A.N: Sob, we have reached the end of the Smells Like Teen Spirit journey. Epilogue to go!
Okay, so there's a bit about clothes in this and yeah, okay, I'm sorta taking the mick out of it, but subtly. (:
The epilogue will wrap everything up so keep a look out for that. I didn't know what else to put to be honest. I didn't want to stretch it out with irrelevant stuff. Plus, Bella and Edward's relationship isn't any of Nessie's business so sorry if you were a bit disappointed on the ExB front but this is Nessie's story. Thanks for everyone who reviewed.
PLEASE, PLEASE, can you nominate me at the Two Sides of Twilight awards? This isn't the inital selection but now its the ACTUAL voting. Pleeeeeeeese, if you have any humanity, you'll vote for me! Apologies for the melodrama. And just put the other nominations underneath mine. -Snickers- http://forum[dot]fanfiction[dot]net/topic/69076/21487633/1/ THANK YOU.
Five reviews! :P
assonance-asphyxiation
Chapter Twenty-One
Without any further words last night, Katrina nodded profusely, confirming her presence and then slipped in beside Alexx. My eyes gave away just seconds later, and the next thing I knew, it was twelve-thirty in the afternoon. I had managed to sleep away nine hours so easily and it felt as if most of my day had wasted away. Which was actually true.
Breakfast with The Cult, as Jake had named our families, was a hustle and bustle of chatter. Since the next Swan family - Emmett, Rosalie and their kids - had flown out to L.A, Aunt Alice was freaking out over their outfits which she didn't have. They were unquestionably invited to the premiere. Spending three hours on the phone, she had finally managed to get someone to send in tailored clothing for everyone, including my adorable cousin Ethan. He giggled with delight once he saw me come into the breakfast hall and slobbered me in drooly kisses. I didn't mind - he was cute enough to get away with it.
Alexx was a new man, or more appropriately the old man he used to be with Katrina around. They were so intimate in the most chaste ways. It surprised me that Alexx was being such a gentleman and not glueing his lips to Katrina's. I concluded that their relationship was emotional at most but the proximities of their bodies indicated a physical desire too. Dammit; I was getting too philosophical.
"Emmett, how did Katrina manage to convince you to come to L.A?" Alice asked, while absent-mindedly squeezing Alexx's arm.
Uncle Emmett susurrated, "Her state. She was almost catatonic. I'd never seen her so withdrawn. And the tears!"
"Nothing scares a man like tears." Aunt Rosalie piped in. Aunt Alice and my Mum hmmned their assent.
"But most of all, it was Edward's desolate tone on the phone." Emmett finished.
"Edward?" A chorus of confused voices echoed.
My father looked sheepish and shrugged.
"Edward called me to explain Alexx's situation. He was just like Katrina - comatose. I'd do anything for my baby girl and if it meant flying out as soon as possible, I'd do it. And besides, how else did you think I got into this hotel?" Emmett explained.
Ah, good point. This place had more security than the President's house. Which was the Whitehouse, right...?
Bella kissed my father on the lips quickly and smiled lovingly, "You're so selfless. And so giving."
Edward murmured some sappy lovey shit back and I didn't care to listen in. Parent P.D.A was the worst kind of P.D.A.
But, I leaned into Jake anyway. His tawny eyes sparkled and even Billy seemed content. Although the eleventh wheel or something, he had found his companion in Ethan, who had now ditched me for Jake's dad. Who knew the little kid was already such a casanova? Billy cooed and snuggled up with the little heartbreaker.
"Thank you Carlie. You supported me when nobody else did. You kept me strong and you gave the facts to me straight." Alexx smiled with Katrina safely tucked under his arm. I knew Emmett was fuming inside at all the physical contact but he also knew that Alexx made his daughter happy. And he couldn't deny his daughter her happiness.
"I really do think of you as my older sister. You're my role model." Katrina said quietly. I beamed with euphoria and leaned over Jake to kiss her cheek.
