AN: This chaper has been beta'd by the wonderful SerineinNC. She's been wonderful!

All things Twilight belong to SM

Staying with Edward wasn't so bad this time around – not that it was bad before. Last time, I felt like a child that had to ask for any and everything short of using the bathroom. However, this time he told me that I could help myself to anything I needed or wanted – within reason.

I could still see the possessive, selfish side to him when he thought I wasn't looking. For example, I asked if I could take a look at the tall bookcase that he had in one corner of the living room. He hesitated, but eventually said yes. I never touched any of the books, or even breathed too heavily on them, but out of the corner of my eye I could see him studying me. When I turned to ask him something he quickly looked away, but I could see the tension in his jaw. I did appreciate the fact that he didn't lash out at me the way I'm sure he would have only a week ago.

I had been staying with Edward for five days but didn't manage to see Rosalie at all, though we did manage to talk on the phone. The day after we reunited Isabel caught a stomach bug from her dad, who caught it from one of his students. Emmett taught high school math, but tutored grade school children sometimes. From what Rosalie told me about him, he seemed like a great guy. I didn't remember seeing a picture of him, but then again, all I remember is studying pictures of their little girl.

According to Rosalie it was only a twenty four hour bug, but little Isabel was having a hard time kicking it. Just when Rosalie thought Isabel was in the clear, she would either throw up her food or refuse eating all together.

I had just gotten off the phone with Rosalie and felt a little tense. She mentioned that for tomorrow, Thanksgiving, everyone was eating at the Cullen house, meaning Edward's parents. This stressed me out for a number of reasons. First, I technically hadn't been invited and I wasn't going to assume that I was, like Rosalie insinuated. Secondly, the fact that I hadn't officially met his parents didn't sit well with me. It didn't seem right to sit in their house and eat their food the first time meeting them. It would have been different if it was a regular day, but it wasn't. It was a day to spend with family and close friends. Which is the other reason – I haven't spent a Thanksgiving with anyone since before my parents died. If I was invited, I didn't even know if I could remember how to act. Every Thanksgiving I'd had since I'd been on the streets was spent either completely alone or squeezed together for an hour at the soup kitchen to feast on the turkey dinner that was handed out.

"Hey, Edward?" I called out while knocking on his bedroom door.

"One sec," he replied. I walked back over to the living room to wait for him so he didn't think I was invading his personal space.

"What's up?" he asked as he sat down next to me, but still not very close.

"I was on the phone with Rosalie a little while ago and she told me that everyone was going to your parents' house for Thanksgiving," I explained.

"Yeah. We do every year."

"Well, I just wanted to let you know that she thinks I'm going to be there. I never told her I was, though."

I was well aware that Edward liked his privacy and space, and on top of everything else, I didn't want him to think that I was inviting myself over. That was his family, not mine.

"Do you have plans for tomorrow?" he asked.

"Not really, but it depends on you," I shrugged. "If you want me to find somewhere else to be while you're with your parents, that's fine. The soup kitchen serves dinner early on Thanksgiving, so I could spend some time there."

"And how long is that, really? Like forty-five minutes of your day? What about the rest?"

"I dunno. I could find something to do," I answered. I tried remembering what I did last Thanksgiving, but nothing outstanding came to mind. I wouldn't tell Edward this, but I did do a few 'jobs'. It was actually amazing how much money I made that day. For whatever reason, guys seemed to come out in droves during the holiday season.

"Do you not want to go to my parents' house?" His eyebrows rose as he waited for my answer.

"It doesn't really matter, since I wasn't invited, it's a moot point."

In actuality, the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to go. Not only could I finally see Rose again, but I could meet Isabel and Emmett. There was also the fact that Esme was going to be there and I would like to see her one last time in case I did decide to leave.

"Bella, yes or no, do you want to go to my parents' place tomorrow?" he asked, looking at me expectantly.

"No," I quickly answered.

"You're so full of shit," he responded playfully. "And besides, it's really not up to you anyway," he said as he got up off the couch and walked into the kitchen.

"Wait! What do you mean?" I followed him into the kitchen.

"What I mean is, you're right about it being a moot point since you're already going," he said, while passing me a can of soda. I took it from him gratefully, and opened it, while he popped the tab on his and began chugging.

"Yeah…I don't know what you mean."

"I already told my mom that you were coming. She says she excited to see you again."

I choked on the soda that I was drinking. "What…wha…huh? Why would you invite me over and why is she excited to see me again?"

