DISCLAIMER: I do not own Twilight or any of its characters... you know the Drill..lol
A/N: hey guys! well here you go much faster then the last... I think? lol I want to thank you all for the GREAT responses I got with the last chapter they meant the world to me. I would have had it our sooner, but I just got so in the zone I ended up having to split this into two parts... see I'm always thinking of you guys, I dont want your behinds to go numd from sitting that long LOL... ok, ok, so here is part one I really hope you enjoy it, and Please tell me what you think by leaving a review at the bottom... the next part will be out this week, its already at the Beta shop getting all prettied up for you guys.. alright, alright, on with the story enjoy!
(Carlisle's POV) Chapter Thirty Seven
Part one.
Truth be told…
The atmosphere in house was tense; we hadn't heard anything from the others since they left, and I was beginning to fear things were not going as planned. It wasn't like them to keep us in the dark.
I had taken a sabbatical from work; I couldn't risk the well-being of my patients by not giving them my full attention, something I wasn't capable of while I felt my children's lives were in jeopardy. I tried to hide my concern from Esme and Rosalie, but was sure they could hear me pacing my office floor. I couldn't help but feel like I was failing them. I had always been the one to keep his head on his shoulders when things went astray. But the unknown was getting to me; my facade was slowly folding in around me. I needed answers. I needed news, anything.
Alice had told us not to call; she couldn't see what was going to happen, so a phone call at the wrong time could potentially do more harm then good. For the first time in many years I cursed the fact that I couldn't sleep. Cursed. I laughed internally at the thought. What I wouldn't give for just a few short hours of sleep, just to get a small reprieve from all this worry and stress. It was taking its toll on the remaining members of my family.
The only thing that gave me any peace of mind was knowing that, when this was all over, my family would be complete once again. Bella would be home and Edward would be whole, and nothing would ever break us apart… I vowed to myself that once my family was reunited, I would personally destroy anything that threatened my family's happiness. Over my burning body would I see my family ripped apart again.
I could feel my resistance begin to waver as I eyed my phone sitting silently on my desk. I walked slowly toward it, willing it to ring. I placed one had over it and the other on the desk beside the phone to steady myself. I wanted so badly to pick it up and dial Alice's number. My need for answers was outweighing all other good judgment.
Pushing off, I took several steps back until I was pressed flush against the bookshelves. I rubbed my hands up and down my face several times before running them through my hair, stopping at the back of my head and linking my fingers together.
It was almost as if I felt the vibration before I heard it. My eyes shot to my phone as it began to vibrate on my desk. I lunged at it, not even bothering to look at the caller ID.
"Hello!" I answered, unable to hide the stress or worry in my voice.
"Carlisle? Are you ok?' Alice asked with a hint of panic in her tone.
"I'm fine, Alice, other then the fact that we have been worried sick," I retorted, trying to keep my irritation in check until I got the story as to why no had contacted us.
"I'm sorry I haven't called. Things have been nonstop since we got here and frankly I really didn't have time. Are Rose and Esme there with you?" Before I could respond, two voices chimed in from my office doorway. I quickly put it speakerphone and laid it on my desk. We all needed to hear this.
"We're here," Rose said, stepping further into my office.
"What's going on? Why haven't you called us?" Esme asked, coming to stand next to me.
"We've had to make changes to all the plans we made, and things have become… complicated." I could hear the weariness in her voice.
"What's happened?" I said, trying to stay calm, but I didn't like what I was hearing. Complications only meant more trouble for my family.
"There's no real easy way to tell you this, so…" Alice was cut off immediately by Esme's sudden panic.
"Is everyone ok? Did you find Bella? Is she alright? God, Alice is she hurt!? Did he do something to her?" I placed my arm around Esme and began to rub her shoulder tenderly; my family had been through so much. I wasn't sure how much more any of them could handle.
"Honey, let her finish we need to hear her out before assuming the worst," I said, softly kissing her temple. My eyes drifted over to Rose, who was staring blankly out my office window, expressionless, her fingertips resting on the edge of my desk.
"Go ahead, Alice. What is it you need to tell us?" I fought the lump that was growing in my throat, as I waited for her to speak .
"I'm sorry about the way I worded that, this is just coming out all wrong." I could hear what I could only construe as amusement in her tone. "And it's not what Damien did to her, so much as it is what Edward did to her." Yes, definitely amusement.
