A/N: Hello! Hope everyone is well. It's been a while since I last posted. Hope you enjoy.
Disclaimer: SM owns Twilight, I only own an obsession with it. ;)
Chapter 25: Explanations
BPOV
My life as I know it has officially altered. Edward is pissed with me, I'm in a house full of vampires who want to drag me off somewhere unknown, my Father is gone, my best friend seems miles away even though he is only outside. What is happening to me? What is happening to my normal life?
My heart is heavy and my soul is tired. Tired of trying to keep all this confusion and worry at bay. I want to be with Edward, need to be with Edward. My heart tells me everything will be okay but the circumstances are pointing in a different direction. Now Rosalie will more than likely be here in any minute demanding an explanation because her world too has now been turned upside down. What do I tell her?
Oh it's no big deal Rosalie. Your dream boy is really Edward's missing brother, Emmett. Yeah his name is Emmett not Drew. He lied to you about being a male nurse so he could get close to you but no worries…at least he isn't an axe carrying doctor. Better yet…he is a vampire! How cool is that?
I threw my robe down on the bed. "Rosalie is going to flip." I mumbled and sighed angrily as I dressed.
I didn't know why I was so mad but I was. Maybe Grandma Leah was right…
Oh…shit! She is right. I will be gone…missed .If I leave here with Edward's family how will Charlie find me? How will I find him!
Jacob.
I need to talk to Jacob right now.
I dashed down the stairs hoping to avoid the chaos long enough to get outside and find my best friend. Alice was in the kitchen, ranting and shouting at Jasper in a foreign language. German, maybe?
"It's going to be alright Alice!" I overheard Jasper say.
"My visions are changing so fast it is giving me whiplash! Don't tell me it is going to be alright!" She stomped then finished her foreign rant.
I made it to the door and just as I about to open it, it swung towards me. On the other side was a wide-eyed, frantic Rosalie.
"Bella!" Her arms engulfed me. "Oh thank goodness you are okay."
She pushed me back into the house and quickly grabbed my arm pulling me away from all ears. As we stood in the corner of the foyer she whispered, "What the hell is going on? Are we being kidnapped? Oh god, I should have listened to Edward. Drew is nuts! Nuts I tell you! First he broke into my car, I just know it, and then he scared me shitless with his driving. The boy can't drive worth shit! Turning curves at 90 and slamming on the brakes." She moved her fist around and stomped her foot, demonstrating to me, as she talked. "And it gets worse." Her eyes grew even wider as she leaned in and whispered. "He thinks he is a damn vampire."
I heard everything she was saying but I was motionless and expressionless too. This must have annoyed her because she grabbed my arm again, shaking it. "Bella? Did you hear me? He is nuts. This is nuts." She looked around quickly. "And just where the hell are we?"
Rosalie froze when Emmett came through the door. "See I told you she was okay. Right Bella?" he smiled, gently touched Rosalie's waist, causing her to tense more, and then he moved passed us towards the kitchen.
Instantly there were sounds of breaking glass and things violently hitting the floor coming from the room Emmett had just entered.
"Stop fucking throwing things at me."
"Stop being a moron! How could you be so-"
"THAT'S ENOUGH!" Jasper's strong voice boomed throughout the house.
I found myself walking toward the kitchen to watch the scene. Rosalie was huddled behind me like a scared child.
"We have company…remember?" Jasper nodded in mine and Rosalie's direction before his tense stare landed on Alice.
It was awkwardly quiet for a second.
"Come. Let us gather in the sitting room. There are matters to be discussed instantly; we may not have a lot of time." Jasper ushered everyone out of the kitchen.
Edward was already sitting like a statue on the large sofa. Just like me, he was motionless and expressionless. I thought I saw a very faint smile as he watched me walk into the room. Our eyes never left each others. He watched me and I watched him. I was hoping he would offer me to sit beside of him but he didn't. Rosalie pulled me to sit in a recliner which would comfortably hold two people. My guess was she didn't want to leave any room for Emmett to wedge himself beside of her. She clung to me like I was her lifeline.
