Dark Waltz- Chapter 48

A/N: Once again, for those of you that missed it-

1) There is a hint somewhere in the previous chapters (can't say which) that gives a clue as to what's coming up next (drama-wise)

2) Rosalie IS NOT pregnant, nor are she and Jasper related to Jane in any way (except what's already been stated).

3) Rose isn't related to the Doctor. Good guess, though.

4) There is a very clear (but subtle) clue... everything's provided. If you find the right part of the story (the hint) and correlate it to the correct GoogleDocs link on my profile, you'll figure it out.

Guess again! AND PLEASE READ THE NOTE AT THE END FOR ANOTHER IMPORTANT MATTER.

BPOV

Christmas dinner passed without a hitch, despite Jane's obviously foul mood (fouler than usual, anyways). She ate very little and said nothing at all, not even giving Esme a thank you after being waited on.

Alec looked grim as well, but he hid it well under a guise of conversation. Esme was sneaking glances at her brother, looking nervous, which in turn made Carlisle a little antsy.

Nothing went wrong, however, and the meal was peaceful and delicious. Esme had cooked a turkey for dinner, with dressing, carrots, peas, potatoes, bread, cranberry sauce, and all sorts of other dinner foods. For dessert, she'd made a mint-chocolate cake with homemade vanilla ice cream.

It was a delicious meal, and by the end, I was very full. Carlisle had moved into the sitting room to entertain the guests, while Esme and I cleared the table.

Dinner had taken place hours earlier, but we'd decided to watch White Christmason television instead of clearing the dinner dishes.

"…and then they'll be going home on the eighth," finished Esme, having described the itinerary for the rest of everyone's stay here in Forks. "Alice, Jasper and Edward will be back in school on the same day, and once they're all back into routine, we'll start your schooling."

"Oh."

I washed the last dish that wasn't dishwasher safe, placing it gently in the draining board. I returned the soap to its proper place and wiped down the counter, determined to make my station clean.

I had something to ask Esme that had been bugging me ever since Jane had caused a fuss in the sitting room this morning, but I wasn't sure how to go about it.

"Did you hear me, Bella?" asked Esme concernedly, making my head snap up.

"Huh?"

"I asked if you were finished at the sink," she said, concern lacing her voice. "Are you tired?"

"No," I said truthfully. "Not at all."

"What's wrong?" she asked, pulling out a bar stool at the island counter.

"Nothing's wrong," I said honestly, beating around the bush.

"You know you can tell me," she coaxed gently, looking very concerned.

She was stressing over nothing, and I didn't want her worrying.

"Is something wrong? Did Jane say something to you?"

"No…" I hedged, hesitant.

"What is it?"

"Can I ask you a question?" I asked.

"Of course," said Esme gently. "You know you can ask me anything."

"It's sort of none of my business," I warned her, feeling stupider by the minute.

"You can ask, Bella," she said again. "If I agree and it's notyour business, I'll just say so."

"Why did you fight with Uncle Alec all those years ago?" I blurted, my face reddening more and more by the minute.

Esme, having been caught off guard, looked mildly surprised before she spoke.

"We had a disagreement," she said gently. "Alec and I were very close as children, but when our parents passed away, we drifted apart. At that point, Carlisle was getting ready for pre-med up north and Alec was just starting to teach in Jacksonville."

"Oh."

"It's silly, really," she said softly. "Jane was in my class at school and she was always very taken with Alec. She was…"

Esme hesitated.

"…difficult," she finished. "Alec proposed to Jane while she was still in school and they were married two years later."

"That's good, isn't it?"

"Of course it was," she said gently. "I wanted my brother to be happy, and Jane seemed to make him happy."

"Your mom and dad weren't at your wedding?" I asked sadly, having finally caught on.

"Not at Alec's," said Esme softly. "They were there for mine and Carlisle's wedding."

"Oh."

"Alec might be two years older," she laughed, "but I was married three years before he was."

"Did you go to Uncle Alec's wedding?" I asked curiously.

"Of course," she said, smiling. "They both seemed so happy. It was only after the wedding that things got a little sour."

"Why?"

"For the first five years of their marriage, my brother and I were very close. We had dinner together whenever we were in the same town, we visited, we shared our lives together. Carlisle and I moved to Forks six years after we were married and we got Edward that same year."

