Chapter 36 – Surprise – Surprise Surprise

A/N I don't own it.

I know I am getting some unsatisfied readers out there and I apologize, but please please please keep in mind that life ain't easy – even in fan fic world. Yes – Edward screwed up, but now his family will help him instead of ignore his problem. Yes – Edward cheated on Bella BUT WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES!!!

Bella deep down is a caring and genuine person who is working on her self esteem issues and she will eventually be able to completely forget what Edward did to her, though Edward will always have that guilt.

BTW – this still remains to be a Bella and Edward fic – though I love to have fun with them.

June 2009

Jasper POV

Life is getting better – really – BELIEVE ME!!!

After Bella literally told us to grow up and help Edward, life has become so much easier. Bella left the family alone for about a month so we could deal and conquer the problem.

Edward is getting better and is getting the professional help he needs. He has made his apologize and has approached Bella about their future. Bella listened to him but advised him that for right now he should concentrate on being a better person for himself and for Mina.

Now don't think Bella abandoned us – no she just gave us space and we needed it – all of us. Believe it or not, we were all consumed with Bella that we were forgetting our relationships and problems. Alice and I talked a lot and realized we were not doing so well either. Alice didn't like the fact that I was the serious one and I told her that I wasn't too fond of her childish antics. We decided to get some marital counseling – we loved each other very much and we wanted to have children soon, so we knew this would help us get past this hurdle.

Emmett and Rose found they also needed counseling to deal with their anger management. Both we very tough people and when they fought – well things would get ugly. They knew they loved each other a lot, but in order for them to become parents they needed to know how to deal with their pent up anger. It was actually working since now they don't insult each other or belittle each other as they did before. Emmett started to see Rose as his equal and Rose started to see Emmett as the intelligent man that he has been.

Bella was right – we needed time. How can this little woman be so wise? I asked Dad one day and we had an in-depth conversation on this. During the conversation, I came to find that he had been talking to Liam a lot about Bella. Dad had become her "third" dad and he adored Bella. He acknowledged that he would do anything to have her be happy. During his talks, he found that Bella suffered a lot when she first got adopted. She was troubled when she landed in London and she closed herself from Tanya and Liam. She was extremely quiet and shy. She never spoke in fear of getting "abandoned" again. It was so much that she wouldn't say a word even if she was sick or hurt. This actually almost killed Bella. During her first months there, her appendix burst and Tanya found her close to death since Bella hadn't said one word on her pain. Once the medical doctors were able to save her, the entire family went to therapy to help Bella out. It took about 6 months, but Bella slowly came out of her shell.

Dad continued to tell me that religion also came into play. Liam and Tanya are very religious and they brought their Anglican religion to Bella. Liam told dad that their religion actually helped Bella a lot and helped her understand her past, accept her present and future.

As dad and I were talking, the rest of our family came in to listen. Dad continued to tell us that Bella lived by the golden rule - do unto others as you would want them to do unto you. She respected people, her life, her parents and hoped that as she met people, they would respect her. She was also taught to be a forgiving person. She was reminded that there is only one God and she isn't it. If God forgives our sins, no matter how big or small, then she didn't have any cause not to forgive. As she learned more of her religion, she accepted her past life and whole heartenly accepted Tanya and Liam as her parents and hoped that one day she would be able to find that one man to love forever until death.

Rosalie POV

During the last month, we only saw Bella at the LAB. She actually gave us time to better ourselves and she needed time for herself. George, Brad and Angie left right after and promised to be back soon. George called Emmett a lot to see how everything was going. He left a little worried about Bella but he didn't want to call her too much. Bella actually caught up with work and wasn't working crazy hours as before. She was working from 8 to 5 and her staff was working around the same hours. She wanted her team to have a life and she wanted the same.

She was running a lot more and I know that she was faithfully taking her kickboxing classes daily. These classes were actually helping her self esteem and her body was transforming into this strong sexy woman. She found time now to read and do stuff she used to do in London, like get lost in Seattle.

