Dark Waltz- Chapter 49
A/N: Enjoy!
BPOV
The light was very bright behind my closed eyelids, and even before my eyes opened, I could feel my pulsing headache raging. My nose was stuffed up, my cheeks felt flushed, my eyes were caked shut and I was sore.
I huddled further under the covers, pressing my face into my pillow.
…my pillow?
The fabric felt foreign against my cheek and as I moved my feet to my right, I felt a cold wall.
Definitely not my bed.
As that thought wheeled its way through my head, the events of the night before came flying back at me.
Christmas.
Esme.
Dinner.
Alec.
Fighting.
Jane.
I wanted to fall back asleep.
"Bella?"
Of course Emmett would've noticed me stirring.
"Hm."
"I have your medicine here," he said softly. "We'd like you to come downstairs."
"I don't want to," I grumbled, my voice hoarse and scratchy.
I heard Emmett's deep sigh and the gentle noise the little pill container made on the bedside table before his footsteps retreated, leaving me to my business.
I knew he didn't mind that I was invading his bed. My eyes stayed closed and I refused to move, listening to the very faint noises from downstairs.
Talking, clinking glasses, more talking.
No yelling.
Footsteps.
"Bella?"
The mattress dipped down on Emmett's side of the bed, and I felt a small, thin body slide in next to me.
"I know you're awake," said Alice softly, her hand touching my hair.
I continued to ignore her, feigning sleep.
My face was pressed into the pillow.
"Come on, Bella."
I sighed, glancing over at her tiredly.
"Are you okay?" she asked gently, her warm eyes fixed on me.
"Mhm."
"Here," she said, reaching over to take the little cup of medication. I held it gingerly between my fingers, sitting myself up in the bed.
She gave me the water bottle as well, and I gulped them down.
"Come here," she said, urging me out of bed.
"Not now," I mumbled, turning back around to lay down.
"Jane's not here, if that's what you're worried about," she replied.
I frowned at the sound of her name, taking a deep breath.
"I'm just tired, Ali," I sighed.
"I know, Bell, but mom and dad want to talk."
Well I didn't.
"Fine."
She waited for me, her hair tousled and still clad in her pyjamas.
"What time is it?" I asked, taking another swig of water.
"Nine thirty," she said softly.
"Oh."
I forced myself out of the comfy bed and moved towards Emmett's bathroom, flicking on the light and taking a look at myself.
I flushed bright red when I saw what I looked like—red cheeks, squinty, bloodshot eyes and a bright red nose went along with my ratty hair.
"Alice, do you have a hairbrush?" I asked.
"Never mind your hair right now," she said softly, coming into the bathroom with me. "Just throw it up in an elastic."
I frowned but did as she said, tossing my hair back in a loose bun. I still looked terrible, but I knew Alice was getting impatient. She hugged me when I came out of the washroom and I squeezed her back, resting my forehead on her shoulder.
Without a word, she took my hand in hers and led me downstairs, where the family was congregated in the sitting room. Esme was the first one to reach us, snatching me out of Alice's grasp with firm, strong arms.
"Oh sweetheart, I'm so sorry," she said gently, taking my face in her hands. "That should have never happened the way it did—"
"It's fine," I said quickly, pulling back. "It's—"
"No it isn't," she insisted, pulling me back in for another embrace. "You shouldn't have been treated the way you were."
"I'm fine," I repeated again, not daring to confirm her suspicions that I'd let Jane upset me so much.
"Come and sit, sweetheart," she said. "We all need to have a talk, and then I'll start breakfast."
As Esme brought me over to a sofa, I took in the faces of everyone in the sitting room. Carlisle's family—Mr. Aro, Nana, Papi, Nona and Marcus—looked stoic and quiet, obviously more subdued than they'd been last night. Rosalie looked better too, sitting with her chin held high next to my tired, but not unhappy brother.
Carlisle was seated next to his grandmother, but his eyes were glued on me for signs of distress.
Uncle Alec, however, looked the worst—his head was downcast and his eyes glued to the carpet. He was leaning forward with his elbows resting on his knees, his hands cradling his head.