"Were you glad to have kids?"

"Very," said Esme softly, watching me with her gentle blue eyes. "A few years before Edward, Carlisle and I tried to have a baby on our own, but it didn't work out."

"Why not?" I asked, getting side-tracked.

"Because I have a disease called polycystic ovarian syndrome," she said softly. "It's not dangerous, really, but it can cause infertility. We could've went through all sorts of procedures to get pregnant, but we decided that it wasn't worth it when there were so many children in need of a good home."

"Oh."

"Carlisle and I put our names in as foster parents and we had two older teens stay with us for a few weeks before Edward came. Edward came to us and stayed for a year before we adopted him and made him our own."

I thought Esme and Carlisle were incredibly generous to open their home to other people's children when they needed it.

"Rosalie and Jasper came to us later on and then Emmett and Alice," she said, repeating facts that I already knew. "Then you."

"Yeah," I said, shrugging.

"I think we're done with children now," she said gently. "Soon, the others will be moving on and Carlisle and I are happy with the six of you."

I blushed.

"Anyways," she said, returning to the story she'd been telling me before. "After Edward came to us, Alec and Jane came around less and less."

I didn't like the sound of that, and I frowned.

"I don't know exactly what went on between them," she said, "but I gathered that they argued. I always knew Jane could be a jealous person, but I never imagined she'd be jealous of me.I grew angry with Alec for avoiding us. Edward was ten, Alice and Jasper were twelve, Rosalie was thirteen and Emmett was fourteen when we had our big blow up. Alec and I stopped speaking and neither of us has seen the other since 2003."

I stared at her, trying to wrap my head around the family drama.

"Jane's never been very fond of me," said Esme gently. "She can be difficult and stubborn, and I know she's upset that Alec decided to come down here."

"Why?" I asked, confused. How could anyone hate Esme?

"Because she likes to have things her own way," said Esme softly, no judgment in her voice. "She likes her own surroundings and her own home where she can control what goes on, and she knows she can't always get her own way here."

"She doesn't like me," I said sadly, glancing up at Esme. Esme looked sympathetic, but didn't contradict me.

"She's not fond of any of my children," said Esme easily. "She's jealous."

"Of me?"

"Of anyone Alec shows affection to," she said. "She saw how gentle and kind he was to you and she took it as a personal slight."

"She called us castaway kids," I said angrily, looking up at Esme with bright eyes.

"Alec's very unhappy with her for it," said Esme. "I could tell at dinner. She had no right to call you that."

She was kind of right though…

"You are nobody'scastaway," she said sternly, using her special Esme-mind-reading skills.

Esme knew everything.

"It's not blood that makes a family, Bella. It's the love."

I sighed and hugged her, resting my cheek on her shoulder.

"Love you," I said gently.

"I love you too, sweetheart," she said. "Do you have any more questions before we go to the sitting room?"

"Why'd Alec listen to Jane?" I asked sadly.

"Because I was foolish, Bella," said a voice from the doorway, making me turn. Uncle Alec stood there, looking quite tired and unhappy.

I flushed bright red and let Esme go, not knowing what to say.

"Relax," he said easily. "You can ask questions. I won't be mad."

"Okay."

"Thank you for inviting us here, Es," said Alec softly. "I know it was a big step for us."

Esme simply stood up and took her brother's hand, squeezing softly.

I really hoped Emmett and I would never fight like Esme and Alec had.

I loved my brother too much.

"I'm sorry," said Alec softly, watching Esme very closely. I felt as if I were intruding on a private moment, and as gently as I could, I slinked away, leaving the two of them to their words.

When I found the sitting room, people were engaged in gentle conversation.

I sought out my brother, finding him on the end of the sofa, but was dismayed to find that little Jane was on the opposite end of the sofa, looking down at her fingernails.

I braved her anyways, stepping over a groggy Jake and getting ready to snuggle up to my brother.

"...it was so cool!" said Emmett loudly, having yet to notice me sitting. "And—hey Boo."

His dialogue with Marcus was cut off as I rested my head on his front, wrapping my arms around his middle and curling my feet up under me. Marcus, having noticed the troubled look on my face, frowned gently, looking between Emmett and myself.

