Author's Note: I had this chapter finished about 36 hours ago, but I refrained from posting it because I hadn't put it through the editing and revising stages. I was hoping to get it done with last night and have it posted by around midnight yesterday (or this morning, I guess), but I fell asleep. Then I was hoping to have it posted this morning, but I had to go do things for school and found out that although I have many friends, I have zero of them in many of my classes. That put me in a bad mood, so I sulked for a good chunk of time before getting back to business. As a result, this isn't completely revised to my liking. It's not horrible, though, and I'm actually fairly proud of it. It was tough introducing three new characters at once, but it was also fun having them meet Bella. School starts up again Wednesday, which means that updates may not be as frequent as I'd like them to be. Seeing as how this story was mostly written over the summer, I'm not sure how easy it'll be to fit into my school schedule. Regardless, I hope you enjoy, and I'll try to get Chapter 11 written, revised, and edited as quickly as possible. Thanks for the reviews and for continuing with me, even though I know this story really isn't the best considering it being my first Multi-Chapter fic. I'm glad to know you all haven't given up on my inferior writing skills. Okay, okay, I'll shut up now...
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters; Stephenie Meyer does, although I tweaked their personalities a bit and their genealogy. I don't own Seattle, Washington; the USA does. I don't own the game of Taboo; I believe Hasbro does, but don't quote me on that. However, I do own the plot. So yipee for me!

Game Night

Bella followed Alice's directions, navigating her way around Seattle. She'd only been there once with Charlie when he planned a big father-daughter day. They spent most of their time in the city; they saw a movie, ate a big dinner, and just walked around. They hadn't ventured into the suburbs. Alice pointed to the right, and Bella turned obediently. Jasper sat silently in the passenger seat per usual.

"Stop!" Alice yelled suddenly as they drove down a long street. Bella hit the brakes, and they all shot forward in their seats. Jasper mumbled something that sounded suspiciously like, "Thank God for seat belts."

"What is it?" Bella asked nervously, looking around for any other cars or, God forbid, a police officer. The last thing she needed was a ticket. Alice pointed to the right again.

"There." she said, practically bouncing in her seat. "That's it! That's our house!"

The house Alice spoke of was two levels high and a stark white. It had pretty robin's egg blue shutters and had a lively garden lining the pathway and perimeter of the house. The front door was set back on a pristine wraparound porch. Bella noted a lone rocking chair sitting to the left of the porch. She parked quickly and hopped out of the car, staring up at the large house. It was the all-American home. It was stunning.

Alice skipped up the stone walkway, the widest smile Bella had ever seen lighting up her small face. She paused for a split second to reach down and sniff a patch of vibrant orange tiger lilies before running up the porch and pounding her tiny fists on the front door. Jasper followed, a lazy smile tugging at his lips, and Bella followed suit. Her nerves were rattling around inside of her, and she took deep breaths to calm herself. There was no need to get worked up about anything. Alice had briefed her on her family in the car and told Bella all she needed to know.

The door was pulled open to reveal a tall, broad-shouldered man. He had short, curly black hair, a wide grin, and dimples that gave him a boyish look. Bella had seen on countless movie posters and in the many action flicks Edward had dragged her to see. "Alice!" He shouted happily and grabbed her around the middle, lifting her up in a tight hug. She struggled to get out of his embrace as though she'd rather be anywhere than with him, but her endless giggles proved otherwise. "I've missed you, little one." He said, ruffling her hair. She giggled again.

"I've missed you, too, Em. But can you please let me down?" No one could resist Alice when she pouted.

"Fine." The man – Emmett, Bella realized – said, setting her back down on the porch. "But only 'cause you asked so nicely."

Alice rolled her eyes and gracefully moved out of Jasper's way as he walked inside. Emmett and him did a guy greeting – they hugged and patted each other's backs roughly – and Jasper swept past him and into the house. Emmett gave Bella a curious look, that huge grin still plastered on his face. "And who's this?" He asked, motioning to Bella with his thumb.

Alice rushed to Bella, curled her fingers around the girl's, and pulled her up the stairs to face Emmett. "Em, this is my... my girlfriend, Bella. Bella, this is my sister's action star boyfriend, Emmett McCarty. He's not the brightest crayon in the box, but he's not that bad once you get to know him." Emmett chuckled at the insult and pulled Bella away from Alice and into a bear hug.

