Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns all things Twilight. No copyright infringement is intended.
Beta-in-Chief: Lola...she was a showgirl, but she gave that and her yellow feathers up to beta my little story. (Additional disclaimer: Barry Manilow owns the lyrics to Copacabana)
Bella glanced over at Gen nervously as they drove up the driveway to the Cullen's home. She bit down on her bottom lip a bit too enthusiastically wincing when she tasted blood. Gen reached over for a tissue handing it to her in an instant.
"For the love of all that is all Holy, Bella. Calm the fuck down, what's done is done. I'm not angry with you." Gen rasped the words out, the tone of her voice clearly betraying the words.
"I know, but I keep hoping that if I apologize enough that eventually you'll actually believe me. I really am sorry Gen. This is all my fault and we both know it." She placed the tissue between her lips biting down as she unbuckled her seat belt. After checking her face in the visor mirror, she removed the tissue from between her damaged lips and licked them gently, grateful for her fast blood-clotting time. She looked over at her friend then glanced nervously back at the vehicle that had been following behind them. Bella's attorney had arranged the whole meeting up and was now out of the car, walking toward them.
"It's too late for regrets now Bella. All we can do now is clean up the mess you created. And honey, this is one hell of a mess. I will never again say that you did anything half-assed." Gen slapped Bella's knee then opened her door to climb out.
Bella took one more moment to calm her nerves as she watched Gen and Laura ascend the four steps that led to the massive front porch. She realized with horror that they would be going in without her and that it would look worse if she remained outside, only to face everyone on her own later. She sighed as she reached her left hand awkwardly over her body to open the door of Gen's car.
She caught up with them just as the door opened to be greeted by the family patriarch.
"Bella, welcome back. It's been too long since we've seen you on Cullen soil." Carlisle reached over and hugged Bella as she stepped into the expansive entryway of their home. "It's nice to see you again too, Genophyr." Carlisle motioned behind Bella at her friend.
"Thank you, nice to see you again as well Carlisle." Genophyr said politely, but coolly. She was still unnerved by the fact that so many people now knew Bella's identity, and clearly meant to show it. "I'm sorry we have to do this here at your home. We would have been able to go to Seattle to meet with your…" Carlisle cut her off.
"Nonsense. Why inconvenience everyone? This seemed to make the most sense and it's not in public, just as you had requested. Besides, it's giving Esme a valid excuse to host a gathering aside from a family party. I seriously have to thank you for giving her a reason to entertain someone other than our own children. Now, who's this?" Carlisle extended his hand to the third person in the entryway.
"This is my attorney, Laura Pink." Bella cut off her agent, feeling she should be the one to introduce Carlisle to her attorney. "Wow, I feel like crap even saying it. It's not like I am actually going to sue or anything but still, I suppose rules must be followed. Laura, I'd like to introduce you to a very special man, Dr. Carlisle Cullen. He's Chief of Staff over at Forks Memorial." Carlisle held out his right hand, making sure to keep his left arm around Bella's waist.
Bella leaned closer to him as the familiar bond slowly crept over her. Carlisle and Esme had always treated Bella as a daughter. She had deferred to him and Esme more than Charlie throughout her troubled and confusing teen years; they had always included her with their own children in everything they did. After the pleasantries were exchanged, they begin walking toward the living room where it looked to Bella like a full blown party was going on.
"Wow, am I sure about this?" Bella looked around Carlisle to Gen, her anxiety taking a huge leap.
"This is damage control honey. I told you that for every person that knows, it will double…this is what you get. For the sake of Laura and Joe's schedule, I think we should get a move on with this happy little meeting." Gen motioned to a tall gray haired man wearing a business suit that was making his way toward them.
"Joe?" Bella looked over at Gen, her surprise evident on her face. Bella knew that Mr. Joseph Jenks was the Cullen family attorney forever. What surprised her was how familiar her friend was calling him Joe.
"Well, we had to talk quite a bit to figure out the best plan of action here." Gen winked at Bella and laughed. "We'll talk later dear, right now, let's get this party started." Gen walked over to the Cullen's attorney, Bella could hear her greet him with a warm "It's good to see you again Joe, this is Isabella Black. She's the reason we are here. And this is her attorney, Laura Pink." After a series of introductions were made, everyone sat in the living room. Laura spoke up.
"Is this everyone then? No one else is in the house?" She looked over at Esme and Bella who were now talking quietly among themselves.
"Yes, this is it. There is one more, but he will be late and I do apologize for that, but there was an emergency call at the hospital." Esme looked apologetic as she glanced over at Bella, who shrugged.