Everyone nodded in agreement. Edward and Bella glowed with pride and it flushed my heart that they were proud of me. I'd take Alexx's shit a hundred times over to see my parents with such expressions.
"We're so proud of you Carlie. You're the most wonderful daughter anyone could ever have and we're going to cherish every minute with you." Bella proclaimed across the large table.
Carlisle added, "You're also the best granddaughter we could ever ask for. We love you, honey."
I flushed under all the praise, but it felt good to be acknowledged. At least I didn't suffer all the past shit for nothing. Jake also whispered his private words, "You're a pretty good girlfriend too. The best actually. My little Nessie."
I laughed breathlessly and smiled at the nickname, "Oh Jake! You're not a bad boyfriend either. Quite fabulous actually."
Alice just had to rain on my parade, but that's what she was best at. Apart from speaking a mile a minute. "Come one people, we have no time to waste! Everyone to the salons; there's a premiere tonight!"
--
Getting ready and going to the launch of a Hollywood movie that starred my father in it was a new experience for me. One, I had never been to a premiere. Two, I had never worn a Alice Whitlock/Versace dress worth four figures. Three, I had never actually seen any of my father's movies. Four, I'd never had three expert celebrity make-up artists fuss over me for over six hours. It was overwhelming.
I was sandwiched between my Mum and Katrina, who was giddy from all the high profile attention she was getting. Rosalie and Emmett were standard, albeit upper class members of the society and the closest they got to this sort of stuff was a large social ball in the city. Something like this was out of their league. And mine's too, to be honest. Not once had I gone to any award shows, charity balls or publicity stunts. Hell, I didn't even know what a fucking after party was until freshman year!
"Ohmygod. Ohmygod. I can't believe this!" Katrina gasped.
" I know!" I nodded my head rapidly. Bella also saw the exchange and added am uncharacteristically girly squeal of her own. Aunt Rosalie, who sat on the other side of my mother screeched in turn, causing a sort of a domino effect.
"Ladies, ladies! We are trying to create masterpieces here and your squelching is not helping!" A French woman admonished with a strong accent. Aunt Alice bobbed her head seriously, in agreement. Her hair was perfect as always and her make-up was being applied painlessly. She had nothing to complain about.
We fell silent again and let the torture ensue.
Well, until about an hour later, my ass was hurting like it was slammed repeatedly against a brick wall. I realised the sexual connotation behind that and blushed into next week with all the inflamed colour in my skin. I kept bouncing up and down and jiggling the curler things in my hair which resulted in the make-up lady [Bitchzilla 1...there were two others] to dig her artificial nails into my arm as some sort of threat. Did celebrities get treated like this too? Because I certainly wouldn't see Oprah Winfrey putting up with this sort of bullshit.
Another half hour later and Bella was asleep. I just stared at my Mum. How could she sleep with strong hair-dye fumes in her head, mask on her face and foam between her fingers and toes? Bella astounded me. I got a kick out of her mumbling my father's name every so often. Her face would go all serene as if the greatest weight was lifted off her shoulders. A small part of my brain really wanted my parents to get married. My deepest desire would be fulfilled and the perfect family that I had always pictured would truly come to life. Obviously, I'd never say this out loud, for fear that they might get married under my pressure. Doing things under pressure is never good. I wanted them to tie the knot on their own will and stay together forever. I'd also become a legitimate child. It wasn't a big deal in the twenty-first century but it mattered to a tiny part of my brain. As if I was meant to be and not a mistake.
Katrina was wildly texting Alexx, smiling like a right fool whenever he texted back. The men were separated and under Rosalie's instructions, given the ugly, lesbian and over sixties women to prepare them. According to my blonde haired Aunt who was worthy of being a model, these ladies knew no boundaries and could do anything to get your men. I eyed each one dubiously and understood what Rosalie was going on about. They were bitchy and they could attack our men.
