Here's the second part to chapter 19 like I promised! I'll put the entire playlist at the bottom.
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or any of the music mentioned below. I just have the songs in my iPod. lol. :D
Bella POV
Just watching Carlisle and Esme singing like that to one another was the sweetest thing I had ever seen. You could practically feel the love and passion between them. All the girls were whispering amongst each other and I caught the boys clapping Carlisle on the back. This felt so. . .normal. I grinned at the thought because anything that made the Cullens happy and free made me happy, after all they were my charges.
So far, Rosalie, Alice, Jasper, Carlisle and Esme had sung and the only ones left were Edward, Emmett, and me. Gulp. I wasn't so sure about that but I could already tell that the girls would not let me get out of this so I guess I could let them have their way.
I nudged Edward, not that that did anything, but he turned to me anyway his bright eyes capturing my own. Already, I could feel a blush beginning to spread across my cheeks.
"Yes, Bella."
"I was just going to go get some water," I answered shyly.
"Allow me to accompany you," he smiled and took my hand leading me away from our table and towards the rather small bar across the room.
I tried not to pay attention to the stares me and Edward were receiving from both the girls and guys. Edward, on the other hand, caught every stare and pulled me closer wrapping an arm around my waist. I think I even caught a soft growl pass through his throat.
"Two bottle of waters please," Edward spoke to the bar tender. He nodded and disappeared.
"Why two?" I asked curiously, "No one but me needs to drink."
"In case you get more thirsty," he replied simply, "besides, I don't want you walking among these sex-driven, um, individuals."
"Here you go cupcake," the bar tender handed the bottled water to Edward before flashing us both a wide smile.
"Here you go Bella," Edward opened one of the waters and handed it to me.
I thanked him and took a long drink of water feeling extremely thirsty all of a sudden. The cool water felt great running down my warm throat. Edward began growling again and this time louder, I looked at him questioningly but he wasn't looking at anyone in the crowd. I followed the direction of his gaze and spotted a familiar looking man staring at us, mostly Edward.
I almost choked when I realized it was the same man that I had seen in the forest when I had been on my way to check on Esme. A werewolf. He was with four other people, two girls and two guys. All of them caught sight of us and one of the girls and one of the guys began glaring at us. Four of them were werewolves but not one the girls. Interesting.
"Come on Bella," Edward pulled me back to the table and spoke quickly to his family. They tensed up and the happy environment was shattered.
"Who are they?" I asked, aware that they didn't know that I knew who the werewolves were.
"Werewolves," Carlisle answered giving me a knowing look.
"Are they here on purpose?" Jasper asked Edward.
"No, they were just going out and happened to come into this place like us," replied Edward, "They'll be calm as long as we don't start trouble."
"So they're not looking for a fight?" it was more of a statement then a question. Emmett looked disappointed for a moment then began grinning.
"Emmett, behave," Esme shot him a scolding look.
"We can leave if it makes you guys feel uncomfortable," I spoke up.
"No, we're not leaving because of them," Alice slapped her hand down on the table a little more forcefully than necessary. "We're here to enjoy our time together."
"Yeah, we didn't come here just to leave so soon," Rose added with the same determined expression as Alice.
"Edward's next!" Alice was instantly her energetic self again.
"Can it at least wait a little while?" Edward asked.
"Fine," huffed Alice, "but Rose, Esme, Bella, and I need to go to the bathroom."
"I don't need to-" I stopped talking after the menacing look Alice gave me.
"We need to. . ." Alice trailed off.
"Go to the bathroom," I finished standing up.
Rose and Alice walked in front of Esme and I talking at rapid speed ignoring the stares they caused. Seriously, everyone needs to stop staring. It was making me uncomfortable.
"Are you okay dear?" Esme asked placing a cool hand on my arm.
"I'm fine, Esme, thanks," I smiled.
"We don't have to stay just because Alice and Rose say so," Esme assured me.
"No, I think this is cool," I laughed, "Don't worry."
"Come here Bella, I need to straighten your hair and re-apply your make up," Alice rummaged around in her bag while I gripped Esme's hand in fear.
"Alice, please, don't," I begged Alice, meanwhile Rose was shaking with silent laughter behind her back.
"I've got it," Esme whispered in my ear before sufficiently distracting Alice and Rose. I took my opportunity and made my way back to the table.
"Come on Jessica, go ask him to dance," a girl's voice caught my attention.
