As always, thanks to wandb, Emily Bowden, and Nel for their hand holding, snot wiping help. They're my GIRLS! Don't forget to check out the A/N below and the recs I post, mkay?
Alright! It's really late, I'm really mad at for all the freaking trouble, and I'M REALLY EXCITED for you to read this chapter! So, let's get on with it, shall we?
Bella, safe on Esme's lap, and engulged in her mothering arms, shook her head. "You've already told me. You lied to them. You told them you didn't love me anymore. What else is there to say?"
Edward hung his head and ran his hand forcefully through his hair. "That's not quite how it went."
Bella sat up a bit, still leaning on Esme for support. "Okay."
"After I came home from your house the night of the party, we...talked." He laughed - and realizing he was the only one, stopped abruptly and continued with a solemn face. "We argued, fought, and screamed at each other until I finally convinced them we were keeping you from your life, a human life, and that it would be best for you if we left. You need to know you were valiantly championed by everyone."
Edward watched as Esme kissed Bella lightly on the temple, confirming his statement. Esme then turned from Bella, giving Edward an approving nod to continue.
"In the end, I did something despicable. I asked them to do for me what I'd done for them time and time again. I made it impossible for them to say no. I asked them to leave, no questions asked." Edward hung his head again but continued. "And they did."
Alice stared hard at Edward, though a smile graced her features. Her wicked grin surprised him...he hadn't seen it in so long. It was that look that told him she'd been keeping secrets again. He raised his eyebrow at her, and as soon as he saw the vision she released to him, he chuckled and nodded.
"Alice knew, Bella. She knew everything I'd said, everything I'd done, but she didn't say anything...I asked her not to. She did it for me." Edward looked up and met Alice's eyes. "I'm sorry. I had no right to ask you. I owe you so much more than an apology can convey."
Alice sighed wearily, only nodding, and Jasper pulled her close. Before burying her head in his shoulder, she squeaked, "I love you, Edward."
Edward nodded and looked back at Bella. "Please don't be too hard on them. I..." he stumbled, lost his nerve, but finally, with the projected encouragement of his family echoing in his head, continued. "I told them you understood after our talk in the woods. They never knew what I said. They thought you were amicable to the whole thing."
Bella gasped, her face flushing in embarrassment. She wanted to run, to hide...the things she'd said to them earlier turned her stomach. She could see now that her anger, however real to her, was out of context. With what Edward had just confessed, the entire situation became crystal clear. Jasper's comment in the video store, Alice's sadness, and even Rose's defense of Emmett slapped her in the face.
Edward glanced at Jasper, and hearing his thoughts, strode over to Bella and knelt down beside her. "Please, don't be embarrassed. You had no way of knowing. This is my fault. Don't take my blame."
Bella started to speak, but Edward placed a finger to her lips and shook his head. "Give me a few more minutes, please."
She nodded, and he stood back up. Looking each of his family members in the eyes, he tried to convey to them how much they meant to him, how important they were, and after he felt a modicum of success, he caught Carlisle's attention. "I haven't been worthy of this family's name as of late. The trust you put in me, I used it to manipulate you instead of trusting you for guidance...as you did me at one time. I'm sorry, Carlisle. I'm sorry to all of you."
Instead of speaking out loud, the family conveyed their acceptance of his apology through their thoughts. Edward nearly crumpled under the weight of their heartfelt words. He felt it was more than he deserved, but he was thankful.
"Can we have a moment alone, please?" Bella asked. Edward had been so overwhelmed he'd momentarily forgotten the reason he was making his speech to begin with. His stomach dropped at her words, and he didn't dare lift his head for fear of what her face might tell him. He looked into Alice's mind, unsurprised to find her methodically repeating Prince lyrics in her head. He hoped the day would come when she didn't withhold things from him as much.
Everyone exited, and he heard Bella's delicate footsteps approach and stop in front of him. This time, she placed her finger lightly under his chin and willed his face upward from the floor. Still afraid, he closed his eyes. Bella's laugh surprised him.
"Edward, open your eyes," she chided.
Still not trusting things, he childishly peeked out of one eye. Bella's smile was shy, but sincere, so he opened both eyes and grinned. "Hi."
