Edward and I are currently driving towards the airport in my blue metallic 2005 automatic Mazda RX-8. It has been a long time since I drove my car because usually Edward and I take his Volvo. After using several of my powers it was determined that it would be best if I drive my car, not that it really mattered once my mother learns the truth but I think she will better receive things if I am using want she perceives belongs to me. Still not sure why though, I guess my powers can't answer that question. Oh well.
I can honestly say that I am not nervous. "Calm down love, everything will be fine. Besides town down on the nervousness you are projecting and I am starting to get nervous. Everything will be fine. It may be rocky at first but in the end everything will work out just fine." "I am sorry I was just thinking that I was nervous but I didn't realize that I was projecting. You are right everything will be fine; I guess it is just an old habit, even if it is irrational habit. I will stop being nervous."
I also drive really fast now. It is kind of funny my dad who is the chief of police and now is a vampire understands the need for speed and doesn't object for us driving fast. He promises that he will look the other way for us vampires but as for humans that is a different story. Human reflexes and eye sight are just not as good as ours and they would be a danger to the rode if they traveled at speeds we do normally. I suppose I probably will have to slow down when Phil and Renée are in the car, but I think I might not do that. I know she will freak out and get scared but Phil will be amused. She will live and will understand when she becomes one of us.
"What are you thinking about now love"
"Well I was just thinking about the fact that I drive as fast as you guys do and that my father understands the need for speed now that he is one, but won't look the other way when it comes to humans because they are just not as good at driving as we are. I was also thinking that my mom is going to freak out when she sees how fast we drive but that Phil will be amused. I am not going to slow down even if she freaks out. She will live and will understand once she becomes one of us."
"That's true. If she is anything like what you told me how you are with speed when you were human this is going to be interesting."
We arrived at the airport about 10 minutes before their arrival. Edward and I planned this so that we could leave later and then speed down the highway towards the airport. It took us about an hour's drive what would have taken a normal human about 3 hours to get to Seattle if driving the speed limit. When I was human the speeds we travel by car would have scared me, but now not so much. This meeting will be interesting but at least I can see now that whatever path we take now will yield the same outcome my step father will be changed by the weekend and then Renée will start changing and be pregnant and expecting while attending my wedding.
It didn't take long for me to spot Renée and Phil.
I can't wait to see my baby girl I wonder if she is still as clumsy. That poor girl has seen the emergency room more times than I can count. I wonder what it is so important that she couldn't tell me over the phone. I hope she wasn't lying to me when she said she wasn't pregnant, I know that I did that when she was her age but look where that got me, not that having her was a mistake. Now that I am older and wiser I am ready to have another child I just hope Phil and I can conceive soon. I just got of birth control so hopefully it will be sooner than later. I wonder if she has a boyfriend yet and I hope it isn't too serious she needs to play the field before she settles down, she is much too young…. ~Renée
I tuned out of Renée's thoughts after that it was giving me a mental head ache. I mentally apologies to Edward, because he was surely getting a head ache if she was giving me one.
I can't wait to see Bella again. She may not be my daughter but I still love her like she is my own flesh and blood. I just wish she would call us more often. I know that she left so that her mother and I could be together. She is so selfless and caring, but she really didn't have to sacrifice so that we could be happy. It is nice to hear that she is happy now so I guess her decision was a good one after all. I hope Renée doesn't try to do her thing and guilt trip her into moving back with us, if she tries anything I am going to try and reason with her to stop because as much as I would like to have my step daughter live with us I don't want her to suffer now that she seems truly happy. That is at least what I ascertained from the short conversation we had when she wanted us to come visit her. I wonder what she needs to tell us. Whatever it is I will support her and let her make her own decisions. She is almost 18 years old. Renée needs to start realizing that she is no longer a little girl, not that she ever was since she practically took care of Renée prior to meeting me. I am glad that Renée has grown up a lot being with me and is now mature and responsible enough to have more children. I hope we are able to have one soon. ~Phil
Both Edward and I smiled at Phil's thoughts plus it didn't give us a headache.
"Hey mom, Hey Phil" I ran up to them at human speed and gave them a hug. I knew as soon as I gave them a hug they were going to know something was different with me if they didn't already see the differences in my appearances.