A group of girls were pushing a pretty girl with jet black hair with purple streaks and ice blue eyes in front of them. I followed the direction they were pushing her in and found it was towards the werewolves. The girl, Jessica, had an embarrassed look on her face with a light blush on her cheeks. They looked to be about sixteen or seventeen years old.
"Guys, stop it," she said, "I doubt he'd like to dance with me. Walking disaster, remember?"
"What are you talking about, you're gorgeous and an awesome dancer," one of her friends insisted, "Plus, he's an A-hottie and totally looks your type."
"OMG, he's looking over here Jessica," another of her friends squealed. Jessica looked at her friend and then slowly turned. Her eyes connected with the youngest looking werewolf and I swear I felt a connection sparking between them. It was interesting to see how their eyes never left one another and slowly they began walking towards each other.
"Hey Seth, where are you going?" the second youngest guy asked.
"Hey there beautiful," the guy smiled sweetly at her, "Seth Clearwater."
"Hi," the girl smiled back shyly, "Jessica Benson."
"Would you like to dance?" Seth asked. Jessica nodded and stumbled towards the dance floor before Seth caught her. She mumbled a thanks and flashed him a radiant smile.
Funny how things work out, I thought to myself and continued to our table. To my surprise Alice, Rose, and Esme were already back in their places.
"Bella, there you are," Edward jumped from his seat and pulled me down to my own, "I was so worried."
"I'm fine Edward," I rubbed small circles on one of his hands to calm him down because he was obviously distressed, "I just happened to witness a rather sweet moment."
"I doubt there are sweet moments with all the thoughts in here," Edward muttered, although, he was more calm.
"Oh, there are," I said cryptically.
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Rosalie POV
With just one touch Bella managed to do what Jasper had trouble with most of the time. Calming Edward the hell down. He was so uptight most of the time but ever since Bella popped into the picture he was more protective but at the same time free. That's exactly why this plan of mine was going to work, not that I was going to mention it with Edward so close listening to our every thoughts.
"Alright, Edward, you've stalled long enough," I spoke up breaking moment between Edward and Bella.
"You didn't think you were going to get away with it," Alice laughed. She stood from Jasper's lap and dragged Edward to the stage. The rest of us were left laughing at the expression on his face.
Edward sighed loudly and took the mike from Alice's eager hands. She pressed the button and the music started. I supressed the victorious smile as Alice gave me the thumbs up and took her seat again on Jasper's lap.
Ooooo ohh ooo ooo oo
I hung up the phone tonight,
Something happened for the first time, deep inside
It was a rush, what a rush
'Cause the possibility that you would ever fell the same way about me
It's just too much, just too much.
Why do I keep running from the truth, all I ever think about is you.
You got me hypnotized, so mesmerized, and I just got to know.
Do you ever think, when you're all alone,
All that we can be, where this thing can go
Am I crazy or falling in love, is it really just another crush
Do you catch your breath, when I look at you,
Are you holding back, like the way I do.
'Cause I've tried and tried to walk away
But I know this crush ain't goin' away, goin' away.
I took a quick peek at Bella and found her mesmerized staring straight into Edward's unwavering gaze. I don't think she saw the lustful looks most of the girls were giving Edward although she didn't have to worry about any of that. It was clear that Edward only had eyes for Bella. Take that human girls.
Has it ever crossed your mind, when we're hangin',
Spending time girl, are we just friends, is there more, is there more.
See it's a chance we've gotta take,
'Cause I believe that we can make this into
Something that will last, last forever, forever.
Do you ever think, when you're all alone,
All that we can be, where this thing can go
Am I crazy or falling in love, is it really just another crush.
Do you catch your breath, when I look at you,
Are you holding back, like the way I do.
'Cause I've tried and tried to walk away
But I know this crush ain't goin' away, goin' away.
The question and doubt was clear in his voice with the he was singing. I took another peek at Bella and found tears in her eyes. There were also an array of emotions flickering in her brown eyes. Sadness, trust, pain, joy, and love. An interesting combination. I'll have to talk to Alice about that and see what she knows.
Why do I keep running from the truth, all I ever think about is you
You got me hypnotized, so mesmerized and I just got to know.
Do you ever think, when you are all alone,
All that we can be, where this thing can go
Am I crazy or falling in love, is it really just another crush.
Do you catch your breath, when I look at you,
Are you holding back, like the way I do.
'Cause I've tried and tried to walk away
But I know this crush ain't goin' away, goin' away.
The music faded and all the human girls began screaming their heads off. As if Edward would noticed any of them when his eyes were still glued to Bella's. He quickly stepped off stage and took a seat next to Bella. They never broke eye contact and it seemed they were having a silent conversation; pure emotions. I had to look away.
