Hi guys!

I am posting this chapter from a hospital bed so it might not be my best work, sorry. At least I'm updating more often! I've just started to lose motivation and interest in this story so it is taking me a lot longer to update. Hopefully I can finish it before new year, there are only about two chapters left! Merry Christmas, this is my gift to you all...

Read on and Enjoy...

Edward was incredibly careful with Bella that day. He stayed next to her in bed to keep her cool, sang to her, and gave her anything her heart desired. Entertainment, food, hugs, kisses, whatever she needed. Bella was not used to anyone taking care of her, and while it was uncomfortable to be babied so, she couldn't help but enjoy it... slightly. Okay maybe more than slightly. And Edward continued to reassure her that it did not bother him in the slightest.

"I feel like I can finally do something normal for you," he continued to reply. He also admitted that he liked being able to care for her without making her angry. Bella bit her lip at this, she knew she did go overboard sometimes.

Of all the times she had been sick, this time was definitely the best, and she thankfully she was fully cured and back to the Cullen's house the next day.

It wasn't the normal meeting, in fact there wasn't a meeting at all. Emmett had already made sure that everyone knew it was his turn. And Alice was nowhere to be found.

Carlisle had gone off to work, and everyone else but the missing Alice came too check up on Bella before letting her be taken by Emmett to the living room.

She was confused, she was almost certain his activity would be the outdoor, dangerous, possibly painful type.

Maybe Edward wasn't the only one that could read minds in the family. "I decided since you were sick and all, I could kick your butt virtually. We're playing video games, ever heard of mortal combat?"

A grin threatened to spilt her face in half, but with some difficulty she managed to hide it. If there was one thing her mother's past boyfriends had taught her, it was how to win combat games. Emmett was going to be in for the shock of his life…

Bella's P.O.V

At first, I decided innocence was the best tactic, and I allowed him to win the first 2 games with little fight. Naturally, he became cockier as he fought. The third time I lost, his grin was huge, promising to go easier on me since I was 'just a beginner', and I was at a disadvantage 'because I was just a girl'.

I couldn't hide my smirk then, preparing myself for the next game. With only a few slams and one special attack, his character was bleeding on the floor and Emmett's mouth had literally fallen open.

He mumbled something about letting her win, and started a new battle. Emmett tried a bit harder this time, still convince it was beginner's luck that had won me the last round.

Guess again.

The next hour continued like this, Emmett blaming the cd for being faulty, and making us play about 4 different games before slamming his controller into the couch and looking at me in shock, seeming even madder as he took in the wide grin on my face.

By now, we had acquired the entire crowd of Cullen's all cheering for me and laughing as I continued to win every game with barely any effort.

"How are you doing this?" he cried, finally losing his will to continue. "Lots of training," I replied with a laugh. It felt good to finally beat one of these perfect vampires at something. The fact that it was Emmett was just an added bonus.

After a few more snorts and chortles from the rest of the Cullens, the crowd dispersed and Bella and Emmett were left alone once again.

"You know I owe Jasper $200 now right?" Emmett sulked.

Bella grinned. He had bet she would lose? And Jasper said otherwise? If he kept talking like this she would be able to fit her ego in her body anymore. This activity was doing wonders for her self-confidence.

"You realise that I'm going to remember this right? And this will be what fuels me when we actually fight?" There was a wicked grin playing at his lips.

Didn't he remember that newborns were far stronger than normal vampires? Based on what I'd seen, there was no way he could beat me.

"Then kicking your butt again will only be more gratifying."

He rolled his eyes and shook his head. "Oh god, beaten by a girl. If any of my brothers were here right now they'd kick my ass."

It took me a while to realise he was talking about his real siblings. "You had brothers?" I asked, shocked. I had assumed he, like Edward and Jasper, was an only child.

"Yep, three of them. All younger than me. And man did we get in a load of trouble together."

I was confused, and he clarified "We were all kind of 'rebels without a cause'. We smoked, womanised, fought, gambled… you name it we did it. Wasn't exactly a saint, which is why I was so shocked when Rosalie found me. I thought that bear had finished me off, and I had told my brothers to run. I thought Rosie was an angel."

I had to crack a smile at that. With her beauty, it seemed quite plausible.

"I thought Carlisle was god, and I didn't figure out until way later that burning wasn't fire. The whole time she was by my side and I thought, 'what was such a beautiful thing like her doing in hell with me?

When I woke up, I think I'm the only person in this whole family that had no problem being what we are. I actually thought it was pretty cool, but the fact that I couldn't see my family again really killed. But Carlisle let me send them money anonymously; we always had trouble with money. So it worked out, and they all lived well. I've always thought it was funny that I had to become a vampire to find my humanity. I'm a good guy now, because of this… and Rosie. I think the only regret I have is not being able to give her the one thing she wants."

Children, I thought to myself, feeling sad for the burly man before me. I couldn't imagine someone being a better father than Emmett, it was sad that it would never be. Life was cruel sometimes, even to nice people like Emmett.

"I think it's awesome that there's one Cullen in this household that's not a pessimist." I said quietly, and he snorted.

"Got to keep the balance somehow, right?" I gave him a small smirk and nodded.

"Well, come on then my little ray of sunshine, I think it is be my duty to escort you to your final station." Emmett tried, feigning a snobby accent. It was my turn to snort as I took his hand.

He was a goofball, but you had to love him.

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