AN: Thank you to all the people who reviewed last chapter. They all made me smile.
Special announcement at the end note, so check that out!
Enjoy chapter 25! :)
When we pulled in front of my house and Edward turned the car off, I finally realized how quiet it had been.
"Welcome home, Renata," I announced, but when I got no response, I looked in the back to find Renata and George fast asleep, leaning into each other. Ren was using George has a pillow, but he had his head resting on her lap.
"I'll get her, if you get the dog," Edward said in a hushed voice.
I looked at him and rolled my eyes, but nodded my head. We both got out of the car and shut our doors as softly as possible. Ren's had a long day. She's had to leave what she's known to be her life for 12 years, and move in with strangers. I know I'd be exhausted.
Edward walked to my side of the car, to open the back door and grab Renata gently under her knees and around her shoulders. She stirred a little, and hummed in discomfort, but she just wrapped her arms around Edward's neck and laid her head on his shoulder, falling quickly back to sleep.
"Just lay her on my bed," I whispered.
He nodded and started walking to the front door, where my Dad was standing, holding it open for Edward since he had his arms full.
I turned and grabbed George's leash from the back seat. When I went to grab him, he was waiting patiently, with his tongue hanging out and his tail wagging, making a thumping sound against the leather of the seats. I clicked the leash in place and pulled on it, telling him I wanted him to move. He jumped his enormous body out of the car and started pulling me to the front door.
He saw my Dad.
Dad's eyes were wide, but I could see his excitement. He's always wanted a big dog, saying that little dogs were more like toys and not as fun to play with.
"Dad," I said, as George started sniffing his legs, "Meet George."
"Well hello there George," my Dad said, patting him on the head.
Out of nowhere, George jumped up and rested his to giant paws and my Dad's chest and licked him all the way up his face. I broke out in laughter at the surprise on my Dad's face, and was joined a little later by Edward.
"He must really like you Dad," I said, "I didn't get a face lick."
Dad smiled proudly and scratched George behind the ears. I looked over at Edward, seeing him looking up the stairs with an adoring look on his face.
"Is she okay Edward?" I asked.
He looked back over at me and smiled, "Yeah, she's fine. I'm just going to get her things and then I have to leave. My parents will be at the air port in about 15 minutes."
I nodded, and kissed his cheek as he walked by, earning a brilliant smile from him. Once he had all her bags in the house, he kissed me goodbye, reminding me that the moving truck would be here with Renata's things around noon tomorrow.
I couldn't bear to see her leave her whole childhood behind, so I told her I would bring all her things here. That way she has furniture to put in her room, which happens to be the largest room in the house.
When my parents first moved in here, they told me that they always hated that the master bedroom wasn't the largest. They liked the fact that their bedroom had a bathroom, but it wasn't very big. Luckily for them, they didn't have much to put in it, and when Renee left, my Dad really didn't care how big the bedroom was.
As I grew up, I really didn't care that much about having a big room, so I stuck with the room I have now. So Renata now has the biggest room.
"Did you take all the stuff out of the room Dad?" I asked.
He huffed, but nodded, still petting George as he lounged on the couch. He seemed to be making himself right at home.
"You know, you should probably bring Cali inside from out back," Dad suggested, "I think they should meet properly, don't you?"
I cringed. Sure, George was huge and could probably maul Cali to death, but I honestly wasn't worried about that. I was worried about George's well being. Cali could be a guard dog when she wanted to be, so it will be interesting to see how she reacts to a gentle giant now living in her domain.
I walked over to the back door, and heard her paws scratching and her whining from behind it. When I opened the door, I scooped the wiggling monster up in my arms and waited for her to calm down a bit. Last thing we need is George running off with his tail tucked between his legs, because Cali's craziness scares him half to death.
"There's someone I'd like you to meet girl," I said, giving her a stern look, "So I want you to be nice. Don't try to scare him off."
I gave her one last pointed look before setting her down on the ground and walking into the living room. She must have gotten the scent, because her ears perked up and she went straight for the couch. When George saw her, he jumped off and approached her warily. When Cali started wagging her tail, so did George, but that just made Cali stop.
