Esme's Point of View

The day has been going so slow today that it has been miserable. So many things needed my attention today that I couldn't get half of my work done. I was going to be late tonight. As I opened my phone to call Carlisle, another call came in.

"Hello?" I didn't recognize the number.

"Hello Esme, this is Margaret Mallory. How are you?"

"Very well thank you, and how about you?" Although I tried to be nice to everyone, this woman and her gossip group never appealed to me very much.

"Not too bad, but I would like to congratulate you though."

"What about?"

"Well, obviously, you're going to be a grandmother."

I froze. How did she know that?

"Esme, are still there?"

"I'm sorry Margaret; I don't think I heard you correctly."

"I said that you are going to be a grandmother. I saw you yesterday at the doctor's office. Didn't you notice me behind the desk?"

I thought that was her.

"I'm sorry Margaret, I wasn't paying much attention. Thank you though, but I really must be going. I have so much work to do right now before I go home." I needed to call Carlisle.

"Alright, I'll see you soon then." She hung up before I could reply.

I called Carlisle right away, but he was in surgery and wouldn't be getting for a couple of hours yet. I looked at the clock, 4:30pm. I needed to get home.

"Excuse me, Mrs. Cullen." Heidi, my secretary, cornered me.

I couldn't go any where for a while I just hope everything will be fine until I get home. I just hope.

Three hours later, I was finally getting out of the office. Carlisle called when he got my message and I told him what Mrs. Mallory told me. He was horrified and angered much like me. My anger didn't come at first though, but it slowly built as my work pile decreased.

Now I was standing outside my office, everyone else had gone home for the day, and I was waiting for Carlisle to come. He pulled up not five minutes after I walked out. Normally I wouldn't wait outside my building, but I felt like I needed to clear my head.

When I got in, he looked glum; like he had a lot on his mind. I knew all too well what he was thinking.

Our ride home was quiet and so was the house inside. One could feel the tension in the air which meant only one thing; they knew it as well.

We were met by our children sitting at the table working on their homework; all except for Bella.

"What have you heard?" Carlisle asked talking a seat at the head of the table. I followed suit and sat at my end.

The children looked uncomfortable to say it, but it was obvious that they had heard the rumors too.

"We haven't really heard the rumors ourselves to believe them, but Bella was the one who put the clues together and filled us in." Edward spoke up.

The others silently nodded their heads in agreement.

"I heard about the rumor from Mrs. Mallory. She called me at work and congratulated me about being a grandmother." I added.

"So, you not proud about the baby?" We didn't notice Bella until she stepped into the room. She blushed slightly because all eyes were on her.

I was a little tongue tied when answering her question, but the answer to very obvious.

"Bella, I am proud of your decision and the fact that we will have another member of the family joining us soon." We all cracked a grin including Bella. "We love having you here, but we were nervous about these rumors."

"I was more worried about you all. You're all in deep enough as it is, and I can handle those gossiping sluts any day."

"Language please, young lady." I scolded, but with a slight grin on my face.

"Bella, you should never have to take on those loud mouths by yourself." Rosalie defended.

"I could handle people like that at my old school, and I know I can handle it here too." She barely showed any fear.

"We know you can handle them, Bella, we just want to let you know that you will never be alone." Carlisle stood up and took her hands gentle in his.

"Thanks." She whispered and I was surprised that I didn't see any tears forming; just her blush creeping up her neck.

After our family meeting, I changed my clothes to make dinner. Edward, Bella, and Jasper stayed to help while the others decided to volunteer for dish duty.

Looking at Bella and Edward, I noticed that they seemed a little distant from each other and yet, they tried so hard to hide their emotions.

They must be taking it slow, but possibly to the point of little interaction? Bella must be slightly scared about her behavior and Edward looks like he would follow her direction. Reminds me of all the other men in our family and how they look at their partners. Always allowing them to take the lead for fearing of our past.

Not all my children share the same horrific experiences, but they know to be careful around one another and learn from their mistakes which only bring them closer together.

Dinner was spaghetti and salad which was gone practically by the time I placed the dish on the table. My children, the athletes, do act like pigs at times.

Like promised, those who did not help with dinner, cleaned up every spot after our tummies were filled.

We lounged in the living room watching some random sitcom. The girls were all working on each other's hair. The boys were cracking up at the show while Carlisle and I just observed.

