Hey all, I know two chapter in a month, crazy and next chapter is halfway done! Can't believe it! I have gotten back into a groove!
So thanks to my two amazing Betas Jasper01 and Paiget. Both rock my face off and help me not look like a fool.
Oh little note in case you didn't catch it from the Edward chapter there was a bit of a time jump since Edward and all of the kids are the same age (accept James who is a year younger) and Edward is 16 so the rest are as well. Don't worry next chapter will clear it up, just bear with me! So enjoy!
Oh yeah and I own nothing, but you know that!
Marcus POV:
I sighed and leaned back in my chair rolling my neck to work out the kinks that had formed from hours bent over my latest client file. I had opened my own practice just over a year ago and it was going well. I dealt mostly in estate law, but would occasionally branch out if need be. I had built a steady client base and was actually making a profit now.
It was a tough decision to leave Seattle two years ago but Aro and I decided that we wanted a simpler life then the fast paced one we had in Seattle with its endless parade of benefits and corporate dinners. It was stuffy and honestly not us at all. It may have been the 'us' we had been breed for by our parents but in the years since our fallout we had learned more about what we wanted in life and it didn't really include tuxes and fine crystal every weekend.
Ever since Charlie and Peter had moved out of Seattle several years ago, taking the only family we really had left away, we didn't really feel like we belonged in Seattle anymore. When Charlie had gotten the kids and Aro and I had taken on the role of uncle, the void we felt with the distance grew even larger. So we made the decision to pack up and move closer to them.
I decided to open my own practice in Port Angeles, which was a commute but really was worth it to be closer to the family. Granted I was young, at only 32, to be opening up my own practice, but there wasn't a whole lot of competition in the area and the slower pace really suited us at this point.
Aro was able to work mostly from home designing his building only having to go into Seattle once a month to meet with clients and go over plans. In the last few months he and Esme have been talking about opening their own firm also he would design the homes or offices and she would offer her services as interior designer. She had decided she no longer wanted to work in the Social work field, like most in her line of work she was getting burned out.
I looked back at my desk and studied the forms in front of me. It was honestly heartbreaking sometimes working with people putting their affairs in order. My newest client was a 43 year old husband and father of 2 who had just found out he had stage 5 liver cancer and had only been given about 6 months left to live. He came to see me early to set up some trusts for his kids and to make sure that his wife was taken care of.
The way he talked about his children, with such love and reverence, was really moving and I felt a little twinge in my heart thinking about it. Aro and I had never really talked about kids and have never really even considered adopting. Our niece and nephews honestly filled any void that we would normally feel in regards to that. But after hearing the absolute devotion coming from this man as he spoke about his daughters love for all things Justin Beiber (much to his annoyance) or his son's accomplishments in making the soccer team was really something that got me thinking.
Maybe Aro and I need to discuss the options. I'm not sure really what his feelings on the subject are. I know that he is scared of turning into his father if he ever had a child. We had discussed that much at least and I had informed him that I would never let that happen. His father was an asshole to the extreme even more so than mine and he was quite the piece of work. All he cared about was image, and having a gay son did NOT fit in with the carefully constructed persona he had come up with.
I was just finishing up with my paper work for this client when my phone rang startling me a bit. I wasn't used to it ringing in my office but I had given my secretary and paralegal the week off, so I had all the calls forwarded to my office phone.
"This is Marcus." I answered simply.
"Marc, hey man its Charlie." I smiled at the voice on the line; he and Peter really were like brothers to us.
"Hey what's going on man?" We really needed to all get together soon, it had been a few weeks since we had seen them and I missed the kids something fierce.
"Well, I was calling for a reason and I am sorry to do this to you, but I need your help again." He sounded a bit nervous and I instantly started to worry.
"What's wrong is it one of the kids? Is someone trying to lay claim on them? Let me know wha..." I was cut off mid rant.
"No, NO it's nothing with the kids everything is great with them, no long lost relatives trying to lay claim or anything." I breathed a sigh of relief. I don't know what I would do if anyone tried to take those kids away. It would crush us all; there is no way any of us would survive. They had drastically altered all of our lives for the better.
"Oh, oh good, good, you had me worried for a moment. What can I help you with then?"
"I need you to get me all the information you can on an Edward Anthony Cullen and his parents and family." That was strange. He was the chief of police; honestly he had just as much if not more resources than I did if he needed to find info out on someone.
"Charlie, I have no problem doing it, but if you don't mind me asking why? I mean you have just as many resources at your disposal as I do." I was really kind of confused by the request.
"I know it's weird, but I don't want to alert the authorities that I would have to in order to dig up the information. I want this done discreetly and as quickly as possible. I can give you a bit of information to help you if you need." I was even more perplexed as to why he wouldn't want it linked to him officially but I wasn't going to question it.
"Of course and any information you have will speed things up." I grabbed a pen and legal pad waiting for whatever he was about to tell me.
"Edward Anthony Cullen age 16," Oh, interesting, "father Liam Cullen," that sounded really familiar, "mother Maggie Cullen, and brother Carlisle Cullen. Current residence of mother and father Chicago Illinois, brother studying at Northwestern University." Charlie rattled off the location details quickly, but never mentioned the location of the minor, this had my curiosity peaked.