"No anxiety?" asked Carlisle softly, watching.
"No."
"Any chest pain?"
Uncle Alec sighed shakily, glancing up at me for the first time. He'd been crying, that much was certain.
"No."
"You wouldn't lie to me, would you?"
"No."
"Tired?"
"A little."
He frowned, but fell silent, glancing over at Esme. Esme sat herself next to her brother and watched as he sat back up, glancing all around the sitting room.
"I just wanted to apologize for the events of last night," he said sadly. "My wife had no right to say what she did."
"Damn right, she didn't," said Emmett angrily, eying Alec with an air of discontent.
Alec simply watched my brother, not daring to contradict him.
"Where'd she go?" I asked, speaking up.
Would she be coming back?
"To a hotel in Port Angeles," said Alec softly. "She won't be coming back here."
"Oh."
"Are you sure we haven't caused you any distress?" he asked, watching me. "I don't want you getting sick because of—"
"I'm fine and I'm not sick," I said firmly, wishing people would believe me. "Just tired and a little cranky."
Carlisle grinned at my admission.
"Did you sleep well?" asked Carlisle gently.
"I guess so," I shrugged.
"Can I speak with you later?" asked Uncle Alec. "Alone?"
I hesitate at the sound of 'alone', but nodded anyways.
"Thank you."
There was a moment of awkward silence before Esme spoke up once again, taking Alec's hand.
"What would everyone like for breakfast?"
ooOoo
It was eleven o' clock before Uncle Alec could get me alone, and the two of us decided to speak in the kitchen, where I was cutting cheese for our lunchtime sandwiches.
"There's something you need to know, Bella," said Uncle Alec softly, urging me to put my cheese knife down. "Come sit."
I did as he asked, perching myself on a stool.
"I'm so sorry for what went on last night," he said gently. "I know I'm new to you and so was my wife, and I just want you to know that none of what she said reflects my own opinion."
"Oh."
"I don't think you're anyone's castaway," he said with a grimace. "Quite the contrary, in fact."
I stared, waiting for elaboration.
"Jane never wanted children Bella… it was a point of heated debate in our relationship. I've always wanted children."
"Why didn't she?"
"She's not exactly the mothering type."
I grimaced, resting my cheek on the cold granite.
"Esme and I grew up together—we were the only children in our house. I wanted a big family from the time I was little. When Esme and Carlisle got Edward, it only made me want kids even more. Jane and I fought about it for a long time, and eventually, she grew jealous of my love for my sister and her family.
"Jane went ahead and had her tubes tied behind my back, so we could never have kids," he added bitterly. "After Esme and I had our falling out, I think my wife thought we were done for good. It was foolish of me to leave my sister alone for as long as I did… this little reunion was the last straw for Jane. She saw me with you and then she saw you with your brother and she just lost it, Bella."
"I'm not clingy," I said suddenly, turning to him. "She said I was and I'm not."
"No, you're not," he agreed. "Neither is Esme."
"I know."
"Are you angry with me?" he asked softly. "I'd understand, if you were."
"No," I said, honestly surprised. "You didn't say anything mean."
"I brought her here," he reminded me. "I knew she wouldn't just sit back and take everything in stride."
"You knew she'd do that?" I demanded, betrayed.
"Not that she'd do what she did," he corrected quickly. "I kind of figured she'd be a problem, though."
I stared at him—at the eyes that were so like Esme's—and couldn't find it in me to hate him for what Jane had done.
"What are you going to do with her now?" I asked tactlessly, earning me a surprised glance.
"What do you mean, do with her?"
"Is she staying here or going home?" I asked. "What about when you get home? Are you going to fight about it again?"
Alec stared at me and sighed, reaching out to take my hand.
"She's not staying in town much longer," he admitted. "I bought her a plane ticket back to Jacksonville last night. As for what happens next, I'm not quite sure."
"Are you going to keep being her husband?" I asked.
"I don't know."
"Oh."
"We have a lot to talk about when we get back to Florida, Bella," he clarified. "I'm sure there'll be tears and yelling, but not even I can guess the end result right now. It all depends on how she reacts."
