N/A: Alright guys. Chapter 9. As always thank you all for your reviews! I know I said this would be Bella's first month with the Cullens, but I decided to split it up a bit. This is just Bella's first day since there was so much to do. They fly back to London and Bella sees her new house and her new room for the first time. I really hope you like this to avoid confusion. I know Bella's last name is Cullen right now and that the title says Isabella Hale. Like I said, their names change every few years when they move and so will Bella's name. Her last name will be Hale eventually since ExB is going to happen.
Alright, enjoy! And please, please, please! don't forget to review! They mean the world to me!

Disclaimer:SM owns it all.

POV'S:Bella, Edward, Alice.

Bella's POV.

'' Bella, are you ready to go home? ''

Carlisle stepped into my hospital room again, smiling at the sight of everyone. The others were all crowded around my bed and Edward held me in his arms.

I was a little nervous. ' Home ' was in London, and we were.. I didn't exactly know where we were, but I did know London was far away. They'd told me we would be on a plane for hours.

I'd never been on a plane before, at least not that I knew of. Emmett had told me that planes often crashed down and that people would drown in the sea. I was afraid our plane would crash down too. He'd said that some people stranded on deserted islands and that they had to walk around naked and drink from coconuts. Sure, it was better than dying, but I didn't really like that idea very much either.

'' Will the plane crash? '' I asked Edward quietly.

'' What? '' Edward asked, confused. '' Of course not, Bella. Why would you think that? ''

I heard Emmett snickering behind me, and Edward turned to glare at him. '' Emmett, are you insane? ''

I hadn't even told him anything. How did he know what Emmett had said to me?

Emmett barked out a booming laugh, but didn't respond.

'' Bella, '' Edward said soothingly, looking at me again. '' The plane won't crash. Don't listen to Emmett. Jasper told you, remember. Emmett lies all the time. ''

I turned around to glare at Emmett as well. '' You lied again? ''

'' I didn't lie, technically, '' he choked out between laughs. '' Planes crash down every now and then. ''

'' Emmett! '' everyone growled at him now. He laughed again and rolled his eyes.

'' Don't worry about it, squirt. Edward will save you if something happens, won't he? '' He looked at Edward with a funny face.

I turned my head again so I could look at Edward. He was eyeing Emmett suspiciously and I didn't really understand his expression.

'' Will you? '' I asked him after a moment.

'' Of course I will, Bella, '' he answered. '' But you don't have to worry about that. The plane is not going to crash. ''

'' You promise? ''

'' I promise, Bella, '' he whispered, kissing the top of my head again.

I still didn't want to be on a plane, but I did want to go home with the rest of my family. I was officially Isabella Marie Cullen now. I liked that. I liked my new parents and my new brothers and sisters.

And of course, my new best friend. My best friend in whole world. I was happy I could come live with them now, and that I could leave this hospital. Staying in bed all time was very boring, and they had all promised me we could go outside and play once we were home. I still had to be careful because my arm and leg were still in a cast. It didn't hurt, but it was a little uncomfortable.

I couldn't move right at all. I had asked Carlisle if I could take them off, but he'd told me my bones weren't healed yet. '' We'll take the casts off in three weeks, Bella, '' he'd said. Three weeks seemed like a long time, but I didn't want to be in any pain either.

I had been wondering about something else. Carlisle and Esme were officially my parents now, and I wondered if I should call them mommy and daddy.

'' Should I start calling you daddy? '' I asked Carlisle, eyeing him now.

'' Only if you want to, Bella, '' he said, smiling gently at me. '' You can call me Carlisle if you prefer that. ''

I thought about that for a minute. '' But you are my daddy now, aren't you? ''

'' Yes, '' he nodded. '' But it's up to you if you call me dad or Carlisle. ''

I wanted to call him daddy from now on. It seemed only right. I didn't remember much about my parents, but I knew enough to be happy I had found new parents now that they were gone.
I really missed them, and Carlisle and Esme, and Rose too, filled the whole they'd left behind when they'd died.

'' Daddy, '' I said, grinning. His face lit up when I spoke the word and he smiled brightly back at me. It also seemed to make him happy that I called him that.

'' Are you ready to go home? '' he asked again. Yes, I was ready to go home. I was ready to start my new life with my new family and my new best friend. I wasn't ready to be on a plane, but Edward had promised he would save me if something happened, so I tried to be brave.

'' Yes, '' I said quietly.

I didn't really have much stuff, only the things Alice had bought for me. A few pyjama's and other clothes, a couple of books and movies, and of course the brush Rose always used to comb my hair.

They all fitted easily in a small suitcase that Alice had packed for me. She had assured me that I would have a lot of clothes and other things in no time. I still didn't really like that idea, but the others had assured me that Alice bought clothes for everyone and that it made her happy, so I didn't say anything about that. I had a feeling it wouldn't make a difference if I said anything about that anyway.

Edward lifted me off the bed and held me tightly in his arms. I buried my face against his neck, inhaling his sweet scent to calm myself down. I took one last fleeting look at the room that had been my home for the last week, not really sorry to leave it behind. I didn't like hospitals. They smelled funny and were full of people who used needles all the time.

Edward had told me that we would drive to the airport, because it was all the way in New York. Carlisle, Esme, Rose, Edward and I took one car and Alice, Jasper and Emmett took another. Edward placed me on his lap and Rose went to sit beside him.

I was a little hungry, because I hadn't eaten anything yet. I had been so worried when I had woken up this morning, that I hadn't been hungry at all. My stomach growled again and I blushed. They all seemed to hear that.

'' You shouldn't have skipped your breakfast, baby, '' Rose said, caressing my cheek.

'' I wasn't hungry, '' I replied, still blushing furiously. I was happy Emmett wasn't with us with right now. He would've laughed at me. He always did that whenever I blushed.

'' We'll find you something to eat at the airport, '' Edward said, kissing my hair.