Soon it was time for bed; of course, Bella was the one to point that out for her eyes were drooping. I don't know how that girl is going to survive with the work load she is given, her swim classes, writing for the paper, and carrying a baby all at the same time. I never multitasked like that when I was pregnant.

"What are you so concerned about, Esme?" Carlisle asked me as we were getting ready for bed.

"Did you just see Bella? She looked so tired tonight. I'm just worried about all that's piling up on her." I expressed pushing the covers back for us to climb into.

Carlisle crawled in and opened his arms out for me. I obliged without question.

"I know my dear, but she just wants to reach for her stars. I feel that we should allow her to do this and just watch to make sure it doesn't put to much stress on her or the baby." He replied sliding us down onto the pillows. "Besides, I remember you being the same way."

I had to chuckle. "Of course, I didn't want to sit around waiting for our babies to be born, but Bella is a teenager. Their lives are very busy with all they want to do and her energy is already low."

"Like I said, we will watch her and so will the others." He brushed his lips against my cheek sliding them down my neck hitting my pulse point with a gentle kiss. My handsome husband always knew how to calm my nerves.

As Carlisle turned to flip the switch on the lamp, the phone went off. Who would be calling at 10:30 at night?

"Hello?" Carlisle answered.

"Oh, hello mother how is father?" Of course, his parents always called forgetting about the time difference.

"Wonderful and that's excellent. I see. We are all doing well too; just settling down for bed." He said with a slight chuckle.

"Of course mother, think nothing of it. I'll tell them all and we'll pick you both up tomorrow at 5:15, we will all be out by then." I loved his parents and knowing the time was now making me more anxious to see them.

"You should get packing then mother. We'll see you soon. We love you too. Goodnight or good morning for you." Another chuckle and then he hung up.

He didn't have to tell me the news for I had heard it all and understood it even though it was a one-way conversation.

We both snuggled down into the pillows. Carlisle never lost his grip on me while he was talking on the phone.

We fell asleep in each other's warm embrace feeling the love radiate from one another that there was no need to verbally say it. It was like a connection to each other, a connection without words only intuition.

Bella's Point of View

I never got the chance to tell anyone what the rumors were really about, only half of it. It was both an accident and on purpose. The question was now, how long until that little bit comes back to bite me in the butt.

The morning routine was usual; got up a few hours early because my stomach churned—only a little came out—Edward was still at my side then led me back to bed. I slept for a few more hours then got up to get ready for school. Instead of Edward coming in to make sure I take my vitamins, it was Alice who also brought in her make up bag. I argued with her at first, but then we were running out of time and I was hungry, so I gave in.

After putting on my make up, we got downstairs meeting everyone who were almost done with their breakfast.

Jasper and Alice decided to take Jasper's Ducoti to school. Leaving the rest of us to ride in Edward's car. I sort of missed riding in the Volvo, but I didn't miss his driving. I swear he is the daredevil of the family.

We made it to school in plenty of time, unfortunately, everyone was looking at us. My siblings didn't seem to be bothered of the rumors, but they protectively huddled somewhat around me. I tried to stay away from Edward and more closer to the girls and I think he noticed this on our walk to class. Still, I wanted to protect him from my problem; this isn't his fight.

All throughout the day, everyone kept looking at me and eventually, at Edward too. By lunch, I was pretty sure he knew the second part of the rumor. I just hope he didn't figure out that I knew the second part and didn't tell him.

We didn't keep much of a conversation going. I stayed quiet most of the time and concentrated on my homework. I only answered to Jasper when he directly asked me to be his partner for history then went back to doing my homework.

The next two classes went smoothly, despite the extra attention. Luckily, no one approached us yet to verify the rumors, and yet, I have a feeling that the confrontation will happen all too soon.

"Well, well, it seems a slut has moved into town," A horrible nasal voice said confirming my theory. "I'm surprise you had the nerve to come to the same place that your baby's daddy goes to."

I turned to face Lauren who had her entire group with her this time.

My siblings tried to push me back, but I wasn't having that. I needed to show everyone that I could handle anything.

"First of all, my baby's father is not here, nor do I care where the hell he is. Second, you got some nerves calling me a slut when you need only look in a mirror to see one." I smirked.

She huffed, but didn't back down.

"You do know that they just adopted you to steal your baby when the thing is born." She sneered.