"Did you really think I would have you spend Thanksgiving alone?" He shook his head. "I guess you do think I'm the biggest prick in the world. Anyway, I told her that you two kind of already met and I described you to her and she remembers you."

"So…she knows that…I'm homeless?" My heart dropped down to my stomach. I didn't like the fact that Esme knew about me before I actually showed up at her house. Because she had this information about who was coming over, I couldn't be sure that I was invited because I was actually wanted there or because she pitied me.

"I didn't outright tell her – she figured it out. Is that really a problem?" He truly looked confused. "What's that face for?" he asked.

"What face?" I asked, putting on my best poker face. "There's no face."

"Mmhmm, sure."

He narrowed his eyes at me, looking like he was trying to read my mind, but failing.

"Anyway, this conversation is over because you're going and you're going to have fun and eat until you're a minute from exploding." He nodded his head in finality and stood up.

"Hey, Edward?" I grabbed his wrist to stop him from getting too far. He looked down at my hand before looking into my eyes. "Do you want me there?"

"If I said yes would you believe me?"

I shrugged, but didn't answer.

"I didn't think so," he said. I dropped his wrist and let him leave.

~XxX~

"Are you sure I look okay?" I asked Edward as he parked into his parents' driveway. I was wearing a deep blue sweater that was bought for me with the other items. It was tighter than I was used to, with a neck line that was too deep. I wore a white camisole underneath to hide scars that would have been visible otherwise.

"Bella, you look nice. Better than nice, actually," he mumbled. I didn't believe him, but I was just going to go with it.

"What about the jeans? Are jeans appropriate?" I asked frantically, and instead of being sympathetic, he laughed. I wasn't one who was sensitive to being laughed at, as I'd gotten used to it these past years, but I could feel my throat getting tight and my eyes starting to burn. Being here was important to me and I wanted to look as normal as possible. Edward stopped immediately when he saw my eyes become glassy.

"Bella, look, I'm sorry but you've got to calm down. I'm wearing jeans." He blew out a huge breath before continuing. "I can't believe I'm about to say this," he said, looking up to the car's ceiling before finally turning to me. "Listen to me," he began seriously, "You look stunning, trust me, I don't use that word often. I get that you're nervous right now, but please try to relax."

I took a few calming breaths as I let his words sink in. His words meant a lot, but I was still struggling to find the truth in them. I wasn't ready to face his family, but I couldn't stall much longer.

"I'm ready."

"No, you're not, but I appreciate the effort you're putting into this." He smiled softly at me and unlocked the doors.

The house was huge, looking like it came straight out of a plantation in the south, complete with a wraparound porch and porch swing.

There was a big window that looked into the brightly lit living room. Immediately, I spotted Rosalie sitting on the arm of couch, her head thrown back in laughter at something Alice said. My steps froze and my heart sunk at the scene.

"I can't go in there, Edward."

"What? Why?"

"Look at that?" I pointed to the scene that I had just witnessed. Rosalie was wiping tears of laughter from her eyes. "Rosalie has a new best friend in Alice and she's a great friend to have. If I turn around now, they'll never know I was here." I turned to leave, but Edward held my upper arms lightly, stopping me from going anywhere.

"Let's go sit down for a second," he said, as he guided me to the swing on the opposite end of the porch. I followed willingly.

"I know that you've known that girl for a lot longer than I have, but while you were…away, I've gotten to know her. That day at the train station, I've never seen her so happy, except for the day she had Isabel. She'd talk about you, about finding you and how she's never known a better person than you. Yes, Rose and Alice have become close friends, but I can guarantee you that Alice has not replaced you."

There was a stretched, but comfortable, silence between us. I believed his words. They weren't exactly heartfelt, but they were stern, truthful, and I appreciated him not dishing out fake words just to hurry me inside. In reality, I knew that it was hard for him to be this warm, fuzzy, caring person and I admired that about him.

"C'mon, it's freaking cold out here." He stood up and reached for me this time. His hand was big and wrapped around my whole wrist. His touch was a lot warmer than I expected, but it wasn't completely uncomfortable.

We walked right in without ringing the bell or knocking.

"Hey, ma?" he yelled.

"In here, baby," his mother called from somewhere to our left, asI followed Edward into the living room.

"I'm so glad you're finally here." Esme said, as she embraced me in a hug and I awkwardly hugged her back. Her hug took me completely by surprised since I assumed she was talking to Edward. She finally pulled away but didn't let me go. "I was so glad when Edward told me you would be joining us." She brought her voice down to almost a whisper. "I always worried about you, but never had the courage to approach you. I'm just…just really glad you're here."