Whoa what happened to my baby girl? She is really cold and what is with her eyes. Come to think of it who is this young boy next to her and why do his eyes match hers. I want some answers but something tells me that I shouldn't question them in a crowded airport. Is this what she needed to tell me; if so she has a lot of explaining to do when we get to Charlie's? That boy seems to be much more than her boyfriend, the way they gravitate towards each other. Come to think of it I remember hearing about the legends down at La push when I was younger before fled, is my daughter a cold one. Nah that can't be right those were just stories right. Mean the cold ones from the stories were evil, my daughter and this boy do not seem evil to me. Either way I am going to get some answers just not here~ Renée
Edward and I took a quick glance at each other. I guess he didn't realize just how observant my mother can be. I knew she would be but what I didn't know is that she was familiar with the La push legends. That was something even my gifts didn't warn me about.
Something seems slightly different with Bella but I can't quite pinpoint what it is. I know that she somehow has the same eye color as this boy who arrived with her. I can tell that he is her boyfriend. I hope he is treating her with respect and kindness that she deserves. If not I will have to knock some sense into that boy but I am sure Charlie already took care of that seeing is that he met this boy before we did. She is really cold wonder why that is. Oh well I am sure we will find out sometime during our trip here. No matter what it is I am sure it will be ok. ~ Phil
"Ok mom and Phil let us head to the car unless we need to go to the baggage claim first."
"No honey, we took your advice and decided that we would go shopping tomorrow and buy some clothes. Thanks for the first class tickets, it was definitely a surprise I hope that it didn't hurt you that much financially."
"Actually Renée and Sir I bought the tickets for her. I knew that she wanted you guys hear so I went and purchased them. It wasn't that big deal and it won't hurt me financially"
"Not to be rude or anything but who are you, my daughter hasn't made any introductions yet and I am curious"
"Sorry mom, how rude of me. Mom, Phil this Edward my boyfriend and yes he purchased the tickets for me. He is also my best friend's adopted brother—the one that wants to take us shopping tomorrow. "
"Nice to meet you young man and please call me Phil, sir makes me feel so old. I am assuming that you are treating her wonderfully since I can tell that she is happy."
"Yes Phil, I am treating her very well. She is the love of my life." Said Edward
I know that they caught that Edward called me the love of his life but I am glad that they didn't comment about that. He is my love of my life too. Renée is the kind of person that typically doesn't understand that true love can happen when you are young because of her past experiences. That will all change when she learns about the supernatural and becomes one herself.
"Nice to meet you Edward and thank you for buying the tickets your family must be rich."
"Mom that was rude. No need to discuss how much money he does have."
"Sorry Bella. Ok so where's this new car of yours."
"Right in front of you mom and before you mention it, yes Edward bought it for me but that was before Charlie and I came into money ourselves. I can't wait to show you the house. It is a lot different than what you remember it being because we rebuilt it from scratch. There is now plenty of room for you to stay their comfortably. "
"Ok, I won't ask anything yet but do you promise to give me answers when you get to the house."
"Yes mom I promise, I hope you don't mind speed because Edward and I like to drive fast."
"How fast is fast. You know you shouldn't drive fast seeing as your father is the chief of police and you can get killed if you drive too fast, not mention in danger your passengers."
"Don't worry mom, I assure you we won't crash and my dad won't care but that is all I am saying. I will give you all the answers when we get to the house."
The drive went pretty fast. My mom was too scared even make a conscience thought because I decided to go my normal speed. I know I should have slowed down but I couldn't help it, besides I hate driving slow much like Edward does. Edward found it funny that she was scared. I did however monitor her well-being the entire time. I kept her stress level and fearfulness at a minimum, but regardless of my manipulation she remained startled. Phil ironically found it amusing as well. He wasn't at least bit scared. He stayed in control of his emotions the entire time and could somehow tell that I was in control of mine. I can now she why he will have the gift of Control when he becomes a vampire.
When we pulled into town I slowed down because there were too many people on the road and I had enough of scaring my mom. She still couldn't formulate any thoughts or words but I am sure when we arrive home she will chew me out. It is funny calling the Swan house home seeing as I have lived there in months.
"Whoa, how much money did you come across, this house place is enormous and we haven't even gotten to the house yet."
"We got enough mom, you will get all your answers and more when we arrive and you have settled in your room. "
When we pulled up, Alice, Esme, Jasper, Emmett, Rose, Ben, Angela and my kids were there waiting for us. I glad that my family was there. Charlie and Carlisle are at work, they should be coming home by 5pm. It is now 1pm. My kids were advised ahead of time not to call us mom and dad until we told Renée and Phil everything.