"Hey," she almost whispered. Nervously, she straightened the collar on his shirt and smoothed out the front. She gathered her thoughts as she fidgeted with every wrinkle and ever crease. Edward didn't say a word, didn't try to stop her, and when she was finally satisfied, she looked him in the eye. "How do you feel?"
Edward laughed. "About my shirt or the other things?"
Her fake pout put him back on subject. "I'm humbled. They're far too gracious. It shouldn't be that easy. I feel like I should...I don't know, be punished? I know that sounds ridiculous."
Bella shook her head. "No, I understand. What you did took a lot. I'm proud of you."
"You deserve nothing less. So do they. It's hard, apologizing, but it feels good, like a weight off my shoulders." Edward shrugged, but reached out and grabbed her hand, willing her to look up. "Can you forgive me, Bella?"
"I'm trying, Edward. It's not something I can just decide. This – today – really helped." Bella dropped her head and stared at their intertwined fingers. "You've changed."
"I'm trying, too." Edward caressed her knuckles with his thumb.
Bella finally looked up and, with resolve in her voice, made Edward a solemn promise. "I won't live in the past. Things will never change if I do. I can't promise anything except that."
He stepped closer, pulling her to him. Bella blushed and Edward cocked a grin. "That's enough...for now."
Bella, finally finding her voice again, asked quietly. "What did Alice show you?"
Edward raised his eyebrow. "What makes you think she showed me something?"
Bella stuttered to find an answer, but Edward just laughed, tracing the line of her jaw. Moving his lips over hers, he looked her in the eye. "She showed me this."
Then, he kissed her. He savored the taste of her, sucking in her surprised gasp, and then her moan. He caressed her lips with his, lovingly, then darted his tongue against hers, questioning, asking for permission. She leaned into him, and he wrapped her in his embrace, exploring her mouth fully as she opened up to him. He reached up and touched her face, pulled his lips away from hers and kissed her nose, her cheek, and inhaled her scent.
"So...Bella, you're so..." Edward savored her panting breath and snaked his hands down to her waist pulling her against his body, making sure she knew what she did to him. Her head tilted back and he kissed her neck, watching her skin pimple and feeling her shudder in his arms. He rested his forehead against her shoulder and breathed her in, letting them both cool down. Bella leaned her cheek against his head, running her hand up his taut back. He purred and she laughed, but he didn't care. She felt too good.
After a few moments, they separated. Bella grabbed his hand, though, and held it tight. Edward smiled, glancing at their laced fingers, and tugged her towards the living room. The family leisurely strolled back in, beaming, and Bella hid her face in Edward's shoulder. They all laughed at her shyness, and Edward just kissed her head.
Conversation flowed easily, and though Bella tried several times to apologize, none of them would hear it at all. Finally, she got the point and stopped trying, relaxing into the atmosphere around her. When she yawned, Edward whispered in her ear that it was almost time for her to be home. Bella nodded, telling everyone goodnight.
As she and Edward got up to leave, Rose stood as well. Bella dropped Edward's hand and stepped up to her. Bella kept her eyes downcast. "Look, Rosalie, I'm..."
Before she knew it, she was enveloped in a fierce hug. Bella embraced her back, hesitantly, until she was released.
Holding her by her forearms away from her body, Rose made sure Bella was looking at her. "Thank you, Bella."
Bella nodded, tears brimming, as Rose kissed her cheek and released her.
The ride home was wrought with shy glances and small talk. They both felt light, carefree, and it suited them. When they pulled into Bella's driveway, Edward stepped out and walked around to open Bella's door. Before he could get there, though, a very angry Charlie stormed out the door.
"Where have you been? Where's your cell phone, Bella? I've been trying to call you for hours! What's the damn thing for, anyways?" he ranted, walking towards them.
Seeing Charlie's scowl, Bella grabbed the handle and pushed her own door open with a jerk. "What are you talking about, Charlie? You knew where I was, didn't you? I'm home before your curfew, am I not? What more do you want from me!"
Edward moved to her side. "Bella, I don't think..."
She and Charlie both glared at him, sending a clear message not to butt in.
"Don't even take that tone with me, young lady," Charlie threatened.
"I'm not taking a tone with you! You're the one that ran out here and started yelling at me!" Bella threw her hands up at Charlie's advance. Bella, tired and spent, thought for a second about going toe to toe with Charlie Swan. She had been accommodating, understanding, and she certainly didn't deserve to be treated like this, especially by him. She looked deep in his eyes, but instead of finding anger and fury, she saw worry and fear.