Japer stood in the middle of the room and introduced everyone to Rosalie. "My name is Jasper Whitlock. This is my wife Alice. The Cullens…Carlisle, Esme and you already know Emmett." He motioned to everyone as he pointed them out.
I didn't dare look at Rosalie's expression when she heard Emmett's name for the first time. Her noticeable intake of breathe said it all.
"As I have already explained to Edward and Bella, we are in danger and cannot stay here any longer. We must hide for a while until we can figure out how the Volturi will respond to us housing humans. I'm sorry Rosalie, but Emmett has left us no choice but to protect you as well now. You will be coming with us too. We can explain the rest as we make our journey."
Rosalie tried to wiggle herself out of the seat, which was kind of hard because we were sandwiched together. "Oh no, no, no…wait just a minute." She protested.
Oh damn…here it comes.
Rosalie positioned herself in the middle of the room alongside Jasper, hands on her hips and determination on her face. "First of all, this is nuts. I'm not going on any journey with any of you. And secondly who the hell is Emmett?"
"There is a lot to explain, we understand that-"
"No! Hell no, I don't think you do understand." Rosalie shot back, full of sass. "This is one fucked up family you have here and…and" She struggled for words as she licked her lips and took huge breaths. "I don't even know why the hell I am here. Or how I even got here for that matter!" She rambled on quickly.
Emmett started to make his way towards Rosalie but her words cut him short. "You dare even think about touching me and I swear to God I will rip you balls off before stepping on them."
"Rosalie…it's okay." I assured her the best I could. "You kind of have no choice now but to come with us."
"Us?" She mocked "Shit, Bella, don't tell me you're considering taking off with these people. What have they done to you?"
"These people." Edward finally spoke, "Are my family."
"Your family? But I thought..." She shook her head as her brows knitted together in confusion.
"Yeah, you are dating my brother." He said sarcastically then jumped up from his seat. "Bella I need to talk to you."
I'm sure it wouldn't take Rosalie long to put the pieces together. Edward Cullen…Emmett Cullen.
I followed Edward into the kitchen. "You don't have to do this, you know?"
I wasn't certain as to what he was talking about. "Do what?"
"Leave here. Leave Forks." He said softly.
"Edward, I-"
"Don't say you don't have a choice because you know as well as I do that Jacob can protect you."
"What about you?"
"I can protect myself."
Tears started streaming down my face instantly. He didn't want me. He didn't want me anymore nor did he want me to go with him.
"Edward I can't be without you."
He inhaled sharply and his eyes grew wide.
"Tell me, Edward. Tell me you can't live without me either. I'm sorry I didn't tell you about Jacob but I love you. Please don't do this. We can work this out. Please try." I was begging I know but I didn't give a damn. How could he not let something like this come between us? We can work on this. It is just a bump in the road.
"Bella. " His arms slid around me. "I don't know what to do. I am scared too."
"We have each other, Edward. You always have me."
"I want all of you, Bella."
"I want to give you all of me."
"You hurt me."
"Edward I am sorry, that is all I can say or do. You have to understand loyalty means something to me too and Jacob is my friend. I couldn't betray him."
"I'm trying. I'm trying to understand."
"Try harder."
He was quietly running his finger through my hair.
"We must leave now." Jasper assessed from the door way.
"Yes, we are coming. " I stood up straight, wiped my face and answered quickly.
I didn't know where we were headed but for some reason I was glad that we were leaving Forks. Jasper was hush, hush about the direction in which we were headed. I promised Jacob I would call every day. He couldn't come with us, or wouldn't come with us rather. He knew that I would be safe with the Cullens. He said that he trusted them to protect me but he was needed in Forks. I was glad to have Rosalie with me but she wasn't so excited.
"This is bullshit and you know it!" she turned and hissed at me as I took my seat beside of Edward on the plane.