"Alice, cut the crap! Just tell us what is going on!" Rosalie finally entered the conversation. Though I didn't approve of her method for getting answers, internally I agreed with her. I needed answers and we had already waited far too long.
"Alright, alright, geez… I don't know exactly where to start." Her tone had changed from light hearted to serious in less then the blink of an eye.
"Start by telling me my husband is ok; I need that jerk to come home to me," Rosalie growled. My children's relationships were all very similar to one another, one not complete with other, as was the same for me and my beloved Esme.
"Start from the beginning, Alice. What happened when you arrived?" I said, continuing to rub Esme's arm.
" Lilith picked us up, and we went to meet Aleron at a park, where they would go to on a regular basis."
"Who? Bella and Damien? " Rose broke in again.
"No… well, yes and no. Bella was there but she wasn't with Damien..."
Before she finished, someone in the background interrupted her.
"Auntie Alice, when is momma coming back?"
Alice voice came faintly over the phone as she responded. "She'll be here very soon. Why don't you make sure you've got everything we brought packed in your bag, we would want to leave anything here, would we?"
"Alice, who is that?" Esme said, stepping out of my embrace and closer to the phone.
"That's who I was trying to tell you about… His name is Masen." The room suddenly became so silent you could hear a pin drop.
"Who is Masen? And why did he call you Auntie Alice?" Rose said, stepping closer as well. I heard Alice sigh as she started to speak again.
"Because that's what I am. As are you, Rose. He's also your grandson, Carlisle and Esme. He is Bella and Edward's son." Two sharp gasps brought me out of my momentary stupor.
"Excuse me?" I said, stepping up to the phone. "Could you repeat that?"
"His name is Masen Charles Cullen, and he is Edward and Bella's child." There was silence again.
"Oh God, please tell she didn't do what I think she did. Tell me she didn't create an immortal child," Esme picked up the phone and held it in front of her as if it was a face she could speak to.
"What the hell are you doing with it, Alice? Why haven't you got rid of it yet? You know what this means!" The panic on Rosalie's face and in her voice sent chills down my spine.
"Bella would never do that… there has to be some other explanation." I didn't realize I was shaking until I took the phone from my wife and placed it back on my desk.
"Look, you all need to stop right there. Carlisle, you're right; Bella would never do that. He is her son, she was pregnant when Damien took her." She became silent for a minute before talking to the child again. "Masen, I'm gonna step outside for just a minute, don't leave this room. I will be just outside ok?"
"Alwhite," the small tinkering voice answered. The next thing I heard was the soft latching of a door.
"Alice, you…" I began, but she cut me off quickly.
"I know how far fetched this sounds but its true. I saw the whole thing. Well, not saw; he showed me. It's part of his gift. I saw his birth, I saw him bite Bella when they laid him on her chest, I saw her kiss his head before she lost consciousness. She was dying; he had nearly destroyed her body fighting his way out. Her change took longer then normal; I'm guessing from the mongrel's blood."
"Wait, wait, are you telling me Bella is… a vampire?" I said, not masking the utter shock in my voice.
"Yes… and Carlisle, she is beautiful! And Masen looks so much like Edward. Oh, I can't wait for you to meet him!" I could just envision her bouncing in place.
"Alice, are you certain of this?" I knew she was telling me the truth, but it was just so unbelievable. To think a Vampire could reproduce; there had never been any such a case in our history of such an event.
"Yes, I know how insane this sounds, but I promise you its true." I could tell from the strain in her voice that this is not something she would make up.
"So, you're telling us Bella got knocked up by Edward when she was a human, had the baby and that's who we heard in the back ground?" Rosalie stated bluntly. "Alice, he would only be four months old. Can you understand why your little story here doesn't hold water?"
"Fine, hold on." The exasperation was clear in Alice's voice. The next thing we heard was the sound of a door reopening and Alice speaking to the child once again. "Hey, handsome how about a picture for Grandpa, Grandma and Auntie Rose?"
'I have anuder grandpa?' The confusion in his voice brought a smile to my face. "Ok," he chimed in after a brief pause.
"Say cheeeeese!" Alice giggled. "Ok, you guys, if you don't believe me, here; look at his picture, and then you tell me if you still think I've lost my mind." I listened to her fidget with something for a moment. "Oh, and I'm using Lilith's phone to send this, incase you don't recognize the number. I'll wait until you all get it to go any further."
