Dear readers, if I have any anymore,
I apologise for the enormous absence of updates. I got really distracted and began writing for this other series.
But although I cannot promise I'm going to be updating more regularly, I can provide you with this chapter, that I wrote out of spontaneous inspiration after re-reading this story. It made me miss it, despite my growing boredom of Twilight (Although, I do get bored easily and then re-interested, so perhaps I shall grow to become in love with the series once more)
Anyway, a chapter is a chapter, despite my level of love for the books, and here it is.
Please review; let me know what you all think about it and some ideas on where you want to go with this story. I'm sure I once had a plan, but since it's been so long since I actually wrote for this, I've kind of forgotten where I wanted to head with it.
Chapter twenty-five
We were all in place, meaning we were all sitting in the small gathering of chairs, their parents in the front row. I stood and left to go get Esme as I made sure Carlisle was standing happily in his assigned spot, near the arch of flowers. We didn't end up having a priest person, instead, they were just going to say a few things and then we were all going to sit down for dinner.
I wasn't sure how Carlisle was getting along with his parents, since I spent most of the day with Esme and the girls, but according to Edward, who had stopped me to tell me this, there was some form of trouble brewing between them.
It was odd, seeing Carlisle, the strong leader of this family; almost shrink in his parents gaze.
I made it to the house and was met with a very excited Esme almost jumping. I could really see where Alice picked up her bouncy personality. "You ready?" I asked her, brushing a hair behind her ear and making sure she looked perfect.
"Oh yes!" She said happily "And thank you Bella, for all of this... really... my parents and Carlisle's parents. Oh dear! I wonder how those three are getting along"
"Yeah, what's up with that?" I questioned as we made our way to the door.
She waved it off, telling me that it was history and that his parents needed to grow up. I told her to come out when she was ready and made my way and sat down next to Rose and Alice, Brandon sitting happily with Jasper.
Carlisle had grinned at me as I sat but now, his attention moved to the door, where Esme was exciting. She slowly made her way out, looking around in awe as she took in everything we had done. Edward had a video camera set up, and was filming her reaction.
Brandon climbed off Jasper and came to me, getting me to pick him up. "Grandma looks pretty!" He said slightly too loud.
Esme shot him a smile and then continued on her way to Carlisle, who happy embraced her in his arms. I heard him whisper how beautiful she looked.
They both held hands and stared at one another, smiling happily.
"We wanted to do this, today, because we felt our family was now complete, with Rose and Jasper recently added, and we feel now more than ever, that the gap we once had was filled" Carlisle said, smiling at each of us. "So we wanted to show you children, the love we share for each other and yourselves, and to show you that we as a family, can be strong and happy"
"Carlisle married me on the 4th of October, many years ago" She laughed at the year's part, not mentioning the actual year "And it was the best night of my life. I said then that I had met the man of my dreams and that thought hasn't changed at all. Even if there is that rare occasion we disagree with each other"
I heard Emmett scoff and whisper "When has that happened?"
"I agree Emmett" Carlisle said "You may have never seen it, but we, as any couple, have had small fights. There was once an argument over whether or not we should let you play rugby (football). I said you should, since it was what you wanted and would show you commitment. But Esme was slightly against it, she was worried about your safety"
"My safety?" Emmett laughed.
"Yes. And she had a good reason to. You've broken many bones playing that sport" He said with a grin "But we did have an argument over it and eventually, came to the agreement that you were allowed, but on one condition. Esme was allowed to buy you as much protective gear as she could fit onto your body"
We all laughed at the thought.
"But even though we have had our fights, and once I even slept on the study's couch!" Carlisle admitted "We've always returned to each other with an apology, and in my case, a box of chocolates and some flowers"
Esme blushed "I could never stay mad when he turned up with that combination!"
"I think our strength as a couple has grown so much, that we argue now and just accept that we are arguing and that we will work it out, never really getting mad at each other" He said happily.
Esme smiled at him and then removed her hands "I had to write down exactly what I wanted to say, because I'm not good when put on the spot" She admitted, taking out a piece of paper. "Carlisle Cullen, you have made me so happy and provided for me ever since we met. We've been through our ups and downs, some really bad downs and some really good ups. You made me see the light in what we experienced and you made me smile through my tears. When we lost Henry, and I was told we couldn't have any more children, you held me while I cried and never once, let on that you were hurting too. You didn't want me to have to deal with your pain as well. But when you broke down I knew that you really did love me, because I knew that you had not let anyone else see that side of you. I felt honoured.