Jake was in a cleansing sauna, the last time I heard, courtesy of Alexx and Katrina. His pores were being open and washed thoroughly to give him a rejuvenated look. Alexx's words; not mine. Steamy hot rooms did not allow mobiles so our connection was nonexistent. Jasper, Carlisle and Billy were all getting a massage to soothe their muscles while Emmett got a facial scrub. Yes Emmett was wearing a mask. -_-
Edward had also joined Jake in the sauna room, to my utter horror. [Katrina informed me while the apple and cucumber mask dried on my face.] Although my father had accepted Jake as my boyfriend, I was still paranoid about leaving them alone. I was scared for Jake; Edward might just unleash information or Jake might say something bad causing my father to have a shit fit.
"Carlie, why is your face contorted into sheer panic?" My grandmother called from the other side. She could see me through her mirror.
"Dad and Jake are alone in a room without windows." I breathed out. The mask made my skin freeze so all facial expressions and movements were impossible.
Esmè laughed softly, "Don't worry. Edward won't say anything too bad - he loves you and he understands that you love Jake."
"I'm also nervous about tonight." I muttered.
"So am I, honey. I've never been to such a public event before. We're on the same boat." She replied.
"That's good I suppose. We can help each other out." I stated.
She nodded, "That's what family is for."
I looked at myself in the mirror. I gasped. Five women, varying in age and height lined up in front of the mirror that spanned across the wall of the room. Each one wore a unique but equally classy dress for the evening. Soft sparkles of diamond resonated around us as we looked at our reflections incredulously. Such beauty and perfection was impossible, yet here we were, ready for the event. Those Bitchzillas were good at something after all.
Rosalie looked absolutely stunning in a floor length red dress that shimmered in the light. Alice's pale complexion contrasted greatly with her black silk dress that went just above her knees. Her chunky high heels finished her black-and-white theme. Esmè wore a timeless classic deep maroon dress with a golden shawl. Her caramel waves were straightened and bounched down below her shoulders. My mother looked magnificent; royal blue shimmering dress with real silver weaved into the fabric. Her slinky silver heels made her legs look amazing for a thirty-two-year-old. Katrina donned an off-the-shoulder cream dress with brown block heels. She was one sexy fifteen-year-old. I was wearing an emerald green strapless dress that ended just above my knees. Alice insisted on the colour as it brought out my eyes tremendously. My shoes were black as was my jewellery. My hair was curled into loose waves around my waist. I had to admit; I looked good. Aunt Alice had truly outdone herself.
When our dates came, my mouth hit the floor. Quite literally. Each and every male of our 'Cult' looked absolutely breathtaking. Emmett, who I'd once loathed with a passion, looked every bit worthy of being Rosalie's husband in a sleek charcoal suit and loose tie. Uncle Jasper was dashing in a black suit and white shirt with the top two buttons undone and no tie. Granpah Carlisle looked great for his age in a grey suit and sky blue shirt. Alexx - my cousin, Alexx! - looked gorgeous in a shimmery tux of his own. He didn't wear a tie but the black shirt underneath looked great on him without it. My father - Edward Cullen - honestly looked amazing. The orginal tuxedo we'd chosen from the boutique with a white shirt and black tie was donned by the superstar and although his hair was wild as always, it was just so him. Billy pretty much looked the way he did on television but Jacob put the rest to shame. I couldn't keep my eyes off him.
His black hair was gelled and spiked in a casual disarray and his skin glowed under the light. That sauna had worked after all. His black-grey suit clung to every line of his body and emphasised his broad shoulders and muscled legs. And the tie...it was giving me all the wrong images in a family area. I had to restrain myself from jumping him right there. For once, he wore formal shoes and they went perfectly with the theme that was created.
"Oh my God Jake, I want to take you right here." I muttered to him as he came forward to embrace me.
He laughed shakily, "Trust me, I've been wanting to do that ever since I caught you in this divine dress."
"Jake..." I mumbled desperately.