Before I could say anything, Rose and Esme's phones began to chime, signaling a text. They looked at each other expectantly before flipping their phones open. Mine signaled the reception of a new text as well, but I couldn't access it while my phone was in use and there was no way I was hanging up any sooner then I had to.
I watched as they opened the texts, their eyes widened exponentially as they took in the picture before them. Esme gasped and dropped her phone to the floor before putting bother hands over her mouth. Rosalie stared intently at the picture as though she were waiting for it to respond and say something to her. I bent down and pick up Esme's phone off the floor, turning it over in my hand to reveal the picture of the child that would inevitably change our lives forever.
"It's true; he is Edward's child. I'd know that untamed mop anywhere. Of all the things to inherit," Rose burst out in a fit of laughter.
"Rose!" Esme chided her before returning her attention back to the phone "He's got Edward's eyes as well. He's perfect. Oh, Carlisle, how is this even possible?" she said, running her finger over the picture as I held it in my hands.
I hadn't managed to find my voice, so I couldn't answer right away. She was right, though; he was perfect mix of Edward and Bella. I even saw some Charlie in there.
"Carlisle? Carlisle, are you still there?" I was so astounded by what I was looking at that I forgot Alice was still on the phone.
"Yes, Alice, I'm sorry, I'm here," I said, stumbling over my words. Edwards had managed a feat no other Vampire ever had. I didn't know whether I was filled with joy or dread. If this got out… If Aro found out, there was no telling what lengths he would go to secure this child a place in Volterra. Masen would endure centuries of tests and experiments, and he would never be free. Bella and Edward would go to war with the Volturi to prevent that occurrence, and they wouldn't be standing alone. I meant my vow, and nothing on this planet could ever make me break it. My family would never be parted again, so long as I lived.
"Do you believe me now?" I could hear the smile in her voice.
"He's amazing; it's just so hard to believe, Alice. His existence shouldn't be possible but, now that I think about it, it does explain a lot." I had always linked Bella's prematurely acquired gifts to Jacob's blood, but if she had become pregnant, the powers Bella had been exhibiting could have been triggered from the child. "You said he showed you this? How? Does he have any other gifts?" I asked my mind was going into overdrive with questions.
"Whoa, slow down. I'm not sure I can answer any of those questions. Its almost like he's the opposite of Edward, but like him at the same time. He can show you his memories by a single touch, but he can hear your thoughts, too. He can also project his thoughts to you as well, and I don't know if he can break through other's gifts or if its just Bella's, but when Bella froze Edward and Jasper, Masen was able to release them."
"Wait, Bella froze Edward and Jasper?" Rosalie whispered incredulously.
"Yes, she is truly gifted. Personally, I think she is holding back… there hasn't been a lot of time to have a real discussion." Her voice seemed to sadden as she spoke
"Where are the others?" Esme said, wrapping her arm around me as if she were bracing for bad news.
"They are dealing with Damien. This will all be over soon. Don't worry, everything is going to…" The phone went eerily quiet, except for the sound of the TV in the background.
"Alice? Alice, what is it?" When I got no response, I knew she was having a vision. "Alice!" I tried once again to gain her attention.
"I'm sorry, Carlisle, I… I…" then she muttered something that sounded like, "This can't be right. No, it can't be." I looked at my wife then at Rosalie, whose faces bore the same expression… fear.
"Alice, tell me what you saw," I said calmly, trying to mask my own fear and not to agitate the anxious emotions of my wife and daughter till we knew what was going on.
"Carlisle… I need you and the others to pack and meet us at the Port Angeles Airport in the morning; our plane will arrive by 3:30am… I'm afraid there's nothing more I can tell you until you… get there. I have to go. I have to call Edward." And with that the line went dead.
(Bella's POV)
I stared blankly at the door Edward had walk out what felt like hours ago, It was true what Edward said when he told me that vampires didn't experience time as humans did. Each second ticked by meaninglessly, but not for me. Every minute that passed without Edward beside me was filling me with unease.
The pain in my neck was excruciating, and I tried hard to concentrate on anything I could to not cry out. Emmett continued to hold me tightly in his arms and was speaking in a soothing tone while I healed.
I silently began to curse myself for being so weak. Why didn't I just take control of him when I could? Why didn't I just tear his head off? I had the ability but I choked, like some fragile human. There was no reason to hide behind the excuses. I knew the real reason, but if I admitted it to myself, it would be like giving up, and admitting we never had a shot. I never thought my family would fail, but there was always that lingering doubt in the back of my mind; if things didn't go as planned I'd need a way for Damien to keep his word. If none of us made it out of this, at least my son would.