I didn't know what to say. She was being held against her will after all.
The flight attendant eyed Rosalie because she wasn't seated as she was supposed to be. She was still standing in the aisle glaring at me.
"Rose, baby, you have to sit down we are about to take off."
Rosalie huffed in annoyance and plopped down in the seat mumbling. "I am not your baby…freak."
Edward pursed his lips. "You think she will be okay?"
"I'm not sure. I mean she is in the safest company possible but she doesn't understand that yet. When she learns the whole story maybe she will understand. But why did Emmett take her. Does he think she is in danger too?"
"Emmett said that a vampire showed up at the diner where she works. He said he went there to say goodbye because he felt he owed her that at least. After realizing a vampire had been there watching her, he felt he had no choice but to protect her."
"We just have to convince her of that."
Edward was a lot nicer to me through the flight. He offered to get me a pillow and blanket so I could sleep comfortably. I didn't want to sleep even though I was exhausted but I couldn't help it. My eyes were heavy with sleep and soon I found myself snuggling against Edward and dozing off. Things between us were not entirely fixed but I hoped they were at least on the amends.
The flight attendant stood before me. "Well it seems everyone left you behind."
I sat up straight and looked around. Sure enough the plane was empty of passengers. "Did we land already? Where is everyone?"
"Oh honey, they will not be returning." She stroked my hair.
It was then I saw her clearly for the first time. Her eyes were flaming red, her skin pale, and her teeth were exposed. She was a vampire.
In an instant her fingers tightened around my throat and I couldn't breathe. "Now you will do as you are told and sit perfectly still, this will only take a second."
I tried to scream but she was cutting off my air with her forceful grip.
My voice came back to me slowly. Help. Is this it? Am I dying? Help. How am I able to talk now? "Help!"My crying pleas grew louder and louder until…
"Bella, Bella?"
I opened my eyes when I felt the warm hands touch my face. "Edward." I saw him. He was here. "Oh thank God you are okay." I ducked my head back into the crook of his shoulder.
"Why wouldn't I be okay? I'm right here."
It was a dream. I was dreaming. I sighed in relief.
"It's nothing. I'm just glad you are here."
"We will be landing soon. Jasper said we must hurry and exit the plane because we need to be where we are going before sunrise."
I nodded that I understood.
I leaned over the seat to check on Rosalie. Thankfully she was sleeping. I couldn't help but giggle to myself at her position. She was sprawled out almost evenly on top of Emmett. The bright smile he was wearing said he wasn't complaining though. You should see yourself right now, Rose.
"Dad ended up giving her a sedative." Edward smiled.
"What?" I gasped.
"Yeah, he offered it to her, said that it would help her relax and she all but eat it straight from his hand. Swallowed it whole without water or anything."
Edward and I giggled to ourselves quietly. Poor Rosalie, Emmett will probably have to carry her off the plane.
He ran his long fingers through his hair looking at me shyly. I stared at his lips. God I wanted to kiss him. I missed his touch. I missed his lips on me.
Just then the light dinged to fasten our seatbelts. Edward leaned across me and fastened my seat, while never taking his eyes off of me. My heart fluttered when I felt his body hovering so close to mine.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please stay seated we will be arriving at our destination momentarily."
We exited the plane in a uniformed fashion, all of us following Jasper who was leading the way as if he knew exactly where he was headed. He probably did. As I suspected, Emmett had to carry Rosalie off the plane. She eventually woke up though when we piled into the taxi. Edward, Emmett, Rosalie and myself were in one taxi and the Cullen's and Whitlock's in another.
"Follow that taxi." Emmett, with Rosalie on his lap, instructed the driver.
"I feel like shit!" Rosalie whined.
"That's because you ate a whole sedative, baby." Emmett chuckled.
"Oh." She snuggled against Emmett. She was acting totally different from before. She leaned into Emmett telling him he smelled good and sighing in heavy breathes. Must be one strong sedative.