"Charlie, you never mentioned the location of young Edward?" I asked really intrigued as to why he needed this info.
"Yeah, about that, his current location would be in the booth across from me." Oh snap!
"Charlie, why are you having breakfast with an unaccompanied minor?" I was now very concerned, if he didn't want this to leave a trail back to him, I was wondering what the boy had gotten into and why he seemed to have hit a chord with my friend.
"Marcus I will answer all your questions but please can you get me the information I need and meet us at the house as soon as you can. It's very important." I could hear the urgency in his voice.
"Alright, I'm on it. I will meet you at your place give me a few hours to see what I can dig up." I was already pulling up my databases to search for the info I wanted. I would only be able to get surface information with such a short amount of time, but it would give us something to go off of.
"Thank you." We ended the call and I started my research. To say that I was shocked by what I found would be an understatement. On the surface the family looked to be the ideal blue blood family but the surface is where it stopped. There was nothing that could be legally brought back to the family, but there were plenty of shady business deals and what appeared to me to be kickbacks. But again nothing that would hold up in a court of law.
I saw that the father, Liam Cullen, was running for the bench in Chicago under the banner of moral reform and family values. The mother, Maggie, was honestly just like every other Blue Blood wife in the world spending her days drinking under the guise of charity planning. The only thing that really shocked me was the brother Carlisle. He seemed to have a good head on his shoulders, pre-med at Northwestern, straight 'A' student, holding down an internship at Chicago Memorial while taking a full course load. It was pretty impressive.
Then I got to the information on the youngest Cullen. He was supposed to be going into his junior year, just turned 16 a few months ago. Good student, straight A's also, playing football, on student council, in photography club, and art club. He seemed to be very well rounded and put together. So why was this 16 year old, with a seemingly charmed life, thousands of miles away from his family and friends sitting in a dinner in the Podunk town of Forks Washington?
I printed off some of the things I had found bank accounts, business dealings, associates and the like, shut down my computer and straightened up my desk. I was anxious to see this boy and hear what his story was.
Locking up I pulled my phone out and called Aro to let him know what was going on and to have him meet me at Charlie and Peter's. I had a feeling we are going to need all the support we can get. I hit speed dial 1 waiting for the love of my life to answer.
"Hey baby, you on lunch?" He asked when he picked up.
"Hey yourself, and no I'm not I am leaving early." I informed him getting into my car. I loved my car; it was new Dodge Charger in black with black and grey leather interior. It was my baby, well my other baby.
"Why, is everything ok?" He was sounding a little panicky so I was quick to reassure him.
"Aro, I'm fine but I am not sure about Charlie and Peter honestly. Can you meet me at their place I am on my way over there now?" I really wanted him there for the support he could offer us all. I knew he was at home so he was only about 3 minutes away.
When we decided to move to the area we bought some land just down the street from Peter and Charlie; it was nice because we were the only two houses in the area. Yes it made my commute a little longer to Port Angeles, but being close to the family made it worth it.
"Of course I'll meet you there. I'll see you in a little bit cara mia." I had to laugh at him. He had recently taken to learning Italian because we wanted to take a vacation there in a few years. He was trying to get me to learn also but I was linguistically challenged and argued that as long as he spoke it I wouldn't have need to. My logic made sense to me and that's really all that mattered.
"Thanks, I love you."
"Love you too, be safe." We hung up and I made my way home.
I pulled up into the driveway of beach front house and quickly made my way inside. I didn't bother to stop and knock, we never did, and I could hear voices coming from the sun room and made my way back there.
My eyes immediately sought out my partner, they always do, it's like a pull and I can't help but have to know where he is the second I enter a room. He was sitting on a chair across the room from me and was staring intently at something. It was the first time in all our years together his eyes didn't instantly find mine when I entered a room so I followed his line of sight.
My eyes fell on a young boy with crazy hair and the greenest saddest eyes I have ever seen. He looked similar to the picture I had found of Edward Cullen but this boy was dirty, had stubble on his face, a laceration that looked to be infected, and several bruises that were very light almost completely healed. He looked like someone had used him for a stomping ground and I can't imagine how he would have looked right after the beating took place. My heart instantly swelled with sympathy for him. There was something about this boy that called to me and made me want to hide him from every hurt in the world.
The feeling was more intense then I had ever felt even after meeting my niece and nephews. I didn't care what had happened at this point, I would find out who hurt him and make sure it never happened again.
I heard a throat clearing and turned to see Peter and Charlie had noticed me in the room. They both stood causing Aro to snap his attention over to me also, the boy kept his eyes on his lap.
"Hey baby, you made it." Aro made his way over and pulled me into a hug so tight it almost hurt. He kissed me lightly on the lips before pulling away and taking my hand in his leading me to the chair next to where he was sitting.
"Yeah, sorry I'm late traffic was bad for some reason." This was a little awkward. It seemed like no one really knew what to say at this point so the silence that followed my declaration drug on. Finally Charlie decided to take control.