My temper was already out the window, so I couldn't help but walk up to her and smack her across the face.

"Bitch, they would never do that to me. Don't you ever say that again." I was yelling by this point for she had no right to say such a thing.

Lauren looked shocked as well as her posse. I felt proud but still very angry so my glare didn't break down in the slightest. Never mess with a mama bear's cub or you will lose a limb.

"I can't believe you did that!" Lauren shouted back at me, but I could hear the fear in her voice.

"Well I just did, so why don't you and your little troop of future hookers get out of my face before I kick your ass. Don't think that just because I'm pregnant doesn't mean that I can't fight and hard." I threatened.

I had no idea where that came from, but it felt good to be fierce. I haven't been able to fully express my feelings of being a proud mother defending her unborn child. Could my mom have felt the same way about me when she gave up her life to save mine?

The girls looked at me, still in shock and still. I faked a lunged at them. They flinched then scurried away.

I turned around, my temper was still wild as I walked back to the cars. My family followed me, I didn't look at their faces, but I could feel a mix between pride and amazement.

We rode home in silence and my temper was still high, oh great the grandparents were suppose to come tonight. I can't meet them like this.

In the garage was dad's car, so probably both parents were home.

The vacuum could be heard when Edward and Jasper turned off their engines, so the cleaning must be starting.

"Oh good your home, but you are three minutes late and have a lot of chores to complete before we go pick up grandma and grandpa in 45 minutes." Mom met us at the door leading into the kitchen before we crossed the threshold.

"Give us five minutes to put our things down mom." Alice said.

"No, put your things on the kitchen table. You can put them away when you are finished." Mom spoke in a tone that meant no negotiations.

The others groaned which didn't make me feel too happy, and my anger was already escalating. Surely this could not be good for my baby. Though, I hate it when people don't do their work.

I threw my bag and coat onto the kitchen table and went out to find something to do.

"I like your charisma, Bella, why don't you sweep the walkway to the front door." Mom said.

I didn't reply as I followed her orders; grabbing the broom that was in the closet under the stairs. At least this chore would get me away from everyone else and help me blow off some steam.

Edward's Point of View

Great, I get the job of washing the windows on the inside while Emmett gets the outside. I hate doing chores, but mom says we shouldn't be too spoiled. Luckily, from my window, I got a clear view of Bella.

She looked so angry and seemed to be taking her anger out on the leaves that had started to fall from the surrounding trees. I don't blame her, she needs to release that anger that had built up from this afternoon.

I couldn't believe that Lauren had so publicly denounced Bella like that and spilled a major secret. I have to admit that I was impressed by Bella, seeing her stand up for herself and her baby was amazing. Even sexy, I've always thought of her as a tough lioness and she so was. Still, I know that this will not be the end, but only the beginning of what is to come.

Half an hour later, both Emmett and I finished with the windows. Bella finished the walkway about 10 minutes before us and ran up to her room. No doubt she is tired from her emotional outbreak today.

"Alright, we are all done. Let's go to the airport now." Mom announced with a tired looking dad behind her. She always makes us work to death with guests are coming over, even for a few minutes we have to clean every speck of dust and grime. "Rosalie, will you go get Bella?" She asked.

Rosalie nodded, happy to be done with dusting duty, then ran up the stairs with her bag in tow.

I went over to mine to pull out my music sheets from class. I hadn't practiced in a while and I brought home some new music to play for grandma and grandpa. Also some spare sheets since a new tune has been working its way in my head all day today. It's sweet and fierce at the same time, and yet it's incomplete. I should work on it a little more soon.

I walked into the music room, which is also the den next to dad's study on the first floor, to set my sheets on the piano. I really do want to try out that tune, but I know there is no time and mom would yell at me if I did. She hates to be late for anything.

As I make it back out to the living room, Rosalie comes downstairs without Bella. She better hurry up if she doesn't want to face mom's wrath.

"Rose, where's Bella?" Mom asks.

"She says she doesn't feel well and would like to be left alone until we come home. She thinks she'll be better by then." Rosalie answered.

"Do you know what is wrong with her?" Dad asked going into doctor mode.

"Well…Lauren Mallory cornered her after school, but Bella gave her an ear full and I think that took a lot out of her; emotion wise. She didn't say anything on the way home." Rosalie admitted.

"Oh god, do you think she'll be alright?" Mom asked worriedly.