"Ali never told me she had a girlfriend or that she was bringing her here." He pulled away, and Bella felt the air rush back into her deprived lungs. Emmett really knew how to give a hug. "But the more, the merrier! Welcome to the family, Bella!" He slung his massive arm around her shoulders and led her to the kitchen.

The first thing Bella registered was the sound of humming. It was soft and sweet and drifting towards them from the bright kitchen. The next thing was the flash of blond hair that rushed past her and crashed into Alice's tiny form. "ALICE!" The blond shouted, rocking from side to side in excitement. "Took you long enough to get here, bitch."

Alice rolled her eyes at the blond and shoved her playfully. "Hush up, Rose. We had some problems along the way. You know that." The blond – who must've been Rosalie – tossed her silky hair over her shoulder and turned to Emmett and Bella. Her violet eyes narrowed into slits as she sized up the shy brunette.

"And you are?" She asked, her voice so frigid that Bella cringed. Her golden hair hung down her back in perfect ringlets. She had curves in all the right places; her physique was one that any woman would be envious. She was tall and statuesque, and Bella immediately understood how she was a model. Not only was she one of the most breathtaking people Bella had ever seen, but her unique iris color made her that much more radiant. It was strange to hear someone so beautiful speak with so much venom in their voice.

"I apologize for Rosalie." Alice cut in, moving to stand beside her sister. "We never could teach her manners. Bella, this is my socially inept sister, Rosalie. Rosalie, this is my girlfriend, Bella."

Rosalie sputtered at the girl, her pretty eyes widening. "G-Girlfriend? Your girlfriend? But you told me yesterday that you didn't have a girlfriend."

Alice shrugged casually. "Things change, Rosie."

There was a sudden crash in the kitchen and all eyes turned to it. "I'll go make sure everything is okay." Emmett offered, peeking around the corner. Both Alice and Rosalie followed his lead. Bella looked around Alice's slight form to see a tiny, thin woman with caramel hair thanking Jasper profusely as he picked up pieces of glass off the tiled floor.

"You really don't have to do that, sweetie. I'm perfectly capable of cleaning up my messes. I'm the one who made it after all." The woman – who Bella could only guess was Esme – said as she wiped her hands on her apron. Jasper waved her off as he continued clearing the mess. She beamed at him. "Thank you, Jasper."

Esme looked up and caught sight of Alice beneath Rosalie's arm. Her smile widened, and she walked around Jasper and the mess of glass to encase her daughter in frail-looking arms. "Oh, Alice." She said, squeezing the girl as tightly as she could. "I've missed you."

Alice smiled as she pulled away from her mother. There was no one else quite like Esme Brandon. From her cooking and her baking to her mothering nature and the look of love that was always present in her hazel eyes, no one could compare.

Alice had been taken by child services from her drug addicted mother at the age of two and was immediately put into foster care. She had been through five houses by the time she was united with Esme. She was four years old and desperately missed her parents, always hoping they'd come and a take her home. But she'd quickly learned that anywhere Esme was was her true home. Screw genealogy; Esme had always been her mother and always would be.

Esme turned to Bella, her smile so warm and welcoming. Alice moved to stand beside Bella, grinning up at the brunette. "Mom, this is Bella, my girlfriend. Bella, this is my mother, Esme." Esme's smile grew even more at Alice's proclamation. Like Emmett, she reached forward and enveloped Bella in a hug; although, Bella could breathe in Esme's embrace.

Esme moved back to get a better look at Bella, though she reached down and gently took Bella's hands in hers. "It's so great to meet you, Bella. Unfortunately, Alice hasn't told us much about you." Esme turned to shoot Alice a reprimanding look, and Alice had the decency to look sheepish for once.

"You know I would've, Mom, but mine and Bella's relationship is new... Brand new, actually. We only met a few days ago." Alice explained, tugging at her short locks.

Rosalie looked between the couple and arched an eyebrow. "So, what? You two talked online and only just met in person?"

Alice coughed. "A week ago, I didn't even know Bella existed. We met after my car broke down. She gave Jazz and I a ride here."

"Your car broke down?" Esme asked, her words coated with concern. "Where is it now?"

Alice shrugged casually, plopping down on one of the kitchen stools. "God only knows. We left it on the side of the highway in Phoenix. It's probably at some dump."