I growled as another shape pain shot down my neck, and I tightened my grip on Emmett's arms.
"You're almost healed, Bella, just a little while longer," he whispered to me while brushing the hair away from my brow. He was so gentle and tender as he tried to lessen my pain. I could see from his expression that he felt useless because he couldn't do more.
Soft whimpers and whispers filtered through the room. They weren't mine, but I didn't look to see where they were coming from. I knew what they were. Bridget was going through the change, and whether she was a friend or not, I knew the feeling, the burning, the fire that seemed to turn your blood to lava in your veins. I wouldn't wish that on anyone. Well, maybe one person, but I knew Edward was dealing with him
A weak snapping sound caused me to turn my head, sending another jolt of pain up my neck. I watched as Aleron whispered something to Bridget before laying her lifeless body flat on the floor.
"What did you do?" I gasped as I tried to sit up, but Emmett held me in place.
"She made her choice. She didn't want this. It was her request." My brow furrowed at the sincere look of sorrow that filled his expression.
"What gives you the right to choose who lives or who dies?" I snapped. My strength was growing as I healed. "She didn't know what she was saying; there is no way she could have made a coherent decision in this kind of pain!" I was seething now.
"Bella, how well did you know this woman?" Aleron said, glancing back down at her.
"She owns her own…"I started, but was cut of when he quickly spoke up.
"No, I mean personally; how well did you know her?" he said, looking up at me once more.
"I… I didn't. I just know she owns a shop in town and Damien slept with her on several occasions. I didn't real want to know her, it would just give Damien more leverage against me if I made friends, so I stayed mostly to myself." My hands began to steady and the pain began to subside; talking with Aleron had taken my mind off the pain. I wasn't sure if that was what he was trying to do, with all these absurd questions about my relationship with the woman laying lifeless in front of him.
He let out a deep sigh "She lost a child about a year and a half ago. He was six. She was late picking him up from kindergarten. When she got there, he was waiting for her. He must have been excited to see her, because he started toward the car without looking, and was struck by a truck while crossing the road. I told her our life was eternal, and she told me that she didn't want it. She said he was waiting for her, so I sent her to be with him."
He bent down and picked her up, cradling her in his arms. "With what she has been through, it wouldn't be far fetched to believe she ended her own life, I know where she lives, so I will stage it. I'll be back soon; will you two be alright while I am gone?" he asked, stopping by the back door.
"We'll be fine, but make it quick," Emmett responded, glaring up at him. "I don't know what's going on with Edward yet; he may need us."
"I'll be back as soon as I can. Bella, I'm sorry; this is all my fault. Everything you and your family have suffered falls on me. I know I can never make up for what I've done to you and…"
"Yes, it is, and No… you can't," I snapped at him, abruptly cutting off what sounded like a well-rehearsed apology. A part of me struggled with the fact that I knew it wasn't solely his fault, but I was angry and bitter, and hatred had been my incentive for so long. It was what kept me focused on what had to be done to keep my son safe. It kept me from feeling much of anything, but hatred was not the only emotion I harbored. Fear seemed to be a constant in my life, and that emotion was what kept me truly grounded to where I was, enduring months of mental and physical abuse.
It wasn't fear for me; it was for my son and my family. There were several times I had thought of taking Damien out myself, but my lack of self confidence kept me prisoner here. What if I failed and he made good on his promise? What if the Volturi found out about us? It wasn't only our lives that were in jeopardy. My life and judgments became ruled by what ifs.
(Edward's POV)
I fought to keep myself collected as we gathered up the remaining pieces of the monster that ripped my life from me, leaving me heartless and hopeless. I regretted nothing I had done in my pursuit of him, and would do it again ten times over without a second thought, but what I may have to do now was weighing heavily on my mind. We had all been though so much this past year, especially Bella and my son. The idea of putting them through more grief was making me literally ill.
"Edward, don't keep us in the dark; this involves all of us. Who was his contact? I know he told you," Jasper said, grabbing my arm halting my movement. I shrugged out of his grasp and took a few steps away before turning to face him. Charlie stood next to him, awaiting my answer.
"I can't say for sure, and I'd rather not point fingers until I know for certain. The second I know it's really who he says it is, you will, too. I know it's asking a lot of you both, but I need you to trust me. Please." I silently begged that they would accept this as the only answer I could give them.