"I think if we give her some space to calm down, she will be, mom." Jasper answered.

"Yeah, she seems to know how to handle these sorts of things better than the rest of us." Alice added.

Mom looked even more worried by what Alice had said, and I felt the same way too. How could Bella have handled that in Arizona all alone was beyond me. Our family has always stuck together and Bella has joined into our protective circle from day one, and yet, she can't stop protecting herself. I hope she feels like she isn't alone with this and that we are there to help her; especially me.

"Rosalie, why don't you go tell her that she can stay here while we go pick up the grandparents." Dad ordered. "Maybe the time alone will help her cool down and build up some courage about meeting more of the family."

Rosalie nodded her head and disappeared upstairs once more.

I did not think that leaving Bella alone like this would be a good idea. Yet, at the same time, she did need some space to cool down. I guess it's a coping method she had gotten use to over the years of being alone.

Rosalie came down a few minutes later informing us that Bella thought the idea of leaving her behind would be best. I still did not like the idea, but respected her wishes.

Us kids decided to take my car while mom and dad took the Mercedes.

"I still can't believe that Lauren had the nerve to say those things to Bella in front of the entire school." Alice almost yelled.

"Neither can I. When practice starts back up, I'm going to make her life a living hell. Worst than the one she put Bella through." Rosalie agreed.

"Too bad she's not a dude because I would really like to make her black and blue." Emmett added.

"I think Bella got a good start on that. Maybe we should teach her how to throw a punch." Jasper joked.

I couldn't say anything, but I did agree with my siblings. However, I felt a little guilty. Lauren has always liked me, but she didn't always use to be so possessive and dangerous like this. I will never forgive myself for what I allowed myself to do, and neither will the rest of my family when they've learned what I did. Thankfully, both Emmett and Jasper sympathize with me or else they would have made my life a living hell.

The rest of the car trip to the Port Angeles Airport went by fast, and my siblings kept talking about getting back at Lauren Mallory. A few ideas of my own came to mind, but I didn't share them. I believe Alice was starting to catch on as to why I was being so quiet. Sometimes, I hate being her twin.

Finally, we made it into the airport's temporary parking lot. I parked next to dad and mom then followed them into the airport. Our moods had changed into excitement. We loved our grandparents from dad's side. Once we had met grandpa on mom's side when we were younger just after Jasper and Rosalie joined our family.

It wasn't a happy visit for he was in the hospital dying and mom decided to go say goodbye. After all that I had heard about how he treated her, I had never agreed with her to see him; but mom has always been the one who believed that there was good in everyone. Unfortunately, grandpa proved mom wrong.

He yelled at her for barging in without permission and reminding her how much he disapproved of her marriage with my dad despite the success that both had gained throughout the years.

We left the hospital room after staying for a total of fifteen minutes. Mom's face was blank on our way out, but I could still see how much pain she was in and how much she regretted that she went. Jasper felt it too. When we got home, dad ordered us to play outside for a few hours while he and mom stayed inside.

We sat outside their window and listened to mom sob and dad trying to calm her down by rocking her back and forth on the bed. The next morning, we got the news that mom's dad had died from heart failure.

Since her dad had lots of time before his death, he had planned out his own funeral and obituary for the newspaper. Everything was set except for his death. Mom wanted to do something, but we convinced her that she shouldn't do anything for a man who treated her like dirt even until the last few minutes of his life.

When we tried to go to the funeral, our family was not allowed. Mom was even more heart broken until dad reminded her that she has a man and family in her life that loves her till death a beyond. This cheered her up, but it took several weeks before she recovered from the event.

I had never seen anyone treat someone so badly, especially family. It makes me sad and angry that mom was raised by that man, and I hated to think that there are more women who have been in that same situation as mom. Thankfully, there are families and people like my dad and his parents who know how to treat people.

"Looks like their flight is going to be early. Let's get over to the gate before they get lost." Dad joked.

Easily, we navigated through the small airport to the correct gate; but we didn't get much time to look when we saw the familiar faces of our favorite grandparents. They spotted us just as we spotted them.

"Oh there are my little ducklings." Grandma Elizabeth joked. Both she and Grandpa Edward running as fast as they can towards us.

My siblings and I ran up to them. Even as a sixteen year old guy, I still acted like a seven year old around them, and the others were no different.