"Do you have any idea where we are?" I asked Emmett.
"Or where we are headed?" Edward added.
"Sure. I have never been here with the Whitlock's but they talk about this place sometimes. We are in Texas right now. It's Jasper's hometown. He bought his old homestead and built a huge plantation on it. It's old as he is he says. We will only stay here temporarily since we need to leave the states as soon as possible. We had to get out of Forks in case the vampires are still lurking around there." He whispered the last part and eyed the cab driver that seemed to be paying attention to everything but us.
In all of the chaos and demanding, neither Edward nor I had asked where we where boarding a plane to take off too; we only went with the flow and did as Jasper said.
"Will they know we are here? I mean do the Volturi know they can find us here?"
"Probably. I am sure they suspect we have taken off to one of Jasper and Alice's property but they have no way of knowing which one. They will have to track us."
"How many places do they own?"
"I don't know." He shrugged "Maybe a hundred or so. And from what I gather they are all over the world."
"Whoa." Edward replied.
"How can he afford so many places?" I was baffled to hear they owned so many houses.
"They can afford anything. They have lived a hundred lives, invested lots of money; they are like multi-billionaires or something."
"How old are they exactly?" We were back to whispering again.
"I think Alice is almost 400 yrs old and Jasper is closer to 200."
Rosalie started laughing hysterically. "You are so funny. No one can live that long. This isn't the bible days."
We all ignored her because obviously she didn't know the information we knew. She would soon find out though. I feared how she would react to the fact that vampires do exist and she is being protected by a family of them. And sitting on one's lap no doubt.
Just as Emmett has explained, we followed the taxi that the Whitlock's and Cullen's where in, through a huge cast iron gate and up the long driveway of a huge plantation. Day break was near and I could see the sun starting to rise in the horizon over the house. It looked like a mansion, even bigger than the one in Forks.
As soon as our car came to a stop, Jasper was at our door to open it. He peered in with a bright smile. "Home sweet home. Let's go folks."
The house was huge. I couldn't help but want to wander around and get lost in it. Alice quickly began removing the sheets that covered the furniture. Jasper lovingly touched her shoulder. She put her hand over top of his. "It's as beautiful as I ever remember." He gave her a quick smile then announced that he had ordered some breakfast for us.
Who delivers breakfast?
"We didn't have time to feed you before we arrived and I apologize. We will stock up on food for you to eat as quickly as possibly. We know you all must be starving."
"I could eat, that's for sure." Emmett rubbed his belly for emphasis and wiggled is eyebrows at me. My eyes grew wide and I moved closer to Edward who started laughing.
"Trust me," Edward said in my ear and held me securely to him. His eyes were on Emmett and he was shaking his head. "He wouldn't dare."
Emmett laughed and said, "I've missed you bro."
Edward grinned widely and just pulled me even tighter into his side.
When the food came, Rosalie, Edward and I inhaled it.
"I didn't realize I was so hungry." Rosalie exclaimed around a mouthful of toast.
"I think I am gonna be sick I have eaten so much." I leaned back in my chair trying to find more room to breathe. I was stuffed.
"I don't think I have ever eaten so many eggs at one time." Edward told us.
"I don't get it." Rosalie said. "Why don't they" she nodded in the direction of the other room in which the vampires where gathered, "Want to eat?"
"Rosalie." I addressed her seriously. "I know this is hard to believe but you have to listen to me."
I then commenced telling her the complete story of Edward's family. Edward commented when need be but let me explain the story in my own way and in a way I knew Rosalie would understand.
"Let me get this straight." She pushed her hair behind her ears. "So what you are telling me is that Drew… is actually Emmett?" She asked pausing between the two names then looking at Edward for the answer. "Your brother?"
"Yes." Edward and I both agreed at the same time.
"And that Emmett is actually a vampire not a male nurse?"
I shook my head.