Charlie stared at his only daughter, counting her fingers and praying her toes were intact as well, and wanted so badly to pull her to him. But he...Edward was by her side. He couldn't say he was all that happy about it, but he couldn't stop it, either. He didn't back down from Bella, but stared at her, cautious and relieved...more relieved.
Bella felt him relax minutely, finding something in her he needed, so she held up her hands. "Look, I don't want to argue with you, please, Charlie. Did you need something?"
Charlie, hearing the resignation in Bella's voice, turned away. He cursed under his breath and rubbed the back of his neck. "Christ, Bells. I'm sorry. I just wanted...I needed to hear your voice. They found a girl murdered out behind Mill Creek. I got the call earlier this evening. She was cut up pretty bad, but her hair...shit...she looked just like you."
Charlie remembered his crippling fear that it was Bella. He could barely walk up on the body, seeing the hair...the shoes...and he shivered at the memory.
Edward stiffened beside Bella, seeing the flash of images in Charlie's mind. He longed to pull Bella to him, to run away with her...far away where he'd never have to face the possibility of seeing her actually like that. But he held his place as Charlie composed himself. Bella stood beside him, without reaction, which was unlike her.
"I'm sorry, Dad. I wasn't ignoring you. My phone was probably on silent during dinner, and I didn't change it back." Bella's face gave away nothing.
Charlie sighed. "Nah, don't worry about it, kid. This is my fault." He turned toward Edward and held out his hand. "Good to see you, Son. Sorry about that."
Edward shook his hand. "No need to apologize, Chief. I should have given you our home number just in case."
Charlie waved him off and wearily walked back into the house.
Bella looked at Edward. "I should go in."
"Bella, you need to know that was..."
"Don't. Not right now, Edward. I know who it was. Just...can we talk about it tomorrow? Today has been too good." Bella sighed and tried to stop the shaking in her hand but smiled despite her panic.
Between her shaking and her increasingly elevated heart rate, Edward said nothing, but stared tight-lipped. "We can't let this go for long."
Bella closed her eyes and spoke. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but take care of it. I'm just...I can't take anymore right now. We'll talk about it later, and you can tell me. Right now, I just want to sleep."
Edward smiled, though it lacked feeling. He smoothed the hair from her face and nodded. As he bent down to kiss her forehead he whispered. "I'll be back in a few hours."
She nodded and turned to go inside.
Edward watched her walk in, hands around her torso, without so much as a backwards glance. He told himself not to take it personal. With their new found honesty, he was sure she'd have said something if she was upset with him. At least he hoped she would. He second guessed every word, every action that evening, castigating himself for moving in too fast...maybe the kiss was too much too soon. Maybe she was having second thoughts. Maybe...
His pocket vibrated, and he rolled his eyes, fishing it out.
Stop over-thinking things and come home. We need to talk. ~Alice.
Edward shoved it back into his pants, in more ways than one, and sped home.
*WiITY*
Carlisle was talking quietly on the phone when Edward returned. Edward caught the tail end of a conversation about help, and heard the rest through his thoughts.
When Carlisle hung up, he turned to Edward. "They said they'd come. They'll be here by morning."
Edward cringed. "She's happy about that."
Carlisle laughed. "Of course she is. Tanya is a...persistent woman. I've done all I can, though. I explained the situation we've found ourselves in, that Bella is your mate, and asked Eleazar to tell everyone to tread lightly as they will be the first vampires besides us – not counting James' coven – she's ever met."
Edward nodded and took his place on the sofa. He scoured his family's thoughts for opinions on him and Bella, but they all seemed to be preoccupied with the current situation. Trying to calm his nerves, he watched Alice sift through her visions. She growled in frustration as large black chunks ran in and out of Victoria's decisions, and in the end, she had nothing more concrete than she was traveling with Laurent and another companion, and they were not staying in Forks.
"Stupid dogs," Alice muttered before proceeding to tell the family what Edward had already seen.
Just then, Jasper and Emmett came through the door, dusting themselves off outside the door. Esme eyed them approvingly, and they smiled. Rose and Alice both rushed to them, pulling them into embraces.