We ran into their embraces. Half of us in grandma's, the other half in grandpa's then we switched. For a couple of 65 year olds, they were pretty strong.

"Well, well, look at all of you. You have all aged to be beautiful young people." Grandma cooed. "Even our wonderful children."

It was mom's and dad's turn to embrace them.

"You both look wonderful." Mom said trying to hide her tears of joy.

"Thank you, Esme. Now aren't we supposed to have another granddaughter?" Grandma asked.

"She decided to stay at home, school wore her out today." Dad covered up, but looking at grandma and grandpa, they knew there was more to the story. Thankfully, they didn't push for it.

We left for the luggage belt then went to the cars. Grandpa discreetly gave us kids a bag telling us to keep it out of sight from our parents. Since mom and dad disapproved of grandpa and grandma giving us gifts every time they visited, grandpa and grandma would smuggled them to us.

"Hey Alice, that's a cute outfit." Rosalie complimented. We had opened the 'Mary Poppins bag' when we were safely on the road. Alice was the one to name the bag that held all our gifts in it since it looked so small on the outside, but held a ton of things inside.

"Thanks, and I love yours too." Alice replied.

"Hey Jazz; let's play rugby when we get home." Emmett got a ruby ball and a uniform from grandpa's favorite English team.

"Hmm…sounds good, Em." Jasper wasn't really paying attention to anything except his book on the British point of view of World War II.

"Want me to open yours, Edward?" Alice asked.

"Might be a good idea unless you want me to cause an accident." I joked.

"Looks like you got a book?" Alice never really likes reading unless it was a magazine or was forced to for school even then she skimmed the quick notes.

"Oooo, a diary. Remind me to find it in a few weeks, Jazz." Emmett joked.

Jasper didn't answer; he was still too far go in his book.

"Can you open it for me, Alice? I have a feeling it is not a diary." I asked.

She did and my suspicions were correct. The book was filled with blank score sheets just waiting to be filled. Grandpa Edward always knew me so well, we both love the piano; but I was the one who learned how to play. He says that he's always regretted giving up piano lessons as a kid, but is grateful that his grandson hadn't followed that path.

"Oh look, here's something for Bella." Alice brought out a wrapped box. "Darn it, grandma wrapped it so we can't get into it."

"Alice, please don't be so nosy." I scolded.

She gave me a face, but put back Bella's present. I have to admit, though, I was curious too.

Bella's Point of View

My family has now left thanks to my temper.

God, these hormones are great at driving away those who are trying to get close to me. They say they understand, but how can they? I keep inviting them in, but then I drive them away again with my mood swings.

I need to cool myself down because I'm meeting my new grandparents soon. What should I do now?

I wondered downstairs trying to find something and I end up at the computer in the den.

As I wait for the computer to load up, my eyes wonder around the room settling on a bookshelf full of pictures. Some of my siblings growing up and a few of just Carlisle and Esme together. This gave me an idea.

When I booted up my favorite search engine, I type in the words "Cemetery, Forks, WA".

Several sites came up, but thankfully, they were all for the same cemetery. Good thing about a town this size is there is only one cemetery, but it had to be pretty big for one town right?

I memorize the map which looks easy to follow then ran upstairs to grab my things. This is the first time that I get to use my license and drive alone. I got my license on my 16th birthday, but haven't been able to use just yet.

Running out to the garage, I realized that I only have a few options and I'm pretty nervous about using them all. I can drive Rosalie's MP3 convertible, Emmett's Jeep, or Jasper's Ducoti. Mom's I would never drive.

I'm dying to try out the motorcycle, but everyone would have a fit about me using it. Emmett's Jeep was too big for me to get in and out of easily. I guess it's Rosalie's convertible that's the winner.

I went back up to the kitchen to find the key ring that held the spares. I had to test out a few before I found the right one, and when I did it started, I was a little intimidated at first. I prayed that I would bring this car back in one piece and before anyone notice it's missing.

As I got on the road, I discovered that this car is a dream that practically drives itself. However, it didn't make me feel much better about driving it. It still scared me that I thought it could drive itself. What if it decided to throw itself in front of a tree and become a pretzel with me and my baby in it?

Ok, I'm being paranoid; but hey, I'm a new driver and a new mother.

After about half and hour, I found the cemetery. Now for the hard part, finding the right plots and in this rain. It wasn't very heavy, but it still coming down pretty fast as I pulled up to the office.