"It's no concern at all, really Laura. I would be fine with you and Mr. Jenks filling in Edward and dealing with the paperwork at a later date if he doesn't arrive back in time. Just for the record, I am totally against telling any more people." Bella looked around at the room full of Cullens and Whitlocks. Outside of Esme and Alice, all wore a puzzled expression.
"Telling us what Bella? The suspense is killing me." Rose casually walked over to Emmett sitting down on his lap.
Bella smiled at her friend, working up the nerve to reveal a part of herself she has kept so private all these years. "Rose, do you remember when we were at Charlie's that first night? That pile of papers slid off the chair and you found a book?"
"Yes I do, it was one of Blackened Swan's. Eden would give her right arm for that book by the way," Rose looked over to her husband then back at Bella. "So what exactly does that have to do with this gathering?" Rose continued to look at Bella with a confused expression.
"You all have no idea how difficult this is going to be for me. I need to say something first. I, after this meeting, will no longer discuss this topic in any degree with any of you. I'm very sorry for that, please understand that, but this is how it has to be." Bella looked over at Gen and Laura who were both nodding in agreement. She noticed Mr. Jenks rifling through papers that filled his briefcase.
"I will answer any questions you have, for the duration of this meeting. After that, all questions must be asked through my agent Genophyr Miller or my attorney, Laura Pink."
Bella sat down heavily putting her face into her hands as she rested her elbow on her knee, unsure of how to proceed and needing to compose herself before she could speak any further. This was worse than outing herself to Charlie or Billy, neither of whom would show any outward emotion one way or the other.
This was ten times worse than a book signing as well, because those were anonymous fans and she hadn't really felt that either of her two books under Bella Black were representative of her best work. But here, in front of her old friends, this could be her undoing.
She looked around as everyone stared at her, hating the attention she was getting right now. She felt her cheeks blush even deeper and worked to steady her breathing; which helped, but did nothing to alleviate the color in her cheeks. Standing back up and trying her best to summon her inner strength as she readied herself to repeat what her agent and lawyer had prepared for her to say.
She gave one last look around, and her eyes stopped on Esme. The look on hers and Carlisle's faces gave Bella the strength and comfort she needed. Nodding, she stepped behind the chair she was just sitting on and held the back of it with her good hand.
Using it almost as a barrier to keep herself safe from the emotions that she was already feeling and protecting her from the onslaught that she was sure would erupt when she revealed to them her secret. She closed her eyes, inhaled deeply as she tried to calm the nausea that was rolling in her stomach. She felt a warm hand on her shoulder and knew from the light perfume that it was Esme. She rubbed in the gentle circles that she always had and Bella felt the tension and anxiety leave her body.
"What Bella is going to share with us now must not to leave this room ever. Mr. Jenks and Ms. Pink are here to see to that. They are both very well qualified to start a lawsuit over this should the need arise; that is how serious this is. Bella has agreed to tell us this only after Alice and I accidentally came across her little secret." Esme's eyes twinkled as she locked her gaze with Bella. Bella nodded slightly, grateful for Esme stating what she couldn't bring herself to say. "Now, for a moment, I'd like Mr. Jenks and Ms. Pink to hand out their papers and we will sign them. Then, I'd like to introduce you all to someone."
After all papers were signed and the attorneys gave their approvals, Esme began speaking again with Bella's grateful nod of thanks. "Now that all that's out of the way, Carlisle, Rose, Emmett, and Jasper, I'd proudly like to introduce to Blackened Swan, the author."
Esme's grin extended as far as it possibly could go as she watched her family's jaws fall slack. Alice began clapping and jumping in place, squealing like a crazed fan girl, just as she had at Charlie's. However it was Emmett's response that finally lightened up the mood in the room.
"Wait a minute, you mean that all the ridiculous shit I have had to put up with for that crazy movie Eden watches, all that poster and book shit and all those references to all that mythical shit is Bella's fault?" He stared at her with wonder and amusement, laced with a hint of annoyance. There was a pause as he looked around the room then back at Bella. "You weren't even around and all this shit was still your fault?"
Bella's blush returned tenfold. "Sorry Emmett. Guilty."
"Oh my God Bella!" Rose continued for her husband, "Do you even have an idea what a hell of a time I had trying to get her to calm down because of that movie when it came out? She wanted to see it over and over again. I was thrilled when it finally came out on DVD. I always knew you'd be great at writing, but this? Do you have any idea of how huge this is?" Rose stood and lovingly wrapped Bella in a hug.