I showed them their room then told them to me us in the living room when they are ready to talk. I knew they needed to relax for several hours so by that time dinner will be ready and dad and Carlisle will be home and will join in the family meeting. I decided to make lasagna for mom, Phil, the kids, Ben and Angela. I also made enough for Jacob, Leah, (AN: She is starting to tolerate them because not only does she notice that they don't smell as bad as the others think—this is strange to her—and because both Jacob and Seth imprinted on the other two Halflings. Little did she know she will be imprinting on little Masen. Although he is venomous and typically very poisonous to most wolves/shape shifters, Leah will be fine. In fact she will be transforming into a new hybrid wolf/human/Vampire when Masen reaches adulthood and the imprint changes from protector to romantic. In the mean time she is immune to the venom while Masen is 'underage' and the imprint is only for protection. The vamps still smell horrid to Jacob and Seth but Renesmee and Elizabeth smell normal without the vampire stench) Seth, Sam, Emily, Harry and Sue Clearwater, and Billy Black. They are coming to discuss and answer any questions Phil and Renée might have as well. The rest of the wolf pack decided not come due to the overwhelming vampire stench.
Ben and Angela decided to stay over to help and met my mom and step dad seeing as they will be spending an eternity together starting next year.
-SEVERAL HOURS LATER-
The doorbell rang singling that the La Push guests have arrived. My mom and Phil also choose this time to come downstairs. "Hey guys have a seat in the dining room, food should be served momentarily."
It sure smells good. It is kind of ironic that vampires could cook so well since considering that they don't eat themselves. I guess if Bells did the cooking that makes sense. She was most recently human who cooked all the time. I also guess she still has to cook seeing that her children will always be eating human food even when they become immortal. ~Sam
The food smells really good. It is strange seeing my childhood best friend supposedly being my immortal enemy and it goes against my instincts even if I am not a shape shifter but Billy has assured me that he is still Charlie. I trust his judgment since he is the most prejudice of all of us. Since when did they change the house? It is huge must be a vamp thing. ~Harry
The food smells good. I might ask for the recipe. I wonder if Emily would like the recipe as well. She cooks for the wolves mostly. I just cook for Harry nowadays. I am sure that the food is healthier. Bella always seemed too cook with that in mind. It is also strange seeing Charlie and Bella vampire. Why are Renée and her new husband here? I guess they will be finding out the truth. I wonder if they will choose to be a vampire too. I never really got along with her when we were kids as well as when Charlie and her were married, so I really don't care either way as long as I don't have to interact with her that much, although maybe she will be different as a vamp. When did they change the decorum of this place? I notice it was a lot bigger when we arrived and had more security but now I am curious. ~Sue
The food smells good. I sure miss Charlie, but now that he is a vamp he cannot come over to La Push because of the rules we created. I might change that but we have to wait until his eyes change so he won't look creepy. He and Bells are completely in control and it appears these other yellow eyed vamps are in control as well. We just have to limit the exposure we don't want new wolves to pop up, but I guess it wouldn't be that much of a big deal if they do. Also I hope that only Ben, Angela, Phil and Renée are the only other humans that will be changed. Both Bells and Charlie assured us that these were the last to be changed. Although I somewhat believe them, but because they are now vamps I become a little suspicious. ~Billy
Whoa Charlie looks creepy with his red eyes. I knew he was a vamp now but that's just strange. At least he is control. I wonder how long his eyes will stay that way. I know when he is working he has to where contacts and will have to until the town doesn't notice the changes anymore, but still. Anyway the food does smell really good. If I can just get use to the vamp stench I might just live here if that is what will be served. ~Jacob
Jacob it takes anywhere between couple of months to a year for the eyes to change golden. That is if you are changed into a vamp via being bit or injection. That's if you are newborn, if you are not and you either slip or transitioning your eyes are reddish orange for awhile. Also just to let you know human drinking vamps are scheduled to show up in the next month, my wedding to be exact. They are the royalty of our kind and very powerful and were not exactly invited but you can't fight them. Trust me you will lose either your life or there would be too much damage done to your tribe. No I am not threatening you, besides you are family and in the future you will be my son-in-law so I wouldn't do that to you. I am telling you because I don't want anything to happen to you or your tribe. I will hopefully be able to let them know not to feed anywhere in this state. That should be their only visit for now. I will explain next month after they leave why I am saying should be their only visit for now. As you know you are invited to the wedding along with Seth, Leah, Billy and anyone else who wants to come, but you must leave as soon as the human guests leave. They will still end up smelling you but I will explain things and it will be fine. ~Bella
Jacob nodded in my direction.