"Can you at least tell us where we are going?" Charlie said, his lips forming a hard line. I could see the frustration in his expression. I felt bad keeping this from him, considering his pain matched mine when it came to Bella's disappearance. I had only begun to understand the pain and heartache that came from loving your own flesh and blood. Now, I could finally understand the pain of having a child; it was both terrifying and magnificent. I had known of my son for only days now, but I couldn't imagine my life without him; the feeling of his sleeping form against my chest, breathing in his scent, listening to his heart beat wildly in his chest, his infectious laughter, the way one look at him could put you under a spell. I was powerless against it. Any request he would ever make of me, I would move heaven and earth to fulfill it.
"Alaska…" I said quickly, turning to finish closing the crate that housed Damien's torso. His arms and legs had long since turned to ash in the fire we had lit.
"Alaska? The informant is in Alaska? Edward, what…" Jasper started to question me.
"We're going there because we're going to need their help. Now, can we get a move on? I need to get back to Bella and Masen." Just as I finished speaking, my phone began to vibrate in my pocket. I knew who it was; she had called several times already.
"Will you and Charlie take this" I kicked the crate stiffly, "and head back to the hotel. Make sure they're ready to go." They nodded picked it up. I pulled out my phone as they left.
"Hello, Alice," I said, already knowing why she was calling.
"Edward, this can't be right! What I saw can't happen…" she shrieked in my ear.
"Alice, I don't know what's going to happen, and since nothing has been decided, neither do you. I need you to keep what you saw to yourself. We don't need any one overreacting until we have the truth. If we don't handle this with the utmost care, things can turn out much worse than need be. Please, Alice, just try. Trust me, I know what I'm doing."
"Edward, they need to know; they need to prepare." Her tone was getting brasher as she continued. "We can't just let them all walk into this blind!"
"Alice! Listen to me; they will all know in less then 24 hours. Would you rather start a full on panic hours before we can do anything about it? You know if they go into this with high emotions, it will only make things worse. We need to approach this as cautiously as possible; the less they know, the better."
"Edward…" Alice began again.
"Alice, just let me speak with Carlisle first. He will know the best way to handle this," I said, hoping that would appease her until I figured out the best way deal with the situation.
"Fine… They're meeting us at the airport in Port Angeles. I'll call Bella, Emmett, and Aleron and have them come here," she said, her tone much lighter, making me breathe easier, so to speak.
"Alright, I'm on my way," I said, starting toward the motel.
"I know," she chirped. Ugh. I rolled my eyes and flipped the phone shut.
As I ran back to the motel, I called Bella. Hearing her voice and knowing she was ok lifted a huge weight off my chest. Just the memory of what he did to her made me want to rip that crate open and rip him apart over and over again. I shook off the image and pushed myself harder to get to her, to them both. I needed them both in my arms now. Knowing she was okay allowed me to focus on what was coming. My mind ran over every possible way to approach this with Carlisle when we arrived at the airport.
I arrived at the motel just as they were placing there bags in the car. Bella's eyes locked onto mine as I approached. Her feelings must have mirrored mine, because she dropped the bag she was holding and flew into my arms, our lips crushed against each other. I was never more grateful that she was no longer fragile, because if I had held her like this as a human, I would have crushed every bone in her body. After a long moment our lips parted, and we held each other's face in our hand and rested out foreheads together.
"Promise me…" she whispered.
"What?" I asked, moving my head back a few inches.
"After this is finished, you will never leave our side again," she said, laying her head against my chest.
"I promise, Bella; never again," I said with as much conviction as my heart could give her.
"Good. Lets go; the sooner we take care of whoever this is, the sooner our forever can start," she said, placing her small hand in mine, something I would never get enough of.
(Bella's POV)
It was during the plane ride back to Seattle that everything began to hit me. I had to keep reminding myself that Edward was real and not just another figment of my imagination, as he had been so many other times throughout the last year. I found myself constantly touching him; assuring myself he was real. I began absentmindedly drawing circles on his palm; recalling the first time he had actually allowed me to touch him so long ago.
I was brought out of my silent reverie when his hand covered mine, stopping me completely. My eyes darted up to meet his, and my heart melted as I saw my favorite crooked smile begin to unfold on his lips. He raised his other hand and began to softly stroke my cheek with his thumb; the electric charge that had always been there between us was still as strong as ever. He leaned forward slowly, and gently pressed his lips to mine. This wasn't about passion or anything sexual, this kiss was simply saying I'm here and I love you.