Esme shook her head at her daughter before the girl's words truly registered. "Wait," Esme said, holding up her finger to prevent anyone from moving onto another topic. "You took a ride from a stranger? And you," she turned on Bella, her hands on her hips and her eyebrows stitched together in a straight line. "Bella, you gave a ride to two people you didn't know?"

Bella's face flushed with embarrassment. It wasn't fair that she was being lectured about this again. "They seemed nice enough." She mumbled, her teeth sinking into the soft flesh of her bottom lip. "And there was something about Alice..." Bella smiled shyly at the pixie, who bared her teeth in a happy grin.

Esme sighed in a stern, maternal way, but the smile in her eyes showed them she wasn't angry. She was glad that Alice had found someone. When Alice had first come out, Esme had been supportive. No matter what, she would always be the Alice that she knew and loved. Then Tanya, Alice's first love and first relationship, had come along, crushed her heart, and left. Esme was worried about Alice; she'd been so different and secluded for a few months after that. But now she was Alice; now she was whole again. Esme knew that she had Bella to partially thank for that.

"So," Emmett said, breaking the silence with his boisterous voice and the sound of his massive hands slamming on the counter top. Rosalie rolled her eyes at him. "I say we have a family game night tonight."

Rosalie and Alice groaned, but Jasper – who had just finished sweeping away the last bit of glass – chuckled and patted Emmett on the back. "Sounds like fun to me. Name the game and the teams." He said, leaning against the counter as Esme finished whipping a batch of homemade cream cheese frosting. Jasper licked his lips appreciatively as he stared at the frosting. Alice giggled.

"Hmm," Emmett rubbed his chin in a thoughtful manner. "Taboo, and I call dibs on Bella and the pixie." He grinned and winked at Bella. "I never lose at Taboo. You'll be glad your on my team." Bella shrugged and turned to see Alice's reaction. She was practically bouncing out of her seat.

"So it's set." Jasper said, rubbing his hands together in anticipation. "Emmett, Bella, and Alice are one team, and me, Rose, and Mom are the other." Esme smiled at them as she popped something into the oven.

"We're so gonna lose." Rosalie grumbled, ignoring her boyfriend's roaring laughter.

XxXxXxXxXx

"No, I am your father." Emmett said in a deep voice as a seated Alice hopped in place. They were on their second round of Taboo, and Bella was on the winning team; although, they were only winning by two points. And Alice and Emmett did much of the answering... and shouting.

"Darth Vader!" Alice yelled almost immediately, clapping her hands in excitement when Emmett reached for the next card.

"You live here."

"Los Angeles!"

"Less specific."

"CALIFORNIA!"

Her screech made Bella cringe slightly, but she was glad Alice was enjoying herself. Even though she'd only answered one question correctly, Bella was having fun, too. She'd had a small family, being an only child raised by a single mother, and she envied the big family Alice grew up with.

"Vogue."

"Madonna." Alice chirped, glowing with pride as Emmett flipped to the next card. Bella had no clue how the two did it, but they were able to find the answer form the vaguest of clues.

"You eat this after dinner." Emmett said, looking frantic. Their time was about halfway up.

"Dessert."

"What's your favorite kind?"

"Cheesecake!"

Next card. "You go to this when you're shopping and need cash."

"Easy. The ATM."

And the next. "Your favorite thing to... sip?"

"Dr. Pepper."

"No. Close. Think that kind of... liquid, but which ones are rivals?"

"Pepsi and Coca-Cola!" She shouted, shooting up from the couch and waving her hands around. She was really getting into the game.

"Yes! Coca-Cola!" Emmett grinned again and picked up a new card. "I have this."

"Herpes?"

Emmett paused to glare at her, but then he saw the small sliver of sand left in the hourglass. His eyes widened, and he started talking fast. "I always take my shirt off in movies so the fans can stare at my..."

"Excessive amount of body fat?"

"Alice! Be serious!"

"Okay, okay. Abs?"

"More specific."

"Six-pack!"

"Bingo." He flipped to a fresh card. They had about 8 seconds left. "Oh! Rosie played this in band back in her geek days!"

"Clarinet!" Alice shouted right as the time stopped. Emmett nodded in excitement, and she ran to high-five him. They both turned to Bella and high-fived her. She didn't think they realized she did absolutely no work in that round. Still, she couldn't help but be excited that they won eight points.

Rosalie, who'd been watching over Emmett's shoulder to make sure he didn't say any of the taboo words, glowered as he celebrated with Alice and Bella. She was up for her team and won them five points before she got to the second to last card. "I'm great at giving..."