"A vegetarian vampire, so to speak." She chanced a glance around the corner to see if anyone was listening. What she said next surprised me but not really considering it was coming from
Rosalie. "So really, Emmett, is like my knight in shining armor, rescuing me from the evil monsters who wanted to suck my blood and leave me for dead?" She gaped at us with her eyebrows raised.
"It appears that way." Edward snickered.
I know Edward was amused but the last thing Rosalie needed right now was teasing.
Rosalie flipped her hair as a huge smile spread across her face. With an eye full of mischief she informed us to act like we had not had this conversation. "I'd like to see him wallow in his guilt for a while. He did lie to me after all."
"Only because he likes you." Edward defended.
She smiled dreamingly. Sometimes I wonder what goes on in that head of hers.
"So you are ok now?" I asked. Her sudden shift of attitude made me nervous. Maybe it was a side effect of the meds.
She shook her head. "I like Drew, er Emmett." She corrected herself then continued. "I liked him the first time I laid eyes on him. He is handsome and witty guy who just happens to be smitten with me. He has capabilities which I am dying to learn more about. And I am in awe that he would go through so much to protect me."
"But he is a vampire." I reminded her. Forget the fact that vampires exist and we are now on the run from ones who want to harm us, just tell Rosalie a vampire lied to her only because he likes her and she will be okay. Wow!
"I can like a vampire if I want to, Bella. Don't be jealous."
I shook my head and sighed at her. She has to be the most absurd person I know of.
Edward touched my arm gently. "Don't worry; Em is more than perfect for a girl like her." He whispered out of the corner of his mouth while Rosalie peeked around the corner again.
"He is coming. Hurry act…act, well act normal and leave the acting to me." She hurried to seat herself at the table.
Emmett rounded the corner with a brilliant smile on his face. "Get enough to eat?"
"Yes, thank you." I replied.
"Why do you ask?" Rosalie snapped hatefully.
"I…uh." Emmett was taken aback by Rosalie's reaction to his simple question. "I just wanted to make sure you are comfortable."
"Comfortable? Pfft." She scoffed with an eye roll. "I don't know, let's see. Bella, are you comfortable…Edward? Show of hands."
When neither of us put our hands up Rosalie smirked at Emmett.
Emmett creased his brow. His face was stern, his lips tight. Was he honestly going to face Rosalie's craziness?
He scratched his jaw. I'm sure Rosalie wasn't making him comfortable at the moment. "Hmm? Well, is there anything I can do to make any of you more comfortable?" He was sincere, I could tell by the look on his face but I also knew Rosalie was about to give him a run for his money.
Poor Emmett. She will not stop until she has seen him suffer enough. I thought about Edward and I and the suffering we were doing right now. It was obvious he was torn over this whole Jacob thing. He had to know what we have is real. Doesn't he?
He had to know my loyalty to Jacob was important to me. But surely he also knew how important he was to me. He completes me, makes me laugh, understands my needs and warms my heart. I miss him. I miss our closeness. Everything will be okay, Bella. Everything will be okay.
We will fix this…somehow. Just like I knew Emmett would get on Rosalie's good side, I knew Edward would come to reasoning with me.
Rosalie's voice grew louder, bringing me out of my mental musing. She stood up, causing her chair to scoot across the floor. Her hands on her hips. "Until now?" she accused.
What are you arguing about now, Rosalie?
"I wouldn't dare harm you."
"Why not? I mean you did vampnap me. How many more humans have you taken this way?"
"Vampnap?" I could see a smile quivering to spread across Emmett's face.
"Yeah, you know like kidnap except done by a vampire."
"I guess that would be the case IF I took a vampire but you are not a vampire." He smiled.
"Are you sure about that? I could be a vampire. You wouldn't know, you never asked. Hell you never even asked for my number."
"I would love to have your number." He replied coyly, being all charming and nice.
"Oh hell no. I am not giving you my number now. Fat chance." She crossed her arms defiantly.
"Awe come on Rosalie give him your number so he can call you from the next room." Edward teased.