He tactfully turned around and joined the conversation between Alice, Rosalie and Papi.

Jane was sneaking secret glances at Emmett and I, interest sparkling behind her icy blue eyes.

"What's up?" asked Emmett, returning the gentle squeeze. "Where's Esme?"

"In the kitchen with Uncle Alec," I said sadly. "I asked her why they fought."

Jane, having been facing forward, whipped her head around to me with hardened eyes.

"Did she tell you?" asked Emmett gently.

"Yeah."

Jane huffed angrily, looking very on edge. She glanced towards the kitchen where Esme and Alec could be seen together, each with a glass of wine, and like Esme had said, I could see Jane's jealousy.

I didn't like Jane Evenson one bit.

"What's wrong, Boo?" he asked me softly, letting me stay where I was.

"Promise we'll never fight like that," I said shakily, not wanting to cry on Christmas.

"I promise, Bella," he said sincerely. "I love you."

Jane, the little witch, let out a small snort of derision, glancing over.

"Do you have something to say?" Emmett asked rudely, obviously loosing his cool with her.

Jane looked at Emmett, mock astonishment shining in her eyes.

"You'll see, kid," she said ominously, her voice venomous. "No woman's going to put up with a clingy little sister."

Emmett's face reddened with his anger and I frowned, scooting further away from my "aunt".

"Excuse me?" asked Rosalie suddenly, having heard Jane's comment.

"You heard me, sweetheart," said Jane sarcastically. "You'll get sick of her eventually."

"That's enough," said Marcus firmly, his voice ringing with authority. Carlisle, having been deep in conversation with Mr. Aro, broke away, glancing at Marcus.

"Is everything alright?" he asked, catching the look on Emmett's face.

"Peachy, Carlisle," said Jane angrily. "Just fine."

"Bella?"

I just hid my face into Emmett's side, praying that Rosalie's patience would endure…

…and that I wasn't being clingy.

"What's going on?" asked Uncle Alec suddenly, having returned with Esme. I peeked up over the back of the sofa, seeing Alec's eyes glued on Jane.

"You're wife's being a bitch, that's what's going on," spat Rosalie, incensed.

What happened after that was out of my control.

"Rosalie!" gasped Esme, aghast and embarrassed as Alec's eyes shifted to Jane. Jane nearly leapt off of her seat, ready to face an angry Rose. Marcus looked uncomfortable and Carlisle was baffled.

"For shame! Control yourself!" cried Nona angrily, glancing between her granddaughter and Jane. "Sit down woman!"

Jane, not too keen on being called "woman", rounded on Nona.

That fired Papi right up and soon enough he was hollering, forcing Aro to intervene. Carlisle, looking gravely unhappy, glanced between the arguing group and a stricken, confused Alice and Jasper, whose eyes were bouncing back and forth like they were watching some sort of violent tennis game.

Emmett was on his feet soon enough as well, leaving me feeling very alone and very confused in the middle of the sofa. Jane and Rosalie shouted at one another, expletives flying and tempers flaring. Emmett, having noticed the animosity and potential for violence, placed himself discretely between the two warring women, lest Jane should try to hit Rosalie.

Emmett looked very angry as well, but was doing a good job of controlling himself.

"How dare you!"

"Shut up, you little bitch!"

"Fuck you!"

"Enough!"

"Good lord, Carlisle, control that woman!"

"Rosie, come on."

"Shut up Emmett!"

"I'm so sorry, Esme."

"Bella."

"You have no idea who you're dealing with, do you?"

"Get off of me, Alec!"

"For fuck's sake, Jane!"

"Bella!"

Hearing my name called twice grabbed my attention, and I knew the voice belonged to Jasper. I saw him at the other end of the sofa, holding out his hand to me. Eager to find a way out of this mess, I took his hand eagerly, finding comfort in the warm hand.

"Come on with me," he said softly. "Let's go."

Carlisle nodded approvingly at Jasper as he ushered me out of the room, the argument ensuing.

"On Christmas, Jane?"

"Come on, Bella," said Jasper again, moving slowly up the stairs with me. I was torn between listening to his wise words or rushing back towards the fight.