"Well, I just wrote the book. The movie can mostly be blamed on the actors, the director, and everyone else involved in making it. I had very little to do with the actual movie, short of making sure they stayed true to my writing, and attending the premier. The screenplay for the movie was actually written by someone else. I can be blamed for the writing of the book, that's mine. Everything else belongs to someone else and their respective copyrights." Bella looked around the room to make sure that everyone understood.
"And FYI, Emmett and Rose," Genophyr started before Bella could. "If any of this information leaves this group of people, the writing will immediately cease. Bella and I have already agreed and have it secured with her publisher, if her cover is blown, she stops writing immediately. Even if there is a book half finished. It stops and will not be published. Now, being that the fifth book in her series is in its final stages, I'm sure you wouldn't want to be the one responsible for it not getting into print."
Gen looked over at Emmett and Rose with a stern look on her face. "This information is not to be discussed anywhere outside of an office, after this meeting. You cannot go to that dumpy little diner in town and start spouting off about it, because you never know who precisely is listening. That being said, allow me to remind you both that you've already all signed the papers. Bella, the publishing house and I will seek out a lawsuit if it is found out that any of you have revealed her identity, even if it is only to Eden. Are we clear on that or do we need the lawyers in the room to go over the definition of the word 'injunction'?"
The entire room was silent as they stared slack-jawed at Bella's agent. She knew it needed to be said to them all, but it didn't make it any easier of a pill to swallow.
"Are there any more questions then?" Laura stood up cutting off Genophyr before she could continue her tirade.
Bella smiled at Laura gratefully and sat down on the chair to gather her strength. Carlisle stepped forward.
"Bella, I just want to state how very proud I am of you." Carlisle came forward stopping behind her chair. Bella visibly melted into the chair as his expert doctor hands massaged her sore shoulder.
"You have shown us a tremendous amount of loyalty by revealing this to us and I cannot overlook that. I understand now what you meant by the fact that you didn't need our check when Jacob passed away. If anyone in my family betrays that trust and loyalty, you have my word that not only will they be dealing with your lawsuit, they will also be dealing with Esme and myself. This is very serious indeed, and I certainly expect more of my family than to start some idle gossip anywhere in this town." Carlisle's face was stern as he looked around the room at his family.
"Thank you Carlisle. That means so much to me." Bella sighed as she sat back in the chair.
"Bella, can I ask who all knows this information?" Jasper put his arm around Alice to stop her from vibrating.
"Well, everyone in this room obviously. Charlie, Billy Black, and of course Jason. And if your next question is if they signed a statement, the answer is yes. The only one who hasn't is Jason and that's because he's still a minor, not to mention the fact that I can't sue my own son." Bella finished with a smile as Esme handed her a glass of water.
"Bells, uh, can I ask just how many more of these books are you're planning to write?" Emmett looked embarrassed, and everyone around him turned with their mouths open.
Bella herself looked at Emmett as if she hadn't heard him. The thought never occurred to her that someone would actually ask her to stop writing.
"Um, well, I hope to keep writing them Emmett, at least as long as they keep selling. Right now the general population seems to still want to read them." Bella blushed bright red once again, not sure where Emmett was going with his line of questioning. Did he think her stories weren't worth publishing?
"Oh geez, shit, please don't think that I don't want you to write them. I am just wondering because I was thinking that you've got Eden going gaga over them so I guess there's no end in sight. But that a good thing," he hurried to add as everyone now started to glare at him. "Don't misunderstand me. I'm just looking for my own best interests, I'm so proud of ya kid." He flashed his dimples at Bella and she smiled in return, all was forgiven.
"Emmett, this is my livelihood. This is like you building your houses, or working in your garage. Would you want to have to stop any of your businesses and switch careers right now? I mean, if Mr. Jenks right now told you that you have to stop designing and building houses, or you had to stop fixing up old cars, what would you do?" Bella asked, hoping to get him to see her side.
"I'd be pissed. Point taken." Emmett finished, clearly showing his own embarrassment now.
"Anyone have any other questions?" Bella asked now completely drained from the anticipation she created within herself leading to the big revelation.
"I don't have a question, but I would like it to be noted to everyone in this room, that Bella named the character Lacie Rose, after Rose and yours truly." Alice pointed at herself with obvious pride, making everyone in the room laugh.
