were supposed to clean the barbeque, you didn't do it!" I don't know why I was getting so worked up about it, I just wanted today to go perfectly.
"Baby baby baby calm down please, just breathe. Everything will be fine, I'm nearly done with the barbeque and Isaac said he will help me clear it out tomorrow." He wrapped his strong arms around me and I melted at the comfort they provided.
I was angry at him not long ago and now, now I wanted to drag him upstairs and have my wicked way with him. He is as sexy as ever and he knows it, he knows the affect he has on me and he takes advantage of it. We're both like teenagers again and it's great. People ask us how we do it, we can't always explain it but it's because we just click, we work well together and we know each other better than anyone else.
"Do you think we have time?"
"Time for what?" he asked.
"For a quickie, before everyone gets here." I wiggled my eyebrows suggestively at him and my Edward smirked back at me. He then proceeded to lean me back like they do in movies and kiss the ever living shit out of me. It was definitely getting hotter out here.
"Cullen step away from my sister!" Damn you Emmett!
"Hey! This is my house my rules, if I wanna kiss my woman, I sure as hell will. You don't like it, bite me." Edward then went in for another breath taking kiss but I shoved him away and watched him pout as I made my way over to greet Emmett.
Of course, my buffoon brother picked me up and spun me around but thankfully Rosalie came to my rescue.
"Put her down Emmett, you're making us dizzy." She then slapped the back of his head just like always. I saw Ellie make her way over to Edward and Edward wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tight. They both had a very interesting bond, she was closer to Edward's personality than Emmett's and enjoyed having a serious conversation with Edward whether it was about the law or things he has seen overseas. Roxy loves her uncle Edward too because he lets her get away with shit that Emmett wouldn't. Edward let her practice on Isaac's motorbike when Emmett wasn't around because he strongly disapproved of it, always mumbling about bike accident statistics and how he didn't want his daughter to be turned into a human pretzel around a tree. He gave Isaac a huge lecture when we agreed he could get one but my son took it all in stride like he does with everything else.
Thank you to whoever is up there for looking after my son. Not once has he had an accident.
Thanks Pop.
"Where's Roxy?" I asked Rose.
"She's seeing some guy, they went out earlier today and she said he was going to drop her off here in an hour or so." Rose rolled her eyes and Emmett huffed in annoyance.
"Oh nooo, what happened to Natalie? I liked Natalie, she could pole dance and she was going to teach us." I whined whilst Edward and Emmett stared at Rose and I.
"Yeah I liked Natalie too, I thought Roxy did as well but according to Ellie, Natalie was becoming a little too clingy." I shook my head and then watched my husband and brother shake their heads and mutter something most like unintelligent.
"Come on Emm, let's go get a drink. Isaac bought a new game and you have to see it!" and just like that, they turn into their teenage selves.
"Idiots." I whispered and both Ellie and Rose laughed.
"Has Isaac heard from Quantico yet?" Ellie asked as she linked her arms through mine and we made our way into the kitchen to get some cocktails, Esme's recipe. I poured them both and myself a drink whilst shaking my head.
"They haven't, he's getting restless and so is Edward. He knows people that know people and he has spoken to them, I believe they've actually met Isaac before so Edward is wondering what is taking so long." I was worried for my baby, I just want the best for him.
"EDWARD! PUT MY MELISSA DOWN!" Alice shouted and then I heard Olivia making her way downstairs and into the living room.
We walked in to see my husband swinging Mel around in the living room whilst Emmett did the same to Alice.
Jasper was gently giving Olivia a hug, at least he's not a buffoon like those two.
"Hi everyone!" Alice shouted again. I walked over to the telly and turned it down so my sister-in-law didn't have to shout so loudly.
Hugs and kisses were passed around everyone and I noticed Mel looking around, most likely for Isaac.
Awwwwww.
"Ali do you want your mom's special cocktail?" she was already making her way into the kitchen as she nodded her head. She grabbed one of the bigger glasses and poured herself a drink. Something was definitely bothering her.
"Spill aunt Alice." Ellie smirked at her, we all knew each other so well.
"So you know that kid Josh in Mel's year? The one she's been seeing for about a week?" we all nodded for her to continue.