It was a game for a while and I was chuckling to myself, watching the show. It would switch off; Cali would wag her tail, but would stop when George started, then when she would start wagging again, he would stop and cock his head to the side at her.
When they both started wagging their tails, and got done sniffing each other, Cali got in her playful stance, and waited for George to do the same. He just seemed to look at her quizzically for a little while before slowly following her lead.
After that, they shockingly became best friends, running around the house playing. Dad and I just laughed at their antics.
"So how is she?" Dad asked after a while.
I knew he was talking about Renata, "She's okay," I said, "She's scared to be here and even admitted to being scared about meeting you, but I think she'll fit in just fine."
I nodded, truly believing what I said. When I looked over at Dad, he had a thoughtful look on his face.
"I feel like I'm starting all over again," he said.
"Well, not really," I said, "You have a 12 year jump start."
"At least it's not a 17 year jump start," he said, looking down sadly.
"Dad, what are you talking about?" I asked, completely confused.
"I just feel bad about not being there for you when you were growing up. Now you're almost an adult, and I feel like I missed everything." he said.
"You were there," I argued, "You were always there. Sure, you've become a lot more attentive over the months, but that doesn't change the fact that I know you love me. I've always known you loved me, or you would have left when Renee did."
"I could never leave you," he scoffed.
"Exactly," I said, smiling, "So no more talk about not being there, because it's clearly not true."
He smiled back at me and kissed my forehead.
"Love you kiddo," he said.
"Love you too Daddy," I said.
The next morning, I woke up with a sore neck from sleeping on the couch. George was lying on my feet, and Cali was lying on my pillow next to my head. When she saw my eyes were open she licked me on the face as a "Good morning," and I smiled.
"Morning guys," I said.
I stretched out my legs and arms, and waited for my back to pop. When I started to smell something burning, my eyes widened and I jumped up, jostling George around. I ran to the kitchen to find Dad in front of the stove, cursing at the charred bacon in the pan.
"Dad, what are you doing?" I asked, walking over and taking the smoking pan from him.
"Well, I was going to make breakfast for you girls," he pouted, "But I burned the bacon, and the eggs," when I looked back at him, I smirked, "Fine! And I burned the toast!"
I laughed and dumped the black bacon in the trash.
"That was very sweet of you, Dad," I said, "But why don't you leave the cooking up to me?"
He smiled at me sheepishly and sat down at the table, watching me re-make the eggs, bacon and toast, adding some pancakes in.
"Has she been down yet?" I asked over my shoulder.
"No," he said.
"You mind getting her," I asked, "It's almost ready."
"You sure that's a good idea?" he asked warily.
I turned around and gave him an encouraging smile.
"Yes," I said, "Just make sure you knock, and talk softly."
He seemed to take a note on that, and then nodded, standing up from his chair, and heading to the stairs.
I finished up the pancakes, putting one on each plate, adding on the bacon, toast and eggs. I grabbed the orange juice and poured some into two glasses. I took my Dad's coffee mug and poured some more coffee in it, setting it all on the table.
When I heard footsteps on the stairs, I had everything ready, and it looked fabulous if I do say so myself.
I looked up, seeing my Dad smiling brightly. I returned his smile, and raised my brow in question.
What was it about this girl that made all the men in my life turn into smiling fools? I mused.
"What are you smiling at?" I asked.
"She looks like you and has her mother's attitude," he said, smirking.
I smiled and nodded, "So I've been told. Is she coming down?"
"She'll be down in a minute," he said.
I nodded and sat down in my usual chair, waiting for Renata. When Dad lifted the bacon to his mouth to eat, I slapped his hand and gave him a stern look.
"What was that for?" he asked incredulously.
"You can wait until Ren gets here," I said.
He grumbled some words under his breath, causing me to smirk, and leaned back in his chair with his arms crossed in front of him, pouting.
"It's going to get cold," he mumbled.
"Well, that's the lovely thing about microwaves," I sang, "Maybe you've heard of them?"
He rolled his eyes, but I could see his lip twitching at the force of trying not to smile.