"So noted Alice." Bella laughed and walked over to give her friend a one-armed hug. "Well, I've had a monster of a week. I am glad all that is over with. Now, if everyone will excuse me and my posse over there," Bella nodded to the table where Laura and Gen were sorting the papers out, "I'd commit a murder, even in one of my books, just to take a nap right now." Bella let out a huge yawn and then laughed as everyone watched at her to see if she might have just given them a clue to the next book. She turned the yawn into a laugh. "I'm not telling a thing. The only one that's going to know about anything for the next book is me and my wild imagination." Bella playfully shook her head to dismiss the subject.
"Ok, well, I guess Laura and Joe can finish this paperwork up and I can drive Bella home. Laura, I'll be in touch with the both of you later this week about the final paperwork. Bella, you ready?" Gen asked rasping out her goodbyes.
"Yeah, I'm good. Carlisle, Esme, thank you so much for all your support and help. Esme, I'll see you tomorrow around one o'clock, if that's ok?" Bella quickly cleared up the details with Esme, since she had decided to take her up on the offer she made the previous week to help type the corrections. Gen had grudgingly agreed to give her an extra week for a deadline after learning about the manuscript disaster. Bella had even offered to pay Esme, but naturally she wouldn't hear of it. She said she considered it her own penance for sending the copy flying around Charlie's living room in the first place.
After giving everyone a quick hug and finishing saying their goodbyes, Gen and Bella took their leave. Laura, making the drive back to Seattle that day, said her goodbyes in the driveway before going back in the Cullen residence to finish up with their attorney. They promised to keep in touch with the outcome of all the paperwork being distributed out to the proper channels to assure all was being done to preserve Bella's identity.
On the drive back to Charlie's, Bella leaned her head back with relief. "I am so glad that's over with. I know it wasn't an ideal solution Gen, but honestly, it really felt good to share this with the people I love. I know I told Charlie and Billy, but still. It was nice to know that I made them proud. I never felt like that after I told Charlie or Billy."
"You really are close with this family aren't you? I'd have never thought it, because you know, I've known you for a long time now Bella, and you've never mentioned them, ever." Gen said as she rolled down her window then lit up a cigarette, causing Bella to cough.
"It is difficult for me to talk about them. I hated the way things were left after high school. I understand now it's my fault, Jacob and I didn't exactly leave town the right way or under the best of circumstances Gen. I am still trying to find my way back again I guess.
I'm beginning to understand what Charlie was talking about when he said I should at least try to be pleasant. For years, Jacob and I stayed away, but now I am not even sure what kept us away. Maybe it was my pride. But I am realizing now that while I may have been hurt by a single individual, it's nothing compared to how many people I have hurt by staying away. Forks really isn't so bad. I never thought I'd be saying that." Bella chuckled but was shocked by her own admission; she attempted to hide her facial expression from Gen by staring directly out the window.
"Ok, so here's your new game plan for the summer. I can put off the new book idea until later in the fall. With the way you write, I have no doubt that you'll get it done by deadline anyway." Gen rasped out the sentence as she inhaled deeply on her cigarette then blowing the smoke out the open window.
"Is that going to be ok with the Big Guy?" Bella hated to even use the name of the CEO of the publishing house. She knew on more than one occasion that Gen was hounded to reveal her identity to the man himself. She hadn't caved and for that, Bella was fiercely loyal to her.
"Oh yeah, don't worry your pretty little head about it. I'll make up some shit about you having a broken arm or something." They glanced at each other and then at Bella's cast and laughed hysterically. "So, you're staying in Forks for the whole summer then?"
"Yeah, I think I will. Believe it or not, I am going for a sleepover at Esme's tomorrow night. She's going to come over to help me type then I'm just heading back to her house to join the girls after that." Bella yawned. "Wow, I am so tired Gen. Really, if you could just drop me off at Charlie's, I'd appreciate it. I'll have the corrections to you as soon as Esme is finished typing them for me. I trust her infinitely, she was so much like a mother to me after Renee died." Bella quieted as thoughts of her real mother entered into her mind and briefly wondered how Renee would have taken the news of her success.
Shaking her head she attempted to remember details of her mother. She only had slight memories of her, and as years passed, those memories faded even further. She was so young when Renee died. Just when a girl needed her mother most, she died, leaving Bella with no maternal contact.
Bella always considered herself blessed that Esme willingly stepped in and placed her under her wing, she was a great mother. She understood that Renee did the best she could with what she had at the time. Bella had never been a difficult child, but she had never wanted the same things out of life that Renee wanted. She was much more grounded and realistic, much more like Charlie, to Renee's chagrin.