"You know, there is a room in the back of this plane, you two…" Emmett said, leaning indiscreetly over the aisle.
"Emmett…" we both said at the same time.
"Yeah, sorry, you're right. It's been so long you may bring the plane down; better safe then sorry." He made a stern face as he whispered the last few words.
"Alice, what time are we landing in Port Angeles?" I asked, turning to look behind me. The seat next to Alice where Masen had been sitting was empty.
"Alice, where's Masen?" I said, feeling slightly panicked. I hated not knowing where he was; it made me nervous.
"Relax, Bella. Jasper took him back to the galley to get him a snack; they'll be back in a minute. And we'll be landing at 3 am local time," she said, not looking up from her magazine.
"Carlisle and the others will be there?" I asked, needing reassurance for some reason.
"No, they won't be there till 3:30," she said. "I thought we should take a minute to do some hunting before we finished the journey." Her eyes were full of love, but there was a hidden sadness behind them, I was about to ask her what she wasn't saying when I saw Masen bounce down the aisle. His eyes lit up when he saw me.
"Mamma, did you know Uncle Jasper was a soldier?" It was more of a statement then a question.
"Yes, sweetheart, I did know that." I smiled back at him before turning my attention to Jasper. "Jasper, make sure you leave out the battle scenes. Remember he sleeps, and he doesn't need anymore nightmares then he already has."
I shot Jasper a wink to let him know I wasn't upset, then I turned back around while Masen finished his snack; Jasper had done a complete 180 when it came to Masen. I don't think he knew he was letting his emotions roll off onto everyone, but the adoration he felt toward my son made me unbelievable happy.
It gave me hope that the rest of them would feel the same toward him; I wasn't so much worried about Carlisle and Esme as I was Rosalie. Her whole reason for not wanting me to join the family was so I could have the family she always dreamed of. I knew she had always dreamed of being a mother; maybe being an aunt would help dull the pain of what she felt she lost.
"Bella?" Edward whispered, then looked over his shoulder before taking my hand. "Come with me." He pulled me from my seat and we headed to the back of the plane. My eyes locked on the door leading to the sleeping quarters of the plane.
"I just want to talk to you," he whispered so only I could hear him.
He pulled me through the door and closed it quickly, my un-beating heart felt heavy in my chest.
"Edward, what is it?" I said keeping my voice low.
"Bella I… I don't know if Masen should go hunting with us; he could get hurt." He whispered while he played with my fingers.
"Edward, trust me when I say this, you have nothing to worry about. He is very skilled at this, he could probably give Emmett a run for his money. He was only a few months old when he took down his first wild animal; he looked like a two-year-old. He's strong and he's fast, very fast; I can barely keep up with him. Let him show you what he can do. Everything will be fine, alright." I could tell he was still worried.
I let out a soft sigh and continued. "I'll ask him to stick to deer, ok?" I laughed lightly as I watched his eyes widen.
"He's taken down things bigger then a deer?" He looked almost stunned at the thought, and I couldn't help but laugh a little louder this time.
"Edward, he is strong, fast, and smart. He knows his limitations; he does try to push them occasionally, but he is still careful," I said, trying to calm his fears.
"Love, am I being completely ridiculous? I have missed so much. I don't know what I'm doing, and I'm messing this up." I stopped him right there.
"Edward." I said, grabbing his hand tightly and placing my free hand against his jawbone. "Edward, look at me. You're doing fine. You're doing exactly what a parent does; you're worrying about your child. You will have plenty of time to get to know him, we aren't going anywhere."
"Not without me next to you, never again," he said before crushing his lips to mine.
~*~*~*~*~*~
"Remember, Masen, just deer, ok?" I said, placing him on the forest floor next to Edward. He nodded quickly before flashing me a brilliant smile.
"Come on, daddy, lets go before Uncle Emmett gets all the big ones." He tugged at Edward's hand, before letting go to stand by Jasper.
"Masen, wait for daddy," I said, taking a step forward. My heart swelled as I took in the sight before me; my family together again. I couldn't ask for more
I turned back to Edward. "I'll meet you back at the plane, alright?" I said before placing a chaste kiss on his lips.
"Bella, I…" I could hear the uncertainty in his voice.
"Edward, you will both be fine, just trust him. I know it will be hard and you will want to jump in, but don't. Do you trust me?" I asked, tilting my head waiting for him to answer.