We lived through that rocky path, and eventually, made the decision to adopt. And it has been a decision that I have not regretted once. Carlisle has made my life perfect and it is today, while we renew our love, that has made me realise, I am truly, living a dream"
She smiled and then turned to Carlisle, who brought out his own piece of paper. "I didn't know exactly what to say, that I haven't been saying to her every day we spend together. So instead, I have a poem I'd like to read for her." He let out a breath.
"Our love is like a lovely bridge
Between your heart and mine
A bridge we've built down through the years
Just to our own design.
It's based on happy memories
Of the good times that we've known
The hopes and dreams we two have shared
The thoughtfulness you've shown.
It's stronger now than ever
For its grown with every smile
And every act of kindness
That makes life seem more worthwhile.
And now I know that, if you're near
Or if we're miles apart
Our love still unites us
With a bridge from heart to heart."
All the girls had tears in their eyes as Carlisle and Esme kissed.
Once they turned to us, beaming, I lead everyone to the dining table in our house so we could eat.
"We didn't say for you to make dinner too" Esme said surprised as Edward and Jasper and I began bringing out dishes of food.
We all ate happily, talking between each other.
Soon, I stood, since everyone had finished eating. "Before we have desert, and give us time to digest a bit, we've organised for some presents!" I announced, giving cue for everyone to rush off and get their gifts. I nudged Brandon "Go get it honey, remember where it is?"
"Yes!" he shouted, excited and ran off.
"It's to show our appreciation, for what you've both done"
"Damn right you should be thankful" Mr. Cullen said suddenly "My boy has given you kids a home over your head and food on your plate. If anything, you should be kissing his feet"
I stared at him, shocked.
"And not only did he take in you, but your baby as well!" He continued, pointing at me, since everyone else had gone to get there gifts.
"Dad" Carlisle started.
But his mother held up a hand "I've had a problem with you, I saw you using a card to pay those delivery men, whose card is that? And how dare you just spend my son's money"
"Mum!" Carlisle said angry now.
But still they continued "And then you flaunt your connection with your son knowing full well my own son will never have kids because he married a woman who kills her own son and then can't have anymore"
That snapped Carlisle's patients. He jumped up and pointed to the door. "Leave" He shouted. He glanced at Esme, who was staring in shock. "Jasper, Edward" he said, looking at everyone who was now in the doorway "Please get my parents bags and meet them at the door. They have to go home now"
"You can't make us go anywhere" Mr. Cullen said.
"Yes I can. This is my home Dad, I live here. This is my family. My wife. My life. If you are not understanding of what we have here then I don't want you around. Leave, I will call the boats and get them to pick you up." He said, walking to the kitchen to get the phone.
Mr. And Mrs. Cullen stood there for a bit, before turning to me "This is your fault" They said angrily.
I frowned "How is it my fault you couldn't keep your mouth shut and hurt his and Esme's feelings. I hardly see that as my fault" I said angrily. "And I can't believe you can't see past your own selfishness nad realise that what he has here is what he wants. He's made the best of the situation he was put in and is happy. Why can't you be happy he's happy? Maybe you could be... if you knew him"
His father scoffed and walked off, but his mother came around to my side of the table and stood in front of me. "How dare you say we don't know him"
"You don't" I said "You don't know his children's names. You don't know what he does on weekends. You don't know how respected he is at his work and home. You don't know how much this meant to him. Perhaps if you did, you would have acted differently. But the fact is, you don't know him..."
"You have ruined our chance at mending the relationship with him" She said angrily.
I shook my head slowly "No Mrs. Cullen, I believe you did that yourself"
Suddenly, she slapped me.
Several people gasped and my head went to the side, able to see Esme being comforted by her parents, Rose and Alice.
I turned back to Carlisle's mother. "I don't know how someone so great as Carlisle managed to come from you" I sneered. "Hit me again, and I will press charges"
She raised her hand but pulled it back down, spinning on her toes and then walking out of the room.
"Bitch" I heard one of the boys whisper.
And I couldn't scold them for the language near my boy, because I agreed.