I wanted to tell her that she shouldn't' have worried about me, but truthfully, it made me feel a little better. "I'm glad, too. Thanks for having me."

I heard a throat clear in the backgroundand I looked over Esme's shoulder just as she turned to face a very handsome blonde man.

"Honey, do you mind sharing or is she your shiny new toy?" the man joked.

"Oh, be quiet," Esme laughed. "Bella, this is my husband and Edward and Emmett's dad, Carlisle."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Bella. Between Rosalie, Esme, and now Alice and Edward, I feel like I already know you." He took my small hand in his and placed a kiss on my cheek, definitely making me blush. He was, after all, just as beautiful as Edward. The difference, though, was he held something more distinguished about him – something that could only come with age and wisdom.

"And of course you know everyone else in the room," he continued. "Emmett is upstairs putting Isabel to sleep for a bit. He should be down soon."

I went around greeting everyone, saving Rosalie for last. Seeing her again was almost as shocking as it was the first time, despite the fact that we had talked every day. I hugged her tight while fighting back the tears. I guess I still wasn't over the fact that she was back in my life again.

"Rose, I swear that little girl can be evil sometimes," a voice said while entering the living room. I assumed the voice belonged to Emmett. Upon seeing the massive figure, my eyes widened and I took two steps back. He was huge and more importantly, he reminded me of Laurent. Although Emmett was bigger, Laurent wasn't far off. If Laurent could do the damage he did, then Emmett could do worse.

"Edward! What's going on?" the guy said, embracing Edward. His eyes shifted over to me and I felt my heart drop to my stomach. He pulled away from Edward and narrowed his eyes at me. "And I'm assuming you're Bella?"

I swallowed thickly and nodded slowly, unable to find my voice. "I guess it's good to know you're not dead," he mumbled under his breath. Either no one else heard him, or they just didn't care.

Emmett was very good looking, just like the rest of his family, but I wasn't fooled, not even by those deep dimples that were still visible as he scowled at me. I didn't like being in the same room as him; he made me uncomfortable, but it wasn't like I could just excuse myself to go somewhere else. When he finally tore his eyes away from me to talk to his father and Rose, I took the opportunity to move further away. I found Jasper standing at the other end of the room and joined him.

"It's good to see you again, Bella. Decided to stay?" he asked.

"It's good to see you, too," I replied genuinely. I really liked him. "And yes, I'm staying for now, but I'm not sure if I'm staying permanently."

"Well, let me know if you decide to go. We'll see what we can do about the ticket."

"By the way, I still have the money that you shouldn't have given to me," I mock glared at him causing him to laugh lightly.

"I want you to keep it. You said yourself that you're not sure if you're going to stay or not, so if you do go then at least you'll already be ahead."

I think that the day, in general, was making me emotional. Jasper's kindness towards me was something that I had never come across in my life, except with Rosalie.

"Alice is lucky to have you," I choked out, trying my hardest not to cry.

"Thanks," he smiled brilliantly.

We began an easy conversation with Jasper telling me about some of the funnier stories that he's encountered while working in the ER. While his stories were truly entertaining and I found myself laughing, I was always mindful of where Emmett was. I discreetly kept tabs on his every movement. I would have joined Rosalie, but it was like the two of them were joined at the hip.

Everyone remained in the room, holding separate conversations. Rosalie and I would catch each other's eyes and smile at each other like we knew the biggest secret in the world. Even though I couldn't actually approach her because of Emmett, it still felt good knowing she was only a few feet away from me.

"I need another drink. Anyone else want something from the kitchen?" Jasper asked.

"I'll help you get that," I offered when I felt Emmett was a little too close for comfort. I didn't let Jasper respond before I headed out of the living room and into the hallway to wait for Jasper. If I knew where the kitchen was I would have waited in there, but I didn't want to go wandering around the house.

I followed Jasper down the long hallway into the kitchen. I helped him gather the bottle of wine he was asked to bring back and some fresh glasses that I almost dropped when I heard Edward come in.

"Bella let me talk to you for a second." He didn't sound happy and I immediately went on alert.

"Let me grab that from you and I'll see you in a minute," Jasper said. He flashed me a reassuring smile and I figured he felt the awkward tension in the room.

When Jasper was out of ear shot, Edward began speaking. "What's going on with you and Jasper? Do you have a crush on him or something?"

"What?" I chuckled, truly amused at his question. "No, I don't have a crush on Jasper. Why would you think that?" Stupidly, I let my guard down, thinking that Edward was just being silly.

