Chapter 18: Unforgettable Moments
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or any of its characters.
Bella returned to her home when the nomads had passed through Forks. She was saddened to leave her friends and ashamed that she hadn't thought much about Charlie in the few days she was at the Cullens.
Anna had come across Esme's latest house plans for their Forks property during the weekend. There was a small clearing in the property where there once stood a small cottage. She ran to the area to see it. There was only rubble left of the walls from the old building. She walked around the space imagining what it would look like with Esme's plans. Alice had watched her from a distance. She decided to ask Esme about rebuilding the cottage for Anna. They planned to give the cottage to Anna on her birthday, which was a month away.
Anna continued to spend time with Bella. At Bella's request, she told her more stories about the king and his kingdom. She had not mentioned that the king was vampire yet. Bella was like an addict to the stories. She needed to know more to fill her dreams whether awake or asleep. Anna indulged her of course, which meant she was a regular face at the Swan home. Charlie's concern over their friendship increased. Bella was alerted to it by her mother when they spoke on a phone call once. Renee asked Bella about her relationship with Anna straight out. She felt embarrassed at her father's assumptions. She couldn't deny her attachment to Anna though. She felt closer to her than Alice or anyone else outside her family. She had never had close friends so she couldn't say for sure that their friendship was normal.
She had also hoped to learn more about vampires from Anna but hadn't voiced her questions. Anna was aware of it but chose to wait patiently for Bella to ask the questions that would allow her to tell the truth. She still maintained her submissive mannerisms with Bella. She cooked, cleaned, did laundry and helped her in any way she could. Bella complained and tried to talk her out of it but never gave a specific instruction for her to stop, thus Anna continued.
Bella hadn't lifted a finger to do housework in the five weeks leading to Anna's birthday. She was pampered by Alice at least once a week while Anna slowly replaced her old clothing with new ones much to Alice's delight. Esme enjoyed preparing meals for her and Charlie by extension since the portions were always large. The vampire women found reasons to convince Bella to accept the things they did for her. All reasons were along the lines of her 'being the first human to accept them', 'a good friend' and they were able to do everything faster without tiring.
The day of Anna's birthday marked six months since she came to live with the Cullens. Alice had outdone herself organizing what she called a small celebration. The Cullen home living area was decorated with lit candles, fresh flowers and loosely arranged seating. She had invited the Denalis and Bella to the party. Bella would be the only one to eat the food on display.
Alice spent the afternoon getting Bella ready for the party at her house. She understood her friend's poor self-image around vampires and wanted her to feel exceptional especially with more vampires visiting. She curled bell's hair and left the thick curls flowing down her back. Anna had given strict instructions to not cut Bella's hair, ever!. She dressed Bella in a cute blue metallic and mesh dress and high heels. Bella stared at herself in the mirror when Alice was finished. She'd never imagined herself able to look like that. Rosalie helped Anna ready herself. Her hair had grown long enough for what Rosalie deemed descent styling though she didn't do more than curl it all in spiky spirals. Anna picked a short blood red dress with boots. She smirked in satisfaction at her image in the mirror.
Bella and Alice arrived at the Cullen house before other guests arrived. Both Bella and Anna were anxious to meet the Cullens' extended family. Anna worried for their safety. The Denalis arrived an hour later with Garrett in tow. They were a family of vampires who practiced the Cullen diet. They were made up of three sisters who shared a sire; Tanya, Irina and Kate. A mated pair, Eleazar and Carmen had joined with them a few daces earlier to bring their number to five. Garrett had bonded and mated with Kate during his visit to meet them.
The visitors were curious about Anna and Bella. Garrett had never mentioned them. They tried to keep their curious stares to a minimum without success. Bella stood against the back window by the corner. She shied away from the attention of the visitors and chose to stand alone and away from Anna. She understood that the Denalis had probably never seen any vampire of Anna's kind. Alice kept up the chatter and hurried to get the festivities of the evening started. The single slice of cake was offered to Bella after Anna blew out the lone candle on it. She too didn't like being the center of attention. Bella felt sorry for her with the way Alice carried on.