'' Hmm, '' I heard Rose say, and I looked up at her. '' You'll have to eat properly from now on. It's important. I'll make a list of healthy food for you. And no more skipping meals. '' She looked a little stern now. '' You need it to grow properly. We want you to be healthy. ''

I was suddenly curious. '' Aren't you hungry? '' I asked. I knew that they were vampires and drank blood, but didn't they need other things as well?

'' We don't eat human food, honey, '' Rose said, smiling now.

I thought about that. '' Only blood? ''

I felt Edward tense and I looked up to see his face. He was frowning. He didn't like to talk about vampire stuff. He was still worried I would be afraid.

'' Yes, '' Rose answered.

I nodded my head slowly. '' What happens if you eat human food? '' I wondered curiously.

Rose laughed. '' Well, it doesn't taste very good to us, Bella, and our bodies can't digest it, so we have to cough it back up later. '' She giggled suddenly.

'' Why is that funny? ''

'' Esme uses it punish Emmett and Jasper if they do something bad. They really hate it. '' She laughed again, and I heard Esme laugh from the front seat.

'' It always works, '' she chuckled.

I had to laugh now too. I imagined that Emmett would have to eat a lot of human food, since he told a lot of lies and lying was definitely bad.

'' Edward? '' I asked, looking back up at him.

He looked down at me now, still frowning a little. '' Why are you so strong? '' I had been wondering about that too. At first I thought only Emmett was really strong, but then I had noticed that the others could lift really heavy things as well. Edward carried me around like I weight nothing at all.

'' It's a vampire-thing, Bella, '' he told me, a little reluctant. '' We're all stronger than humans. ''

'' Emmett said he was the strongest man in the world. Did he lie to me again? '' I wouldn't put it past him. He had lied about a lot of other things as well.

They all laughed now. '' No, '' Edward chuckled. I was happy he wasn't frowning anymore. '' He told you the truth for once. Emmett is the strongest of us, but don't tell him that. He already has a high opinion of himself. ''

So even Emmett told the truth every now and then. I was happy about that. I was curious about a few other things as well, but at that moment we reached the airport. I would ask him later.

Edward bought me a sandwich and some milk. I had wanted a doughnut, but Rose said I needed to eat properly first. '' Can I have a doughnut later? '' I asked hopefully.

She gave me a disapproving look, but gave in after a minute. '' Fine, '' she sighed. '' But only if you eat your sandwich first and drink your milk. ''

Edward chuckled again and buried his face in my hair. It tickled a little and I giggled. '' Okay, '' I agreed easily.

The others were waiting for us and as soon as we came into view Alice bounced away from Jasper and ran over to meet us.

'' Bella, I missed you! '' she squealed, lifting me out of Edward's arms and crushing me against her stone chest.

'' It's only been an hour, Alice, '' Edward said, rolling his eyes at her. She stuck her tongue out at him and continued to hug me. I laughed again. Happy Alice.

'' Ready to crash and live of coconuts for the next years Bella? '' Emmett said, grinning. I narrowed my eyes at him, but didn't respond. I suddenly remembered what Rose had told me in the car. About vampires eating human food.

'' I'll be fine, Emmett. I'm not scared anymore. '' That's wasn't completely true, but now I wanted Emmett to tell me another lie.

He laughed loudly. '' Of course not, squirt. Until the full moon comes and the coconuts come to life. They don't like to be eaten and they'll come for revenge. ''

This was it, I knew it. There was no way this was true. I may be little, but I wasn't stupid. I formed the plan in my head. He was gonna pay for all the lies he'd told me.

Alice suddenly went into hysterics, and after a moment Edward joined her. I looked up at the both of them, a little distracted. They didn't even know what I was up to yet. Maybe they found Emmett's lies funny.

'' Emmett, you're lying again, aren't you? '' I asked, eyeing him suspiciously.

He barked out a booming laugh, but didn't say anything else. He didn't need to. I knew he was lying.

'' Mommy? '' I looked over at Esme, and she smiled when I called her that. She seemed happy about it too. '' Lying is really bad, isn't it? ''

'' You're right, sweetheart. ''

'' Can I punish him, mommy? ''

Alice and Edward nearly choked on their laughter at this point, and I saw Alice nodding at Esme from the corner of my eye.

'' Sure, honey, '' Esme said, apparently trusting Alice.

I turned back to look at Emmett with a small smile on my face.

'' What're you gonna do, squirt, '' he said, still grinning. I wasn't worried, Emmett would never hurt me and he his grin would disappear soon. '' Fight me? '' He laughed loudly again.

I exhaled heavily after a few seconds. '' Mommy, '' I said looking at Rose again. '' I'm not hungry anymore. ''

They all looked a little confused for a minute, but Alice and Edward were still laughing non-stop.

'' Emmett, will you finish my sandwich for me? '' I asked him innocently. '' I'm full. ''

His grin disappeared and he looked at me with wide eyes. He was actually frightened. I wanted to laugh at him, but I swallowed my giggle.
The others were also laughing now.

'' Please, big brother, '' I said sweetly.

Jasper suddenly clutched his sides and kneeled down. He was laughing harder than anyone else. It was very contagious and I couldn't hold it in any longer. I laughed with the rest of them.

Emmett still had that same horrified look on his face. '' No way! '' he suddenly said, backing a few paces away from me. '' No way! ''

He looked at Esme, his eyes still wide. '' Mom, you can't be serious? ''

'' Big brother Emmett wanted to save the day, '' she said, still laughing like everyone else. '' Here's your chance. Your poor little sister can't finish her sandwich and asks for your help. ''

'' Awh, c'mon! '' he groaned. '' Okay, squirt, '' he said after a minute, eyeing me suspiciously. '' I underestimated you. You're better than I thought. ''

I merely smiled sweetly at him again. He suddenly barked out a booming laugh again. '' You're a little devil! I like it! ''

'' I can play games too, big brother, '' I said sweetly. A week with Emmett, and all the Cullens for that matter, taught me a lot. They liked to play games, make jokes, and fool around. I could do that too.