"Yeah." She shook her finger at Edward. "Good point. You don't even need my number now, Drew, or should I call you Emmett?"
"Whatever you prefer?" Emmett challenged her.
One thing was for sure. Having Rosalie around would definitely be entertaining. To see her think she was outwitting a vampire was utterly ridiculous but entertaining none the less.
"Well, Bella and I do not trust you."
Don't drag me into this.
"You lie about your name, your humanity…what else are you lying about? What else are you hiding?"
"I have no more lies. I am not a male nurse but my middle name truly is Drew. Of course I couldn't openly tell you I was a vampire. It's not the typical pick up line ya know?. But-" He drew closer to Rosalie step by step. She was quite as he approached her. "If you allow me I can show you the real me. My likes and dislikes, they are as I have already discussed but there is so much more you would like about me if you just give me the chance."
He was so close to her now, starring at her, it felt awkward being in the room with them. She was holding her breathe, I could tell, as she stared back at him. The room was silent.
"Yeah…well." Rosalie breathed. "Like I said, Bella and I do not trust you."
Emmett's shifted his eyes towards me, raising his eyebrow in question. "I think Bella can speak for herself."
I didn't reply as all eyes were on me. I did trust these people. I had no one else to trust but them. I was there when the vampire tried to take my face off. I haven't forgotten. And Esme, well she was definitely growing on me.
"That's right Bella can." Rosalie sassed then addressed me. "Go ahead, Bella, tell him how you feel. Tell him he can't be trusted."
Again, silence fell upon the room. Edward fought a smile, letting it show briefly then correcting with a tight lip. It was contagious. We both knew Rosalie was being absurd and trying to show a little brass in front of Emmett. I bit the inside of my jaw trying not to laugh or smile. Rosalie would kill me.
She stopped her foot in annoyance when I didn't answer.
"Perhaps we should give her time to think about it. You did put her on the spot after all. I have learned that Bella can be shy sometimes." Emmett guiding Rosalie back to her chair, his hands gently splayed on her elbow. I cast my eyes down to stare at my lap. No way was I looking at Rosalie now. I would start laughing. I have to give it to Emmett, he played her game well. Edward was right, they are a perfect match. I knew Rosalie was attracted to him, maybe even a little smitten, even though she would never let him know that.
After Rosalie took her seat, Emmett pulled up a chair and quickly but successfully changed the subject. We sat and talked, the four of us, for hours. Edward's eyes lit up every time he would talk about past memories with Emmett. It was a tension reliever to hear and see these two men interact. Edward seemed more relaxed and possibly a little more on the forgiving side, especially after Emmett told him he forgave him for something that happened years ago.
"I can't believe you fell for it anyway." Edward chuckled.
"Listen," Emmett leaned forward and put his elbows on his knees. "You know me and April Fool's Day. I hate it…and my own damn brother pulled the meanest trick on me."
Edward snickered and looked at his lap. He looked a little sad for a moment. I didn't like to see him that way.
I looked at Emmett and asked, "What did he do?"
Suddenly Emmett was completely shocked, "He hid my favorite signed baseball…the one I gave you," He said to Rosalie and she just stared at him. "Well when I asked where it was, he showed me this baseball that was ripped to shreds, told me that he had ran over it with the lawn mower by accident. Turns out it was an old baseball that we always played with."
We all laughed, except for Emmett and Edward's sadness was completely erased. He looked at his brother laughing as he said, "You should have seen your face. You looked like your Christmas puppy had just been ran over…you cried and everything."
Emmett set is lips in a firm line and shook his head, "Wrong…you're just wrong!"
"But you still forgive me?" Edward asked hopefully. It was like listening to two kids fighting over their favorite action figure.
Emmett grinned widely and nodded. "Yeah, it was one of the first things that I thought of when I was changed. Mom and dad told us that we would never be able to go back to you and all I could think of was forgiving you for that prank."