"So, first things first, introductions. Edward?" Charlie prodded and Edward's head snapped up to look at him, "I would like you to meet some dear friends of ours. This is Aro Volturi and Marcus Gallo. Marcus is a lawyer and Aro is an architect, they live just down the street from us. They are like family so you can trust them." Edward didn't' say anything he just nodded and avoided eye contact.
"Son, these two here," Peter gestured to Aro and I, "will understand what you have been through better than anyone else in the world; but, if you want we can tell them what happened to you then Marcus can tell us what he found out." Edward just nodded again indicating that one of them could tell us what happened and how he came to be here.
Charlie launched into the story of Edward getting caught by his father with his "friend", then his father beating the shit out of him, kicking him out of the house. He told us about driving cross country Edward's run-in with the cop in Seattle, which had me pissed off all over again, making his way here, and finishing with finding Edward this morning. I knew there was more to the story then what any of us had been told but at this point the basics would work.
I could tell that the story hit Aro hard. While we had both been kicked out of our homes, Aro's father was far crueler then mine and came very close to getting physical with him. I know he pushed him but that was the extent of it. I can't imagine having my father beat me so bad that I blacked out then proceed to kick me out of the house at 16 years old. It was heartbreaking.
"Marc, did you find anything helpful out?" Charlie broke into my inner musings.
"Well that depends on what you are trying to accomplish. I have some basic information on the family, business dealings, bank information, and family background. If you're trying to do what I think you are, it could get a little sticky. His father is in the public eye, he is running for district judge and I am sure he hopes to go further than that at some point."
"He does." My head snapped over to the timid voice that made its presence known for the first time.
"How much do you know about your father;s affairs?" I asked him hoping he didn't know about all the shady dealings I had uncovered.
"Not much, all I know is that he dreams of the Supreme Court at some point." He seemed nervous. "What did you find?" He asked timidly.
"For the most part it was just basic information like I said. I would have to dig deeper to get specifics. It does seem that some of his business dealings are a bit shady, but nothing that would stick in court; also, it appears that he may have taken some kickbacks at some point. but again, nothing that would actually hold up under legal action. If the information got into the wrong hands, or right hands depending on your view point, it could be used as leverage to get something out of him." I don't know what reaction I was expecting from the boy across from me but was expecting more than what I got. He just furrowed his brows but made no move.
"What about a police report? Certainly people must be wondering where he is. Someone has to be looking for him." Aro grabbed my hand as he asked this. He was hurting; this was bringing back so many memories for him.
"I didn't see anything about him being reported missing. I don't think we will know more on that matter until we call them and find out what story they are spinning about the sudden disappearance of their son." I sighed this was going to be a long day and I had no desire to talk to pompous blue bloods that think they are better then everyone and can dictate the lives of those around them. But I knew that I was the most equipped to deal with him, I just needed to talk with Charlie, Peter and Aro and see what exactly they wanted to accomplish from the phone call.
"Edward, why don't I show you where the bathroom is and you can shower and change. I am sure Jasper has some clothes that will fit you; you both have a similar build. Then if you would like you can take a nap for a bit. I can't imagine sleeping in your car is very comfortable." Edward stood and followed Peter out of the room looking like the idea of a shower was the answer to all the worlds' problems.
Once he was out of the room I turned my attention to Charlie.
"What do you actually want to accomplish when I speak with the parents?" I asked him not wanting to beat around the bush so to speak. He ran his hands over his face.
"I'm not sure Marc; all I know is that he can't go back there to them. Not that I think they would take him anyway, but I refuse to knowingly subject him to possible abuse again. If we can't find someone to take him in, Peter and I are willing to take him, we just worry what adding a strange boy to the mix with the others would be." I nodded in understanding. While the kids had made great strides in recovery they craved routine and strangers still made them nervous. Throwing a stranger into the only place they felt 100% safe could set them back.
"Hey Charlie, can you come here for a minute?" I heard Peter's voice filter through the house.
"Yeah, coming." He called back and made his way into the main house.
I leaned back in my chair and let my mind wander to all that we had learned thus far.
Edward had been kicked out of his house by his parents for being gay, been there.
Edward was homeless and had spent the last few weeks living in hotels and his car, also been there.
Unfortunately that's where the similarities end.
Edward had been beaten unconscious for how he was born.
Edward didn't have the support of a loving partner.
Edward didn't have great friends who were willing to help him through this.
Edward was only 16 years old!
That last fact simply broke my heart. I just didn't know what to do about it. I was so lost in my thoughts I barely registered Aro climbing into my lap and hugging me tightly to him. I buried my face in his neck and took comfort in the familiar scent.
"I want to help him." He whispered in my ear as he ran his hand up and down my arms. I just nodded. I wanted to help him also but wasn't sure what we could do.
"What can we do though?" I murmured against him.
"We could take him in, adopt him." My head snapped to attention so quickly I winced in pain at the movement.
"Aro, are you serious? Last time we talked about adopting you nearly had a panic attack thinking about how you were going to turn into your father." I wasn't trying to be rude or judgmental but I just needed to understand what was going through his head.
"I know I freaked out but after hearing what he went through and how close it was to our story it made me realize how much of a monster these people are. I could never turn into my father or his for that matter. I feel connected to him and I don't just mean because of what we went through. The second I entered the room I felt a pull to the boy also, so I understood it.