Jake, having been woken by the shouting, rushed up the stairs after us, his tail between his legs. Jasper held my hand firmly in his as he moved us to his bedroom and opened the door.

"Come and sit," he said softly. "I'll go grab your Ativan."

I hadn't noticed my panic, and only when I sat on his bed did I notice the shortness of breath and tummy butterflies. Although Jasper didn't often let Jake on his bed, when he climbed up next to me to curl up, I didn't bother to remove him.

He shook with fear as the shouting continued downstairs, and I couldn't help but hear them.

"Fuck you, andyour sister, Alec!" shouted Jane angrily.

"Good god, woman, were you raised by wolves?" shouted Nona, obviously incensed and angry. "You heathen!"

Jane said something else, her voice a bit quieter and unintelligible from Jasper's room.

"Threaten my wife again, girl, and you'll regret it!" boomed Papi angrily. "I'll have you arrested!"

"Dad!" shouted Mr. Aro angrily.

I felt my chin quivering as I blocked my ears and pressed my face into Jasper's pillows. Jake, antsy by my own emotion, whined noisily.

I didn't even shush him as I shook in the bed, determined to block out the noise.

"Rosalie, get upstairs!" shouted Carlisle suddenly.

"I want her gone!" shouted Rosalie wildly, her voice shrill. "She has no right to be in this house!"

"Upstairs!" said Carlisle again.

"I'm not kidding, dad!" she cried again, her voice much louder and closer. "Gone!"

"What is wrong with you!" shouted Alec angrily, sounding on the verge of tears. "Are you insane?"

"Oh, don't expect me to love your bitch of a sister's castaway kids!" shouted Jane angrily. "I fucking hatekids!"

Those words broke the emotional dam in my brain, and just as the door opened, I burst into a flurry of tears. I cried loudly and heavily, letting my sobs sound through the room as I thought about Jane's mean words.

I wasn't crying because I was hurt… I was crying because she was right.

Carlisle and Esme were the only ones that had ever wanted me since my parents died.

"Oh Bella," said a female voice gently—Rosalie. "Don't let her get to you."

I just cried harder, embarrassed that Rosalie had found me in such a state.

"Come here," she said, her voice calm, but shaky. "Don't cry."

I clung to my puppy as Rosalie tried to coax me up into a sitting position, not wanting to let him go.

"I've got her Ativan right here," said Jasper suddenly, having returned from Carlisle's study.

"Come on and sit up, Bell," said Rosalie softly. "Please?"

I cried and cried, ignoring everything they asked of me.

"I'll fucking kill that bitch," snarled Rosalie angrily, her voice ringing out when I refused to move for another few moments.

"Please take an Ativan," said Jasper softly. "You'll feel better."

In a moment of physical weakness, Rosalie was able to pry me from Jake's side, sitting me up so Jasper could hand me my medicine.

I knew better than to resist, and I swallowed the pill easily once I was able to stop crying for a moment.

"Please don't cry," said Rosalie softly. "I'm sorry that went down like that."

I simply sniffled, trying my best to stop my weeping. Rosalie reached over, calm and cool like her little brother always was, and wrapped me up in a hug.

I couldn't help but love her, especially since she was being so patient with me.

"You know I love you, right?"

I just looked up at her, unhappy.

"I do," she assured me. "I'm nothing like that little bitch downstairs."

I felt my chin quivering again and my emotions ran rampant once more. Rosalie was patient and gentle as I cried myself dry, the awful noise coming from my mouth drowning out the intense shouting downstairs.

"I'm sorry I'm clingy!" I wailed, earning me an angry sigh.

"You're not clingy," she said patiently. "Jane has no idea what it means to have siblings."

I just cried, overwhelmed and unhappy.

"Jazz?" she said softly, speaking over my shoulder to address her brother. "Could you find dad?"

I heard Jasper's door open and close without much noise and before I could even register her words, I was weeping again.

"Shh," said Rosalie gently, running her hand through my hair.

I knew this little crying jag was no good for me, but for the life of me, I just couldn't stop.

The shouting downstairs was still ongoing, and it wasn't helping matters much. I was glad to have Rosalie so close and so steady, and I was more than glad she didn't think I was clingy.