The kickboxing classes were also helping Bella be able to deal with her boss, Edward. Edward was also being a good boy and not flirting with Bella. He knew what he did was wrong and he also accepted that if he and Bella would have another opportunity for love, he would need to lay off for a while and get better. Bella didn't abandon Mina either – she found time to be her and help her and her Down Syndrome. Mina loved Bella so much and we all knew that Bella loved Mina as well.

During Memorial Day weekend, she went down to New Orleans to help out Harry Connick's charity on building new homes. She also helped out other charities that many of her friends were part of. When she came back home, Bella was refreshed and had this energy. I guess she needed to see sun as well, since we don't have much sun in Seattle.

June 6, 2009

Alice, Bella and I are at Bella's apartment baking. Jacob, Leah, Billy and Jakey are coming over to hang out. We hadn't seen them for a while since Leah got sick. That's another reason why Bella was a little out of the sorts – it turns out that Leah has thyroid issues and she is extremely tired. Bella has been trying to help out on the weekends and twice during the weekdays. Leah will be undergoing surgery soon to remove that gland and under radiation. Their chances of having another child is slim for Jacob and Leah and both weren't taking the new too well. Bella is trying to help her friends out as much as she can.

The boys are coming over with the food. We decided to pig out today – getting Chinese, Indian, Korean and Italian takeout. Esme and Carlisle were coming down as well, but were giving Mina her bath so she would be able to play with Jakey.

Everyone arrived around the same time and we were all just having a blast. We were eating informally and for the first time in a while there was some sort of peace. Bella,, Emmett, Jacob and Alice were playing on the Wii when the doorbell rang. Carlisle told every one he was going to get the door. We heard a big hello – it would have to be George, but he brought guests.

"Where is my sex goddess?"

Bella smiled and gave the controller to Leah "Georgie! You're back. Wow! You can't be away from me that long huh?"

George picked her up and giving her a big hug and kiss. "You know baby girl – you know how much I love you – so I bring you presents."

Bella looked and all of us women – well our mouths dropped since there were 3 sinfully good looking men in our presence.

Bella POV

I don't know what the hell George is thinking of, but man I love him to death.

"Now Bella, I am here officially on business. We are going to start a film here and I am directing it. These three kind gentlemen are the main characters and we needed a place to crash."

"Alright old man – cut the crap and introduce me to these fine gentlemen."

Where did that attitude come from?

He laughed. "I know my girl's taste. Bella, let me introduce Kellen Lutz, Jackson Rathborne and Robert Pattinson. Gentlemen, this is one of my closest and dearest friends Bella Denali."

Man they look better in person.

"Hi guys! Welcome to Seattle." I shook each of their hands. "I thought you guys were filming in Vancouver for the New Moon movie."

Kellen smiled. I can see that smile everyday. "Yes, we are still filming, but right now, it's just Kristen and Taylor. They don't need is for now and we need to start pre-production on George's film."

I just licked my lips. STOP THAT!

"Well welcome. Let me introduce you all to the family here."

I introduced everyone to the guys and when they all started to talk, I took my "friend" George to the kitchen.

"Ok friend, what gives?"

"I have no idea what you are talking about Bells?"

Ugh I hate it when he tries to charm me ….. I always melt. Nope this isn't going to work.

"Don't charm yourself out of this one. What are you trying to do? I mean – I don't have enough room here.."

"No, but Angie does and she allowed the guys to stay there."

"George, really, what the hell?"

"Bella, really – I just thought it would be a good idea that you meet other men. I really think you will hit it off with any of them. Loosen up babe."

"Listen George, you…." Then he surprised me by picking my up, placed me on the island counter and placed his finger on my lips.

"No Bella – you listen to me. Have fun. Life is short. I am not saying go have sex or whatever. I just really think that one of these guys can be it for you. I am inclining more on Rob since you both are so alike."

"George?"

"Don't George me. Besides, Angie agreed and you are going to be nice and talk to these boys."

"Boys?"

"You are still a little girl."

"Fuck you George!"

"Anytime baby! Anytime!"

Ugh – this man is infuriating! And he has the balls to leave me with the last words in my mouth – I am going to get him…..

I took a shot of tequila I had hidden in the kitchen and went out to the living room.

"So any of you guys hungry?"