"Let's talk to the father, see what's going on before we get in our heads that he is ours, but I agree I want him too. I felt the need to protect him before I even heard his story. I can't explain it but I felt it too." He pulled away from me and looked into my eyes his deep blue meeting mine.
"Really, we can consider it?" I could hear the hopeful tone in his voice as he started to bounce in my lap; I had to smile at this, sometimes Aro was more like a kid than a mature adult. That was until I noticed the bouncing more than the excitement and started to have a minor issue.
"Yes really, now please stop bouncing!" He stopped instantly and laughed until he felt my problem hitting him in the ass and his smile changed to a smirk and I could see the evil glint take over his eyes.
"You have an issue their cara mia?" He ground his ass into my lap making me hiss at the torturous friction he was causing.
"YES, and if you don't want to put on a show for everyone I suggest you cease your little evil plan right now." I hissed out at him. I was about 2 seconds away from launching him off my lap onto the floor when a throat cleared behind us. I looked over and saw Peter and Charlie looking at us laughing.
"It's not funny." I told them as they busted up.
"It is funny actually but we don't have time for that now. I want you to call Edward's father and see what we can find out. Give as little detail as you can about what we know about him, but see if you can get any information about how they are spinning this to the media and friends." I knew that Charlie wanted to play this close to the chest and not give away anything until we absolutely had to.
"Alright give me the number I'll make the call." I was not looking forward to this at all. I took the number and Aro moved off my lap. Fortunately my previous issue decided to rectify itself with the weight of the task before me. I wasn't sure what I was going to say so I would have to play it by ear. I dialed the number and waited as it rang.
"This is Liam Cullen." Came the voice on the other end.
"Mr. Cullen, my name is Marcus Gallo. I'm an attorney in Port Angeles, Washington. I have a matter of some importance I would like to discuss with you." I was trying to sound as cordial as possible.
"Mr. Gallo, I'm afraid I am not familiar with any business I would have in Washington state unless you are looking to support my campaign to the bench." The bastard actually had the nerve to chuckle. I tried to keep my anger in check and chuckled along with him to keep it as amicable as possible, for now.
"No sir, I can assure you the business I speak of is of far greater importance than any campaign would be." His light chuckles stopped instantly.
"Then why don't you quit stalling and inform me what this call pertains to." He was a man of little patience that I could tell already.
"Of course. I was wondering what you know about a young boy named Edward." I decided to just jump in with it. The silence on the other end of the line was deafening.
"I'm not paying bail if that's what you're looking for. The little shit can rot in jail for all I care." This guy was pissing me off already and we had just started this conversation.
"Mr. Cullen, I can assure you I am not looking for money for bail or any other reason." I needed to give him some information and looked over to Charlie to see what he thought. Charlie just nodded at me. "Your son was found sleeping in his car in a small town in Washington state and we were wondering why he was here." I knew that he was between a rock and a hard place right now. He already mentioned that he didn't care what happened to his son so now to try and play off concern for his child sleeping in his car wouldn't really work.
"Look, we had a falling out and he ran away from home. We have had issues with him in the past; he is honestly a problem child. We tried everything we could to help him but he just went off the deep end." Oh so he was blaming this all on Edward, nice.
"Your child is a runaway?" I asked for clarification.
"Yes, it was about a month ago. We got into a fight, he attacked me and ran out of the house, we haven't heard from him since then." Did he just really accuse his 16 year old son of attacking him? I am about to lose my cool.
"Why didn't you file a police report? If he was a problem child and as unstable as you are suggesting certainly the authorities should have been notified. He could be a danger to himself and others." I was baiting him and I prayed he took it.
"No, it's...the situation is complicated. We hired a private detective to search for him but right now my family doesn't need the scandal of a missing child." Private detective my ass and I was so angry that he was putting his career above his child's well being.
"Well we found him so what would you like us to do." I was putting the ball in his court knowing he didn't want him back; but also not knowing how to fix it so that it didn't bite him in the ass later. I heard a loud sigh on the other end of the line.
"Does he want to come home?" I could tell he didn't really want to know the answer to that.
"I haven't really spoken to him about it but what if I could make it so that you never have to worry about him again?" Wait that came out wrong.
"What! No I don't want you to kill him..." I stopped him needing to rephrase that but was glad he at least had some semblance of a soul and didn't want his son dead.
"I'm sorry, that's not what I meant Mr. Cullen. I was simply saying that I know of a couple who would be willing to take over guardianship of young Edward. You know with him being a minor all records would be sealed. It would obviously still be on public record that there was a court deposition but the contents of such deposition would not be public record. You would no longer be responsible for Edward in anyway and you can rest easy that your precious image would remain intact." I waited for his response.
"I have to talk to my wife but draw up the paper work and fax it to my home office; we will look it over and call you back. I just want to wash my hands of the little faggot once and for all." I got his information to send the forms once I had them drawn up, said my goodbyes. and disconnected the call. Once he was off the line I exploded.
"I can't believe the nerve of that man!" I was fuming.
"Calm down Tesoro." Aro ran his hand up and down my back in a soothing manner; he always knew how to calm me down. I took some deep breaths to calm myself before moving on.