Alice suddenly gasped with her eyes glazed over at the same moment that Anna froze in place and immediately changed her demeanour.
"We have one more guest." Alice announced to everyone who was staring at her waiting to hear what she had seen.
Anna's eyes locked on Bella curiously. Her heart beat faster and louder to the vampires in the room.
"Are you alright dear?" Esme asked with worry. Carlisle had acted fast to check on her.
"Uhm - I just need some air" Bella managed to choke out the words.
She didn't miss the contemplative look from Anna before she cut her eyes to Esme with a silent request. Esme and Carlisle took her outside onto the back porch just as she was about to ask what was happening.
"Who is coming Alice?" Rosalie asked. She didn't miss the change in Anna or the commanding look she gave Esme.
"Anna?" Alice whispered softly to directing the question to her.
"Master Edward" Anna answered formally.
The Cullens were stunned while the Denalis were curious. Esme and Carlisle came running through the back door.
"Is there anything we need to do to prepare?" Carlisle asked anxiously. Even though the Cullens didn't know Edward, they had the same level of reverence for him as Anna.
"No, thank you Carlisle. I'll let you know should he need anything. Esme please see to my mistress. I have to stay to meet with him."
"Yes, of course" Esme went back out the door to Bella. Carlisle moved to stand with Anna.
"Mistress?"
Tanya blurted out condescendingly. Things were getting stranger the longer they stayed. Anna turned to face her with eyes lit like blue flames. She glared at Tanya.
"Yes, she is my mistress." Her voice carried the authoritative tone of the general she was.
"Please Anna," Carlisle calmed to relieve the tension in the room.
Anna acknowledged him with a nod and turned towards the door.
The remaining vampires in the room had rearranged themselves. The Cullen children stood in their mated pairs behind Carlisle. The Denali sisters stood together with Garrett and Eleazar stood between the groups with Carmen.
"Esme," Anna called out softly after four minutes of waiting.
Esme and Bella walked back inside the house. Bella immediately went to Anna. Unsure how to ask her to move a little farther away, Anna turned an anxious plea for help to Alice with her eyes. Alice asked Bella to stand by her and Jasper. She didn't want to.
"Why?"
"Bella please, it's important." was all Alice could say
"For whom?" Her stubborn streak reared its head. She was confused and unsettled. Anna turned to answer her;
"For you my mistress. Please stand by Alice."
Bella opened her mouth and closed it again. She was completely thrown by the formality and the title she was addressed by. 'Mistress? My mistress?' The momentary distraction allowed Alice to pull her away just as the doorbell rang. Carlisle and Esme followed behind Anna to answer.
"My Lord," Anna greeted with a bow down after opening the door.
Edward was on the other side hidden from Esme and Carlisle's view. He stood tall and handsome with arms folded behind his back. He wore a charcoal suit and a long coat. A wide smile covered his face when he took in Anna from head to toe and back.
"Oh my Annabel, you have grown your hair." His tone was teasing and happy.
"Yes master, as you requested"
She was excited to see him again. His presence was a great birthday present to her. She actually felt like hugging him but knew it would be inappropriate. Instead, she moved out the way to let him in.
"Happy birthday Annabel. You will see many more." Edward placed a chaste kiss on her forehead. He was amused by her thoughts.
"This is Dr Carlisle Cullen and his mate Esme Cullen master. They have been most hospitable." She introduced. "This is Master Edward, Lord of the house of Masen." There was an audible gasp heard from inside the house.
Edward stretched his gloved hands to greet Carlisle and Esme. Carlisle's thoughts were loud and incoherent from excitement. He was thinking of everything he had read about Edward disjointedly and drawing comparisons with the man in front of him. Esme was happy for her husband to experience his wish and for the happiness she could see past Anna's formality. She was a little anxious for Bella's safety. They led him inside the house after introductions. Carlisle worked to keep his steps steady while Anna fought laughter at his reaction.
Edward took in the group that stood inside the festive room. He could clearly hear a human heartbeat that demanded his attention and knew whom it belonged to. He took his time to look to its source while fighting his anxiety and fear.
