A/N:
Another shout out to my wonderful beta - Karissaroo! Thanks so much for keeping me on task.
In this chapter I'm giving you something new – Lauren's POV. I hope you enjoy it. Don't worry, you'll get plenty of Emmett and Bella… I just think it'd be good for you all to get a peek into Lauren's brain.
Stephenie Meyer owns all things Twilight. No copyright infringement is intended.
Story is all human. Characters do tend to be out of character on occasion as well.
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Chapter 21: Happy CouplesEmPOV
I watched as Alice went over wedding plans with Bella. My poor Bella had endured weeks of Alice's planning. After the Halloween party, Alice had convinced Bella that a double wedding would be "amazing". In truth, I didn't care when or how we got married, just that we got married. Jasper basically agreed with me on that one. So here we sat across from our women as they went over wedding cakes and flowers.
I leaned toward Jasper and whispered, "You think we could escape for some Halo action?" He glanced toward the girls and then gave me a quick nod. We quietly stood and made our way toward the game room. Jasper went to the console and started it up. I got comfortable in my chair and let out a heavy sigh. Jasper just laughed at me. We'd both been dealing with wedding plans to some extent or another. Alice was like a psycho wedding planner. I mean, everything had to be absolutely perfect. Poor Bella. I felt terrible for her. We only got bits and pieces of Alice's orders. Bella on the other hand, was expected to keep up with Alice.
"I know she's a bit crazy sometimes, but she just wants us all to have a perfect wedding." Jasper was good at defending Alice. "Trust me, she's as stressed as all of us, if not more. I swear, some nights I'd like to drug her so she'll sleep." We both laughed a bit and I knew he was right. Alice just wanted it to be the perfect day for all of us.
"Yeah, I just worry about Bella's sanity sometimes. You know she's not big on this sort of thing and Alice has been dragging her around a lot."
"Alice is Alice, Bella knows that by now. I'll talk to her later though and mention it. Maybe it'd be a good weekend to take a break from wedding planning. All of us could head up to Seattle for a getaway."
"That sounds great." Bella had entered the conversation with an exhausted voice. "I can't believe you two left me in there with her… all for a video game!" I knew by the tone in her voice she was teasing but also a little miffed.
I dropped my controller, grabbed her hand and pulled her into my lap. "Baby, I'm sorry. I didn't think you'd notice, you two were so involved in the plans." She rested her head on my shoulder. "I am sorry though. But you think Jasper's plan is a good one? Want to head to Seattle tomorrow after school?"
"I think it's a great idea. I only have one rule, absolutely NO wedding stuff. I don't want to hear the word wedding at all. I mean nothing from the minute our last bell rings till the first bell Monday morning."
At this point Alice joined us. "But Bella! We have so much to do! I can't ignore our weddings for a whole weekend!" She stuck out her bottom lip in a full pout.
BPOV
No no no. I will not focus on the wedding this weekend. I need a damned break! The freaking pixie is driving me insane. Well then, why in the hell did you agree to a double wedding? Because either way she'd have planned my wedding… and it would have been just as bad. Oh yeah… right. I was about to blow a gasket when Emmett rescued me again. "No Alice. Bella needs a break for her sanity. Nothing is going to be lost over one weekend. Besides, you can invite Jacob and Rosalie. That way you have a shopping partner. I plan on keeping Bella busy so you'll need company." He was dead serious, no joking in his voice. Thank you God!
Alice didn't even put up a fight. She simply pouted and landed herself in Jasper's lap. Soon she was babbling about shopping and what not. Thank God Emmett had decided to draw the lines early. I wouldn't be subject to her shopping frenzy. "Ali, don't you think you should call Rose and invite her before you make plans for her?"
"OH you're right Bella! I'll call her now. You better clear it with Charlie too. Oh never mind, I'll call him too." Alice was obnoxious at times but she could handle Charlie. The day I told him I was engaged, well all I have to say is without Alice, Charlie may have had a meltdown.
"Dad, I need you to calm down. It's not like I'm marrying a complete stranger! Emmett loves me and I love him. It's not a bad thing." Charlie's face was red and he was holding his breath. This was not a good reaction. I had anticipated it, but it still scared the hell out of me.