"Sure, Sure" The La push guests answered the same time. As they were heading to the dining table I decided to speak with Phil and Renée.
I wonder who these guests are. I vaguely recognize Charlie's childhood buddies. These other large musclely (sic) dudes must be the offspring, or a relative of sorts, everyone seems to be related some way or another. I didn't really get along with this crowed and I don't know the younger people. I did however get along with their parents, Jonathan Uley and Charlotte Hewes which were Sue's Parents, Peter Clearwater and Julia Littlesea which were Harry's parents, Judith Peterson and William Black sr which were Billy's parents, and Hank Wilde and Doris Ateara which were Sarah's Parents. As kids I was friends with Sarah. Her parents were good friends with my parents, but we kind of drifted apart when we got older and my parents stopped being friends with Hank and Doris soon after my parents divorced and my dad got a new job and my mom moved away. When my parents were friends I remember I attended many bonfires and tribal story gatherings which is how I learned about the wolves and cold ones. Charlie and I didn't really know each other then and he was never in attendance during these events anyway. Anyway I was still a child when my mom moved to California and because I didn't want to go and because I didn't get along with her due to her bitterness my dad told me I could stay with him. When I got older and was old enough to legally be left alone in the house my dad Henry (AN: first name unknown so I made it up) Higginbotham would periodically leave me alone in the house, while he traveled abroad to various countries sometimes for work but he always came home. My mother never knew that I was left alone or maybe it was because she didn't really care. After the divorce my parents never communicated. My father died at the age of 58 due to a heart attack when I turned 18, I was barely out of high school. That is one of the reasons I decided to marry Charlie so quickly, that and I got pregnant. My mom never attended the wedding, she did however acknowledge that I was pregnant and sent a gift. When my mother died Bella was 12. I managed some type relationship with my mom when I moved in with her after Bella was 1 and I divorced Charlie, while I went to college to get my teaching degree. I never knew my grandfather Peter Higginbotham who was born in 1899 he disappeared somewhere in South America I believe when he was 29. The story is that when my father was born Peter was called away but never returned home and my dad was raised by his mother who never re-married. Peter was subsequently reported as missing till this day. ~Renée
Hmm I wonder if this Peter Higginbotham has any relation to Peter Whitlock. The location where he was changed and the time frame fits. That would be very interesting if they were one of the same and Peter is actually Bella's great grandfather. Small world if that is the case. It would also further solidify that both Renée and Bella were destined to associate with the supernatural way before Bella and I met. ~Edward
(AN: The rest of the Cullens, Ben and Angela, and the children didn't have any important thoughts worth sharing.)
Edward's thoughts piqued my interest though. That would be funny if Peter and I were related.
(AN: in my story Renée was born in Forks, Washington not California. Her parents still divorced. Renée's mom moved to California after the divorce. She stayed with her dad Henry which I made up since her father's true name is unknown. In my story Peter Higginbotham was her grandfather who went missing in South America, later it will be discovered that Peter Whitlock, brother to Jasper is actually Peter Higginbotham, Bella's Great Grandfather. In my story Jasper is Peter's Sire not Maria. When Peter shows up for Bella's and Edward's Wedding Bella, Renée and Peter will immediately recognize each other. The reason why it was unknown prior was because Bella didn't know about her missing grandfather, Renée never talked or thought about him until now and because Peter forgot about his human family and therefore didn't remember his true last name. Through their powers their relation will be confirmed.)
"Hey mom and Phil just to let you know dinner is ready it is homemade lasagna that Esme and I made. We even made the noodles and sauce from scratch. Also just to let you know that the family including Charlie will not be eating the dinner. That will be explained later after dinner. To make it less creepy we will wait in the living room since our choice of food may gross you out and you won't feel like we are starring at you. Basically the only ones that will be eating the homemade lasagna are you, Phil, Angela, Ben and those from La Push." (AN: Masen, Elizabeth and Renesmee typically eat food designed for toddlers which then is mixed with blood. They can't go hunting yet because they are too small and they hate formula and because Bella is a vampire she can't breast feed. The children prefer blood but because they are half human they need human food as well. Edward and Bella in my story came up with the idea of mixing the two together which helped them eat both and get the proper nutrients.)