"Nessie, you're not making this any easier for me or my anatomy." Jacob whispered.
I kissed him feverishly and kept his hands in a vice-like grip, away from my hair. I didn't want him to disheaval my hair just before the red carpet moment of my life. I'd have enough problem trying to get Aunt Alice off my back for the smudged lipstick. Our lips molded together in an attempt to smother the raging desires within us, but it only made things worse. I was more hot and bothered and Jake's situation wasn't any better...
Bella shot me a reproving look and then eyed Edward's distracted form meaningfully. Instantly, I jerked away from my boyfriend in chagrin; if Billy and Edward saw us, we'd be lifelong virgins. Jake threw me an apologetic smile before sidling up to Alexx and Katrina, who also looked like they'd be getting rather cosy anytime now.
Aunt Alice rushed to me, armed with a lipgloss from a brand that I could not pronounce without sounding like a dweeb. A few quick swipes and I was ready to go. "Keep yourself in check, young lady." She warned and danced back to Jasper.
During the journey, the whole situation finally dawned on me and I began crapping like a diarrhea laden bird. Bella and Edward tried to soothe me by placing comforting hands on my arms but it just would not help. They didn't let me sit next to Jake either, claiming that we 'might give into the temptation.' What temptation? It wasn't as if we'd do the deed with a dozen other people, in a car! Adults, I tell you.
The moment of truth arrived and the limo stopped smoothly in front of the theatre. Despite the tinted windows, blinding flashes reached into the dark car causing my heart to gear into overdrive. I remembered that there were several others with me in the same situation. Edward exited first with more grace than anyone I'd seen, holding out a perfect hand for my mother, who also smiled timidly and took it without hesitance.
Jasper, who was an ex-model and now a psychologist-come-public-speaker also appeared without any problem, smiling widely with a confident Alice. Now came the amateurs: Carlisle, Esmè, Emmett and Rosalie all filed out. Emmett even waved to the wild crowd and winked at the teenage girls near the front. He wasn't even famous! Billy materialized and there was a low rumble of respect - senators weren't public images worth swooning over. What a shame for Billy.
But sweet Jesus, when Jake and I finally appeared, it was almost unreal. The throngs of people went absolutely mental. There was even more noise than when Edward came out. I was more famous than my father! I didn't hesitate to throw Edward a smug look. He just winked and linked hands with Bella. It was disappointing: I'd expected him to be a little put off by the fact.
The camera flashes went insane and every move of ours was documented. Jake intertwined our fingers and kept me close, mumbling random things. I think he was trying to calm himself down. "I like apple pie."
Offering the people a small wave, I muttered, "Do you now? Well I like tiramisu, beat that."
A clan of teenage girls, all dressed in shirts with pictures of my boyfriend on them, screamed wildly and tried to cross the fences to touch him. My eyes grew wide at the scene while Jake smirked and offered hello's and hi's to his rabid fans. It took every ounce of my control to not growl at these evil girls and tug Jake away from them, but I figured that if I did do that, the public wouldn't like me much. And I had to be liked - for my father's sake.
"I like you Nessie, very much so." Jacob finally murmured.
I couldn't help but giggle. "I like you too Jake, so I guess we're equal."
Moving along the notorious red carpet, we were met with more fans, reporters and cameras. They were mostly generic questions including 'how are you?' and 'what are you wearing?' I came up with my automated response of 'I'm great, thanks' and 'Alice Whitlock.' The same went for Jake, unless the reporter was too busy eyeing him up like a piece of meat. Only I could do that! Oh, these blonde barbies drove me mad.
Robert Pattinson met me halfway and smiled genuinely, clad in a fitting grey suit and erratic hair. I grinned back and introduced Jake to him. There was a few seconds of small talk before a horde of reporters attacked the poor guy and he was pulled away. In the background I heard a journalist ask how he knew me. Robert replied with a smooth "Through Edward Cullen." And that was the end of that. There would be a picture of us conversing in a magazine, for sure. But I didn't mind. He was hot. But, Jake was hotter, of course.