"You're too damned young Bells! I mean, you've barely dated anyone. How can you be sure he's the right one?" He was rambling at this point. I glanced at Alice for support.
"Charlie, Bella isn't making a mistake. I've seen how she and Emmett are together and they are perfect for each other. I can't promise it'll be all roses and sunshine, but I do know my brother and he loves her more than his own life. He'll treat her with respect and adore her every day of her life. What more could you want for your daughter?"
Charlie's face softened and he let out a deep sigh. "I know they love each other. I mean, I can see it Bella. It's just…" He paused and looked truly sad. "I don't want for you what happened with me and Renee." Finally, here we had discovered his true feelings.
"Oh Daddy! I know and I promise, Emmett and I are different. Trust me, I've thought about this a lot. I don't want to end up like you when Renee left. I know Em loves me and won't leave. I won't leave him and we'll work though our problems. Don't worry about it. We've already talked about that. Emmett knows me Dad. He loves me and he knows my life story. He wouldn't hurt me, ever."
He pulled me into a giant hug and kissed my hair. "I know Bells, I just want you to be happy. If he makes you happy, I'll support it." After releasing me from my hug he went to Alice. "Thank you Alice. You always make me listen when I don't want to. Just keep in mind, that brother of yours hurts my baby and I'll tear him apart."
"Ok, all set guys. Bella, Charlie has no problem with that but he does want to at least see you before you go." This was Charlie's way of telling Alice I needed to stay home for a night before we left.
EmPOV
I hadn't spent many nights away from Bella since the engagement. Usually she'd stay at the house and we'd share her room or mine. Knowing that Charlie wanted her home for the night, well it didn't sit well with me. I wasn't sure I could sleep without her wrapped in my arms. I was always worried I'd wake up and the whole engagement would have been a dream. She wrapped her warm arms around my neck. "If you want, you can climb through my window tonight and sleep with me there." She kissed my neck. It wasn't that bad of an idea, but I had this flash in my mind of Charlie catching us and then officially killing me.
"I know baby, and trust me it's a really tempting offer. I just don't think Charlie would appreciate finding me sleeping in his daughter's bed under his roof." I placed a chaste kiss on her lips. "It'll suck being away from you for a night, but we'll survive. I just can't wait until we are officially married and I won't have to spend a night away from you again."
"Aww, come on guys, get a room!" Alice giggled. "No, seriously, that was sweet Em."
In truth, I had meant every single word of it. I hated the idea of being away from Bella. Even at school during class, I felt as though a piece of me was missing. Bella was like my other half. Cliché I know, but it was the God's honest truth. Of course, I couldn't admit that in front of everyone. "Whatever Ali. Just go pick out some flowers or something." Bella just laughed and stood to leave.
"Well, if I'm going home I better get started. I'll see you guys tomorrow morning." She bent down and kissed me deeply. Bella walked out of the room and took my heart with her. Only one night Em, only one night.
EPOV
I had been dating Lauren for a few months. She was a nice girl once you got under the whole tough girl act. I still hadn't figured out why she felt the need to put on the act, but we were making progress, together. I had started opening up to her, telling her about the night I attacked Bella. I still had nightmares about it. It wasn't something I was proud of by any means. I had turned into something I loathed, into someone I never wanted to become again. Lauren took the time to listen to my ranting, to let me talk through things. In return, I would let her talk through her shit.
"I'm not kidding Edward, they're so fucking full of themselves!" Today was a bad day for Lauren. Evidently, while walking through the halls, Rosalie and Alice had 'scowled' at her. Of course she just flipped some shit their way and kept walking. As soon as they were out of sight, she practically ran for my class. By the time she found me I could see the tears in her eyes.
"Calm down babe. I'm sure they weren't trying to be bitches to you. It's probably because you're still with me. They hate me, not you." She was pacing back and forth on the beach. We both cut last period so she could wind down. I didn't have to worry about my parents, Esme would excuse me if I kept my grades up. I don't think Lauren's parents paid much attention to what she did.
"I don't fucking care why they glared at me Edward! It's like they think they're so much better than me. Like I'm a piece of shit. I'm not a piece of shit Edward. I'm not worthless…" She broke into sobs and fell to the ground. It was winter and the ground was nothing but ice. I walked up to her and wrapped my coat around her shoulders.