Jake whined, and for once, Rosalie didn't protest when he snuggled in close to her. I felt his cold, wet nose nudging under my arm, bumping it up to wedge his head under. His hot breath fanned my face and I wrapped my hand around his fur, holding it close.

I tried as best I could to control myself, but even after the Ativan started to take hold, I could do very little to help myself.

"What's the problem?" asked a voice from the doorway, spooking me more than I already was.

Rosalie had asked for Carlisle, not Mr. Aro Carlisle's dad.

"Where's dad?" asked Rosalie nervously, keeping a good hold on me. "I don't think this is healthy."

"He stepped outside for a moment," said Aro softly. "Why are you crying, dolcezza?"

Again with that strange name that did nothing to calm my fears. Rosalie continued her hair-smoothing—something I assumed was supposed to be calming—and before long, I felt a strange hand on my back as well.

"You're very tense," noted Aro gently, sitting on the bed next to us. The weight of him made the mattress sink, and I held onto Rosalie tighter to keep from sliding.

"That woman is positively insufferable," he said easily. "I couldn't stand her from the moment she set foot in this house, and tonight just added fuel to the fire. Please don't cry over her."

I couldn't obey, far beyond reason. I was going to cry, and I knew from experience that trying not to cry just made things much worse.

"Go find her some pyjamas, Rose," said Mr. Aro softly. "Let's see what I can do, hm?"

To my complete horror, Rosalie let me go and I had no choice but to fall into the arms of Carlisle's dad.

Jasper watched from his place against the wall, looking grave and serious. Rosalie snuck out of the room quietly, no doubt moving to my room upstairs to find me some comfy clothes.

"There now," said Mr. Aro softly, repeating the smoothing motion Rosalie had begun. "Let's try to relax."

Easier said than done.

"Your brother and father will be upstairs in a little while," said Mr. Aro gently. "Your mother and Uncle Alec are gone for a drive and Edward took Alice for a walk to calm down… they should all be in soon."

I felt myself growing weaker as I got more and more tired, my eyes reddening and swelling right up. Despite my misgivings about Aro's feelings towards me, I let myself lean into him, satisfied with the fact that he was being gentle and kind right now.

"I hope you know that your Nana and I love you very much, Bella," said Mr. Aro. "You're just as much a grandchild of ours as any of Carlisle's other children."

I was able to slow the tears, but was unable to completely calm myself.

"Take a deep breath now," he urged, his hold loosening a bit. I obeyed and he seemed appeased, gently feeling the pulse point at my wrist.

"There now," he said again. "There's a good girl… just relax."

I knew my pulse was fast and I knew he didn't like it.

"There's Rosalie," he said softly, glancing towards the door. I peeked up as well and caught sight of the angry, sullen Rosalie holding a pair of fuzzy, roomy pyjamas.

"Come and change," said Aro softly, handing me over to Rosalie once more. I felt my legs shake as I took her hand, letting Jake follow me into Jasper's bathroom.

I found my way into the comfy clothes after only a bit of trouble, dismayed to find that my scars were very visible.

Mr. Aro would see them and he'd be disgusted.

"Are you alright in there?" asked Rosalie softly. "Come on out, Bella."

I cracked the door open, tears oozing and my dirty clothes in hand.

Rose took my laundry in one hand and my hand in the other, leading me back into the main area of the bedroom. Aro was speaking quietly to Jasper and for the first time since he'd been here with us, I moved towards him without any fear or hesitance.

He looked incredibly pleased and I tried my best to stop my crying once and for all. Once again, I was pulled into a hug by Mr. Aro, who let me rest against his shoulder.

"Are you alright, Tesoro?"

"What's that mean?" I blurted thickly, curious.

"It's Italian for 'treasure'," he said softly.

"What about the other one?" I asked, feeling brave.

"Which one? Dolcezza?"

"Yeah, that one," I confirmed.

"It means 'sweetness'," he said gently. "Or 'sweetheart'."

I blushed and took another deep, shaky breath, determined to try and like Mr. Aro a little more.

"I'm sorry I'm crying," I said awkwardly, unable to find the words I wanted to use.

"You never need to apologize for your feelings, Bella," he said softly.

We were quiet for a long moment, and I was absolutely disgusted when Mr. Aro's finger traced one of the scars on my lower back. I gasped sharply and wiggled from his grip, shoving my shirt down as far as it would go to prevent him from seeing.