Bella stared at the new comer. Her heart hammered louder to the ears in the room. She laboured to breathe. No one made any outward move to notice although they all had. Jasper quickly used his gift to calm her while Alice held her hand.
"These are my children," Carlisle introduced. "Emmett and Rosalie McCartney-Cullen; Jasper and Alice Whitlock-Cullen, and Bella Swan." Bella snapped out of her trance and looked to Carlisle when she was included as Carlisle's child. Esme beamed.
"This is Lord Edward, Leader to the house of Masen." Carlisle continued as though that was normal every day talk.
Edward shook hands with Emmett, Rose and Jasper. Alice was smiling widely at him. She was vibrating with excitement. She opened her mind to show him all the visions she had of him though he was never clear. He was already a brother to her. So instead of shaking his hand, she stood on her tippy toes and kissed his cheek. Edward was mesmerized by all he saw in her mind. His house would be bonded to the Cullen family. He and Alice were truly going to be very close. He immediately warmed to the idea of gaining a sister in her. He acknowledge her greeting with a simple nod choosing to discuss the visions at a later time.
He stopped to look at Bella when he reached her. She looked every bit like his Isabella and had some of her traits like the reserved way she carried herself. He had been within hearing range when they tried to convince Bella to stand by Alice. He had chuckled at her stubbornness. In that too, she was just like his Isabella. He reached for Bella's hand and bowed down to kiss it. Her breath caught.
"Breathe easy dear Isabella" Edward spoke with their eyes locked together.
She calmed immediately as though her body's reactions submitted to him. She blushed furiously and looked away. Edward looked like the man she had been dreaming of for weeks. He was the king she pictured from Anna's stories. She blushed further when she remembered some dreams that had explored uncharted territory for her. Even Romeo couldn't claim to have had such a strong effect on her.
Edward stared at her in shock after seeing the images in her mind. What Bella called dreams were actual memories of Edward's intimate moments with his Isabella. The images stirred a longing he hadn't felt since the day he had lost his Isabella. He was startled, a little embarrassed and grateful for the long coat he had on. Alice tried her best not to think about her vision of what was happening with Bella and failed.
Carlisle captured everyone's attention again to introduce the Denalis.
"These are our guests. We think of them as our extended family. Tanya, Irina and Kate Denali; Kate's mate Garrett, Eleazar and his mate Carmen."
Privy to the women's thoughts, Edward started by greeting Garrett first.
"Young one, I see you were successful in your journey." He smiled in approval.
"Yes Lord Edward, the package was delivered over a month ago." Garrett confirmed.
Edward shook his hand and moved on to Eleazar whom he remembered from his stay in Volterra. Aro had brought him in to see Edward briefly.
"I remember meeting in Volterra," Edward prompted and listened to his thoughts.
Eleazar unknowingly revealed the reason for their meeting when he remembered the event. He could read others' abilities. That had been a continuous curiosity for Aro regarding Edward and his kind. Eleazar was unable to read Edward as Aro had hoped.
"Yes, we have met. But I knew not whom you are until this very evening."
Eleazar's sharp mind had noted the respect and reverence the Cullen's had for Edward and Anna's address. He was certain that Edward was high up the monarchy even though he didn't understand how exactly.
Edward acknowledged him with a nod. Tanya stepped forward refusing to be ignored.
"I am Tanya" She hung her hand out for him to take. Edward shook it gently and let it drop. He knew Tanya intended for him to kiss it.
Alice and Rosalie laughed in inside while working hard to contain any outward reaction. Rosalie was disgusted with Tanya's display.
Jasper spread the amusement he absorbed from his wife through the room. Edward noted he had sensed deep envy too from Rosalie. She was jealous of Bella as were Tanya and Irina.
Edward represented everything she had wanted from a man in her human time. The status, power and reverence. She thought herself a better fit for a man like that because she could match him with her beauty. Although she wasn't unhappy with Emmett, her human desires and state of mind were frozen in time like that. For her, Emmett represented something she could never have and envied the most in her human life, a child. Edward's low growl reverberated through the room sobering Rosalie, Tanya and Irina's thoughts. He shook Irina's and Kate's hands quickly to complete the greetings.