"Well last night and early hours into the morning, they were outside our house fighting and I mean screaming at each other from the top of their lungs fighting. He was accusing her of cheating on him and that she didn't appreciate that she was with a guy like him. He was saying how she needed to stay away from Isaac because he's bad news. He called my daughter a slut and the whole street heard. That's when Jasper stepped out. I kid you not, I have never seen him so angry in my entire life and it scared me. He had the kid up against the car and held him there by the kid's throat. Both Melissa and I tried to get Jasper off Josh but he wouldn't budge. He then threatened him and told him to not even think about coming round here again." She took one last gulp of the cocktail and then poured another.
"Do you know if Isaac knows?" I asked her and tried to think whether my son was in a good mood today before he left to his grandparent's house.
"I'm not sure, she went straight to bed once Josh left. If he doesn't know then he is going to lose it when he sees the mark on Mel's arm. He apparently gripped her when they were having a screaming match."
"He doesn't know." We heard from the entryway.
Mel looked worn out but still as beautiful as ever.
"Even though I don't care about Josh, I care about Isaac and if he found out he would go after Josh and I don't wanna know what's gonna happen, plus I don't want anything ruining his career." She walked over to the fridge and took out a can of coke. It rang out through the kitchen when she opened it as we stood there. I wrapped my arms around her shoulders and we just stood there absorbing it all.
I wanted those kids to just be together already. They're perfect for each other and I'm sure they knew it, I just wish I knew what was holding them back.
TTCH
The men were getting the BBQ ready and us girls just hung around together whilst we waited for Esme, Carlisle, Isaac and Roxy. When Emmett and Edward found out what happened to Mel they were ready to go find Josh. Both men were absolutely enraged and it took us girls a while to reassure them that it wasn't worth it because the boy won't be bothering Mel ever again.
"Is Roxy coming with Natalie?" Olivia asked whilst resting her head on Melissa's lap.
"Didn't you hear? Roxy dumped Natalie because Nat was getting too clingy." Mel replied to her whilst playing with Livie's hair.
"Where are all my grandbabies?" we all turned towards the house as Esme stepped out with Isaac and Carlisle following behind her, deep in conversation. Esme held her arms out and Ellie, Melissa and Olivia rushed over to greet her.
Carlisle was holding a beer in one hand and Esme's cocktail in the other. I had to laugh at my in-laws, those guys never age and they're as ruthless as the rest of us. The girls then moved to greet Carlisle and he was soaking it all up. He dotes on all of the girls but has one of the strongest bonds with Isaac because he's the only boy. My son has so many male role models in his life I just know he is destined for greatness.
I noticed the way both Alice and I were watching Mel and Isaac embrace. Esme had made her way over to us and joined in whilst Olivia was talking Carlisle ear off as they made their way over to where the guys stood.
Isaac wrapped his huge arms around Melissa and they were definitely whispering something to each other because he quickly pulled back and looked her over. He gently lifted her sleeves up and obviously saw the marks on her arms. The whole garden was holding their breath as Isaac just stared at Mel. His hands then shot up to his hair and he tugged on it, just like Edward does when he's stressed out or trying to reign in his anger. I am guessing Isaac is feeling both right now.
What surprised me was the fact that Jasper walked over to them and placed a hand on Isaac's shoulder. He then cocked his head to the side and they walked inside the house leaving Mel standing there. She turned to face us and juts shrugged her shoulders and made her way back to where we were.
As soon as Mel sat down next to Esme and began telling her what happened, we heard a crash from inside the house and it sounded like glass.
"Oh no! I need to go see him!" Melissa quickly stood up but I stopped her.
"Leave him sweetheart, he just needs to take it out on something. He's fine." I reassured her but shared a look with Edward and he started making his way into the house but stopped when Jasper and Isaac stepped out and walked over to us.
Isaac walked over and squatted down in front of me.
"I broke the fruit bowl mum, I'm sorry. I'll get you a new one." I ran my hand through my son's hair and just winked back to reassure him it was fine.
Isaac then moved to where Mel sat and squatted down in front of her. He took her hands into his and was drawing slow circles on them.
"You should have told me last night Mel! He could have hurt you." My son's breathing picked up and it was clear to everyone how close they really are. His feelings were plastered all over his face.
"I know I should have, but you would have gone after him. I can't risk you getting in trouble when you're waiting for something important. We were outside my house, he wouldn't have hurt me knowing dad was inside." Isaac's eyes flickered to Jasper and then back at Melissa. She grabbed his hands and they shared a silent conversation.