"I'm good," I reassured, "They are claiming he is a runaway but choose not to go to the police instead using a private investigator to try and locate him." I felt my blood pressure rising again thinking about the conversation I just had.
"What? That's crazy what kind of parents would do that?" He was just as upset as I was. Truth was we knew exactly what kind of parents would do that. Ours did after all to an extent.
"So what did he say about the proposition?" Charlie asked.
"He said he had to talk with his wife but to draw up the paper work and send it over. They will look it over and call us back. We just have to decide who's going to take over guardianship." I looked over at Aro who looked to be deep in thought.
"Aro?" I prodded hoping to get a response out of him.
"Let's do it. I can't bear the thought of some strangers getting him and I think we would all be good for each other. I can't put my finger on why but I want to do this. I have to do this. Please Marc; please say we can keep him." My heart melted and in that moment I couldn't tell him no. Not that I really wanted to because I understood what he was feeling, I felt it too.
"You don't have to do this you know? We would be more than happy to take him." Peter informed us. He knew that Aro had daddy issues and that we never really seriously talked about adopting.
"We know you would Peter, but you already have 4 teenagers living in this house. Adding another one to the mix could cause some issues and we don't want to have anyone's progress set back due to a disruption. We also feel like we can relate to him on a level that others can't, having grown up with similar backgrounds. I think we can really help him out and honestly I love him already. He just looks so lost and broken." Aro's speech was full of conviction and passion and I had no doubt that we could do this.
I knew it wouldn't be a walk in the park, he was hurt, untrusting, broken, and scared. We would probably need to get him into therapy and it would definitely take time for him to see that we weren't like his parents, but we would do it. I didn't even realize Charlie was speaking until I heard that Edward might choose another option.
"We are going to need to speak with Edward about it, make sure he is alright with the situation. He may prefer to become a ward of the state..."
"NO!" We all turned toward the door and saw a very broken Edward standing there with tears in his eyes. The urge to comfort him was almost too much for me to bear but I stopped myself from rushing to him. I didn't want him to be uncomfortable.
"No what Edward? How long have you been there?" Charlie asked as he gestured him to come in. Edward shuffled into the room and sat in the chair he had previously occupied. He looked better than he did. His bronze hair in disarray and in need of a cut but he looked clean and refreshed. The bags under his green eyes were still dominate and he looked like he could use several days of uninterrupted sleep but in general he was looking more together.
He settled into the chair looking uneasy and again I was hit with the urge to comfort and protect him. Aro seemed to not be able to restrain himself and moved his seat next to Edward and placed a hand on his arm. Edward stiffened briefly before relaxing again and clearing his throat.
"I came down right after he got off the phone with the sperm donor. I know they don't want me and don't care what happens to me. No one does." His voice was small and barely above a whisper. He pulled his legs up to his chest and wrapped his arms around his knees hugging them to himself.
"That's not true; everyone in this room cares what happens to you." My love told him fiercely.
"Why?" I saw a tear roll down his face and moved my chair next to him on the other side wrapping my arm around his shoulders.
"Because we know what it's like to be tossed away and hurt by those that are suppose to protect you just because of the way you were born. We know what it's like to have your family care more about their image than they do about their child. We want to help you, we want you to stay with us, and let us be what your parents should have been to you in the first place." I heard a sniffle and was surprised when he leaned his head on my shoulder.
"What happened to you?" He asked quietly. I sighed not sure we really had time to get into this. The other kids were going to be home from school soon and the story was involved and we still had to decide if he wanted to stay with us and I had to get the paper work drawn up.
"It's a long story that we don't really have time to get into right now. What we need to discuss is how you would feel about Aro and me becoming your legal guardians?" I prayed that he would agree to stay with us. I don't think either Aro or I could take it if he decided he didn't want to.
"You really want me?" His voice was so timid. There was nothing in his voice that showed the cocky self-assured boy I had read about in my research and I was determined to help him get back his life.
"Yes we really want you. We have a lot to discuss but if you want we would love to have you as our son." Aro was beaming at him but I could see the fear of rejection in his eyes.
"I think...I think I would like that. I can't explain it but I feel comfortable here at home already with all of you. I don't think I have ever felt like this even as a child. I feel like I can be myself." I noticed Aro visibly relax and felt myself lighten at his confession. I was ecstatic that he felt at home here and I hoped that we could continue that.
"Well now that that's decided I really think that sleep is in order for you, son, Aro and Marcus can take you to their place and I can take Peter to get your car and we can drop it off there for you. I know Marc needs to get to work on the forms and until we hear back on those, there isn't much we can do." There's good old Charlie taking control. I looked down at my watch and realized it was almost 3. The kids would be home soon I didn't think now was the time for them all to meet. Charlie and Peter needed to explain the situation and prepare them before just showing up with a random boy in their home.
I stood up and Aro and Edward followed suit.
"We should head out before the kids get home. You need to talk to them before they all meet, prepare them and what not. Baby, how about you take Edward in your car and I will meet you there in a few minutes." We all stood as Aro and Edward made their way to the door.
"Edward, I'm glad that you are safe now. Don't worry we will take care of everything for you. You're safe now, welcome home son." Charlie grasped his shoulder lightly.