'' Definitely dangerous, '' he said.

I held out the remaining half of my sandwich. This was a win-win for me. I could see Emmett eating human food and pay him back for all the lies he'd told me, and I could start on my doughnut already. '' Thank you, Emmett, '' I smiled at him.

Jasper was still laughing hysterically. '' Sucks for you, man, '' he choked out between laughs. Emmett growled a little, but took the sandwich anyway.

I looked at him curiously. Rose said that it tasted really bad to them, and I wanted to see his reaction. He made a face and opened his mouth a little. He then closed his eyes and stuffed the sandwich in his mouth, chewing quickly and swallowing it only a second later.

'' Ugh, '' he choked. '' Disgusting. ''

Everyone was still laughing at him.

'' I wanna throw up, '' he moaned, clutching his stomach and looking around.

'' You'll have to wait until we're on the plane, sweetheart, '' Esme said, rubbing his back, still laughing.

'' Jasper! '' he suddenly growled, and he turned around.

Jasper was still choking on his laughter a few feet away. He hadn't done anything.

'' Knock it off! '' Emmett growled at him. '' You're making it worse! ''

'' What are you talking about? '' Jasper gasped, looking at Emmett with innocent eyes. Too innocent.

'' You know what I'm talking about! ''

Jasper merely laughed again and stood up.

'' Jasper, be nice, '' Esme chided him. I still didn't know what Jasper had done besides laughing, but we were all laughing so that couldn't be it. I wanted to ask him what it was about, but Carlisle spoke then.

'' Come on, we don't want to miss our flight. ''

I would ask them later, along with all the other things I wanted to know.

Edward had been right about the plane. It didn't crash. I sat on a chair next to Edward the whole time, so I wasn't that scared anymore. It was actually a little boring. It was a long flight, and we had to sit there for hours. It didn't really seem to bother them, but now that I was out of the hospital I wanted to go outside. There wasn't much I could do of course with the casts still on, but some fresh air would be enough for now. I wondered what London would be like.

'' Edward? '' I asked after an hour or so.

'' What is it, Bella? '' he said, looking at me. '' You're not scared, are you? ''

'' No, '' I said, shaking my head. '' What's London like? ''

He smiled his crooked smile again, and I kept staring at his face. I liked that smile. It was his happy smile.

'' Well, '' he said slowly. '' London is very big with a lot of people, but we live just outside the city so it's nice and quiet there. ''

'' What does our house look like? ''

'' It has a lot of rooms, and Esme and Alice decorated everything so it's very pretty. We have a very big garden with a lot of trees and flowers. ''
That sounded nice. I would be able to play outside with everyone.

'' And there's a park nearby were you can feed the ducks, and you can also play there. ''

London sounded great. I had been a little worried about that. What if I didn't like it there? But it didn't sound bad at all, the way Edward described it.

I motioned Edward with my finger to come closer to me. I wanted to ask him something else, but I didn't want everyone else to hear that.

I placed my hand at his ear and whispered. '' Alice said there are a lot of shops there and she wants me to go with her. Do I have to? ''

Edward laughed at that, and the others were laughing too. Had they heard me? How could that be? I had whispered in Edward's ear. Alice turned around in her seat before me and leaned over to look at me, pouting a little. '' Bella, '' she said, pulling a sad face. '' Shopping is fun. I'm sure you'll like it. '' I felt myself go red again. I hadn't realized she could hear me.

Edward lifted me out of my seat and placed me on his lap again. '' You don't have to go shopping if you don't want to, '' he promised me, chuckling. I leaned my head against his chest again, suddenly tired.

'' Edward, '' I heard Alice complain, but I didn't hear the rest of her words. I was already asleep.

**************************************************************************************************

Edward's POV.

Bella was asleep for the rest of the flight, curled against my chest. Such a long flight must be boring for her, so it was a good thing she slept her way through it.

She'd asked a lot of questions already, and I had no doubt that she was nowhere near finished. She was too perceptive. She knew now that we were vampires, but that was about it.

There were still so many things she didn't know. She didn't know about our strength, our speed, what we looked like in the sun. She didn't even know we didn't age.

And she had no idea that we could hear everything, even if she whispered like she'd done before. But she was perceptive, and I had a feeling it wouldn't take her that long to figure it all out.

She didn't know some of us had special powers either. She didn't know I could read minds - though hers was still an exception for some reason - that Alice could see the future, and that Jasper could sense and manipulate the emotions around him. As far as she knew we were not that different from her. I didn't know if I wanted her to find out about everything, though I knew she would in time.

Perhaps she would be frightened of us after all. There was no way she wouldn't be frightened of me when she saw what I looked like in the sun. I was a monster. She might not think of me that way now, but I was sure that would change once she'd seen me like that.

But still, I was happy to have her in my arms for now. I didn't know how long it would last, but right now, I was happy.

She'd even made Emmett eat human food. I'd been a little worried that Emmett would scar her for life, but she was tougher than I'd given her credit for. Her little stunt however had given Emmett a lot to think about, and now I had to be worried about something else entirely. He'd acknowledged her mischievous ways and saw potential in it.

Emmett had always been the prankster of the family, but now he had competition, or an ally. He saw this as an opportunity to make her his partner-in-crime. I had to find a way to put a stop to that before he could corrupt her.

'' Emmett, sandwich, '' Bella mumbled suddenly. I chuckled. It seemed she had a lot of fun teasing Emmett. He had deserved it after all. The others all turned in their seats with bewildered expressions. That's right, they didn't know yet that Bella talked in her sleep. They eyed her incredulously for a moment and then burst into laughter.

'' Edward, '' she mumbled again. Her small hand closed itself around my shirt and she pulled herself a little closer to me. I tightened my arms around her and kissed the top of her head lightly.