"What did you find?" Carlisle asked.
Jasper shook his head. "Not much, but we confirmed it was Victoria. We have the scent of her new sidekick as well, so he shouldn't be hard to track."
Edward saw the vision clearly in their minds, much clearer than in Charlie's, and groaned, leaning back his head. She was the spitting image of Bella. Her body was mangled beyond repair, and both Jasper and Emmett were sure it was a vampire attack.
Esme, obviously upset, looked to Emmett. "Did she...did she look like Isabella?"
Emmett just nodded, and Esme clasped her hands in front of her chest.
Carlisle motioned for the boys to sit. "Eleazar said the family would be happy to help any way they can. I explained that we wanted to start hunting as soon as possible, so they'll be here in the morning. Alice, can you see how we should proceed?"
Alice shook her head. "With the dogs involved, there are just too many holes. I do know I can't see Jasper, Edward or myself on the hunt this weekend, though. Edward? Care to explain?"
Edward piped up. "That's because we'll be taking Bella on a double date this weekend in Seattle."
Alice nodded and hugged Jasper. "This is going to be so fun! If you don't screw it up, Edward, and tell her the rest of the family is hunting while we're gone, she'll actually have fun too!"
Edward rolled his eyes. "Alice. Stop looking, please. I need to learn my own lessons. And I would have figured that out on my own, thank you."
"Sure you would have, Edward." Alice giggled. "I'm so excited for Bella's gift! You'll bring it to her tonight, alright? I have it all ready!"
Without needing verbal confirmation from Edward, Alice zipped upstairs and came down with a purple silk pouch. She handed it to Edward, reminding him through her thoughts to be careful with it. Edward nodded and looked around, making sure he wasn't needed.
As he made his way out the back door, he heard Carlisle. "Make sure to bring Bella by in the morning. I'd like for the Denalis to meet our daughter."
Edward chuckled, realizing that even though Bella was his, she was so much theirs as well. That thought comforted him in ways he didn't understand, and the run to her home seemed like the shortest expansion of time ever.
Her window was open, and he easily made his way inside. Setting Alice's small pouch on the desk, he walked over to her bed, staring down at the moonlight playing on her face. Her heart rate was elevated, but not to the point of concern, so Edward just bent down and smoothed his hand over her hair. He noticed she'd fisted the edge of her pillow, pulling it close to her. As soon as he touched her, she became agitated and shook her head. He spoke comforting words to her, assuring her she was all right, that he was here, but she kept mumbling the word "No."
Her breathing came in pantsm and her heart rate increased; panic was taking her over as he watched. He tried speaking, rubbing her arm, her back, and even lying next to her, but nothing helped.
Her mumbles became shouts, tears overflowing in her eyes, until she was screaming. "NO! Edward! EDWARD! Please, not him! EDWARD! Don't leave me!"
Edward heard Charlie's mind wake before he heard the thunder of his running footsteps. He backed into the open closet just as Bella's door burst open. Charlie immediately tried to wake her, touching her face and moving the matted hair, wet with sweat and tears, out of her eyes.
"Hey, baby. Come on, you're all right. Bella," Charlie called. The more he talked, the more even her breathing became, and crying turned to sniffling, and finally Charlie smiled. "There's those beautiful brown eyes."
Edward turned his eyes upward and thanked whoever was listening. Charlie stayed with her until she closed her eyes, and kissing her forehead, he went back to bed. Edward pulled himself out of the shadows and took a seat in the rocking chair across from her bed. He tried to rub the tension off his face with a long, slow swipe, but it didn't work.
"Edward?" Bella called. He was out of the chair and next to her bed before his name left her lips. She reached out and touched his hand, pulling it to her chest, as tears started brimming again. "Will things ever be normal?"
Edward closed his eyes and sighed, shaking his head. It was no use lying to her. Even without the threat of Victoria, their next hurdle would be her change, which entailed leaving her family behind, then her newborn years...no, he couldn't say they'd ever be normal.
When he opened his eyes, her face broke his heart. Pushing her lightly to the other side of the bed, he slid in beside her and pulled her to his chest. She was mumbling into his shirt, and even with his impeccable hearing, he couldn't understand a word she said. He lifted her chin out of his chest. "What are you mumbling about, hmm?"
The corners of her mouth turned down. "Nothing. I just want things to be normal again."