I could feel Emmett getting ready to tease Edward but I stopped him with a glare. The words halted in his throat and he took to kissing my hand instead. Esme gave Carlisle a knowing look and Alice bounced in her seat trying not to make any sound and interrupt the silent communication of my brother and our Angel.
"Finally, my turn!" Emmett burst out, no longer having the capability to stay silent, "This one is for you baby."
He kissed me and then he ran to the stage practically snatching the mike from the DJ. The DJ, of course, didn't say anything because of Emmett's size and just pushed the button to start the music.
Closer, Closer,
Closer, Closer
Turn the lights off in this place
And she shines just like a star
And I swear I know her face
I just don't know who you are
Turn the music up in here
I still hear her loud and clear
Like she's right there in my ear
Telling me that she wants to own me
To control me. . .
Come closer
Comer closer
And I just can't pull myself away
Under her spell I can't break
I just can't stop, I just can't stop,
I just can't stop, I just can't stop.
And I just can't break myself, no way
But I don't want to escape
I just can't stop, I just can't stop,
I just can't stop, I just can't stop
I just can't stop.
The moment my honey began singing I was captivated my his voice. I couldn't look away, as if I wanted to, and his eyes never left mine. Emmett's voice was deep and sensual, making my body ache for him.
I can feel her on my skin
I can taste her on my tongue
She's the sweetest taste of sin
The more I get the more I want. . .
She wants to own me
Come closer
She says "Come closer."
And I just can't pull myself away
Under her spell I can't break
I just can't stop, I just can't stop,
I just can't stop, I just can't stop
And I just can't break myself, no way
But I don't want to escape
I just can't stop, I just can't stop,
I just can't stop, I just can't stop
I just can't stop
Come closer, come closer
Come closer, come closer
Come closer, come closer
Come closer
I just can't stop, no
I just can't stop, no
I just can't stop, no
I just can't stop, no.
At this point I had to stop myself from jumping from my seat and taking Emmett home. Jasper sensed my emotions and tried calming me down. I just can't stop either. I need him, and with the way he was moving on stage just made it worse.
And I just can't pull myself away
Under her spell I can't break
I just can't stop, I just can't stop,
I just can't stop, I just can't stop
And I just can't break myself, no way
But I don't want to escape
I just can't stop, I just can't stop,
I just can't stop, I just can't stop
I just can't stop
And I just can't pull myself away
Under her spell I can't break
I just can't stop, I just can't stop,
I just can't stop, I just can't stop
I just can't stop.
Come closer.
Emmett's voice rang out and he was finally finished. As soon as he was within my reach I pulled him down to my lips, he was all too willing to comply. After who knows how many minutes or hours, a loud cough broke us apart. My lips felt swollen and red and on fire in a way that only Emmett could achieve.
"You looked sexy up there, baby," I whispered in Emmett's ear.
"I do it just for you," he whispered back, "and so Alice won't beat me up."
Bella giggled and covered her face in Edward's chest. The family had once again grins on their faces and the serene atmosphere was back again. I really loved my family, Bella included in there too.
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Carlisle POV
This was how my family should be all the time, carefree and content, something they had a hard time achieving. I understood that the vampire life did not go over well with some of them but right now I saw none of those feelings of resentment. Bella had much to do with this. She was truly our Angel, watching over us and protecting us and changing us.
Esme had given me a look that told me something was going to happen and looked at Edward and Bella. Immediately I understood what she was saying and agreed with her. If there was anyone perfect for my son it was Bella. Already I could see the changes in him and so could the others.
"Bellaaa," Alice sang, "It's your turn."
Bella groaned, "Is there any way I could miss this?"
"Not a chance," Rose answered.
"I can't sing, though," Bella persisted. "I'll just make a fool of myself."
"Bella," Alice began sternly, "You and I both know that's not true, so get your pretty little butt up there before I drag you there myself."
"Okay, I'm going, I'm going," Bella said defeated. Edward whispered words of reassurance even I couldn't hear, making Bella smile, and encouraged her.
I caught the secretive glances Alice and Rose gave each other before turning their attention to Bella who was taking a deep breath ready to sing.
I'm blind-folded on this carriage ride that they call life
Keep trying to make it through the next turn, knuckles white and holdin' tight.
So here I go, takin' a curve,
But I know that I'm never alone
I think of you, I know you'd never let me go.
I feel connected, protected, it's like you're sitting right with me all the time.
You hear me, you're near me,
And everything else's gonna be alright.