I walked in as quick as I could, taking off my hood when I'm inside then headed to the front desk. It's almost like the school's office which is a little scary thinking that the architect had a one-track mind.

"Hello, may I help you?" A slightly old man in his 50's asked behind the desk.

"Yes, I'm looking for some people." I didn't know how to ask for help with this. I guess it was better than saying; could you help me find my parents' graves?

"Are they family?" He asks.

"My parents, Charlie and Renee Swan." I replied.

"One moment please." He turns to an outdated computer and punches some keys that I couldn't see.

"Ah, found them." He says after few minutes of looking.

He pulled out a plot map of the land and showed me the route and where to find the tombstones.

"Have a nice day." He says on my way out. He was a little too cheerful in my opinion to be working in a cemetery. Still, I thanked him then left the office.

Now the rain was coming down a little bit harder than when I walked in.

I half ran to the car and got in fast. I hope that Rosalie doesn't get mad that her seats are a little wet.

I've never navigated through a cemetery before, but surprisingly it was just like going through a town with street names and everything. Only indeed of buildings there were tombstones all around me.

Finally, I found the right street or path? and got out because the plots were a little ways away. The rain had not lightened up and had probably gotten a little harder in the last few minutes.

I grabbed an umbrella from the car to try to stay as dry as possible, but I still got wet from when the wind would blow the water under the umbrella.

Finally, I found the tombstone circled on my partially wet map. I walked around it and saw the names of my parents engraved side by side. The stone was half my height with two matching angels blowing trumpets back to back. Under the angels was "A loving mother who gave her life for her beautiful child. A loving husband who gave his life to serve the town of Forks as Chief of Police. Both will be missed."

My knees gave out as I looked at the last sentence. Both will be missed; both are missed right now by the only one who can miss them. Me.

I sat in the mud with tears starting to flood my eyes. I have been crying so much since I came to Forks that it has been giving me a headache, but this time these are necessary. I'm at my parents' grave finally mourning their passing. I don't think I had ever done this before and I'm not ashamed to do it now not caring that I was getting drenched by the rain.

After God knows how long, I finally got up from the ground. The rain had still not slowed down and I was soaked from head to toe with water and mud, but I didn't care.

I kissed my hand and touched it to my parents' stone then said a silent prayer hoping that they are happy wherever they are and that they will watch over me and their unborn grandbaby.

With one more look, I stood up and walked back to the car.

Before getting in, I looked in the trunk for a towel or blanket to cover the seats with. I found a large beach towel and carefully pulled it over the driver's seat. Then I took off my muddy shoes and wrapped them in my jacket. Both could be washed easily, but I was now cold. I turned on the heater as high as it would go.

Looking for maybe the last time of the day—I will come back again sometime soon—I drove out of the cemetery with small tears staining my face.

I did not stop crying as I drove home nor did I when I got home.

I carefully pulled out the towel and my muddy attire out of the car and went inside to get cleaned up.

Looking around my new home, I realized that this was all sent to me by my parents. They must have seen the pain I was in and sent the Cullen's to find me.

"Grandma and Grandpa Swan are still watching for us, sprout, and they always will." I whispered to my baby who softly kicked me in reply.

I realized that I had an hour and a half before my family would be back, or maybe less with their driving.

I threw off my clothes from my body in the laundry room and wrapped myself in a towel after putting the clothes in the washer. After starting the washer, I ran upstairs to shower. I was going to get sick if I didn't and that I could not risk.

I made sure to take a quick, yet decent shower before getting out and getting dressed. I chose a long sleeved dress that went down to above my knees one from our shopping outing. Then a pair of jeans that were comfortable.

Deciding that my hair was hopeless, I threw it up in a messy bun with some ringlets framing my face.

After making sure that my locket was safely around my neck, I went downstairs.

Looking at the clock in the living room, I had used up a total of 20 minutes of my time. I decided that I should be helpful and see what Esme had left out for dinner.

In the fridge was a prepared lasagna that needed to be cooked. I preheated the oven and slipped in the dish.

A salad and green beans were in the fridge as well, but they took less time than the lasagna to make. Everything was set to be finished, but I did not see dessert. Maybe I should make some.

There was ice cream in the garage freezer, but that didn't seem good enough for company. I went back into the kitchen and found some fruit. Maybe some fruit gelatin with whipped cream.