Bella closed her eyes and pictured Renee, sunbathing nude in the yard, even though it was much too cold for it and her husband was the Chief of Police. Renee begging Charlie to take her on an Alaskan cruise, which never happened. Renee squealing with delight when Charlie finally relented and gave her the skydiving lessons she wanted. Bella smiled as she thought of Renee flying now, far, far away from Forks. She would never let her memories of her mother fade completely, nor be overshadowed by her love for Esme. Renee held her own special place in Bella's heart, and it would always be there. Bella closed her eyes for the rest of the drive to Charlie's.
After Gen dropped her off, Bella looked at the expansive front porch that Emmett had built for Charlie. He did exactly what she had wanted and it was beautiful. She walked slowly up the stairs waiting to hear the familiar creaking but it never came. She smiled widely as she glanced over at the new porch swing and outdoor furniture.
Charlie had protested it at first, but eventually given in when he realized that both Jason and Bella spent so much time out there, something he had come to enjoy doing with them as well. They spent many evenings out there now, talking under the protective cover of the roof that now jutted out of the house so precisely, you'd never know it wasn't part of the original design of the house. Bella had to admit, Emmett had done good.
Using her key, Bella let herself into her childhood home. She wasn't sure where Charlie was, but she knew Jason would be with Eden, babysitting her brothers for at least another hour. Making her way silently to her bedroom she kicked off her shoes and pulled back the warm feather comforter that was part of a new bedding set she had purchased earlier that week. She glanced over at the pile of her old, threadbare bedding as she slipped between the new crisp sheets, clothes and all. She wasn't sure what to do with it so she merely folded it and placed it into the corner, just in case Charlie might want it for rags or something. She popped in her ear buds from her Walkman as she snuggled down into the warmth. As sounds of Jacob's guitar playing filled her head, she closed her eyes.
Attempting to cry the hurt out, she was surprised to discover that for the first time since his death, she felt like she couldn't cry for him. The memories of him, all of them happy, comforted her now and wouldn't allow her to be sad. She wondered how this could happen.
She thought back to when they first left Forks and hadn't cried at all. She thought back to she and Jacob discovered they were going to have Jason and being instantly scared before their happiness claimed them. Still no tears came. She thought of Jacob's initial reaction to her breastfeeding Jason and laughed out loud. Tears came then but only as a result of her happiness at that moment. She couldn't find any hint of sadness in her memories of him anymore. Even the fact that he left her alone with Jason to raise, she had no tears in herself for that anymore. She hadn't felt this free in so long that she snuggled in even deeper as she let his music calm her mending heart to sleep.
"Mom! You still up there?" Jason's voice filtered through Bella's fog. Smiling as she removed the ear buds from her ears, the music now silent because of a dead battery. She knew she had eventually fallen asleep, but was unclear of the time.
"Up here Jase." She stretched realizing that she had slept through the entire night, nightmare free. Jason came through the door laughing at her sleep induced haze.
"So, how was your night? Sorry I crashed on you, did you eat dinner?" Bella put a hand up to her mouth to try to hide her yawn.
"I ate with Eden and her brothers before I came home. Her dad drove me back, I think he's beginning to like me. By the way, Quil called and said that the bike is up and running, he dropped it off last night with Embry. I already looked it over and everything looks good.
I didn't want to wake you up, but when I told him I would get you to settle the bill he said Charlie took care of it. I'm going to work on getting a small space cleared out in the garage today so it doesn't get messed up in the weather. If I can't, I'm taking it back to Quil's to leave in his shop. Oh, I almost forgot." Jason held up a large parcel wrapped in plain brown paper. Handing it to her he explained that it was yet another gift from Quil. He smiled as he watched her open it. She looked up at him from the bed, a pile of fabric ropes tangled on her lap.
"What is it Jason? I know it's not a popsicle stick sculpture." Bella reached over and admired the work detailed in the ropes.
"It's a hammock, for the front porch. Quil has a similar one, and when I found out Emmett was going to re-do the front porch, I asked him about making us one. I was figuring that since you'd be here while you work, you might want to find a comfortable spot. I'll hang it up a later on."
"Thanks Jason. I'm sure it will look great." Bella pulled the covers back and stood up, wrinkling her nose slightly when she realized that she was still in her clothes from the day before.
"By the way, how did everything turn out yesterday? All present and accounted for?" Jason smirked at his mother as she stood and walked over to the chair where her bag now lived.
"No, unfortunately. The meeting went well, or as well as can be expected. Unfortunately Edward Cullen was called in to work at the hospital so he wasn't included in the conversation and didn't sign anything before I had to leave. I'm leaving it up to the attorney's now. If he wants to know, he can speak with them."