Edward tried not to let anyone see the tear that had just swollen up in his left eye as he blinked furiously. "See…it's not that hard to forgive someone." He teased Emmett but winked at Rosalie. He was telling her that she needed to forgive Emmett. And she just rolled her eyes and sighed heavily.
"You ok?" Emmett asked Rose instantly causing her to stare at him for a minute.
When they seemed completely distracted by each other Edward looked up at me with sad eyes again. It's not that hard to forgive someone, right Edward?
Just as she was about to open her mouth Alice appeared at the door. "We need to see everyone in the living room, please."
When Emmett took off in front of us Rosalie pulled me behind everyone else and hissed, "I thought I told you to act normal in front of Emmett, Bella, not be all quite and junk. What was that in there? Huh? You didn't even try to defend me."
"We will begin now." Jasper said as we entered the room and eyed Rosalie who was still in the process of lecturing me on how to act normal.
"There are some things about us you have to understand." He began as we all sat down.
Jasper spoke of his knowledge and assumption as to what would happen now and then explained that Alice was able to see things before they happen which would make it easier on us to hide out. "We have a very strong assumption that the vampires in Forks were sent by the Volturi but we will do everything we can to keep you safe."
"Why would these Volturi want to harm us though?"
"Blackmail." Esme answered.
They informed us the Volturi leaders all had special powers and since Alice refused to join their side and put her special powers to work for them, they threatened Edward's life.
"They found out that the only reason we stayed near Forks was because of Edward so they found a way to use that against me." Alice said.
"We couldn't leave you, though. I had to be near you. I insisted we stay when the Whitlock's talked about moving." Esme stroked Edward's hair a she talked. "But I didn't know the Volturi would use our decision for blackmail.
"See…Alice and I never stay in one place for long. We were only passing through Forks when the attack on your family happened. We couldn't leave them like that. So we helped them. Took them in a showed them our way. A better way, one not so barbaric. We couldn't stop them from changing; they had already been bitten and them venom was starting to take over by the time we rescued them, but we could offer them a better life rather than what was to become of them."
"And we are very grateful for that." Carlisle added
"So if you wouldn't have helped them they would be…" Edward couldn't finish his question as he stared at his parents and brother.
"Yes." Jasper answered. "Vampires only live for one thing…blood. It takes a lot of self control to do what we do and your family has done an exceptional job conforming to the way Alice and I live."
Edward sat in silence. I wondered what he was thinking. Jasper continued talking but I only heard half of what he was saying. I couldn't take my mind off of what Edward was thinking. Feeling. It had to be disturbing to hear about what had truly happened to his family and how they became to be vampires. When Emmett described the pain of being bitten, Edward cringed and I could see the pain in his eyes. His pain for his family.
Finally he spoke up, interrupting Jasper midsentence. "So this is all because of me?"
Carlisle reached for him and placed his hand on top of Edward's. "Please do not think that way, son."
"We cannot change the minds of the Volturi nor control their actions." Jasper said.
"What will change their minds? When will they stop? Who else will they harm just to see Alice does as they wish?" Edward panicked. "You guys should have left, got away from Forks, got away from me."
Suddenly all vampire eyes cast on me? What? Me? What did have to do with this?
"We are slowly and regretfully learning from our mistakes." Jasper said sadly. "The more humans that get involved the more targets the vampires have. I do not understand their motives but…Bella." He stared at me with a solemn look. "I'm very sorry Bella, but you should know. The sooner the better."
He didn't even have to say it. I knew. I knew what he was sorry for. I suspected it all along but couldn't bring myself to admit it fully. My heart raced and my throat tightened from surge of emotional stress I was feeling right now. This isn't fair. This is so unreal.
"Oh Charlie." I buried my hands in my face and let the tears flow. Rosalie, Esme and even Alice were by my side almost instantly. Stroking my back and offering me comfort. I cried for what seemed like ages. I had truly lost my father. I had nothing else. No one else. My mother didn't care and my Dad was gone. Forever. The tears came again, but silently this time.