"Ha ha ha," he said sarcastically.
I gave him a cheeky smile and took a sip of my orange juice. When I heard footsteps coming down the stairs, I turned around to greet her with a smile.
"Good morning, sleepy head," I said cheerily.
I hate mornings, but I want her to feel welcome, so I'm going to act like the sun is shining out of my ass.
"Morning," she said shyly. She sniffed the air, smelling breakfast, and I saw her face light up, "It smells delicious."
"It tastes even better," Dad said, "Come sit."
She nodded and walked over to the open chair.
The rest of the morning consisted of my Dad making me and Renata laugh hysterically. Some of the stories he had to tell from the job were just hilarious.
One of his stories, involving a thief in a tutu, was interrupted by my phone ringing with a familiar tone.
"Hey you," I answered.
"Hey baby," Edward replied, "How's your morning going?"
"It's going really good actually," I said, smiling at Dad and Renata, "How are your parents?"
"Oh they're great!" he said, and I could hear the smile in his voice, "My Mom looks radiant Bella, I've never seen her so happy before. And my Dad is a lot more enthusiastic about seeing me than usual, it's great to see them again."
I smiled while he talked about them. He had so much love in his voice, it was impossible not to.
"That's great Edward," I said.
"Yeah. How's Ren?" he asked.
"Why don't you ask her yourself," I said smirking.
"Uh..u..erm," he stuttered, and I covered up my chuckle, "Okay."
"Alright, here she is," I said, passing the phone to Ren, "It's Edward; he wants to talk to you."
"Me?" she asked incredulously, "Really?"
I nodded, and she took the phone from my hands.
"Hello," she answered timidly, but I could see the excitement in her eyes.
Someone has a crush, I thought slyly.
Edward must have answered and asked a question, because Ren answered with, "Oh I'm great! Bella and Charlie are so nice and she made us all breakfast this morning. It was really good."
Her enthusiasm made me smile.
"Edward says he's jealous," Ren giggled, looking at me.
"Well, he should be," I said, smirking.
She laughed and continued her conversation with him, her excitement never wavering, until a very high pitched voice yelled, "Renata!" from the other end.
Ren's eyes went wide and she just listened to the excited girl on the other end. I looked at Dad, and saw he was shaking with silent laughter.
"Yeah, um, that's sounds awesome," Ren said, still stunned, "Okay, bye."
She hung up the phone, and stared off into space, seemingly confused as to what just happened.
"Ren?" I asked, smiling, "You okay hun?"
She nodded, and looked over at me, "A very hyper girl named Alice invited us all over for dinner." Then she paused and cocked her head to the side, "I think."
I couldn't hold in my laughter after that. I had tears running down my face, and Ren's blush didn't seem to help calm me down.
"Welcome to the family Renata," Dad said, still chuckling.
About 2 hours later...
"Dad, will you be careful! You're going to throw out your back!"
He scoffed, "Bella, this is nothing!"
"By the way you're breathing like you just ran 5 miles, I would have to disagree. Will you just let me help you?"
Dad was being really stubborn about moving Ren's furniture all by himself. At the moment he is trying to get her huge dresser, upstairs. All I keep seeing is the thing tumbling backwards, crushing him, and it's leaving me a little anxious.
"Dad, you should have called Jacob or someone to help you. Or at least let the movers stay! You can't do this alone, since you won't let me help you." I said.
"Bella, I'm fi-" he started but was interrupted by a loud baritone voice.
"Did someone say help?" Em said, standing in the doorway.
"Emmett!" I exclaimed, "Will you please help my Dad with this before he kills himself?"
Em chuckled and walked over to where my Dad was struggling with the dresser.
"Sure thing Bellabee," he said, chipper as always.
"How did you know?" I asked, watching my Dad huff and puff about being helped.
"Edward said that you would probably need some assistance with this, since it's just you guys," he said.
I smiled to myself. Edward always looked out for me and my Dad, and I appreciate it more and more every time.
Once they got the dresser up in the room, where Ren wanted it, I started with the introductions.
"Ren, this huge monster of a man, is Emmett," I said, "Em, this is Renata."