"Shall we sit, you must have traveled long distances" Esme suggested kindly though she was sure he didn't need to sit. Anna led him to sit on a large recliner in the corner next to Bella by the glass wall. When he was seated, the Cullens took their seats followed by the Denalis.
"Please continue with your celebration." Edward suggested seeing as no one knew what to do next with his arrival.
It was curious to him. These vampires celebrated human birthdays, drank from animals, held jobs and attended schooling. He wanted to observe the life his Anna had been exposed to.
The major part of his attention was on Bella sitting next to him. He watched her from his peripheral vision and inhaled deep gulps of her scent. Anna's assessment had been correct. She was too young. He noticed her clenched hands that gripped the chair she sat on. She was trying to concentrate on the activities of the evening and ignore Edward's stare on her.
He found her thoughts amusing. He catered to Bella by ordering Anna to prepare her supper and bring her drinks whenever she thought to get up and get them herself. Bella's thoughts went back to her father's concern over their friendship when she noticed how Anna waited on her. Her thoughts infuriated Edward. He was not pleased with Anna or the possibility that Isabella could want her that way.
After all the presents were packed away, Alice put on music for dancing. Edward bit his lip to stop from laughing at the images in Bella's mind. She imagined all sorts of disaster that could occur if she were to dance. His Isabella had been clumsy too before she changed. The sudden onslaught of his life's memories and the possibility Bella represented broke his heart as it made him hopeful.
He watched while Jasper, Emmett and Garrett took turns to dance with Anna. He searched and found that Rosalie, Alice and Kate's thoughts spared them no mind. Esme made the decision to give Anna's cottage to Edward for his use while he was visiting, until she could build him a house. Alice immediately turned to her mother with an approving smile. Edward was fascinated while he listened to their thoughts and studied how they interacted and used their abilities. He learnt of the Denali sisters' abilities and exploits from their thoughts. Tanya and Irina were very curious about him and desired him as a bed mate.
There was a distinct difference between their thoughts of him and Bella's, who had turned to stare at his face. Her innocent eyes looked him over. She thought of his eyes, nose, jaw and hair in adoration. She wondered what it would be like to be held by his arms and kissed by his lips. In many ways Bella declared her infatuation and love for him through her thoughts. Edward was overwhelmed by it all with his fears at the forefront of his mind.
"Would you like to dance?" He asked to halt her thoughts.
Before Bella could refuse or panic he took her hand and held her close to him. Her knees wobbled but Edward easily supported her. She was flushed in fear she would embarrass herself. Edward used hypnosis to relax her. He remembered how he had danced with his Isabella many lifetimes ago with perfect clarity. She had been just as frightened but married him few days later. Their eyes had never left each other as with Bella in his arms now a time apart. Nothing else existed for them while they danced. After she was turned, his Isabella had made a brave and even more beautiful vampire. He had no doubt Bella would be the same.
They stopped dancing to acknowledge Esme and Carlisle.
"Sorry to disturb, may we show you where you will be staying while you are here." Esme asked
"Yes, I'd like that very much." Edward accepted.
Bella was slowly coming to from her daze. She dropped her hands to her sides, suddenly unsure what to do with herself. Edward took them both in one of his. Esme beamed. She actually did a happy dance in her thoughts. Edward pressed his lips harder to stop from laughing.
"Will you come with me Isabella?" He invited
Bella's breath caught. 'Was he actually inviting her to spend the night? She hadn't really thought about that – not having anyone to think that way about – but did he just ask that? Really?' Her thoughts had scattered in different directions.
That was not what Edward had meant by his question. Bella's constant thoughts of intimacy had begun to test his control. Alice joined them.
"Bella needs to come with me" she backtracked quickly, "if she may. It's only for a little while." She finished quietly.
It would take practice for her to learn to control herself around Edward and live in the present. Just when she will, Edward would loosen up. She sighed in exasperation at her visions. Edward smiled indulgently at her.
"Of course," Edward agreed to let Bella stay. He was thankful. It would have hurt him if Bella had refused even when she had misunderstood his request.