That was until the boys arrived. On the right hand side of the long passageway, hundreds and hundreds of boys yelled manically, vying for my attention. At first I thought it would be for Alice or some attractive female behind me but it was me! They whistled, wooped, thrust forward cameras and papers and shouted my name like some sort of salvation. It was amazing. My ego was riding high. Jake glared and muttered unintelligible words while gripping onto my hand tighter. I smiled openly and even scribbled on a few papers offered.
"Now you know how I felt with all those annoying girls?" I mumbled smugly.
Jake nodded vehemently and breathed in deeply to calm himself. The raging crowds took Jake's alleged indifference as permission to yell out embarrassing things loudly about me. I blushed seven shades of red as teenage boys tackled each other to get forward and touch me. I tried to not cringe and instead smiled and waved at the leering boys. Involuntarily, a shudder rippled through me. Bella had ended up sidling up to me and rubbed my shoulder soothingly. She smiled empathatically.
"They all remind me of Mike Newton." She chuckled.
I scowled, "Your ex landlord was a teenage scumbag?"
Bella laughed and simply agreed, "Yeah, you could say that. Except he's fat and balding now."
Great image.
We continued up the never-ending roll of carpet which wasn't as lush and luxurious as I'd expected to be honest. There were little fraying bits and on the side, the colour had worn out slightly. Even the Afghan rug in our living room was better than this! I sighed in minute disappointment. Jake laughed at my forlorn expression and kissed me quickly on the cheek. I was sure atleast ten photographers caught the gesture and now it would be splattered in all the rags. Jacob Black and Carlie Cullen exhibit superfluous public displays of affection.
"Carlie, you sexy bitch! I want you baby!" A loud roar came from the right hand side. It was some tall, gangly boy with blonde hair windswept to the side. He was waving a camera and hooting unnecessarily. I cringed and flinched into Jake's side.
"I want to chop his head off for that, but I respect your father's reputation and won't do something that will wind me up in jail." My boyfriend bit out angrily.
Jacob didn't have to do anything because Edward himself appeared out of thin air and stood himself in front of the offending guy-with-the-windswept-hair. As I stood a few feet behind my father I could see that he was beyond livid. Just his tensed posture radiating from under the suit rolled off waves of antagonism. His pale fists were balled up in acrimony as he leaned forward.
"Excuse me young man, but if you ever refer to my daughter or any other respectable woman like that again, you will have to face dire consequences. Do you understand?" Edward hissed menacingly.
Jacob smiled smugly and wound an arm around my waist. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the threat. Edward and overreaction were best mates.
The boy cowered and nodded profusely, before backing away and making a mad dash away from my father. I was willing to bet all my money that this event would be in every magazine by tomorrow. And all the boys currently standing there would be witnesses and portray the mild skirmish ten times as badly. Ah well, my father brought this on himself.
"Do you think I was a little harsh?" Edward asked.
"Yes!" I retorted, shaking my head.
"Good. Then I'm doing my job; being a good father." He grinned devilishly.
"Touchè." Jasper agreed while also appearing out of nowhere.
Edward turned around and smiled angelically at me and ushered Jake and I into the theatre itself. We were greeted by a few famous faces before being seated in the extravangant seats and were offered more variety of cinematic food than an entire supermarket. There was a hum of quite chatter as Carlisle and Esmè and Emmett and Rosalie all muttered to celebrities in the theatre. I could tell that they were playing the nonchalant but after the movie ended, they'd go on a tirade about how amazing it was to meet so many famous people.