I started slicing up the fruit on hand; the bananas, strawberries, and threw in the blueberries into a large bowl. Now I just needed to make up the gelatin. I looked in the pantry and found some on a reachable shelf.

In no time the water was boiling and the gelatin mix was coming together, but I started to feel really hungry and dinner couldn't come fast enough. Maybe just a small snack will hold me over.

I settled on a peanut butter sandwich, but the peanut butter got put up on the top shelf above the counter. Oh great. Well, at least no one's home right now.

I grabbed a chair from the table and brought it over to the counter. I got up carefully onto the chair and reached for the peanut butter, but I was still too far out to reach it.

I huffed in frustration then climbed on the counter to get higher. This time I got the jar and climbed back down.

After making my sandwich—with a few cut up strawberries mixed in—and turning off the boiling water to allow it to cool before dumping the mix over the fruit, I got back up on the counter to put the jar away.

As I was setting the jar on the shelf I found it on, the back door opened. Uh oh.

"Isabella Marie Swan Cullen." Mom scolded.

The rest of the family piled in behind her and dad along with two older people who looked like they were trying to hide their smiles.

"Isabella, what may I ask are you doing?" Mom did not look happy, and Edward looked so much like her at the moment.

"Making a little snack?" I answered as more of a question.

Mom just shook her head at me then looked to Emmett. "Get her down please."

Even if she was my new mother, I still didn't like being treated like a baby, so I started to climb down myself.

About half way down my descent I felt Emmett's hands snake around my waist and helping me down to the ground.
"I'm thinking you're grounded from leaving the ground." He whispered to me, but I was not in the mood for jokes and neither was mom.

"We will discuss this later, young lady." She firmly said walking up to the stove.

A shiver went down my spine. Mom actually scared me.

"Esme dear, lighten up a bit. If memory serves, you were no better during your pregnancies." The older woman smirked.

Mom was fighting back a smile, so maybe I'm not in too much trouble.

"Now you must Bella, am I correct?" The older woman said walking up to me.

She had the same blue eyes as dad and nose too. Her posture was straight as if she was a noble, and her accent was pretty thick. Her hair was totally grey, but smoothly pulled back into a similar hair style like my own.

"Yes." I squeaked.

She cracked a smile. "Well, welcome to the family. I'm Grandma Elizabeth Mason Cullen." She said holding out her arms to me.

I followed through by giving her a hug. From first glance, she was an intimidating woman, but she was a very warm and caring woman. Where do the Cullen men pick up these women?

"Come now Elizabeth, please don't hog this girl from me." Said the older gentlemen at her side.

He looked more like dad, except for the eyes which were green and the nose. He also had a thick accent.

"I'm Grandpa Edward." I looked at him in shock then back at the younger Edward. "Yup, he was named after me." Grandpa answered my unspoken question.

"Why, is he your favorite?" I asked sarcastically.

"Nope that's me." Emmett bellowed.

"No me." Jasper yelled.

"Hey, what about us?" Alice asked pointing between her and Rosalie.

Grandma and Grandpa both laughed.

"I think our favorite would have to be this little bump here." Grandpa joked back looking directly at my stomach. "Will it be another Edward?" He asked.

I hadn't even thought about baby names just yet.

"Uh" was all I could say.

"Alright, let's not put her on the spot. There is plenty of time to chose a name for this little baby. Besides, it could be a girl." Thank you grandma.

"Bella, did you start dinner?" Mom asked.

"Yeah, and I tried to make dessert too." I went over to the stove to see if the gelatin was ready yet. "Just let me pour this over this." I poured the mix over the fruit the placed the bowl in the fridge.

"Looks good. I can't wait to eat it." Grandma said.

"Thanks. I love to cook." I replied setting my dish in the refrigerator. As I did a buzzer went off.

Uh oh, I forgot about my laundry.

"I don't remember starting a load before I left." Mom said moving towards the other room.

I decided to not look suspicious and went to check on dinner.

"Bella," Mom came back into the kitchen. "Why are your shoes in the washer with your clothes?"

"Um, they got dirty?" How many times am I going to get in trouble tonight?

"How did they get dirty?" She asked.

"When I went for a walk." I tried to lie, but everyone saw right through me. "Ok, I took a little drive and went for a walk then got muddy from sitting on the ground."

"Is that why my car has muddy footprints around it?" Rosalie asked.