"Nonsense I want everyone to sit with us we can then have our discussions about who you are officially after dinner. I will tell you this; for now I can tell that a lot of you are not human it is obvious since Bella and Charlie look completely different. Just not sure what you are yet. Charlie you don't need to wear contacts around me. I can tell that you were trying to be polite and not scare me but I can see that you have read eyes underneath the contacts so it doesn't matter. I am surprise no one else sees these changes and sees through the contacts around town but then again most of the people in forks are dunderheads and unobservant no offence to you Angela and Ben I believe you are probably one of the exceptions considering Bella is friends with you. Anyway I am assuming since you are not eating the food and that you don't eat things raw that what the diet consists of is blood. How about this, why don't the rest of you serve your food in opaque stainless steel lidded containers such as a coffee mug, thermos, flask etc; of whatever substance you consume and then join us. Sound good to everyone. I haven't seen my daughter in several months and I don't really care what she is now "Said Renée
I decided to send a quick message to the La push guests which startled the few who didn't know of my abilities. I didn't want to alert my mom to the fact that a lot of them were shape shifters and almost non human themselves. They responded with an ok, even though the stressed their dislike but also didn't want to make themselves known quite yet until the discussions warrant it. I am going to have to somehow disguise my children's food. Maybe what I will do is instead of mixing the food together I will pour the blood in an opaque container and then have baby food separate.
Masen, Elizabeth and Renesmee please behave and eat your human food tonight. I don't want to be arguing in front of your human Grandmother Renée and Grandfather Phil. Since we are eating with humans that are not use to seeing blood being consumed we have to do things a little differently. You will still get your blood but it will be in a juice container. Will you do that for me and your father just once, until they too are use to your eating habits even if they don't like it. They too typically don't eat when you eat for that very reason. To humans that will gross them out. Do I make myself clear? ~Bella
Yes mother we don't like it but we understand and will do what you ask of us without argument. ~Masen, Elizabeth and Renesmee
"Ok I guess the 'non human' variety will use my mother's suggestion" I said in a tone that both the non-humans and humans alike could understand. In a tone that only vampires and Wolves could understand I mentioned that the children will be eating atypical this evening. They will consume their blood by way of a drink like we will, instead of mixed with their human food like we typically do. I also mentioned in the same tone that I sent them a message through their mind for which they responded back they understand the situation and will do what is asked of them.
(AN: The children's hearing is better than humans but not yet as sharp as vampires. As they grow older their hearing gets better. )
"Hey Bella can I ask you a question. Who are these three beautiful children and who are their parents? They sort of look like you and Edward but look much too old to be your offspring, but then again I guess anything is possible. Please tell me I am not a grandmother. I am much too young but then again I had you around this time so I shouldn't complain too much." Said Renée
"I suppose I should introduce them. I was going to make introductions after we eat but I will give you a brief explanation now. These lovely children are Masen Jasper Cullen, Elizabeth Rose Cullen, and Renesmee Alice Cullen. The reason why they look like me and a little like Edward is because they are our biological children. So yes you are a grandmother. I will explain later after dinner why they older and are more mature than their biological age. That is one of the reasons why I wanted you to visit. I was telling you the truth when I said I wasn't pregnant but what I didn't tell you was that I had already given birth. Please forgive me for not being completely truthful I was afraid you wouldn't want to visit or you would have forced me to leave Edward and move in with you. Just to let you know that is not going to happen and Edward and I will never separate. Before you argue about that tidbit, everything will be explained after dinner why that won't be happening."
"Ok I am a little disappointed but I expect an explanation after dinner. You are right to do things the way you did, especially how I acted on the phone when you called me a week ago and wanted me to visit, besides had I found out sooner while you were pregnant I would have forced you to move in with me, you're not even 18 and then you weren't even close to being 18. In fact you turn 18 this week. My reaction would have been based on my life instead of realizing that you and I are completely different. I apologize for how I would have acted had I learned this before coming here and how I acted on the phone last week. Now that we are here I suppose we could celebrate your birthday but as I recall you are not really a celebrate person like I was and to some extent still am."
"Thanks mom for your understanding and your openness to listen now that you are here. You are also right I am not a celebrate person but we will discuss things after dinner."
With that we sat down to eat dinner and it went with a hitch.