"Thank you Charlie. You didn't have to do this, you could have just been like the other cop and let me go but you didn't and I have a feeling I am going to be in your debt for that." He bowed his head embarrassed about something.
"Just be happy and settle in with Marc and Aro and consider it paid in full." Edward nodded and followed Aro out the door and through the house.
"Marc," Charlie stopped my progress towards the door, "I think you need to give him some details about the kids. I mean obviously not the whole story, but enough that he won't feel like if they shy away it's personal against him." I understood his concern. We were adding another member to our family and we wanted the transition to be as painless for all parties as possible.
"I will just give basic detail. If the kids decide they are comfortable and want him to know more they can tell him in time. Don't worry it will be an adjustment but we will all get through it together." We hugged a typical man hug before I said my goodbyes and made my way out to the car.
I had no idea what exactly was going to happen over the next few days. We still had to get Edward's parents to agree to sign over custody; but, I didn't think that would be a problem as long as I was able to keep all the documents sealed so it never came back to them. With Edward being a minor all records pertaining to him would be closed anyway so it really depends on the story that they chose to tell on their end.
They could just say he is overseas studying or that he is staying with family to finish his high school career. Any number of scenarios are believable so I don't see any major issues with this going through. It would absolutely break Aro if something happened and Edward was forced to go back to Chicago though. I was just crossing my fingers hoping that didn't happen.
I walked into the house and could here Aro excitedly showing Edward around. I wasn't sure what room he was thinking about putting him in; there were two that he could choose from, one on the second floor where our room was and then one on the third. The one on the second floor was larger but overlooked the front forest area and had an en suit bathroom; it was decorated in neutral colors and had large furniture in it. The second option was smaller in comparison but I wouldn't really call it tiny, it didn't have its own bathroom but the view in the room was incredible. It faced the water and made it almost look like you were hanging over the cliff's edge.
Aro had designed the house so of course it was amazing. It was basically three layers that looked stacked on one another, each floor of the house jutting out further than the one below it. The smaller room upstairs had a bathroom across the hall from it. The only other room up there was Aro's studio but it was on the other end of the hall so he would be relatively undisturbed if he chose that one.
Esme had decorated that room in light tans and blues to flow with the water that looked almost like it was part of the room from the large picture windows that ran along the back wall. The house was simple in its elegance and it suited us perfectly. I really hoped that Edward would feel comfortable here.
"Baby, where are you guys at?" I called out. I could hear the voices but couldn't pinpoint in the open house where they were at.
"Third floor Tesoro." I kicked off my shoes in the mud room and made my way up to them. As I got closer I could hear them talking about the room, Aro was telling Edward that he could change anything in it and in a few days he told him we can go furniture shopping to make the room his.
"You don't have to do that, it's fine the way it is." I could tell that he was uncomfortable and we were going to have to nip that in the bud real quick. If he was going to be living here and essentially be our son than he was going to have to be comfortable here and with us spending money on him. I stepped into the room and took over for Aro.
"Please, Edward this is your home now what's ours is yours. We want you to feel comfortable here. If you need something you have to tell us, if we tell you we want you to redecorate anyway you want we mean it. You belong here, by fate or chance I don't know, but either way you belong with us and we are going to take care of you." I honestly believed that he was destined to be here and to be our son. He may not have been born by either of our seeds but he was ours none the less, the only other thing I had been this certain of in my life had been Aro.
"He's right Edward; we finally have someone besides Winston to spoil!" I had to roll my eyes at that, speaking of Winston.
"Hey baby, speaking of Winston, where is he? I wasn't attacked or slobbered on when I came through the door?" I was talking about our English bulldog that we have had for about 2 years. He is overweight, grumpy, and impossible to train, snorts constantly, and spoiled beyond belief. He was Aro's choice of dog and like always all he had to do was flash me his puppy dog eyes and I caved like a fat guy in a Krispy Kreme.
You wouldn't think that Aro was actually the older of the two of us by our personalities. I have always been the more responsible and reasonable. He was a big kid at heart, always excitable and bouncing. You would think that it would be annoying but to me it was just adorable and endearing.
"I put him out when we got in. I didn't want him to scare poor Edward off. You know how he is with new people." I nodded.
"Of course darling. How about we go and talk about a few things make sure we are all on the same page. We can go to my office so I can put together the paper work while we talk." I grabbed Aro's hand as he gestured for Edward to follow us out.
We made our way down to the ground floor that housed the kitchen, dining room, living room and my office. The bottom floor was a large open floor plan where the kitchen flowed into the dining room, into the living room. It made it so that you never felt alone if you were in the living room and someone was in the kitchen. My office was the only closed off room on the bottom floor.
I dropped Aro's hand and moved to my desk as he took one of the leather chairs in front of it gesturing for Edward to take the other.
"Edward," Aro started not wasting any time," there are several things you need to know about. First, I would like to give you a brief rundown of mine and Marcus' story. Then we need to talk about Charlie and Peter's children a bit. Please feel free to stop us at any time if you have questions alright?" He was turned in his chair facing Edward. I saw him nod as I booted up my computer and pulled up the programs I would need to draft the forms for a change in legal guardianship. I had done this so many times I was able to listen and work at the same time.