Now I was in trouble from mom and my older sister. So not good.

"Bella, we are waiting for an explanation." Mom scolded.

"Did you drive my car while we were gone?" Rosalie scowled.

I could only nod my head slightly. For once, I was afraid of my sister.

"What the hell..."

"Rosalie, language." Grandma interrupted, but Rose kept going.

"Where the hell did you go?"

I was too scared to speak.

"If I find one scratch on that car…" She didn't finish her sentence as she walked to the garage.

I stood still as a statue not really noticing anyone until someone touched me causing me to flinch out of fear.

"Don't worry about her, Bella. Just let her cool down." It was grandma. "I know you wouldn't allow anything to happen if you could right?"

I nodded my head again still afraid to speak.

"Alright, now take your snack and go sit in the living room with us. We need to catch up and get to know the newest additions to our family." Grandma led me out of the kitchen with my sandwich in her hand.

I was nervous at first about meeting my new extended family, but between the time that dinner was cooking and when we ate, we talked and laughed. The grandparents were careful not to ask too many questions about my past, which I praised them for. Mostly they told me stories about the family.

"So when they walk back into the house, Emmett is soaking wet. We found out later that he fell into the fountain in the garden." Grandpa started.

"Then comes in Edward and Alice with all too innocent eyes and matching smirks on their faces." Grandma added.

"Hey, in my defense, they pushed me in after telling me there was a mermaid in there." Emmett said.

"Who, us?" Both Edward and Alice had matching smirks on their faces. I can only imagine what little devils they were as kids.

Once this story was done, dinner was ready and the stories continued.

I can't remember when the last time I laughed so much was.

"Bella, you shouldn't be drinking that soda pop." Grandma said. "I'll get you some milk."

She walked away with my glass. I hadn't even taken a sip yet.

"Honestly Carlisle, you should know better to keep a pregnant woman healthy." She came back into the room this time scolding her son.

Dad blushed and looked down at his plate while the rest of us tried to stifle our laughs. Even mom.

During dessert, the jokes kept coming. This time everyone was blushing beet red by the time we started to clear the table.

"Come on boys; let's show these women what kind of men we are." Grandpa ordered.

While the men took care of the dishes, the women and I went into the living room.

"Oh Bella, we have something for you." Grandma said looking around for something. "Alice, have you seen my black carry-on?"

"I'll get it, grandma." Alice answered then danced out of the room only to return a few minutes later with a black bag that looked empty?

Grandma reached inside the light bag and pulled out a beautifully wrapped gift.

"Here you are my dear." She handed the gift to me.

"Grandma, you shouldn't have." I started.

"None of that young lady. Now open it." She ordered.

I obliged.

Inside the wrapped package was a necklace; the only charm was sky blue with a silver crest displayed proudly over the blue.

"It's beautiful." I said taking it out of the box.

"That is the Cullen crest. Every daughter has one or gets one when she marries into the family." Grandma explained.

"Thank you." I said trying to hold back the tears.

Grandma enveloped me in a hug as did the other women.

After our group hug—and before the men came back into the room—I put the necklace safely back in its box and Alice ran it upstairs to my room. The men came back after Alice did and our night was peaceful with more stories to share. How many humiliating stories are there about this family?

Eventually, at 9:30 pm, grandma pushed me to go to bed which I didn't object to for today was exhausting. Sleep came all too easy for me.

The next morning and the whole day was great, I had a lot of energy for some reason. Now I know how Alice feels in the morning, but I'm sure this wouldn't last.

We left before the grandparents got up, but mom made me some tea that grandma had brought for me from England. She said it was herbal and helps with the nausea. I should thank grandma if this works.

School ruined my cheery mood for now I knew why everyone kept looking at me, but I continued to ignore them.

By lunch, however, my cheery mood came back because Eric caught up to me as I was walking into the cafeteria. At first I was worried that he was going to kick me off the newspaper before I barely started, but that didn't happen.

In fact, he wanted to know if I had any other ideas for my next story.

I told him that I didn't, but I would keep my ears open. He suggested that I contradict the Principle's lecture and do a research story on women who have had babies during their teen years and still did alright in life. He said that I inspired that idea.

I told him that was a great idea and would bring it up with Angela, but to keep it top secret even from the principle. I wanted to see everyone's surprise reaction when they read my future article.