Ren smiled shyly, and her blush made me chuckle.
"It's nice to meet you," she said to the floor.
Emmett looked over at me in shock, obviously seeing the huge resemblance between me and her. My smile widened and I nodded, knowing what he meant. He turned around, and I could see the wheels spinning in his head with an idea.
"Em no!" I yelled, but it was too late.
"Renata!" Em yelled, taking one large step towards her and scooping her up in his arms. He spun her around a couple times, while Ren giggled. I smiled at the sight of it, loving the fact that she was getting along with the person I was most worried about. Em could be really intimidating, and I know that from experience.
But she seems to be a lot braver then I was.
When Em put her down, I turned to George who was lazily walking up the stairs.
"And this," I said, trying to get Em's attention, "Is George, Ren's dog."
When Em caught sight of him, I swear it was love at first site. Time went slower, and gentle love music was playing in the background. When Em ran towards George, and George toward Em, I swear it was in slow motion.
"Georgey!" he yelled in a girly voice. He went to his knees and ruffled up George's fur, letting him lick all over his face.
Ren and I were watching in fascination. George made Em into a little kid. Sure, he's always been childish, but this was like all of his child-like tendencies were coming back tenfold, rolling around on the ground with a huge Saint Bernard.
"Oh, this is the best dog ever!" Em exclaimed.
"Emmett Cullen, will you get down here and help me with this bed!" Dad yelled from down stairs. I thought I heard him mutter something about having "a smaller bed then a 12 year old."
Em pouted and gave George one last pat on the belly. He stood up and walked down the stairs, George quickly following him.
When my phone started ringing with "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," I picked it up warily.
"Yes Alice?" I answered.
"Slumber party!" she squealed into the phone, causing me to pull it away from my ear.
"What?" I asked.
"You and Renata are going to spend the night tonight, along with Rosie and Jazz," she said excitedly, "We're going to watch Grease and Dirty Dancing, then ending the night with Titanic!"
It sounded great to me. I hadn't hung out with my friends in a while, but I didn't want to agree to anything without talking to Ren about it first.
"Let me talk to Ren about it Alice," I said.
"Okay!" Alice said, and then hung up. I rolled my eyes and put my phone back in my pocket.
"Hey Ren?" I asked.
"Yeah?" she called from her bedroom.
I walked in, looking around the almost empty room, and then focusing on her. She was putting some framed pictures up on her dresser, including a picture with her as a little girl, sitting on Renee's lap. I walked over and studied the picture. I noticed how happy Renee looked compared to the pictures that I have of her. She looked more care-free, not as tied down.
"She's pretty huh?" Ren commented.
I smiled at her and nodded, "Just like you," I said.
She blushed and ducked her head.
"Ren?"
"Yeah?"
"How do you feel about a slumber party over at Edward's house tonight?" I asked, "All my friends are going to be there, and we're going to have a movie night. I believe Alice said we were going to watch Grease, Dirty Dancing and Titanic."
She looked up at me with wide eyes, "You want me to stay the night at your friend's house?"
I smiled, "Of course," I said, "I'm not leaving you with boring old Charlie."
"I heard that!" came from the stairs.
Ren and I giggled.
"So what do you say?" I asked, "We always have a lot of fun."
She nodded happily, with a smile that could compete with the sun.
I told her what she should bring, and then started walking out of her room.
"Hey Bella?" she asked quietly.
I turned around and raised an eyebrow.
"Um, what's," she paused and thought for a second, "What's... Grease?"
*Gasp* She doesn't know what Grease is? Blasphemy I tell you! Well, what did you think? Cute? Boring? Let me know!
Review winner is... KyuketsukiInOki- Thank you for the review! Super cute :)
And the special announcement is... I am reading THE best fanfiction story I have ever read before. Projects, Lessons, & Love Songs by IAmAutumnDawn. Super funny, lemon filled, with some added angst in there! Most definitely the best written story ever. :) So please take my advice and READ it! And throw in some reviews here and there. She loves them!
Let me know if you start reading it! That way I can tell her :)
XOXO, Myrissa