"Well, first you should know that Marcus and I have known each other our whole lives. We were born a few months apart and our parents all ran in the same social circle in Seattle; they were blue bloods just like your family." I looked up to see if there was any reaction out of Edward and the most I saw was a slight frown on his face. He seemed to be very good at hiding his emotions.
"My father Vladimir Volturi was very well known in the import/export business. Marcus' father Stefan Gallo was a very high powered attorney who ran for congress and eventually won. Our mothers were your typical society wives, my mother, Sulpicia, and Marcs' mother, Didyme, worked on different charities together but like most in our world it was all for show.
"Marc and I were best friends all through our childhood and into our teen years. I was the first one that started to think I was different from other boys our age, we were about 12. I won't get into all the details but it wasn't long after that when Marcus realized he also had a preference for boys also. So we started experimenting together." I looked up from my work again and saw the blush on both his and Edward's faces and chuckled.
"Baby I think you can skip that part of the story." I told him.
"Oh thank God!" Edward sighed out in relief causing me to laugh harder.
"Don't worry; we won't subject you to our past sexual exploits." I assured him as Aro continued on.
"We never really made it official in the traditional sense, we were just always us. We never had any desire to ever date anyone else but we also knew that we couldn't come out. So for years we hid our relationship. When our parents would ask why we didn't date or have girlfriends we just told them we were focused on school and things or that we didn't have time. They believed us and we made it all the way through high school with no one being the wiser." The look on Aro's face as he went back in time was beautiful.
It was a great time for us, despite having to lie to our parents, the learning about each other and exploring each other's bodies, hearing his moans of pleasure when I found a new spot that drove him crazy, bringing him to his first orgasm, all of these moments flashed in my mind, and it was glorious. But reality is quick to make its presence known and in our second semester of our sophomore year at college our lives would change forever.
"Things were going well for us. We both attended the University of Washington in Seattle, Marcus was pre-law and I was in the Architecture program. We decided to save money and stay living in our individual homes through school while our parents fronted the bill for our education. Things were going great until a few weeks into our second semester." I could see the start of tears glistening in Aro's eyes. He was always so much more sensitive about the whole situation then I was.
I moved out of my chair and over to where they were, knowing that this was going to get emotional for him. I pulled him up and set him on my lap and started rubbing soothing circles on his back.
"Thank you Tesoro," I pecked him on the lips and he snuggled into me. I looked over at Edward who was watching us intently. I couldn't place the look on his face but didn't have time to analyze it as Aro started up again.
"We were in our second semester of our sophomore year when the shit hit the proverbial fan. We were studying at my house and one thing lead to another and you know," Edward nodded in confirmation that he did indeed understand, "well my mother came home from the club early and for some reason decided to come and check on us. To say she was shocked would be an understatement of epic proportions. She screamed and yelled, called my dad who immediately came home and sat us down in his study. He then proceeded to call Marcus' parents who came over." Aro paused and swallowed hard. I wrapped my arms around him and pulled him closer.
"You want me to finish it?" I asked him.
"No, I want to." He took a few calming breaths before going on.
"We all sat around talking. They tried to tell us this was just a phase and that we would grow out of it. We told them we had been together basically since we were about 12 years old and my dad flipped out on us. He attacked me and got a few good punches in before Marcus' dad could step in and pull him off of me. Once he was calmed down they told us that we had two options. One, we could break up, they would continue to pay for our school and let us live at home, or two, we could move out and be cut off completely.
"Marcus and I looked at each other stood up from our chairs and told them we would pack and be out by the next day. We left the room and went back to my room and packed a suitcase and my essentials before leaving and doing the same for him. We haven't seen or talked to our parents since then." I could hear the sadness in his voice. We had always held out some hope that they would come around eventually but thus far they haven't.
"We spent several weeks living in a motel until in one of my classes Charlie and I got to talking. I, to this day, don't know why but told him about what happened and how we were living in the motel but running out of money. He called Peter and they talked and offered us to live in their spare room until we got our feet under us. We both had scholarships, so we only had to work to make rent and live. It was tight but we got jobs and ended up living with Peter and Charlie until they moved here for Charlie's job." I finished up for Aro he was having a hard time holding it together. We didn't talk about that day often but it always ended up with him in tears.
"So there you have the basic story. You see what we mean when we say that we really do understand what you went though. Unfortunately, you are so much younger then we were and alone. That breaks my heart; I can't imagine having to go through that without Marcus by my side. But you never have to worry about anything like that happening again no matter what, we want you here." No one said anything, we were all processing everything. It was a lot to take in or in our case remember; but, I had work to do so I tapped Aro on the thigh indicating I needed to get up. He climbed off my lap and I stood and went back over to my desk. I really needed to get started on this paper work.
"I don't understand why there are people like that out there that treat their kids that way. Just to toss them aside with no regard. Makes me sick, at least we haven't had to endure what Charlie and Peter had to." Oh, nice segue baby.
"What do you mean?" Edward asked confused.