Of course, pulling the shirt lower only made the central line scars visible… there was no way I could win.

"I'm sorry," he said softly, looking ashamed. "I shouldn't be looking."

"They're ugly," I blurted shakily, dangerously close to tears again.

"That's not why I was looking," he said softly. "I'm sorry they're even there."

I took another deep, sniffly breath, glad to finally be feeling the effects of the Ativan.

"Those scars are a part of you, Tesoro.They don't define you."

"They're ugly," I repeated softly, shrugging.

Ugly was ugly.

"You'renot ugly," he returned gently, once again reaching out a hand.

He was very touchy tonight, I noticed, and I wondered what had brought on the sudden change in him.

"They're from the Doctor in the Institute," I said bravely, the once familiar words foreign on my tongue.

Mr. Aro just nodded, looking like he understood without much of an explanation.

"Let me take your pulse again," he said softly, holding out his hand. "I might not be as proficient as my son, but I'll do for now."

I handed over my wrist, letting him place his two fingers under my thumb to find the thrumming pulse. I had to scoot forward a little to give him a good grip, once again putting myself into his personal space.

Jasper's bed was all mussed up now too, and I felt my cheeks reddening.

"Seems alright," said Aro softly, letting go of my arm and peeling his eyes away from his watch. "Do you feel okay?"

"I don't know," I said tiredly, trying to assess my "feelings".

Carmen was going to have a field day with this, I knew that much. My eyes were heavy and tired now that the time and all the crying caught up with me, and I wanted nothing more than to find my brother and make sure he wasn't mad at me for causing a big fight.

Alice, I knew, wouldn't be even a little mad at me… she loved me too much. Emmett, however, was more than capable of being surly with me.

"Is Emmett mad at me?" I asked worriedly, looking up at the three occupants that shared the room with me. Sensing I was about to break down into tears once more, Mr. Aro was quick to respond.

"Not at all," he said, drawing me closer once again. "Just relax and don't worry about it."

I rested my warm cheek on his shoulder, finding comfort in the Carlisle-like familiarity.

I could definitely see Carlisle in his father when he was being so kind and gentle. I felt his hand rubbing firm, gentle circles on my back, helping to lull me to sleep.

I knew I was bound to be heavy, but Mr. Aro held up my weight without so much as a blink, letting me rest right on top of him.

"Close your eyes, sweetheart," he said gently. "Go to sleep."

I was very tempted, but I disobeyed him and simply closed my eyes, refusing to fall asleep.

He continued his back rub and I kept my eyes closed, letting him believe I was sound asleep.

I was surprised when he didn't put me down on the pillows when he thought I was sleeping, but rather continued his gentle back rub.

Rosalie and Jasper conversed quietly for a few minutes before I heard a gentle knock on the door, right before it opened up.

"Hey Pop," said Emmett sadly, sounding tired and put out. "How is she?"

"Sleeping, I think," said Mr. Aro softly. "She's worn out."

"Yeah, well I don't blame her," said Emmett gently. "Is she alright?"

"I think so."

"Good."

"What's going on now?" asked Aro gently. "Is that woman gone?"

"We're not sure," said Emmett sadly. "She took off on foot."

"Hm," said Aro disapprovingly, sounding ready to rant.

"Uncle Alec's upset, obviously," he said tiredly. "He's trying to calm mom down. Dad's on his way up to check on her and Rose."

"Everyone's alright here, I think," said Aro gently. "She's much calmer."

I knew Emmett's hand when I felt it on my forehead, no doubt checking my temperature.

"Hey dad," said Carlisle's voice suddenly, having entered as well. "Thanks for… well, you know."

"You know as well as I do, son—it was no trouble," said Aro. "I'm just glad to be of help."

Carlisle's fingers—cold fingers, at that—felt around my neck for my pulse, his mind no doubt glued on my heart and all the terrible things stress could do to it.

"Bella?"

I shifted slightly and cracked an eye open, keeping my cheek on his father's shoulder.

"Are you alright?" he asked. "Tired?"

I simply nodded, refusing to speak as I sniffled again. Carlisle looked troubled and tired as he sighed, glancing up at the rest.