Awh, look at that... Esme thought affectionately. I'm so happy that in a few years... Alice and I must prepare her room as soon as possible. Alice said that she wanted everything in blue... maybe...

Esme suddenly interrupted her thought and starting thinking about something else. I'm so happy that in a few years... in a few years what?

My previous suspicion that they were hiding something from me flared again. Why were they trying to hide something from me? For heaven's-sake I was a mind-reader! Didn't they know by now that I just ended up knowing it all? What was the point in hiding it in the first place?

Alice said it would happen... I wonder what it will be like when they... Uhm... Yes, I really want to buy that new book about the Civil War. See if it's accurate...And now Jasper was acting weird. Yes, they were definitely hiding something. Something about Bella and me.

'' What are you hiding from me? '' I growled, glaring.

'' What are you talking about, Edward? '' Alice said, innocently. I glared at her.

'' You know what I'm talking about, Alice, '' I growled again.

'' We're not hiding anything and be quiet, '' she said, giving me a stern look now. '' You'll wake Bella up. ''

Hah! I told her this wouldn't last long! Emmett would always give it away.

'' Emmett? '' I growled, trying to persuade him to tell me. With his thoughts or otherwise. But before he had the chance Rose suddenly jumped into his lap and started kissing him enthusiastically.

His thoughts took a U-turn and all he could think about was Rose. In compromising ways, I might add. I quickly tried to block him out, disgusted.

'' Ugh! '' I took out my discman and turned the volume up, trying to block their thoughts. Especially Emmett's.

They wouldn't be able to keep it a secret for long. I didn't know what ' it ' was yet, but I would find out soon enough.

I tried to distract myself for the rest of the flight by listening to my music and concentrating on Bella, who was still sleeping contently in my arms. I inhaled her scent every now and then.

I had noticed that her scent was stronger to me than to the others. I didn't know why that was, but I was happy she was still a little girl. I had no doubt her scent would strengthen over the years, and maybe I would be desensitized by the time that happened. I remembered how strong it had been when Carlisle and I had found her bleeding in street. Even though I had just hunted at the time, her scent had almost driven me insane. I had never encountered anything like it before. I was happy that I also seemed to grow used to it. I didn't want to put her in any danger.

The plane made a soft and smooth landing and I was happy that Bella slept through it. I didn't want her to suffer from a jet-lag. It was seven o'clock AM in London right now.

I tightened my grip around her again and stoop up carefully. Our cars were parked in the garage by the airport and Esme and Alice wanted to drive ahead of us, in a hurry to prepare Bella's room and buy the essentials. The rest of waited for our luggage. It was crowded at the airport and noisy. Bella woke up after Jasper and Emmett had retrieved our suitcases and we were walking toward our other car.

'' Are we there yet? '' she asked sleepily, looking around.

'' We're still at the airport, '' I told her quietly. '' You can sleep for a while longer if you want to. ''

'' Okay, '' she mumbled and put her head on my shoulder again. But after a moment she looked up again and frowned.

'' I'm not tired anymore, '' she grumbled.

I chuckled. '' That's alright. You've been sleeping the whole flight. We'll be home in half an hour. ''

I stepped into our car and placed Bella on my lap again. Rose slid in beside me and turned her attention to Bella immediately.

'' Are you hungry, baby? '' she asked, concerned. '' I bought some food for you. ''

'' More doughnuts? '' Bella asked hopefully, eyeing the paper back Rose held in her arms. I chuckled.

'' Bella, '' Rose said, disapprovingly. '' I bought you another sandwich and some milk. I bought some cookies as well, but you can only eat them after you ate your sandwich. '' Bella looked at Emmett again, pursing her lips.

'' And you can't trick Emmett into eating your sandwich again, '' Rose said, laughing now. Jasper laughed, sensing Emmett's discomfort and turned it up a notch.

'' Jazz, '' Emmett growled, smacking him on the head.

'' Take it easy there, '' Carlisle called from the driver's seat.

Bella sighed a little and took the bag Rose had placed on her lap. I chuckled again and she looked up to meet my gaze.

'' What so funny? '' she asked.

'' You, '' I said, still chuckling and I kissed the top of her head again. She grumbled a little and took a moody bite of her sandwich. She chewed slowly and after a moment her expression cleared and she took a bigger bite. The sandwich clearly wasn't as bad as she'd thought.

Carlisle turned the car and drove up the lawn that led to our estate. After a few moments it came into view. '' We're home, Bella, '' he announced, looking over his shoulder as he spoke to her.

Bella straightened up and looked curiously around her. '' Wow, '' she breathed after a moment. '' It's so big! '' She looked around with wide eyes, trying to take everything in.

'' And it's full of ghosts! '' Emmett said, making spooky sounds.

'' Emmett! '' we all said in unision, but he merely laughed.

For a moment I was worried that Bella would believe him again and be frightened, but I was wrong. She merely rolled her eyes at him.

'' Emmett, '' she said, a little exasperated. '' I live with vampires. I'm sure those ghosts can find a safer house to haunt. ''

He barked out his booming laugh again, and we all joined in. I was happy that Bella finally seemed to understand that Emmett joked around all the time. I had no doubt he would try to think of better ways to trick her in the future, but at least he would have to be more creative from now on.

'' Were are mommy and Alice? '' she suddenly wondered, looking around.

'' They left to buy some things for your room, sweety, '' Rose explained. Bella frowned a little at that, and I could hear in Jaspers thoughts that she was worried again.

'' Don't worry about it, Bella, '' Jasper said. '' I'm sure you'll like your new room. Besides, it's impossible to reign Alice in. She would buy it anyway. ''

Bella sighed and I wrapped my arms around her again. '' I'll save you if she goes overboard, '' I assured her. I had no doubt Alice would go overboard. This was her Christmas. Actually, she also went overboard every Christmas. There was just no stopping Alice. Bella would find that out soon enough. Still, I was her best friend and I would try to save her from Alice every now and then. A dangerous and impossible task. I would try nevertheless.