Edward smiled. "Tell me what you were babbling about, please?"
"Promise you won't laugh?" Bella asked. Edward nodded. "I was saying how I wished we could be a normal couple, with dates and mishaps like spilling food, or meeting parents. I always wanted to share a banana split with you. I wanted to see you gulp when you met Renee. I...you're laughing!"
Edward couldn't help himself. He began snickering when she mentioned mishaps. His mind was imagining all the human mishaps they'd have together. "I'm not laughing at you. I'm wondering what we'd be like if we were both human. I think...I can imagine I was a clumsy teenager. At my height, it wouldn't have been uncommon."
At that, Bella began to laugh as well. Two uncoordinated people would have definitely been a problem. Lost in their own fantasies, they let moments pass before either spoke.
"Is that what you want?" Edward asked, the smile gone from his face.
Bella pulled closer to Edward. "No. If it couldn't be you, then no. I just want you."
The night settled over them both, content in each other's arms, and Edward felt Bella's body slip into sleep. He traced the lines of her form, reveling in her smoothness, her beauty, until the morning rays broke through the window.
When her eyes fluttered open, Bella smiled at the fact he'd stayed. "Hi."
"Hey, yourself." Edward leaned in to kiss her lips, but Bella placed her hand in front of her mouth and shook her head. He pouted but relented to only kissing her forehead before she bounded out of bed and off to the bathroom. After a brief conversation with Charlie, Bella was back and snuggled into his arms again.
He kissed her properly on the lips, letting his hands roam down her back, up her sides, all the while exploring her mouth with his. She pressed hard against him, her thin cotton tank top the only thing between his hands and her skin.
He pulled back, not wanting to push her after last night. "Bella, we need to..." Before he could finish his thought, she squirmed and huffed, as if she weren't finished, and pulled him closer. Edward's lust flared, and he snaked his hand up the front of her shirt.
He quickly looked at her face, fearing he'd gone too far, but when he saw her eyes hooded with the same lust that fueled him, he continued to move his flattened hand over her bare stomach, across her ribcage, until his thumb grazed the underside of her bare breast.
Bella gasped as his cool fingers scathed the heat of her chest. She ground her hips into his, only encouraged when she found he was hard...very hard. Edward moaned but kept a steady motion of just brushing his finger along the underside, never moving up where she felt she needed him...where she ached for him. His mouth was unforgiving, relentless, as it nipped and sucked at hers. The shyness Edward once let rule him was gone and replaced by need.
Edward felt Bella shudder as he finally moved his hand higher, making soft circles around her areola. Her nipple pinched up at his touch, her gasps turning to moans, then to whimpers as he began to swipe his thumb over the taunt bud. He felt her hips buck, her thighs mash together, and in an attempt to alleviate her suffering, he thrust his thigh between her legs. As soon as she felt the friction, her body took over and, with eyes closed in ecstasy, she moved against him.
Edward began to roll her nipple between his thumb and forefingers, pressing his lips against hers to keep her from crying out. His free hand settled at the small of her back, encouraging her movements. He rolled them both over a bit, forcing her into his arms more and increasing the contact Bella had with his thigh. The first time he pinched her nipple, she shook so hard, had Edward not known better, he'd have thought she'd had an orgasm. But he knew better and kept on driving her.
Removing his mouth from hers, he leaned close to her ear. "That's it, Bella. God, you look so beautiful. Let it go. I want to see you come."
Edward pinched her nipples, tugging, hearing her breathing become labored, and smelling her arousal thick around them. Finally, in a gust of quiet release, Bella came. She threaded her fingers through his hair, and had he been human, she would have most certainly taken some with her. Long after the rush, her hips kept thrusting, seeking friction in the aftermath, until she finally stilled. Sated and heavy lidded, she slumped against Edward.
It only took a moment, though, before the lustful fog in her brain cleared, and her heart began to race for an entirely different reason. She pushed off him, rolling to the side, feeling the clenching in her belly as her knees came together. His arms tried to hold her to the bed, closer to him, but she moved away.
"Bella." Edward reached for her, his own fear blooming in his brain. He cursed low; it was too soon. He knew he should have stopped. Edward feared he'd pushed her away. "Bella, don't do this."