"We can't tell you everything but the basics are something you need to know. Charlie and Peter didn't find out about Charlie's kids until about two and a half years ago or so. There are four of them, actually only three of them are blood related, the triplets Emmett, Jasper and Bella. James is their brother in every way but blood." Their story was one that put all others to shame really and I focused more on the work in front of me not wanting to hear of the terrors they faced yet again. I knew Aro wouldn't give too much away but even thinking what they had to endure was almost too much for me.
"How did Charlie not know he had triplets?" With this question my love went on to explain Charlie and Peter's story, the one night stand, how they finally got together and finally about finding out about the kids and very limited details about the horrors they had endured. He didn't tell them that the lives of the mother and boyfriend were in fact ended by the hands of two of the kids or that they had been bought and sold many times over.
"Oh wow. I can't believe that anyone could do that. It makes what happened to me seem inconsequential." My head snapped up from my desk and noticed Edward looking at his lap ashamed.
"NO, Edward we don't know your full story yet but I can guess at some of it. Mental abuse can be just as harmful as physical and leave just as many lasting scars. Don't trivialize your life or experiences. What happened to you was just as real as what they went through. Granted we haven't told you everything, we think that it is best if they do that once they are comfortable with you but we thought you should know that if they are shy or a bit skittish around you it's not personal." I felt bad that he thought what happened to him was somehow lessened by the experiences of the others when in all honesty abuse in any form is deplorable.
"So now that we have gone over everything I need to go let Winston in so Edward can meet him, you cara mia, need to finish up here and get that paperwork to the Cullen's, and Edward once you have meet Winston I think a good nap before dinner is in order." My baby always the organized one.
"I can, I can help you if you need? I can cook and clean or anything you need me to so I can earn my stay here." He was fidgeting with his hands looking nervous and Aro gasped in horror at his suggestion.
"You most certainly will not! This is your home you don't have to earn anything. At some point we will sit down and discuss rules and chores and things; but, you living here holds no requirements, other than to let us help you heal, move on, and live a happy healthy life." I just nodded in agreement. We didn't' want him here for household help we wanted him here to be part of the family.
I felt so disheartened watching him over the last few hours; he looked so lost and broken. Nothing like the young man I had read about or seen in my research. But I realize that could have all been a front he had to put on for his family and to protect himself. I just hoped that we could help him become the man that he was meant to be. I knew that getting him in therapy would be essential but we would wait until he was more settled to broach that subject.
"Alright you two leave me to this I am almost done then we can have a nice dinner and talk some more." They left my office and I could hear them throughout the house and had to laugh when I heard his reaction to Winston. We would have to work on his language that was one thing I was not a fan of cussing.
A few years ago we had to institute a potty mouth jar because some of Aro's co-workers were rubbing off on him. We may have to put that into practice again. I heard them moving back from the back porch making their way to the stairs just as I was faxing the last of the forms when the front door opened. Who was that?
"Aro, why is Marcus home, did you need to cancel today." I heard Jasper in the mud room and remembered that he and Aro meet a few times a week to talk about art, look at things that Aro was working on, and basically just hanging out. He didn't know Edward was here and this could be bad.
I made my way out of the office and hoped that the introductions went well and that no one freaked out. When I got to the great room I was glad to see no one huddled in a corner crying but Jasper and Edward were eyeing each other intently. Aro was just making the introductions.
"Jasper, it's ok. This is Edward he is going to be living with us now." Neither made a move toward the other.
"I didn't know you were interested in adopting, you never mentioned it before." Jasper asked quietly not taking his eyes off of what he perceived a potential threat.
"It's a long story Jas, it just sort of happened today. Your dad and pops were going to sit down with you all after school and talk to you about it but I guess it slipped our mind that you would be coming here and not home first." Jasper just nodded and I noticed Edward staring at him with a very familiar look in his eyes.
"I didn't mean to frighten you Jasper but it's nice to meet you. I hope in time we can get to know each other and be friends." Edward had a hopeful look on his face as he studied Jasper who was still looking a bit alarmed. The intense moment was interrupted by Jasper's phone ringing.
"Hello,"
"It's ok,"
It must be Charlie or Peter calling when they remembered he wouldn't be home.
"No I am looking at him right now," and he was watching him with appraising eyes.
"Yes I'm fine." Of course they were concerned this house was a safe house for the kids also and it was being invaded.
"Ok, I'll be home as soon as we are done...I love you too." He disconnected the call and put it back in his pocket.
"Well Jas, why don't we head up to the studio, Edward still needed to take a nap so he should get to that, and Marcus you can start dinner since you are done in the office." Oh my little OCD freak always in control.
Aro and Jasper head for the stairs as Edward lagged behind letting them go first before going up. When Jasper hit the first landing he turned around looking down at us.
"It was nice to meet you Edward, and ummm, yeah maybe we can work on being friends." I was shocked. That was a lot for Jasper to say, he didn't handle strangers well at all. Out of all the kids he was the most skittish when it came to new people.
The smile that broke out on Edward's face was breathtaking, "Thank you."
Their responses to each other were not at all what I had imagined a first meeting would be. I think the next few years will be interesting to say the least.
So there you have it! As always review get previews so leave me some love please! I love love and with Valentines Day coming up I need all the love I can get cause alas I am alone!