'' Are you ready to see your new home, Bella? '' Carlisle asked, parking the car in our garage. I held her in my arms as I stepped out of the car.

'' Wow, '' she blurted out. '' How many cars do you have? ''

'' We all have our own car, '' I explained. '' That one's mine, '' I said, gesturing toward the silver Volvo.

'' Why do you have so many cars? '' she asked, frowning a little.

I laughed again. '' We like to drive fast cars. ''

She wrinkled her nose a little. It looked adorable. '' Are you rich? '' she asked, still frowning.

I laughed at her questions. '' Maybe, '' I allowed. Yes, we were rich. Living forever and on top of that, never having to sleep granted us a lot of free time. And having a sister who had a knack for guessing the trends in the stockmarket didn't hurt either.

'' Do you want to see the rest of the house? '' Rose asked, smiling down at Bella. She nodded and tore her gaze away from our collection of cars. Carlisle unlocked the door and we all entered. We stepped into the living room and Emmett and Jasper carried all our suitcases in.

'' This is the livingroom, '' Carlisle said, gesturing around him. Bella squirmed a little in my arms, trying to see everything.

She suddenly gasped. '' Who's piano is that? ''

I smiled and suddenly thought of Alice's vision. '' It's mine, '' I said quietly. '' Do you like it? ''

'' Do you play the piano? '' she asked, watching me with wide eyes.

'' Yes, '' I chuckled.

'' It's pretty. ''

We moved through the entire house. Showing her everything in the livingroom, and then the kitchen. Then we walked up the stairs to show her everyone's rooms.

'' This is my room, '' Rose announced, opening the door so Bella could take a look. I heard Emmett clear his troath behind us. '' Our room, '' she amended.

'' Do you sleep together? '' Bella gasped, looking first at Rose and then at Emmett. She didn't know they were together yet. And she didn't know we didn't sleep either. Emmett laughed again and ruffled her hair. '' We don't sleep, squirt, '' he said.

Bella gasped again and stared at him with wide eyes. '' Are you lying again? '' she said after a minute, eyeing him suspiciously.

'' No, '' Emmett laughed. '' I swear I'm not lying. ''

She turned her head to look at me. '' Is he lying to me again? ''

'' No, '' I said quietly. '' We don't sleep. '' I was half-afraid of her reaction.

'' At all? ''

'' Never, '' I mumbled, almost to soft for her to hear me.

She looked at me for a minute without saying anything and I grew anxious. Maybe this was it. Maybe this was the moment she would finally be scared of us.

'' Why do you have the same room? '' she asked, turning away to look at Rose again. That was it? We just told her we didn't sleep at all, and this was her reaction? Yes, there was definitely something wrong with her.

'' Because we're married, '' Rose answered, smiling a little.

'' You're married to Emmett? '' she blurted out, her mouth hanging open. '' Why? ''

Everyone laughed at her reaction, but I was still too shocked to follow their conversation properly.

'' Because I'm a catch, Bella, '' Emmett said, wiggling his eyebrows at her. She threw him a skeptic look.

We then moved and showed her the rest of the house. Carlisle's and Esme's bedroom, Carlisle's study, Alice's and Jasper's room, though she didn't know yet that they were married too. The library, and eventually my room.

'' This is my room, '' I said quietly, lingering on the tresshold.

'' It's gold, '' she whispered. '' Just like you. '' She smiled at me.

I stepped into the room after a minute, so she could have a better look.

'' You've got so much music, '' she said, eyeing my extensive CD-collection.

'' Do you like music? '' I asked her, walking toward the rows of CD's.

'' I don't know, '' she said, frowning a little. '' I think so. I don't remember. '' I kissed her forehead lightly.

'' Don't worry about it, '' I said. '' We can listen to a lot of music whenever you want and you can decide. ''

She put her head on my shoulder with a smile.

After that we showed her our garden. Esme had put a lot of work into it, and it was blossoming.

'' Wow, '' Bella gasped. '' It's big and pretty! ''

Esme would like her reaction. '' Esme made it, '' I told her.

'' Mommy made this? '' she asked, bewildered. I nodded.

'' It's beautiful, '' she said. '' Can we stay here for a little while? ''

'' Of course, Bella. ''

She must be tired of staying indoors for such a long time. The fresh air was nice, and it was a cloudy day so there was no risk of her seeing us in the sunlight. I wasn't quite ready for that. I put her down gently so she could sit on the grass, and I sat down beside her.

'' Edward? '' she asked after a moment of silence.

'' Hm? ''

'' Why could everyone hear me when I whispered in your ear? It was really soft. ''

I had known she would ask this question sooner or later. And what was the point in not telling her. She was a part of our family now. She would find out soon enough.

'' Because vampires have very sensitive senses, '' I told her. '' We can hear more than humans can. We can also see a lot more and smell a lot more than humans. ''

'' You can hear everything? '' she asked, eyes wide again.

I smiled a little. I could hear more than she was aware of, but I was happy she didn't know I could read minds yet. What would she think of that? That I'm a monster, obviously, I answered my own question.

'' Edward? '' she asked again, falling back onto the grass and looking at the clouded sky. '' We'll be together forever now, right? ''

Forever, I mused. Forever meant something a little different to her than it meant to me. I sighed, copying her and lying down on the grass as well. We hadn't told her we didn't age yet, and I suddenly felt the need to be honest with her. I was still afraid of her reactions, but I wanted her to know me.

'' Forever is a long time, '' I said quietly, also looking at the sky. I wasn't quit sure how to tell her. '' There is something else about vampires you don't know, Bella. ''

She turned her head and looked at me now. I could feel her eyes on my face and I took a deep breath and turned to meet her gaze.