The film began and I got comfortable with Jake by my side. I honestly didn't know what was happening, but there was a lot of action and Edward was in the middle of all of it. Perhaps the planet needed saving and he was the only one able to rescue the jeopardised Earth? Yeah, something like that. The most strained moment came when Edward got hot and heavy with the female protagonist, Tanya Denali. There was some lip smackin', skin gropin' and a whole load of moanin'. My eyes widened and flitted to my Dad sitting in the row below. He kept casting furtive glances at Bella, who looked eerily stoic. But her hand was gripping Edward's. Tanya Denali must have been squirming; she was married! I looked over to her - sure enough, she was fiddling with her hair and avoiding her husband's gaze.
Jake started cracking up and sniggering beside me. Alexx, whose idol was my boyfriend also burst into poorly concealed laughter. Their guffawing rose in amplitude and some viewers behind us started to stare.
"Cut it out! Both of you!" I hissed.
Jacob stuffed a whole wad of popcorn into his mouth to stop and Alexx ducked his face into Katrina's hair. She looked at me and shook her head playfully. We shared a mutual understanding on the situation. Boys. Jake started barfing up the popcorn and I was pretty sure he'd slop it all on his brand new suit. Fucking dumbass. Alexx, I was quite confident, began using Katrina's perfectly coiffed hair as a handkerchief since I could have sworn he sniffled into her tresses. God help us.
I jabbed each boy sitting beside me with as much force as I could. Simultaneously, they let out a yelp and jerked back upright. The stupid scene had been over for more than five minutes and these asshats were still giggling over it like ten-year-olds. Edward looked highly chagrined, but that was his fault; he invited us. My face was also flaming like bright red beef patties. I was sure of it.
"You two are so immature! Wait 'til we get out of here, I'm going to pulversise both of you." I threatened darkly.
Surprisingly, the rest of the movie passed rather smoothly.
--
The night had finally wrapped up with Edward and Tanya giving interviews and autographs to eager journalists and fans. They posed together for about an hour too. However, my father kept Bella by his side through the entire event. After the publicity photos were taken, Edward posed with Bella, myself and then all three of us together. Carlisle and Esmè socialised with the upper class attendees but by their pained faces, they weren't really enjoying doing so. Emmett and Rosalie basked in the attention and posed for every bloody camera in sight. It was comical to see Emmett dip his wife and place a sloppy kiss on her lips. He winked at me a couple times before coming over and posing with me. Katrina also joined us halfway through and played along with every pose. We got photographed in pretty much every stance one could adopt. My uncle even wanted to carry us on his back but we drew the line there.
Alexx and Jake evaded me for the first half an hour but as the saying goes: You can run but you can't hide. So once I'd cornered them near the toilets or restrooms as the 'poshies' say they couldn't escape.
The two cowered with terror. Their fear was manifested by my ferocious expression. "We're sorry! We shouldn't have laughed!"
I glowered. "Do you know how uncomfortable you made me? My father? All the fucking producers behind us were glaring at you!"
They nodded profusely, "Sorry, sorry! We promise never to embarrass you again!"
I sighed with relaxation. "Okay. But beware. I am watching you."
Once Alexx realised my wave of rage had died he rolled his eyes and muttered, "God Carls. You sound like a pedo stalker."
Just peachy.
Now, everyone had gone back to their hotels for some sleep before our flight back to Seattle in the morning. I'd kissed Jacob sweetly and slowly despite my earlier fury. He'd sealed the forgiveness with another mind-blowing kiss and waltzed off, grinning like the smug fool he was. But I loved him anyway. Alexx and Katrina made goo-goo eyes until Emmett had had enough and sternly sent them both to bed. In separate rooms this time. Unfortunately, I still had to stay in the same room as Alexx and Jake. It sounded so wrong, but I'd be damned if I slept in the same room as my parents. That shit got old when I was three.
I rounded the corner where my parents stood closely together. They didn't hear me approach and so, continued to speak in a heated tone. I couldn't help myself, but I paused and listened in on their conversation.
"Bella, please understand, it was just a movie! It is my job." Edward pleaded.
Bella looked down in insecurity. "I know...it's just that Tanya's much more prettier and talented than me. I am nothing."