"Of course, Love, but…" he said looking over in Masen's direction.
"No 'buts'. I didn't sacrifice so much to keep him safe to just turn him lose in the wild if I didn't think he could handle himself. Edward, trust him, trust me, and trust yourself…" The smile that graced his face next put my mind at ease, I knew they would be fine.
I took down the first three deer I came across, quickly quenching my thirst, and headed back to the plane. Carlisle and the others would be here soon, and I wanted to be prepared for the onslaught of questions I knew were coming.
I checked myself in the mirror of the small bathroom on the plane. Somehow, I managed to stay clean on my hunt, and I was quite proud of the fact that my hunting skills were almost worthy of actually being a Cullen. I straightened my shirt as I exited the bathroom.
"Bella?" My head shot up at the sound of the familiar voice.
"Carlisle?" I said, grabbing hold of the wall to steady myself. No matter how much I had prepared myself to see them, it clearly hadn't been enough. We stared at each other for second, and then I couldn't contain my joy any longer. I flew into his arms with a squeal of delight as I held him tightly to me.
"I'm so sorry. Bella. I promise we tried, none of us stopped looking for you," his voice noticeable cracked as he tried to apologize. My heart broke at the guilt that was rolling off him.
"Carlisle, don't. You don't own me any apology. I knew you would never give up, none of you would," I said, holding onto him even tighter.
"Bella…" another voice called out my name. I spun around to find Esme and Rosalie standing hand in hand at the door of the plane. There was no hesitation this time as I flew forward, grabbing them both in a bone-crushing hug.
"Bella! Oh, Bella, you're really here!" Esme sobbed into my ear. "And you're so beautiful." she whispered as she pulled back from the hug. "I'm so sorry, Bell…"
"Stop!" I said putting my hand as I interrupted her. "All of you. I want you to know, all the time I was gone, I knew you were searching for me. I knew you wouldn't give up, and that's what kept me going, so please stop blaming yourselves; it's over and we're home."
"So, it's true? Bella, did you really have a child while you were gone?" Rosalie finally entered the conversation. "Edward's child?" she finished. I felt a lump begin to form in my stomach; the moment I had been dreading for months had finally come to head.
"I… I…" I cursed myself internally for stumbling over my words.
"What does it look like to you?" All our heads snapped around to see Edward holding Masen, standing casually just inside the plane's boarding hatch.
Edward made his way past them and came to a stop next to me, holding Masen securely in his arms. There was a moment of awkward silence before Carlisle took a step closer.
"Esme, Rose, do you hear what I hear?" he said, stopping from of Edward and placed his hand gently on Masen's chest.
"He has a… heart beat," Esme whispered, more to herself than anyone else.
The next thing that happened would've caused me to faint if it were possible. Rosalie took two quick steps forward and took Masen from Edward's arms. He eyed her cautiously for a second before letting go. Rose placed Masen on her hip as though it was the most natural thing in the world, and we all watched as she stood frozen, never taking her eyes of the little boy in her arms. I held my breath as she raised a shaky hand and placed it softly on his chest. After a second, her head snapped up in our direction, and I could see the venom gloss over her eyes; it was as close as a Vampire could get to crying.
"It's true… It's really true, I'm an aunt!" With that, she lifted Masen high in the air and spun him a round, much like Emmett had done. Masen shrieked with laughter, and the rest of us joined in. The relief I felt at the sight in front of me was liberating to say the least. Having crossed this final hurdle gave me a sense of peace that I had not known this nightmare began.
"Ah, I see the gangs all here… " We turned to see six very happy looking vampires standing at the plane's hatch. Emmett flew past me to where Rosalie was standing and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her to him.
"Please put my son down before you corrupt him with your sordid display of affection," Edward quipped while rolling his eyes. Rosalie placed a light kiss on Masen's cheek before setting him on the floor. He immediately ran toward us, but to my surprise, he wrapped his arms around Carlisle's leg.
"Grandpa!" Masen said, giving him the brightest smile I had ever seen on his face. Before Carlisle could respond, he was off and now gently tugged on Esme's pant leg so she would drop down to his level. "My momma always said as soon as we get home you'll teach me all about flowers and how to garden." We watched as he cupped his hands around her ear as if he was telling her a secret and whispered to her. "I remember you..." At hearing this, everyone on the plane grew silent, I curled myself into Edward's chest.
"I will teach you anything you want, little one," she said, wrapping her arms around him and lifting him from the floor.