Her back to Edward, she sat up shaking her head. "I shouldn't have...I'm sorry. I...it was a mistake. God...fuck."
Edward sat up and crawled behind her, straddling her body and pulling her back into his chest. He kissed her bare shoulder. "Why was it a mistake?"
She resisted, trying to deter his affection. "Because! You...that was never what you wanted, right? You always said no. I guess you think I'm a..."
Edward growled behind her, keeping his voice low. "Don't even finish that sentence, Isabella Swan. I've never had, nor will I ever have, that thought about you. That? That was sensual, erotic, amazing in every way."
"I don't understand. You never...before, you didn't even want to get near me like that." Bella shook her head. "I thought you didn't want me."
Edward moved from behind her and stood. Crouching down in front of her, he took her hand. "I'm so sorry for that. I never meant to make you feel that way. I was...scared, stupid, whatever you want to call it. It was never because I didn't want you. Maybe it scared me how much I did want you."
Hearing him open up, Bella began to relax, that was, until she looked down and gasped "Edward! Your pants!"
Edward looked down, and on his thigh was a large wet spot. He laughed, but when he looked up, Bella was utterly mortified. She hid her hands in her face, but he was quick to pry them down.
"Hey, don't do that," he urged, laughing a bit. "It's all right. We'll figure it out, okay? Actually, it's kind of hot."
He kissed her, trying to erase every last doubt in her mind. He laced his hand into her hair until she pulled back and whispered. "You...did you? I mean, should I...do something for you?
Edward laughed, this time a bit too loud and kissed her nose. "No, love, you don't. Just seeing you was...everything. Besides, we need to get up. They're expecting us this morning."
"Who?"
"My family." He gave her time to process his answer before he continued. "Do you want to talk about this now or after you've showered?"
She smiled, still a bit flustered. "Shower."
Bella stood and walked out the door, and Edward heard his phone buzz.
There are clothes by the tree. You're a perv, but I love you. ~Alice
Edward chuckled and quickly changed before Bella came back.
After her shower, she walked to the closet to pick out clothes when she spotted the velvet bag. Picking it up, she looked back at Edward and raised her eyebrow. He laughed and shook his head. She opened the draw string carefully and poured out a cube type object, light but sturdy. The designs were intricate, as well as the folding, and the edges were decorated in small detailed filigree. It looked like four little connected pope hats.
Bella looked back at the purple velvet sack and grabbed the note that hung there.
Bella,
This is an ancient origami Fortune Teller. All your answers can be found within...if you have the courage to ask! Now, you'll be like me! But you don't have to consult the Fortune Teller to know your long term future. You're with us. It's certain. I love you, Bella, and thank you for loving me...us...as much as you do.
Your Sister,
Alice.
Bella turned to Edward smiling and held out the paper puzzle. Edward showed her how to put her fingers in and move it around. Bella laughed, and handed it to him.
"Let's test it out." Edward put it on his fingers and held it out to her. "Alright, think of a question, and then pick a color."
Bella thought hard and formed a question in her head. Once she was set, she picked a color. "Pink."
Edward smiled. "P. I. N. K. Now, pick a number."
Bella looked down at the toy and pointed to a number. "Six."
Edward moved the paper six times. "Pick another number."
Bella laughed and chose again. "Four."
Edward pulled it off his fingers and opened the flap over the number four. "Your answer is, 'It's as certain as the sunrise'."
Bella smiled and kissed Edward on the cheek.
"What did you ask?" Edward touched his cheek and looked at Bella.
Bella turned, picked out a comfy pair of jeans and a t-shirt, and just before she left to change, she turned to Edward. "I asked if I'd be with you forever."
*WiITY*
On the ride over, Edward explained that they'd asked for the Denali's help hunting Victoria, and that they had arrived this morning. Bella took the news well, asking a lot of questions about the Denali's. Edward explained their clan, naming each person and explaining their relation. It didn't take long for Bella to catch on. Almost.
"Bella, there's one member who I have a hard time explaining." Edward grabbed her hand and continued. "Please listen to me and trust that I'm telling you the truth, all right?"
Bella nodded.
"Her name is Tanya, and she's been attracted to me for as long as I've known her." Bella squeezed his hand, but he kept going. "I've never felt anything more than a family connection to her, but she's...persistent. Those are Carlisle's words exactly, and I tend to agree. She may be a bit abrasive..."