Why couldn't they have stopped this from happening to him? To me?
"I never saw them coming after your Father. I would have protected him, if I knew. I am so sorry, Bella." Alice soothed as if she knew exactly what I was thinking.
"Please excuse me." I ran from the room wanting to be alone. Alone, yes I was alone. I cried as I walked. I walked up the stairs, stopped on the second floor and opened the first door I came to. I didn't bother flipping on the light. I could make out the image of a huge bed in the darkness.
I found myself lying on the bed in the darkness wondering how my life had changed so drastically in such a short time. I wondered what I would do now. I couldn't bear the thought of what happened to Charlie. I tried not to think about it but the images filtered through my mind like a flip book. I held myself and cried until I couldn't cry anymore.
I heard footsteps outside the door several times accompanied by whispering voices.
"Leave her alone, let her rest she just needs time dear."
"I need to check on her."
A few times the door cracked opened, only to shut back softly when light casted from the hallway onto my seemingly sleeping form.
Voice again. "Edward, Rosalie just checked on her, she is sleeping."
The door opened again, wider this time. I could hear the padding off feet coming towards me timidly. I opened my eyes slowly to find Edward looming over me, water in his hand and a pillow tucked under his arm.
"What are you doing?" my voiced was hoarse from crying.
"You need me." He gently scooted me so he could crawl in beside of me. "And I need you too." His arm wrapped around me as he spooned me, bringing me comfort and filling a void I didn't realize was there until he filled it. I felt the breath leave me. He needed me? Did I need him? Yes. Yes I did.
He brought his body closer to me. His warmth comforting me and cradling me like a mother would her child.
"I'm here, Bella. I want you to know that."
I whimpered but did not reply. He rolled me over to face him pushing my hair away from my face to see me clearly as possible in the dimly lit room. "Always" he assured. "Forget everything that has happened. I don't care anymore. I don't care about any of it. I only care about you. I need you and I want you to be safe. I love you, Bella. Thinking of anything happening to you drives me bat ass crazy. Tell me you are okay. Are you okay?" The worry lines on his face apparent as he stared at me waiting for me to answer.
"I brought you some cold water. Please will you drink some?"
I sat up in the bed as he retrieved the glass
"I am worried about you Bella."
"I'm okay."
"You have been locked up in this room for hours." We settled back down into bed together after I finished the water. I didn't realize I was so thirsty but I guzzled the water down after the first sip. Edward didn't hesitate to bring me close to him once again, wrapping his arms around me and pulling me against him so tightly I couldn't help but to sigh. All barriers were down. I was exposed my feelings and emotions not gated. I was vulnerable and he was my safe haven right now. "Always." I repeated his words in my mind. Could it be the way it was with Edward and I before this whole Jacob fiasco? As if my heart was assuring me in the right direction, it leaped into my throat when I felt his lips brush against my hairline.
"I couldn't stay away from you any longer. I am sorry if you wanted to be left alone. Tell me to leave and I will."
I clutched my hand over his for fear of him leaving my side. "No. I don't want you to go. Please stay."
"How can I make it better for you? Tell me and I will do it. I know you are hurting." His emotion caused his voice to crack a little.
"Hold me."
He nuzzled into my hair and started humming softly to a tune I recognized instantly. It was the same tune he played for me on his piano.
A/N: Sighs…the love birds are reconnecting. I'm so glad aren't you? I knew Edward couldn't distance himself for much longer. Poor Bella she is dealing with a low blow. Please don't hate me over Charlie. He was a good guy but Bella's FUTURE decisions could not be easily made with her Father still in the picture. There is no way she would leave him…Forever. It's the only way I could give Bella her happily ever after. She is his only daughter and all he has left.
Rosalie, Rosalie, Rosalie…she is a riot. That is all.
Wonder what Bella's future is? Let's play a little game…see if you can break the code... :)
The Cullen's are going to giVe BellA a meMorable exPerience that she wIll neveR forgEt
:):):):):):)