"Shh. Babe, it's ok. It's ok. You're not a piece of shit. Hell you're one of the best people I know. You're the only person who really talks to me." I rocked her back and forth as she let the tears fall. It felt good to be helping for once. "Shh. Baby, calm down. Let's get out of here for the weekend. I'll call Carlisle and let him know. We can go to Seattle or something." Lauren just nodded her response. "Do you need to call your mom?"
I doubted she did. Like I said, her family didn't seem all that into keeping tabs on the girl. "No. They won't even notice I'm gone. I do need to stop and get some clothes or something."
"Ok, let's go then." I pulled her to a standing position and lead her to the car. We drove in silence to her house. I had never been inside, we typically spent all our time at my house. I wasn't sure if she'd want me to help her pack or just wait in the car. "Would you like me to come with you?"
Lauren looked at the house then back at me. Hesitation and doubt flashed in her eyes. She sat for a moment before answering. "Yeah, might as well." I got out of the car and moved to her door. She had finally become accustom to me opening her door. It took a good month for her to accept the gesture.
We walked in silence to her door. Her house was midsized and painted a navy blue with grey trim. It was well kept and to passers by looked like a happy home. Once I was on the inside, I was privy to a bit of Lauren's life that explained her insecurities.
LPOV
I didn't see the car in the drive, so letting Edward in didn't seem like such a bad idea. It wasn't that our house was run down or anything. I wasn't embarrassed of my house, but more ashamed of my family. I was so afraid that if Edward met my parents he'd run the other direction. This was the reason I kept him away from this place for so long. Bringing him there now, well without my family home, wasn't a bad idea. The minute the door opened I was proven wrong.
"What the hell are you doing home?" My mother shouted from her usual place at the bar. From the tone in her voice I guessed she was already down two bottles. "Don't you have school? You better not be causing any trouble or I'll send you off to some fucking boarding school."
I was mortified. I couldn't believe she'd actually said shit like that in front of Edward. I didn't even look to see his reaction I was so embarrassed. "No mother. I don't have a seventh period class. I'm not getting into trouble and I won't be in your way long so don't fucking worry about it." At this point Edward grabbed my hand and squeezed it reassuringly. He didn't run? He's still here! Well not for long really, once he sees how bad this shit gets he'll high tail it out of here.
"Don't you fucking talk to me like that Lauren. You're a spoiled little bitch that needs to learn some respect. Keep that shit up and I'll knock some sense into you." I swear I heard Edward growl at my mother. I just looked at him long enough to silently tell him to back down.
"Yes mother. I'm here for some things and I'll be gone." I didn't wait for her response, I just headed toward my room. The entire time Edward held my hand. Once we were in my room I closed the door and locked it. "I'm sorry about her. She's usually not here. I didn't see her car so I figured it'd be safe. You shouldn't have had to see that." I couldn't look him in the eye, I just kept throwing things in my bag.
Edward stepped right in front of me and placed his hands on my face, forcing me to look at him. "Listen Lauren, she had no right to talk to you like that. I don't care if she is your mother." He kissed me lightly. If I could have melted I'd have been a puddle on the floor. I didn't deserve a man like Edward, but I would keep him as long as he'd have me.
We packed a few things and headed out my bedroom door. I was startled by my mother standing there, bottle in hand. "Who the hell is this?" She was referring to Edward of course. "I don't think I gave you permission to have a boy in your room Lauren." She scowled at me. I wasn't going to gratify her with a response but then she pushed me too far. She pressed me violently against the wall. "I always knew you were a little slut. This just proves it. I swear if you end up pregnant Lauren, you will not be welcome in this house any longer."
I was about to spit back a response, but was cut short. Edward stepped between us. His fists were balled up tight, fury in his eyes. "Listen here you low life excuse for a mother. Your daughter is an amazing girl and if you can't see that, you don't deserve to have her. Don't worry about her coming home, she won't. If you decide you want to see your daughter, go to the school because that's the only place I'll allow it." He turned to me, grabbed my hand and led me out of the house.
EPOV
I know it seems totally out of the norm for me to protect a girl instead of attack her, but really I was raised better than I had shown recently. No way could I stand there and just let that woman attack Lauren, even if that woman was her mother. It just hit close to home with Rose being adopted and all. Had someone not stepped in with her, who knows how what would have happened.