They both stood up and he took her into his arms. No one ever questioned their friendship because we all saw the way they grew up together and how their bond grew with them. Isaac let Melissa go and moved his hands to her face, he was searching for something in her eyes and she smiled sheepishly at him. A very familiar crooked smile crossed my son's face and he leaned in closer and kissed her forehead.
Just as he was about to say something to her we all heard the sound of screeching tires and then a very familiar voice.
"You asshole! I met you three days ago did you think I'd have sex with you just like that!? If I see you again I swear to god I'll let my dog bite your balls off you jackass!" a good majority of us laughed out loud but Isaac made his way over to the back entrance into the garden to make sure his cousin was ok. Emmett looked like he was about to cry and then Rose handed Ellie fifty bucks whilst Ellie smirked at her mum.
"Did you bet on our daughter Rosie?!" it was definitely comical to watch my brother's family.
"I bet mom Roxy will dump him and will cuss him down too. Never doubt a twin's connection mom." Ellie winked at Olivia and walked towards Roxy and Isaac as they made their way to us. Isaac had his arm wrapped around Roxy's shoulders and they were laughing at something we couldn't quite hear.
This was definitely one of many family gatherings were things went tits up but we will all laugh about it the next time we get together.
"The party is here!" Roxy shouted out as she walked over to Emmett and jumped on his back.
TTCH
"So Isaac, have you heard from Quantico yet?" Roxy asked as she stuffed a hotdog into her mouth. The conversation around the table ranged from tattoos, to cocktails, dresses, dancing, relationships and work. We were a loud bunch but luckily enough, the neighbours were far out and can't hear that much.
"Erm yeah I have actually."
And then there was silence.
A lot of silence.
And shock.
Yeah definitely shock.
"What? Why didn't you say anything?!" Edward was the first to speak as the rest of us continued sitting in silence…and shock.
Isaac ran his hand through his hair and I watched Edward try hard not to smirk at his son, as well as Carlisle.
"The letter came today, I picked it up before I left." My son's nose was twitching, he was holding something back, he never was a good liar and his nose twitch always gave him away.
"So what did they say? Have you been accepted?" Melissa asked as she sat up straighter next to him.
"I've been accepted…I leave next month." I don't know who was out of their seats first, me or Edward but it didn't matter because we both hugged our baby boy.
I was so overwhelmed with emotions I didn't quite know what to feel. I was so proud of him but also a little scared. His new profession won't be sunshine and rainbows and there will be moments when my son could be in danger. But I knew how sharp he is and how he looks at all possible outcomes and picks the one he knows is right. I can't believe I've only got a month left with my baby boy and there is so much to do!
I sent out a silent prayer and asked my dad to look out for his grandson.
"Congratulations Isaac, gosh sweetheart there's so much to do before you leave! We will need to start packing as soon as possible." I kissed him all over and he took it all in.
"Does that mean I can turn his room into a studio?" Olivia batted her eyelashes at her father and he looked at me for help. I simply stared back at Edward to see what he will say to his little princess.
"Erm sweetheart, let Isaac leave first, then we'll talk about it."
"Can't wait to get rid of me ey olive?" Isaac smirked at his little sister but she just winked back at him and carried on eating.
Melissa tried her hardest not to cry but I could still see her eyes glisten with unshed tears. I wanted to hug her and tell her that I will be there for her every step of the way. I knew how heart breaking it feels to have someone you love up and leave like that. Isaac will obviously come back and visit and we can go up and see him but it obviously won't be as often as we'd like.
I watched the two of them closely and I didn't miss the way Isaac took hold of Melissa's hand and gave it a tight squeeze. The two of them definitely need to have a long chat about things. I have no idea what is taking my son so long to just ask the girl to be his.
Questions were thrown left right and centre at Isaac and he did his best to answer all of them. I sat back and listened to my son talk about his future and how excited he is. Esme was a blubbering mess and Carlisle tried to calm her down. Emmett was giving Isaac the safety talk and pranks my son can pull on the other guys. Edward wrapped his arm around me and brought me closer to his side.
I am still trying to wrap my head around it all and I'm not quite sure what to feel. However, pride is at the very top of my emotion list.
"We did good baby." He whispered into my ear and I beamed back at him.
"We sure did."