"Head." Emmett, who was monitoring Rosalie's clues and manning the buzzer, coughed. Rosalie sneered at him, Esme completely ignored him, and the other three snickered into their hands.

"Barack Obama's good at giving them, too." She added as an afterthought.

"Speeches?" Jasper asked and Rosalie beamed at him before hurriedly snatching up another card.

"Yes you're lovely, with your smile so warm. And your cheeks so soft. There is nothing for me but to love you." Rosalie sang in a beautiful voice that gave Bella chills. Esme guessed the correct answer – Frank Sinatra – and Rosalie shouted merrily, "Six points to our team!"

After four rounds of excitement, Alice, Bella, and Emmett were crowned victorious. They won by a solid eleven points, and Emmett got a hoot out of Rosalie's sudden sour mood. She glared daggers at him from the other side of the room, but he shrugged his shoulders in a "what can you do?" kind of way.

Esme stretched her arms above her head and yawned loudly. "'Scuse me." She said, smiling at her children, Bella, and Emmett. "I think I'll go to sleep now. It's been a long and exciting day." She stood up and hugged each of them. She held onto Bella extra tight, hoping the girl felt welcome. "You'll be staying the night, right?"

Bella smiled reassuringly. "Yes, I'm staying the night... If that alright with you."

Esme laughed and waved away Bella's worries. "Of course it's alright with me! I don't want you driving when it's this dark out. Have a nice night, everyone!" She waved goodnight to the group and made her way up the stairs, yawning again.

"I'm gonna take a page from mom's book and hit the hay." Jasper said, running a hand over his stubbly scalp. He thoughts drifted to Summer – that long, dark hair falling into those mesmerizing eyes – and he smiled softly to himself. "See ya all tomorrow."

Emmett grabbed Rosalie's hand and led her upstairs. "We have some things to sort out." He explained to Bella and Alice. "Nothing a little lovin' can't heal." He winked and dragged a pissed Rosalie to her old bedroom. Alice made a gagging noise.

"Emmett tends to over share." She told Bella, who was staring thoughtfully at the staircase.

"So I've noticed." She paused and turned to Alice. The tiny girl scooted closer to her on the couch, a pink tint to her pale cheeks. "I love your family."

"And they love you, too." Alice informed her. "I think it was obvious with Esme and Emmett, but Rosalie's pretty difficult to read. Regardless, I know her. I'd be able to tell if she hated you, and she seems okay with you. Just... worried for me."

Bella nodded in understanding. The whole family seemed to be concerned about a Tanya repeat. She wondered how open the family was with one another. She tried, and failed, to contain a yawn. Alice smirked.

"I think it's past your bedtime, Missy." Alice said, grabbing Bella's soft hand in hers and leading her seductively up the stairs.

"But it's only ten thirty."

"But I don't want to hear any of it."

Alice opened the door to her old bedroom. The walls were cobalt blue and the comforter on her queen-sized bed was the color of the sky at noon. There were many little knick-knacks thrown around the room, and rows of trophies sat atop her dresser, glistening in the moonlight coming through her open window. Posters of actors, actresses, and bands covered nearly every inch of wall space.

Bella fell onto the fluffy comforter, exhaustion spreading throughout her body. Alice grinned mischievously and climbed onto the bed. She covered Bella's body with her own, using her hands to keep some of her weight off of the brunette.

"We're not going to sleep, are we?" Bella asked, quirking an eyebrow. Alice grinned.

"You know me too well."

A/N: First off, Alice and Bella don't have sex after that last line. Although they both fell fast, they want to take things slow when it comes to their relationship. I imagine them kissing for a while and maybe some gropping, but nothing beyond second base. In other news, I hope this chapter was alright. I've started reading fanfics again - I told myself I wouldn't read any while I was writing so they wouldn't make me feel self-conscious - and I've realized why I made the "No fanfic reading while fanfic writing" rule. I immediately got self-conscious and started thinking, "Oh, my God. My story sucks. How do these people read it!" So, reviews would be nice to help ease my nerves. I don't expect people to be all, "I BOW DOWN TO YOUR GREATNESS *bows* I AM NOT WORTHY." Yeah, that's over-the-top and ridiculous. I just ask for honesty. Nothing more, nothing less. So, yeah. *coughs* Reviews are lovely.

Songs: "Secrets" - One Republic; "Us" - Regina Spektor