"And you, Rosalie?" he asked gently. "Calmed down?"

"I suppose so," she said stiffly, still sounding angry. "That woman had no right to say what she did."

"I know, Rose," said Carlisle. "She's gone for now."

"She'll come crawling back," said Rosalie nastily. "It's fucking cold outside and that little twig won't last too long out in the snow. Temperamental Florida gator, that one."

Carlisle shook his head and stifled a smile, returning his attention to me.

"Thank you for bringing her upstairs, Jasper," he said gently. "It was quick thinking on your part."

Jasper didn't respond, but I knew he was in the room and listening closely.

"Are you ready to come to bed, Bella?" asked Carlisle softly. "You're falling asleep."

The idea of being alone in my bedroom with no one but my puppy to snuggle made me very nervous, and to everyone's shock, I held onto Carlisle's father even tighter.

"No?" asked Carlisle softly, nonjudgmental.

"Will you come with me, Boo?" asked Emmett suddenly, sounding scratchy and tired.

I wheeled my head around and looked over at him, nodding quickly.

I was very tired and very unhappy, and I was more than glad Emmett wasn't angry with me and would let me spend the night with him.

"Come here, then," he said heavily, his large paw of a hand sliding under my arm. I felt him lifting me from Aro's shoulder, drawing me groggily to my feet.

"Let's go to sleep," said Emmett coaxingly. "You're falling asleep right here."

I felt very slow and stupid as I moved towards the door, stopping only to thank everyone for their kindness.

"You're welcome, Bella," said Mr. Aro softly. "You have a good sleep."

"Bye Bell," said Rosalie gently.

Jasper simply smiled and watched me leave, Jake and Carlisle hot on mine and Emmett's trail.

"Be sure to sleep in tomorrow, Bella," he warned. "You need your rest."

"Okay."

"Don't worry about anything right now," he added softly. "We'll get this mess sorted out."

I trusted him and knew instinctively that he was right.

"Goodnight," I said in a small, raspy voice. "Tell Esme goodnight too, please. And everyone else."

"I will," said Carlisle gently. "Goodnight."

"G'night, dad," said Emmett softly, ushering me into his bedroom. He closed the door once Jake was inside, moving me towards the bed.

Jake, tired and groggy, laid down right on Emmett's pile of dirty laundry, making that his bed for the night.

It felt like a dream as Emmett moved around his room, sneaking glances at me every so often as he prepared his room for sleep. He only left me to put on his pyjama bottoms in the bathroom, and that took him all of two seconds.

"Come here, Bell," he said tiredly, slipping under his covers. He left me half of the bed—the wall half—and I snuck right in next to him.

"I'm sorry I made you promise," I said tiredly, knowing very well what had sparked this whole debacle.

"It's notyour fault," he said sternly, looking very angry again. "I stillpromise that we'll never fight like Esme and Alec did. I can also promise you that the woman I marry is going to be Rose, and you know that she'd never treat you like Jane treats mom."

"You want to marry Rosalie?" I asked.

He just laughed at me and pulled the sheets up around my chin.

"You're too tired for talk," he said softly. "Go to sleep. I love you."

"Love you too," I replied. "Let's sleep in tomorrow."

"You're the boss," he laughed happily.

I just smiled, snuggling as close as the warm bed would allow.

My heavy eyelids fell shut almost instantaneously, dragging me down to the realm of dreams.

A/N: Guess again, if you want to. No one's been right so far (see the top A/N for more information).

As some of you might know, I'm currently taking the time to edit my older stories and get them back up and running. I've started on Fade to Grey, and am currently 6 chapters in.

There's also a new poll on my profile, asking all of you which story you'd like me to post next. As of right now, six people have voted, but I've recently added another option. I've been considering (given the popularity of this story) writing a sort of prequel. This would deal with the death of Charlie and Renee, Bella's time at the group home and her time at the institute. It would alternate Bella's experiences with those of Alice and Emmett over the ten-year separation period.

This story would delve much further into Bella's experiences as a child, as well as all the little "hinted-at" moments we never got to see (R/Em and J/A development, for example).

Please head on over and vote for your preference! (you can let me know in a review as well, but keep in mind that if your vote isn't registered on the poll, it will probably end up being forgotten when it comes time to tally).