"...because we're together. I get it. Don't worry, I can handle it." Bella turned and smiled at him, quickly looking back at the road. Edward shook his head. Hopefully, she was right.
When they got close to the Cullens house, Edward stiffened next to Bella, gripping her hand harder. Tanya's thoughts were rampant with jealousy, and he was tempted to have Bella turn the truck around and take them back to her house. However, it was too late for that. Carlisle and Esme were already waiting for them on the porch. They were positively glowing, their thoughts on Bella and how ecstatic they were to finally introduce Bella to their family.
As they stepped out of the truck, Esme and Carlisle both walked to Bella and embraced her. She seemed to accept them well. They pulled her between them as they all walked towards the house. Edward followed along behind, glad when Bella stuck her hand behind her, urging him to grab it. He did and was immediately pulled between his parents and Bella.
The house was bustling with life, conversation, and endearing thoughts of catching up...all except one.
When Emmett saw Bella, he yelled, "Bella Bear!" She was instantly enveloped in a bear hug and spun around in the air. She squealed and Emmett laughed.
Rose slapped him on the arm. "Put her down, you oaf! We have company." Rose smiled and gave Bella a hug, which Bella returned with a smile.
Eleazar and Carmen stepped up to them and Eleazar extended his hand. "You must be the lovely Isabella we've heard so much about. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
Bella took Eleazar's hand and he held it for an extended time. His look was pensive, probing, and Bella began to squirm. "It's Bella. And it's so nice to meet you, as well. You must be Eleazar."
Knocked out of his concentration by her voice, Eleazar smiled softly. "Yes. I apologize for not introducing myself. My, my, Bella. You're a very interesting girl indeed."
Edward shot Carlisle a stern warning, and Carlisle stepped in, grasping the shoulder of his long-time friend. "That's definitely a conversation for much later. Bella - " Carlisle motioned to his left " - this is Carmen, Eleazar's better half."
She laughed, and Bella laughed as well. Her face instantly relaxed, and when Carmen reached out to hug her, she did so without hesitation. "Bella, so true to your name. Let me look at you."
She pulled away and held Bella at arm's length. After a moment, she pulled Edward next to Bella. "Perfecto."
Everyone laughed...well, almost everyone. After the extended introductions, one person remained. As if she knew she was being kept last, Tanya walked right up to Edward and Bella.
"Well, don't keep me waiting, Eddie. Introduce me to your toy here," Tanya spat.
"Tanya," Eleazar chastised.
Tonya rolled her eyes and scoffed. "What? I was being nice!"
Edward nodded his head. "Bella, this is Tanya."
Bella stood for a moment and gave Tanya the once over, head to toe. She then looked at Edward, then back at Tanya, and busted out into a gut wrenching laugh.
Edward stared awkwardly at the situation, not quite understanding what she was laughing at. "Bella?"
Bella, finally getting a hold of herself, and instead of speaking to Tanya, she turned to Edward. "Oh Eddie," she said sarcastically. "You were right about her. She's definitely nothing to worry about."
No one laughed but Tonya. Her eyes softened and she thrust her hand out. "Kind of a little bitch, aren't you? You're awfully sure of yourself. Especially for a human."
Bella took her hand and shook it. "I could say the same about you, well, except the human part. Suffice it to say, you're not the first bitch I've come across."
Tanya laughed. "Well, with that little attitude, at least you'll keep the stick out of Eddie's ass."
The family, realizing the awkwardness was no more, erupted in laughter.
A/N: Woohoo! Smexin is in the future! So, B's getting out of her hurt, and on with her lovin', FINALLY, right? Don't think that things turn around that quickly, though. This wondercouple has their ups and downs. Old wounds have a tendency to not stay closed. But, enjoy the lovin' now!
Again, hit me up, drop me a line, and let me know how you liked it AND I'll tease you when I'm close to posting!
Everyone's looking for a good story to read, so check out my most awesomest friend, wandb, with her story "Confidential" www(dot)fanfiction(dot)net/s/6854722/1/Confidential
And all you writers out there who need banners? Check out Mehek18's blog! It's totally awesome! mehek18(dot)tumblr(dot)com
Well, honies, lovies, lovely ladies, that's all I got to say! Can't wait to hear from you all!
aj