My father looked mad. Incredibly irate, "Isabella Swan. You are the most beautiful person I have ever met, and don't for one minute think that you are anything but amazing. Tanya is married and I have no feelings for her. If I did, wouldn't I have acted upon them earlier?"
My mother nodded unconvincingly. "But...but what if in the future...? You'll do more films and be intimate..."
Edward sighed with exasperation. "I'm not actually with her, Bella! And I need a job, I can't just sit at home and do nothing so of course I'll do more movies! You need to understand my point of view too!"
It was getting too volatile for my tastes so reluctantly, I stepped in. I was totally throwing away all rules and manners I was taught: Evesdropping and interrupting. Bella turned around and spotted me, plastering a fake smile on her obviously stressed face.
"Hey Carlie, sweetheart!"
Edward gave me a no-nonsense once over and turned to Bella. "She heard us speaking." My mother's face fell dramatically.
I smirked quickly at my father as an approval. He knew me and he knew me well.
"Yeah, about that. Sorry, couldn't help it, but I had to come and arbitrate and for once...support my Dad." I smiled sheepishly.
God, Edward looked so proud and smug I wanted to punch him. And why was I here? Oh yeah, I was helping the douche. They stood in silence and I comprehended that they were waiting for me to speak.
"Mum, trust Edward when he says that there are no feelings for Tanya, or Lauren or Jessica. My father is the biggest prude known to man." I smiled smugly. Bella's lips twitched and Edward looked annoyed...nothing new there.
"Honestly, I thought he was gay until the day he met you. And, he reads female romance novels-" I was rudely cut off by Edward.
"Thank you Carlie, you can shut up now." He said in a controlled voice. I waved him off.
Bella roared with laughter, "I knew those books were for him! He used to secretly read them in high-school too!" I think she was referring to the truck load of books I had bought off her a while ago.
Well you learn something new everyday.
"Yeah, so trust my Dad on this one. And we spoke about this before, anyway. Everytime you see Edward fake smooching a woman, just read the mantra: He loves me, Prude, He loves me, Prude. In the last bazillion years he hasn't dated once. Really, I would never lie." I smiled innocently.
Edward was ready ro rip my head off. I could see it in his eyes: all the ways he could kill me quickly and silently. I lifted my hands in surrender and backed away slowly. Then, he growled. Shit, this was goodbye to me.
"Mum, tell Jake I love him and tell everyone else that I'll miss them. Oh and I love you too." I squeaked as Edward stalked forward with a wild face.
Bella looked confused until she saw her boyfriend growl ferally at me. "Edward won't even touch you."
"You wanna bet? Actually no, if I win I won't be able to get my wager." I said in a high-pitched whine. Bella whispered something to Edward and stepped away, biting her lip in anticipation.
And then he pounced. Edward caged me in his arms and...hugged me. His torturous expressed morphed into one of mirth and he belted out with laughter. "You thought I was actually going to hurt you! Your face was priceless!"
I huffed in annoyance. That was the downside of having an Academy-award-winning actor for a father.
He gathered Bella and I in his arms and crushed us to his chest. He kissed my mother sweetly on the lips, keeping it chaste in front of me. I was glad. Then he leaned in to kiss my cheek but I backed off, "I don't your salivas on my hygienic cheek."
Edward pouted, jutting his lower lip out and raised his eyebrows in a mock heartbroken expression.
"Okay fine, I'll give you a smacker, old man!" I relented and kissed his cheek. His frown...turned upside down and my father was euphoric. Bella looked at me expectantly. Did she want one too? Yes. She did.
I kissed her on the cheek too and then rested my head peacefully against Edward's chest. He hmmned in contentment.
"At last, just me and my two girls." He whispered. My mother smiled in assent.
"This feels just like it should." She murmured.
There were a few distant flashes and I vaguely thought that this happy-family picture would be splattered on a few magazines.
But I was okay with that, because we were a happy family, and we were meant to be.