'' What is it? '' she whispered.

'' We don't age, '' I told her quietly, scrutinizing her face. Would she be afraid now?

Her eyes widened a little, but she didn't look scared. '' How old are you? '' she asked quietly after a minute.

I sighed again. '' Seventeen, '' I answered her.

'' And how long have you been seventeen? ''

'' A while. '' Did I want her to know how old I really was?

'' When were you born? ''

Another sigh. I guess I could've seen that one coming. Should I tell her the truth? A part of me didn't want to answer her question, but another part of me, the part that wanted Bella to know me, protested. I had opened myself up to these questions, I should answer them. I really did want her to know me.

'' In 1901, '' I answered quietly.

'' What year is it now? '' Right, her memory. She must have forgotten.

'' 1994. ''

She was quiet for a moment, trying to count the years on her little hand. She gave up after a minute. '' How old are you then? ''

'' Ninety-three years old, '' I whispered, sighing again. I still looked at her face, trying to detect a flicker of fear in her eyes. She still didn't seem afraid.

'' Wow, '' she breathed after a moment. '' Are you the oldest? ''

'' No, Carlisle is. ''

'' How old is daddy? ''

'' Three hundered and fifty-one years old.''

Her eyes widened a little. '' Daddy's really old. ''

I chuckled. She didn't seem afraid at all. Just curious and a little overwelmed. She was such a strange little girl.

'' Aren't you afraid, Bella? '' I wanted to make sure nevertheless. I couldn't read her thoughts after all.

'' No, '' she whispered. '' I've told you. You're not scary at all. ''

'' Silly Bella, '' I chuckled again. '' Your best friend is a vampire and you don't even mind. ''

'' Your best friend is human, '' she responded. '' And you don't mind that, do you? ''

'' No, but that's a little different, don't you think? ''

'' No, it's the same thing. Inside we're all the same. '' She smiled at me now.

It was hard to believe I was having this conversation with a six year old girl. She was so mature for her age. It dazzled me. I had never met anyone like her. I liked having a six year old as a best friend. She was still a little girl in a lot of ways. But what I liked most of all was having Bella as a best friend.

She was so pure and good, and brave and smart. Even though I still didn't know why I couldn't hear her thoughts, I suddenly wasn't that bothered by it anymore. Of course, I still wanted to know her thoughts, but I could ask her if I wanted to. I would.

The silence around her wasn't disturbing. It was peaceful. I'd never had any peace. I would hear thoughts around me everywhere I went, but with Bella my mind was finally in peace.

The silence was bliss. But it wasn't just that. It felt nice to have her around. That she lay beside me now staring at the cloudy sky. That we could talk about things, and that she knew me.

And most of all, that she still wanted to be around me, even though she knew what I was. I had never felt a connection like this with anyone, not even with my family, or the rest of my family I should say now. Yes, best friends. Her presence in my life, or rather existence - I didn't truly have a life - was everything beautiful.

I smiled back at her and tapped her nose lightly. '' You're really smart. ''

***********************************************************************************************************

Alice's POV.

The moment the plane had landed in London Esme and I had rushed off to go shopping. Bella didn't have any clothes and we needed to prepare her room.

I already had a million ideas, but we'd decided that her room should be blue. Well, I had decided that, but the others had complete faith in me, or they didn't want to cross me, whichever.

Esme and I had raided every store on the way, buying everything we could think of. I knew Bella worried about us spending a lot of money on her, but she was a Cullen now.

She'd have to get used to it. Once again Harrods proved to be my best friend and I bought most of her clothes and toys there.

The cashier looked a little nonplussed when he saw my acquisitions, but was willing enough when he noticed the shiny creditcards I waved at him. Maybe the time had come for membership cards, or just a picture of me at the entrance. I had no doubt I was their number one customer since we'd moved here.

After Esme and I had emptied half of Harrods and a few other stores we went home. Most of our purchases would be delivered at the house, since we'd bought way too much to carry home ourselves. We did however bring home the paint and a few other things so we could get started.

By the time we arrived at the house, Bella and Edward were in the garden, so we could sneak upstairs without her noticing. I wanted it to be a surprise.

We could all hear their soft conversation in the garden. I knew Edward was still worried about frightening her, but there was no need. I had already seen the outcome of all these conversations and we had nothing to worry about. Bella was much braver than he gave her credit for. And besides that, she loved him. She loved all of us. Just as we loved her. Edward may not know it yet, but their love would blossom over the years. I couldn't wait to see everything with my own eyes. Not just in my visions... But I shouldn't think about that. Edward could still hear my thoughts, even though he was all the way in the garden. I doubted he was paying attention to anything but Bella at the moment, but it was better not to take any risks. He already suspected we were hiding something from him. Luckily Rose had distracted Emmett just in time. He was hopeless when it came to these sort of things.

Esme and I had painted the whole room in no time. Bella wasn't watching us right now, so we could move at vampire speed. We'd have to show her soon, though. It wouldn't do to move around like a turtle for the next god knows how many years.

At that moment I saw that Bella's other stuff would be delivered in fifteen minutes. We needed her to get out of the house for a little bit. She had sharp eyes and I didn't want to ruin my surprise.

'' Rose? '' I called at normal volume. Bella wouldn't be able to hear us like that.

Rose entered the room in less than a second.

'' Can you make sure Bella is not around for a while? We don't want her to see all the things we bought for her. They'll be here in fifteen minutes. ''

'' Sure, no problem, '' she said, smiling. '' I'll go see if she wants to go to the park. It won't rain today? ''

'' Nope, '' I answered. '' Nice and cloudy, but no rain. ''

Rose smiled again and left. Perfect. They would keep Bella occupied for an hour or two, and that was all we needed.

I heard their conversation downstairs. Emmett and Jazz decided to go to the park with them as well. I was grateful Edward and Rose were there to keep an eye on her. I didn't know what those two were up to, but Bella still needed to take things slow and be careful. Carlisle had drifted off to his office and was reading a book. He knew better than to get in our way when we were in full renovation-mode.