'Cause nothin' can break this, nothin' can break this, nothin' can break this tie.
Connected. . .connected inside.
Right on the dot. They are connected inside. Edward, I noticed, was holding his breath and his eyes were focused intently on Bella. Almost like he was trying to figure something out.
It's not an accident, the time we spent apart.
But now we're so close, I can always find you right here in my heart.
You've given me somethin' I need, and I don't ever want it to end.
Because of you, I know I've found my strength again.
I feel connected, protected, it's like you're sitting right with me all the time.
You hear me, you're near me,
And everything else's gonna be alright.
'Cause nothin' can break this, nothin' can break this, nothin' can break this tie.
Connected. . .connected inside.
Bella's voice was indeed wonderful and had a way of lifting my spirits, I believe that was the case with everyone else. Especially Edward. His gaze was unwavering and strong, but I saw the emotions I thought I would never see.
Everytime that I breathe, I can feel the energy.
Reachin' out, flowin' through, you to me and me to you.
Find your dream, walk or stand, you are everywhere I am.
Seperate souls, unified, touching at the speed of light.
Whoa, ah-oh, ah-oh, ah-oh, ah-oh, ah-oh, ah-oh, ah-oh
I feel connected, protected, it's like you're sitting right with me all the time.
You hear me, you're near me,
And everything else's gonna be alright.
Connected, protected, now you're in my mind, now I'm doin' fine.
You hear me, you're near me, and everything else's gonna be alright.
'Cause nothin' can break this, nothin' can break this, nothin' can break tie.
Connected. . .Connected inside.
Connected.
All of us burst out clapping and cheering for Bella as she hastily got off stage blushing with embarrassment. Her dress flying everywhere with the slightest of movement. She took her seat and kept her head down breathing in and out before raising to meet our eyes.
"I can't believe you guys made me do that," Bella said.
"It was fantastic!" Alice screeched
"You were lovely, Bella," Edward whispered, again, to Bella.
"Yeah, well, you weren't so bad yourself," Bella whispered back. Edward grinned at her and they began laughing.
The laughing and joking kept going on for next few hours until Bella tried to stifle a yawn. I realized the later hour and remembered that Bella still needed sleep, I wasn't sure how many hours, but I bet she was tired. Edward must have read my thoughts because in the next second he shot up from his seat demanding we go home so Bella could sleep.
"I'm not that tired, Edward," Bella yawned again.
"No, it's okay, we should get you home Bella," Alice said agreeing with Edward.
"We should definitely do this again!" Emmett exclaimed loudly. "Or. . .or. . .or. . ."
"You sound like a seal," Bella laughed.
"I do try," Emmett muttered sarcastically.
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Esme POV
The kids were laying around downstairs playing video games once again waiting for Bella to wake up from her deep sleep. Meanwhile I was in the kitchen making breakfast, something I never had the chance to do before. Carlisle was upstairs in his study searching through his vast collection of books to find anything on Angels. Oh that husband of mine. He could simply ask Bella everything he wanted to know but no, he got a bit impatient and began doing research on his own.
I shook my head smiling and finished making pancakes, scrambled eggs, waffles, and banana milkshake for Bella. I may have gone a bit over the top but I just couldn't help myself besides, I thought of Bella as my own daughter.
"And we think of her as a sister, Esme," Edward's snapped me out of my thoughts. My eldest son stood by the doorway with a wide smile.
Except for you, I thought to him meaning it as a statement and not a question.
He chuckled and came to sit in one of the high chairs of the island. "Except for me, yes."
You know you can't hide anything from me or Carlisle, I added.
"I know," he chuckled again.
Yesterday, me and Carlisle were talking and we wanted to have a chat with you, if you don't mind?
"Of course not Esme, when exactly?" asked Edward curiously.
Later in the afternoon, away from the prying ears of your brothers and sisters, I answered teasingly. He laughed again and I thought I would burst out in tears if I could. I had never heard Edward so free.
"Things change, Esme, things change," Edward simply said.
Things or hearts? I asked more to myself than to Edward.
Ooh, Esme's on to it. ;) So, tell me what you think? I like hearing it all.
Songs from the Karaoke Night: Rosalie's song - You Set Me Free by Michelle Branch
Alice's song - Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield
Jasper's song - Hanging By A Moment by Lifehouse
Carlisle & Esme's song - Can I Have This Dance? by Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Effron
Edward's song - Crush by David Archuleta
Emmett's song - Closer by Ne-Yo
Bella's song - Connected by Katherine McPhee
~*~Mimi-Love-4Ever