The silence was cut by Aleron clearing his throat." You should probably get going," he said, taking a step back with Lilith in tow.
"What do you mean? Aren't you going with us?" Esme said, still holding Masen tightly.
"No. It's probably best if we stay behind. Tensions will be high enough with out including the two people who started this whole thing," Lilith said, walking to where Esme stood and smiling at Masen. "You be a good boy for your mommy and daddy, ok? I will miss you greatly. It was a pleasure being you." She gripped the tip of his nose and gave it a little wiggle.
I was stunned to see him swiftly reach for her and throw his arms around her. She lifted him gently from Esme's grasp and returned the hug. They seemed to be staring at each other for a minute before Lilith answered some silent question he had asked her.
"One day, perhaps" she answered before kissing him on the cheek and handing him back to Esme.
"You're more then welcome to join us; the people we are going to see are very good and dear friends of ours. They are vegetarians as well, and the life style is not nearly as bad as it sounds," Carlisle finished with a smirk. I heard a faint rumbling and turned to see Edward's eyes narrowed and his hands rolled into tight fists.
"Thank you very much, Carlisle, but I think it's time for us to take a step back from this. We have done all we can. This is our time to grieve. I know you have no sympathy for him and I don't blame you, but he was still my brother." There was yet another awkward silence; no one knew how to respond to that admission. He was right, though; no one had any sympathy for the monster, least of all Edward and I.
"I understand, and thank you again for helping my family when you didn't have to." Carlisle said, lifting his hand to Aleron, who took it and shook it with what looked like pride.
"The plane is yours and your family's, to keep; a gift. I only ask one thing of you. I know I have no right, but we would love it if we could maybe drop in occasionally… as friends."
"Of course, you both are welcome at our home anytime, but we really can't accept a gift like this." Carlisle said shaking his head.
"Please, Carlisle; its only one of many I own. It would mean a great deal to us if you would accept this." His pleading was a little unsettling.
"This is like watching the live version of Deal Or No Deal, TAKE THE PLANE! TAKE THE PLANE!." Emmett said, bouncing up and down behind Rosalie, who promptly turned around and smacked him upside the head
"Alright… thank you," Carlisle said, giving him a slight nod.
He nodded in response before letting his eyes move along all of us, and then stopped on me and Edward "I know you two have the no reason to forgive me but… I hope one day you can," he said turning to leave. I was fighting so hard to keep my anger placed on him and Lilith, but deep down I knew I was wrong. They had more then proved themselves, even gone as far as to give up Aleron's own flesh and blood to right what he wronged. I couldn't let them go without knowing how I felt.
"Thank you. I don't know if I can completely forgive you, but I'm willing to try. It may take time. If you're willing to give me that, I think we can all move past this. We all just need time to heal."
They looked at each other before turn to face me; Aleron didn't say anything, only gave me a genuine smile which I returned. Lilith's eyes darted between Edward and I as if she were silently asking permission to say something, I nodded my head towards Edward and walked to stand by Carlisle, giving them a little privacy. But it didn't mean I wasn't going to listen.
She cautiously approached him and gave him a hug. "You take care of them… I don't want to have to come bail you out again," she laughed lightly, "no pun intended" Edward laughed this time. "I'm going to miss you, you're like the little brother I never knew I… never wanted"
I couldn't help but smile as Alice giggled loudly as she whispered 'You're preachin' to the choir, sister'. I covered my mouth and bit my tongue to stop any sound from coming out.
"I will miss you too… You take care of yourself and keep an eye on your mate there." Edward said, nodding his chin toward Aleron. "Second chances are few and far between, don't waste the chance you have been given," he said, giving her a small kiss on the cheek, and with that they were gone.
"Emmett, I know you want piloting duty… Carlisle, can I have a word with you." Edward said, gesturing for him to follow him to the room at the back of the plane. I had a feeling I knew what he wanted to discuss with him, but didn't inquire about it. I had told Edward to trust me, so I knew I had to do the same in return.
A/N: I know, I know, sorry I had to cut it there but the next part will be out soon.. I promise! so while you are waiting how about you leave me a review... Please. tell me what ya thought id love to know...
Much love to my ever patient Beta crmcneill whom with out you guys would probably still be going "What? what the heck does that mean?" LOLOLOL thank so so much!
The Song for this Chapter is :Unbreakable By Fireflight: Bella song... Check it out on my profile! great band! so fitting lol
P.S. Review.... LOL