Esme and I busied ourselves with decorating Bella's room. We had bought so much stuff for her. Thank god she had a large room.

'' Are you sure about this, Alice? '' Esme asked, placing the rocking chair I'd bought for Bella in the corner I had pointed at.

'' Positive, '' I said, grinning. '' Edward will be in here anyway, we might as well give him a chair. '' It wouldn't make much of a difference - vampires didn't get tired, even standing for hours at a time wouldn't make a difference - but the rocking chair seemed fitting somehow. It blended in nicely with the rest of her new furniture.

'' I'm so happy Edward has found someone at last, '' Esme sighed, placing the last books we'd bought for her in her new bookcase. '' Even though they're not quite there yet. ''

I smiled at Esme. She and Carlisle had already accepted that future, indeed they were happy about it. Rose on the other hand had more trouble accepting , she didn't need to worry about that now. For now, Bella was still her little girl and she would have plenty of time with her. Her overprotective nature would definitely kick in the moment Edward and Bella would start dating. I entertained myself for a minute, picturing how Rose would probably want to tear Edward's head off every time he would touch her.

Poor Edward. Thank god he was still unaware of that future. His reaction to that piece of news was not something I was looking forward to.

Yes, Bella had definitely changed our lives for the better.

Even though I had already seen what she would look like in ten years, I still couldn't wait to see it with my own eyes. Even though she was already beautiful, it was nothing compared to what she would look like in ten years. She would have a hard time fighting off all the boys. I had to laugh at the thought. Edward would probably go berserk. No to mention Em and Jazz.

I couldn't wait to see how they would handle it when their baby sister started gaining attention from boys. Yes, definitely something to look forward to.

We were almost finished with her room now. Esme was making her bed - I had bought a set of midnight blue sheets for her and they looked amazing - while I installed her stereo.

I had seen she liked Edward's CD-collection and that she would love to have her own set. I had already seen that she would love her entire room, but that was besides the point. Her real reaction was what mattered. They would be back soon, and I couldn't wait to surprise her.

'' I think we're done, Alice, '' Esme said proudly, smoothing her pillow a second time. '' What do you think? ''

'' Yes. It looks amazing! ''

'' I hope she'll like it, '' Esme mused. She didn't have the advantages I had.

'' Don't worry, Esme, '' I assured her. '' She'll love it! ''

I heard them enter the house a minute later. Right on cue. We hurried out of her room, closing the door behind us, and dashed down the stairs into the livingroom.

Edward was carrying Bella in his arms again and I wanted to rush over to her, but then I spotted her clothes. She was all covered in mud! Oh my...

'' What happened to her? '' I nearly shrieked. I hadn't been paying enough attention to them while they were out, too preoccupied with finishing her room in time.

Jazz smiled a little sheepishly. I recognized that face. It was his oops-I'm-guilty face. Before I could do more than glare at the man of my dreams, Emmett started laughing.

'' Well, Bella couldn't go rolling in the mud, so we brought the mud to her! '' He laughed again, tousling her hair. She glared at him for a moment and tried to smooth it back. Quite unsuccessfully since every inch of her was covered in mud.

'' And where were you two when this was going on? '' I fumed, glaring at Edward and Rose.

'' She was fine. They were being careful with her and she had a great time, '' Edward shrugged.

'' Careful? '' I growled. '' What are you talking about? Look at that outfit! It's ruined and I only just bought it! ''

'' It's not like you were planning to let her wear it again, '' Rose said, also shrugging. '' You'd never let us wear the same outfit twice. ''

'' That's not the point! ''

'' Are you mad, Alice? '' Bella suddenly asked.

'' Yes! '' I huffed, crossing my arms angrily.

'' I'm sorry, '' she mumbled quietly, looking down.

'' I'm not mad at you, Bella, '' I said quickly, trying to sound calmer, but not quit managing. '' I'm mad at your brothers! ''

'' Awh, Alice, '' Emmett said, still grinning. '' She had a great time. ''

I glared at Jazz now. That was a little more difficult. I could never stay mad at him for long. He gave me a pleading look and I narrowed my eyes a little, but my anger was already ebbing away.

'' Well, '' I growled. '' We'll have to get her in the shower first. She looks terrible. ''

I walked over to Edward and took Bella out of his arms. He handed her to me without complaint. He knew I had no patience for his nonsense right now.

'' That means your surprise will have to wait, '' I told her, walking away from the boys and up the stairs. I heard that Rose followed us.

'' Surprise? '' Bella asked, frowning a little.

'' Uhu. ''

'' What kind of surprise? ''

'' If I tell you, it's not a surprise anymore. ''

Rose opened the bathroom door and turned on the shower. I pulled the clothes carefully over her head and threw them in the corner without looking at them.

I grabbed two plastic bags and put them on her arm and leg, so her casts wouldn't get wet in the shower. I put her on a chair and started scrubbing every inch of her. Her other arm and leg, her face, her neck. Her ears? Seriously? Had they buried her in the mud? Thank god the casts were still clean somehow.

I worked over her while Rose washed her hair. I had bought shampoo and bath salt and other things. She wouldn't be able to take a bath until her casts were off, but that would be in three weeks. I had bought different kinds of shampoo, since I didn't really know what she liked. Rose had grabbed the strawberry-scented shampoo and Bella seemed to like it. I left the bathroom to grab some new clothes for her while Rose dried her off.

After she was clean and dressed again we braided her hair and took her down into the livingroom again. Everyone was waiting for her.

'' Edward, '' she said the moment he came into view, stretching her arms out toward him. Of course she wants Edward, I thought before I was able to stop myself. Edward frowned at me, but walked over and took her out of my arms without saying anything.

He wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head again.