He ran with Anna, Carlisle and Esme to the cottage. They presented him with the small intimate dwelling and invited him to use it as long as he needed. Anna had brought his personal belongings there including a few changing clothes Alice had bought. Carlisle and Esme returned to the house. Anna began to quickly move her things from the main suite into the smaller one and unpacking for Edward.
"Strange creatures this lot, even for their kind." Edward chuckled.
It was hard for him to thaw towards the new vampire kind. Reminders of all he had lost were never far from his mind. The Cullens were certainly very different. He was happy that Garrett had joined with them. He had been a trusted ally from the last days of his rule. Edward had been pleasantly surprised to meet with him again and learn that he had never sought out the Romanians or the Volturi in his long life. He had remained loyal to him and his brothers. He was an unknown to their enemies.
"Yes they are master" Anna agreed. Truly, The Cullens carried themselves as humans daily.
"How have you been child?" He inquired. Anna showed him events of the past weeks when they had not talked from her mind.
"I see. You have my gratitude for seeing to Isabella. She is most precious." Edward thanked her
"My pleasure master, I only live to serve."
"Will you see to her tonight? I would like a moment of quiet." Edward dismissed her. Anna bowed and left the cottage for the main house.
Carlisle, Esme, Carmen and Eleazar had gone hunting, leaving the Cullen and Denali 'children' to themselves. The party was in full swing and the music was louder. There was dancing, wrestling and laughter all round. Bella had taken to dancing on the small coffee table with her shoes off when Anna entered. They were quite a sight for vampires and a human. She joined in, very surprised by Bella's behavior. She caught her when she tripped on the table after losing her balance. Garrett was also at the ready but left Bella to her.
"Oh my..?! Anna… I almost fell!" Bella burst out laughing.
"Yes you almost fell" Anna agreed in amusement.
"Put me back I want to dance" Bella shouted over the loud music
"As you wish"
Anna inhaled her breath to check for any traces of…alcohol maybe? She wouldn't put it past Emmett to do that. There was nothing to find. Alice informed her it was Bella's idea to go wild and she hadn't taken anything harmful.
They danced and played the night away. The three vampire males took turns dancing with and carrying a tired Bella when her legs gave out. She didn't want to stop. Emmett was happy to indulge her. He was amused by the strange human behavior especially since Bella's was a natural high.
Early morning light had brightened the sky when Emmett and Bella stopped twirling around in giggles. She was still very awake, energetic, and generally out of character. Rosalie took Emmett's hand and led him towards the stairs. Bella suddenly jumped and took the other.
"Noooo Rosalie, let's all camp here. Please pretty please Rosalie." she begged in a whiney voice sloppily batting her eyelashes with an exaggerated pout.
A puzzled Rosalie immediately dropped her mate's hand which made him burst out in laughter. He was having way too much fun with this new Bella. Jasper didn't try to rein her emotions in at Alice's advice. All sat scattered around the living room watching morning cartoons to which Emmett and Bella sang along.
The parents were shocked when they returned to a messy living room. Shoes, items of clothing and ornaments were scattered around the room. Bella and Emmett stood holding decorating ornaments to their lips while they sang out of tune.
All the vampire kids pointed to Bella at the unhappy look on Esme's face. She raised an eyebrow in question and each one of them darted around Bella to straighten up the room. They finished in less than a minute while a confused Bella was still wondering what was happening.
Edward had joined the parents in that time. He shook in quiet laughter as he read everyone's thoughts. His Isabella used to do such things during his absence at the manor. The thought quieted him as he sighed sadly at the memories.
"Um, it's morning. Anna, would you please take me home" Bella blushed furiously and suddenly turned shy when she saw Edward. Everyone tried to hide their amusement.
"Please freshen up and have some breakfast before you go Bella." Esme offered
"Thank you Esme," she accepted and turned to Alice "Wardrobe?"
Alice squealed with excitement at the opportunity to dress her up. After breakfast Anna drove her home. She had struggled to make herself sleep. She still felt hyper. Her source of excitement was Edward. The king from her every thought danced with her. He had chosen her over other vampire women. There was no question she was in love. Anna used hypnosis to get her to rest. She slept in the whole day.