"Well, his loss." Jason said dismissively. "Anyway, I'm going to call Eden to see if she wants to come and help clean out the garage." Bella knew that Jason sent Eden text messages during the week while he was with Jacob's family, but she also knew that he kept it to a minimum out of respect for Billy. He didn't want to be running away to Eden when he should be spending time getting to know Billy and his family on the reservation. Subsequently, he spent as much time with Eden as he could when she wasn't working.
Bella made her way downstairs after changing carefully into a pair of khaki pants and a button down, navy blue shirt. She made a pot of coffee and was checking her emails from her laptop while she waited for it to brew.
Esme should be arriving shortly after lunch. Bella was surprised to find just how energized she felt after such a good night of sleep. She organized everything she could to make it easier on them both once she arrived and they got down to business. Jason had changed and came running down the stairs while Bella made neat piles on the kitchen table, complete with binder clips this time.
"Hey where's the fire?" Bella laughed as she set down another stack, laying it perpendicular to a stack already there.
"No fire, just wanting to get started on the garage. I hoped Eden would come over to help but she's babysitting again. She sure does like her brothers. Can I ask you something Mom?" Jason sat at the kitchen table after a long pause.
"Anything Jason, you know you can come to me for anything right?" Bella automatically reached for another pile of papers, glancing at Jason before stopping. She realized that the look on Jason's face told her it would not be a yes or no question, but rather, one that would require her complete attention.
"Well, I was wondering if you and dad ever thought of having more kids? I mean, I wasn't the reason you didn't have anymore was I?" Jason looked so hurt that Bella felt her heart shiver.
"Absolutely not. Why would you think that Jason? You were the best baby ever." She sat down, wondering where Jason's line of thinking was coming from and more importantly, where it was going.
"Well, I just know that it wasn't easy, having me so young, and I know Eden's parents are happy and all. I just wonder if you regret not having any more kids beside me." Jason looked Bella square in the eye.
"Jason, I know you couldn't possibly remember how difficult things were when you were a baby, but we did the best we could, really. And you may as well know that as you got older, your father and I would have happily had more children. It just wasn't in the cards for us." Bella's mouth turned into a smirk as she tried to lighten up Jason's somber mood. "But it wasn't for lack of trying on our part."
"Ok, stop right there, ick, just no. That officially ended this conversation for me. I was just curious if you had ever wanted more kids. You gave me entirely way too much information." Jason stood, shaking his head at his mother as they shared a laugh.
"Trust me, we would have had a dozen if we were able to. It had absolutely nothing to do with you. Can I ask you something now Jason? Honestly?" Bella put her hand out to touch her son's arm, stopping him from leaving the room before she was finished.
"Sure. What's up?" Jason asked as he stopped mid-stride.
"Do you regret being an only child? We've never spoke about this before." Bella's eyes were on her only child.
"I'm good with being an only. It's just that sometimes I wonder what it would be like to have more people around all the time, like on the res, everyone there has siblings. I dunno, I guess I just wondered if I was missing out on something." Jason shrugged.
"Hey, I was an 'only' too you know. It's not so bad is it?" Bella stood and hugged her son.
"No, I was just curious how the other half lived, you know? Eden falls all over herself trying to help Rose with her brothers. She's like a little mother already." Jason's voice trailed off.
"Jason, are you trying to tell me something here? Are you sure this is about you being an only child?" Bella's heart panicked as she swallowed the lump in her throat.
"Geez Mom. Calm down. All I am saying is that I wondered what it would be like to have a sibling. Eden and I are dating, that's it. And if you are trying to ask me what I think you are the answer is no, I have not slept with her, I respect her too much for that and seriously her dad would kill me. I just think she'd make a good mother, that's all. It's just an observation." Jason pulled away from his mother turning to leave before snapping his fingers in recollection, quickly changing the subject.
"Hey, remember when we talked about getting a car for me to use while I am here? Well, Emmett overheard Eden and me talking about it and he offered to take me to go look at some if I wanted him to. So, I was thinking of going tomorrow, if that's alright with you." Jason said eagerly.
Bella laughed her reply. "If it gets me out of having to go car shopping, I am fine with it. But I still get the final say before anything is purchased, I have to go look at it. Deal?" Bella held out her hand, waiting for her son to shake it.
"Deal. I'll be in the garage." Jason slapped his mother's hand instead of shaking it, causing Bella to fall into a fit of laughter as he ran out the door."