"Well you've been on him like white on rice for the past hour. What's that all about?" I could hear in his voice that his already questionable patience was wearing thin.

I swallowed hard. "I don't know what you're talking about?"

I tried walking around him but he blocked my way.

"You know exactly what I'm talking about. I can see it in your eyes. So I'll ask you again, what's going on?" His voice was stern, leaving no room for argument, and his stance was sure, leaving no room for escape.

"It's your brother, okay?" I hoped he wasn't going to make me explain further, but when his eyebrows went up, silently telling me to go on, I had no other choice. "He scares me."

Based on his shocked expression, Edward wasn't expecting that. "Emmett scares you? Seriously?" he asked, his voice disbelieving. "He gets called a giant teddy bear so many times that I want to scream every time someone says it. Exactly what is it about him that scares you?" I could tell by his voice that he was just humoring me.

"His size…and the way he looks at me. I don't need to be a genius to know that he doesn't like me and why. I just think that it's best if I stay away from him."

"I guess his size can be intimidating, but what is this really about? I know there has to be something more."

I relented because, not only was Edward not going to let this go, but I had to let him know that I wasn't some crazy person who was paranoid around others.

"I knew this guy once, Laurent. He was Jane's pimp. When I finally began…selling myself he always tried to talk me into letting him "manage" me, but I always refused. One night I made a little more than Jane, only about ten dollars or so, but it was enough to piss him off. That night, he followed me into the warehouse and beat me up. He said that I was stealing his money and I was going to pay him back."

Edward's eyebrows furrowed in what could either be considered concentration or concern. Either way, he was listening and that's all that mattered.

"He didn't do any permanent damage except for the bump I have on my nose after he broke it." I ran my finger down the bridge of my nose on instinct, like I did every time I thought of that day. "Other than that, nothing too bad that wouldn't heal with some rest."

I thought back to those two days. It was one of the many times where I would huddle myself into a corner and just sleep for hours or days at a time. Luckily, it was spring so the weather was pleasant. During the winter season, the warehouse was extremely cold and wet from the snow. During the summer, it became hot and unbearably stuffy.

"Anyway, Laurent had a slightly smaller build than your brother. If Laurent could do that, imagine what your brother could do to me. And he has a valid reason for not liking me. I'd be screwed if Emmett had a temper problem."

The kitchen became uncomfortably silent. His face was unreadable and that worried me. At least if he looked mad I had an idea of what was going to come out of his mouth.

He ran his hands over his face, finally showing some kind of frustration. I wasn't surprised that he seemed frustrated at me – that's all he ever was, really, mad or frustrated.

"This is so fucked up," he groaned, looking up at the ceiling.

"Should I just leave?"

Edward deserved a good Thanksgiving with his family, while I shouldn't have been here in the first place. My only regret, though, was not offering to leave to begin with instead of telling him about Laurent.

"What? No! I'm not…I'm not mad at you. I just wasn't expecting to hear what you just told me and I'm just trying to comprehend one of the most fucked up things I've ever heard." He grabbed my hand and led me over to one of the bar stools in the kitchen. He sat and gestured for me to do the same. When I finally took a seat he began again.

"I'm sorry you had to go through that." He remained quiet for a second. "God, that was so lame," he mumbled. "Bella, I don't know what I'm doing, or saying. Nothing I can say is going to make it better and I'm not going to act like it is. But I know nothing else, I know that Emmett is not like that. We both know why he's upset with you right now, but just give him some time. I think he's still processing your presence. He's a good guy. Talk to him, let him see what a great person you are. Besides, if he's going to marry Rose then he better get used to you." He tried to lighten the mood and I appreciated it. I also appreciated him not spewing words of wisdom at me about time healing all wounds and all you need is love bullshit. We both knew it wasn't true.

"So you think I'm a great person?" I joked, throwing him a bone.

He shoved me playfully. "You would focus on that."

He smiled softly at me. "Seriously, though, just give him a shot so he can give you a shot."

We walked out of the kitchen feeling better, or at least he did. I was still apprehensive, but willing to try to talk to Emmett. Even just to apologize for what my absence did to his relationship with Rosalie.

Everyone dispersed from the living room and I heard voices coming from every direction. I headed back to the room that I believed was empty only to find Emmett and Isabel inside. His presence still made me nervous, but I decided to take Edward's advice and approach him. However, I was anxious to meet the little girl so she took priority over talking to Emmett.