"You ok Lauren?" She sat in the passenger seat of my car as I drove. She didn't even look at me but I could see tears silently falling. "Lauren, that wasn't your fault you know. I can't believe you put up with that shit."
Lauren shook her head and wiped the tears away. "What else am I supposed to do Edward? I mean, she is my mother. It's not like I have anywhere else to go." She sighed and rested her head on the seat. "Don't worry about me. I'm not your responsibility you know. I can take care of myself Edward."
I was pulling into my driveway. Once the car stopped I turned to look at her. "Look at me Lauren." She wouldn't so I turned her face toward mine. "Listen Lauren. I know I'm not the nicest guy and I know I've made mistakes, but believe me when I say I didn't do that out of obligation or feeling sorry for you. I did that because I honestly believe you deserve better than that piece of shit you have for a mother." Tears were welling up in her eyes again. I pulled her into a tight hug. "Now don't worry about a thing. You can stay with us in the spare room. My parents won't mind." I knew they wouldn't. I would just explain to them what happened. I released her from my embrace. "Now come on, I need to pack a few things before we take off for our weekend."
RPOV
"Ok Alice. I'm heading home to pick up a few things and then I'll meet you at your place." Alice was practically glowing with excitement. She could overdo it sometimes but she made one hell of a shopping partner. "Are we all going in one car again?"
"Yeah, Emmett will drive for us, it'll take half the time to get there that way!" She giggled. "Ok, see you later Rose!"
Jacob and I drove to my house expecting it to be empty as usual, except Edward's car was parked in his usual place. Jacob scowled at the sight of Edward's car. "It'll be fine honey. I'm sure he's just moping around his room." That put a more relaxed expression on his face. We got out of the car and headed toward my door.
When we entered I saw Edward on the stairway with Lauren in tow. Oh I can't stand her! Gah, why in the hell did he bring her home? "Hello Edward." I said tersely to him. He merely nodded and allowed Jacob and I to pass.
"Hey, Rose, I'll be gone for the weekend. Lauren and I are going out of town. I called and left Carlisle a message, but in case he doesn't get it, could you tell him?" Edward's voice was cold and distant. I wasn't sure what was going on, but I certainly did not like it.
"Sorry Eddie…" Jacob's voice danced in the air. I still melted at the sound of his voice. "We're all going away for the weekend too. You'll have to deal with your parents on your own." I swear Edward almost jumped at his throat when he called him Eddie.
"And just where are you taking my sister for the weekend?" He spat through clenched teeth.
Jacob loved the fact he was provoking my brother. I would have let him go on for hours but we had very little time. "Oh don't worry about it Edward. We're going with Emmett, Alice, Bella and Jasper. It's not like we'll be getting into any trouble. I'll leave another message for Esme and Carlisle." I heard a small snort come from behind Edward. The little slut had the nerve to snort in my direction?! Stupid bitch. "Get your piece of trash girlfriend out of my sight Edward, before I'm forced to kick her ass myself." I had tolerated her at school and really didn't say much about Edward dating her, even when her reputation was anything but impeccable. What I would not tolerate was this little slut taunting me in my own house. That was unacceptable.
"Don't even think about going there Rosalie Cullen. I won't handle it well." I could tell by the stone cold expression he wasn't kidding. I simply turned to leave. I wasn't going to get into it with him in front of Jacob. As I reached the top of the staircase Edward turned to me one last time. "Be careful this weekend Rose. Call me if you need anything." That was the brother I knew and loved.
"Will do Edward. You too."
Ten minutes passed much too quickly for my liking. I had heard Edward and Lauren leave the house. Jacob sat on my bed as I ran around like a Tasmanian devil, throwing whatever I could find into my bag. The doorbell rang spastically for two whole minutes before I was ready. Jacob stood and pulled me into a giant bear hug. He kissed me passionately before leading me toward the door. "Ready for this baby?" He asked.
"Oh yeah. I can't wait to get away with you for the weekend."
"Come on guys! We're late already!!!!" Alice was squealing from the front porch. We left the house in Emmett's SUV as usual and headed for the big city of Seattle. Six best friends, three happy couples spending a wonderful weekend together.