'' Are you hungry, sweetheart? '' Esme asked, stopping beside Edward and caressing her cheek. Bella merely nodded, blushing slightly. It was almost time for lunch anyway, so I wasn't that surprised she was hungry. I still had a little trouble remembering the amount of times that humans needed to eat.

Esme and I had stocked the refrigerator this morning as well. Esme, not really knowing what Bella would like, had bought enough food to feed an entire army for a year.

'' What would you like, honey? '' Esme asked, smiling down at her.

Bella scrunched her face up in concentration for a minute and we all laughed at that. She was so adorable. '' More doughnuts? '' she asked hopefully.

I heard Rose clear her throat loudly behind me and Bella looked at her. '' A sandwich first? '' she added quietly, smiling a little.

Rose tried not to laugh at the innocent smile on Bella's face. '' And? '' she said, not as stern as she'd meant to sound.

'' No feeding Emmett? '' she said in her sweet voice.

Emmett made a face at the memory and the rest of us laughed again.

'' Well, that too, '' Rose said, still giggling. '' And a glass of milk. ''

'' Okay, '' Bella agreed easily.

Esme left to make her some lunch and the rest of us went to sit on the couch. Edward placed Bella on his lap again and the rest of us crowded around her.

Carlisle walked into the livingroom at that moment and smiled. '' How do you like London so far, Bella? '' he asked, sitting down on one of the chairs.

'' We went to the park, '' Bella announced proudly. '' And then Alice got mad because Jasper and Emmett got mud all over my clothes. ''

I grumbled again, trying not to think about the ruined outfit upstairs. Thank god I had bought her some new clothes this morning.

Emmett and Jazz were laughing again, telling jokes and making funny faces. Bella giggled non-stop and squirmed around on Edward's lap, trying to get away from Emmett who'd started tickling her. '' Little monster! '' he growled, tickling her until she was gasping for air.

'' Em, I'm dying here, '' Jasper said after a moment, laughing almost as hard as Bella.

Esme walked into the livingroom again with Bella's sandwich and a glass of milk. '' There you go, honey. ''

Bella gulped down her milk between hiccups and giggled into her glass every now and then. We all watched while she ate. It didn't really matter what she was doing, she always had our full attention. I wanted to show Bella her new room and was bouncing in my seat, waiting for her to be finished with her sandwich.

The moment she swallowed her last bite I jumped up from the couch. '' Do you want to see your surprise now, Bella? '' I couldn't wait to show her. She frowned a little and looked down at the cast on her arm again. '' You'll love it! '' I promised.

She nodded her head after a couple of seconds and I lifted her up into my arms. I ran up the stairs as fast as I could without using vampire speed. I heard the others behind me.

I stopped in front her bedroom door and looked at her. '' Are you ready? '' I asked, nearly breaking the door down in my enthusiasm.

Bella looked a little anxious, but nodded again.

'' Alright! '' I said. '' One... two... three! '' I nearly shouted the last word, and dashed into her bedroom. '' Surprise! ''

Bella gasped and looked around the room with wide eyes. I heard the others follow in behind me and gasp as well. Everyone minus Esme and Edward. Edward had already seen the room in our heads of course, and wasn't surprised anymore.

'' This is my new room? '' Bella whispered after a couple of seconds, eyes still wide.

'' Yes! Do you like it? ''

Bella nodded her head slowly and then smiled at me. '' Yes. Thank you. '' She blushed a little.

I had already seen her reaction of course, but this was so much better. I had been a little amazed at her maturity. She didn't scream or yell at all, but I knew she loved her room nevertheless. Her maturity had amazed me before. When we'd told her about her parents, when we'd told her we were a family of vampires. She never reacted like a normal six year old.

It made her all the more special. She never threw any tantrums. I had a feeling that would change in a few years when she would hit puberty. Yes, I had no doubt she would make up for it later.

'' Look Bella, '' I said. '' That's your new bed, and those are your news books. '' I pointed at all the things in her room. '' That's your new stereo, so you can listen to music any time you want. '' She looked over at Edward now and he smiled at her.

'' And in that corner are all your new toys, '' I finished. She looked at me in surprise.

'' Toys? '' she said, a twinkle in her eyes. I laughed at that. '' They're all for me? ''

'' Of course, Bella. '' She smiled brightly and I kissed her forehead.

'' Can I play with them now? ''

'' Hell yeah! '' Emmett suddenly boomed, rushing over to me and lifting her out of my arms. Bella squealed in surprise and laughed. '' Let's go play with those toys, squirt! ''

He ran across her room and put her down on one of the pillows Esme had laid there. Jazz joined them as well, a big smile on his face.

Leave it to her big brothers to test the new toys. Bella laughed non-stop while Em and Jazz searched for every toy they could find and played several silly games with her.

The rest of us watched the miracle in front us, smiling and laughing everytime Bella squealed. This was the scene I had seen in my vision a couple of days ago in the hospital. I had no doubt.

Everything had been so different a couple of days ago. So much uncertainties and discussions. But Bella was definitely ours now and nobody would ever take her away. None of us would let that happen.

Oh! I suddenly remembered something. The rocking chair is yours, Edward. I tried to surpress a giggle. He frowned at me when he heard my thoughts. I thought you might like a chair, since you'll be in here all the time. Watching Bella.

His eyes narrowed a little for a small second, but then a smile spread across his face. I was happy that Edward had accepted the fact that Bella would be living with us. He had been fighting a losing Bella anyway, and I knew he wanted her around just as much as the rest of us.

Well, probably even more, but I shouldn't think about that now.

I tried to steer my thoughts into safe waters again and focussed once more on Bella and her new toys.

Alright I really hope you all liked this chapter! Please let me know! Don't forget to review! The next chapter will be more Bella. She will discover more things... Bella's birthday is also coming up! Will they go overboard? What do you think? Let me know!
Thanks again for reading and I'll update the next chapter as soon as I can!