I could feel his eyes on me as I approached his daughter. Luckily, she was sitting alone on the love seat while he sat on the recliner watching football.

"Hi. I'm Bella," I introduced myself. She looked up from the thing on her lap, which looked like a giant iPod, and said hi, immediately looking back down. On the screen were Grover and Elmo talking to each other.

"What's that?" I asked, pointing to the thing in her lap.

"Pad," she said excitedly.

"Pad? You mean Pod?" I corrected her.

"No! Pad!," she responded angrily.

"Sorry." She was a firecracker, just like her mother. "What are you doing?"

"Elmo." Looking more at the screen, it looked like she was watching an interactive book. On the page she was looking at, there was a big safe-looking door with different colors on it. From watching Isabel touch the screen with no results, I gathered that the colors had to match up in order for the door to open.

"Can I try?" I offered my help.

"No, I do it! Go ayay!" she said, not pronouncing the 'w' correctly.

"I agree with her," Emmett mumbled, but loud enough for me to hear. I think it was intentional. I tried to tell myself that his comment didn't hurt my feelings, but it did. The little courage that I was building up to speak with him flew out the window.

I continued to watch her play with the big iPod, but not really paying attention. Mostly, I was trying not to cry in front of the little girl and Emmett. Thankfully, Rosalie came in just after I wiped away a single tear that wouldn't be tamed.

"Dinner's ready. I'm so excited to have a Thanksgiving with you Bella!," she said, wrapping me into a tight hug. It offered me more comfort than she realized. I had her in a vice grip and I didn't want to let go. She was the security blanket that I needed while sitting in the same room as Emmett.

"I see you've met Isabel. Isn't she something," she said as we walked down the hallway and into the dining room. She had Isabel by the hand and Emmett was trailing behind us. I didn't like that I couldn't actually see him.

"Yeah. She reminds me so much of you. I don't know whether that's scary or funny," I jibbed. "She's really good with that thing."

"The iPad?" Ohh! An iPad. "You have no idea. I swear to everything, she can maneuver around YouTube better than me. You gotta see the videos she finds."

Everyone was already seated when the four of us entered. There were two empty seats so Rose and Emmett could sit together with a high chair between them. My corner seat was next to Edward and Esme, who sat at one end of the table while Carlisle sat at the other.

The long table was so absolutely packed with food from one end to the other that I was full just looking at it.

"Bella," Esme said while grabbing my hand. "We always like to go around saying what we're grateful for. Would you like to start this year?"

I didn't, really, but I didn't think I could refuse Esme. "Sure," I agreed, smiling. I looked around the table as everyone stared at me expectantly. Except for Emmett, who looked at me like he was waiting for me to say something stupid. I swallowed nervously and began.

"I'm thankful for Esme for trying to help me when she didn't even know me, as I was just another homeless face in the crowd. She went above and beyond for me, making sure that I had what I needed for at least another month.

I'm thankful for Carlisle for being a loving husband to Esme and a father of two great sons. I don't know you, but the look of love in your eyes every time you look at her and the look of pride in your sons is more than enough proof.

I'm thankful for Alice for being a friend to me when I didn't even realize that's what you were being. You talk to me like a peer, an equal. You make me realize that there are people willing to overlook what I'm lacking.

I'm thankful for Jasper, who literally saved my life. You think that I don't know that you paid my hospital bill, but I do. And even after I was fine enough to walk out of your life forever, you still gave me the resources to make sure I could survive on my own.

I'm grateful for Emmett and Isabel for loving and supporting my best friend when I wouldn't. You gave her the best gift that she could ever ask for when you gave her Isabel. You were the friend that I never was and I know that she is safe with you.

I'm grateful for Edward for giving me the opportunity to prove to myself that I am more than what people see on the streets. He gave me a warm bed to sleep in and a chance to take a shower. More importantly, he gave me a chance to feel human again. And despite the fact that I can be frustrating to him, he still has enough patience to deal with me.

And I'm grateful for Rosalie for being my sister. She was there for absolutely everything I went through. I'm grateful that she never forgot about me and still wants to be my sister after everything I did to her, Emmett, and little Isabel. I'm grateful that she was a better friend to me than I ever was to her. One day, maybe I can forgive myself for hurting her, the same way she has already forgiven me."

When I finally stop talking, I noticed that the room as gone extremely quiet – not even the rustling of clothes can be heard. I looked up to see the whole table gawking at me.

AN: Thanks for reading. Next update will be the rest of Thanksgiving.

I'm donating to Fandom for No Kids Hungry. Let me know what you would want to read.