"Reacts?"
"When I tell her how it is," he said simply. "I have a sister and my sister has a family—my family—and we're a packaged deal. If she can't accept that, then we'll have to go our separate ways."
"Where will you go?" I wondered.
"Too soon to know, honey."
I simply watched him with careful eyes, stretching my arms out in front of me.
"How long are you staying here for?" I asked.
"Until the eighth, as we planned," he said easily.
I was glad Uncle Alec was choosing Esme this time.
There was an awkward silence before Esme poked her head into the kitchen, her eyes wide and careful.
"Everything alright in here?" she asked, looking between the two of us.
"Everything's fine, Esme," said Alec, smiling gently. "Bella's not angry with me."
"Oh, I told you so," she said triumphantly. "Are either of you hungry yet?"
"Not me," said Alec gently. "I've got to talk with my nephew before I eat."
Esme's face darkened slightly as she glanced back, looking at Emmett on the sofa.
"I'm sure he'll be alright soon enough," soothed Esme. "He's just temperamental."
"He's angry with me," said Alec pointedly. "He has every right to be."
Esme didn't answer to that.
"He's just protective," said Esme finally, sighing as she took up my cheese and knife, cutting slices. "He's dealt with a lot over the past while."
I flushed bright red, knowing that Emmett's 'dealings' were my fault.
"Come here, Bella," said Emmett suddenly, catching my eye. I glanced back at Uncle Alec, making sure he was finished with me before I moved forwards, gently tip-toeing towards the sofa.
He drew me in next to him, resting his arm on my shoulders as Nona watched us carefully, trying to be sneaky.
"You're alright?" asked Emmett softly, speaking too low for any eavesdroppers to overhear.
"Mhm."
"What did Alec have to say?"
"That he was sorry for what Jane said last night," I replied. "I think he wants to talk to you too."
He harrumphed unhappily, earning him a stern stare.
"Be nice," I ordered. "He didn't do anything."
"He brought that twit here," he retorted. "He knew she'd cause shit."
"He didn't have much of a choice, Em," I reasoned. "She's his wife."
The words were bitter in my mouth.
"Wife or not, he needs to grow a fucking backbone."
I glowered at him unhappily.
"Don't be mean," I chastised. "He's being kind."
Emmett kept quiet, simply taking a deep breath to calm himself.
"You slept well?" he asked, changing the subject.
"Yeah," I said again. "Thanks for letting me stay with you."
"Anytime, Bell," he said, his voice exuding honesty. "I like having you close by."
"I hog the covers," I reminded him.
He just smiled, readjusting the both of us. Rosalie, having noticed our little talk, came and plopped herself down on the other sofa cushion. To my shock, I felt her jerk me away from my brother, staring, unfazed, when he gave her an unhappy glance.
"I'm sorry for losing my temper yesterday," she said gently. "I was angry, and a bit irrational."
"I'm not," I said honestly. "I'm kind of glad you put her in her place."
Rosalie just grinned, no more muttered apologies coming from her.
I knew she wasn't really sorry for what she'd said yesterday.
Only that she thought she'd upset me.
"You know I love you, right?" she asked again, her voice idle.
"Love you too," I said.
"You know I won't ever grow tired of you?"
"I know."
"You know that Jane's a lying little bitch?"
"Rose!"
"What?" she asked, her eyes glinting. "We're all thinking it, I'm just putting it out there."
I giggled, sitting back against the thick sofa cushion.
"Rosalie, you mind your tongue," said Nona sternly, eying Rose over the top of her glasses. "You're not a heathen, you're a young lady—act like one."
Rosalie had the decency to look properly chastised.
"Sorry Nona," she said easily. "I'm just defending Bella, that's all."
Nona tutted before she turned to Papi, who unlike Rose, didn't have the good grace to look offended. On the contrary— he was laughing.
"For Christ's sake, Greg!" snapped Nona angrily. "Don't encourage her! The girl has got to learn some propriety!"
"She's proper enough, Ally," he said jovially. "She's got spunk."
Rosalie turned towards the warring grandparents, amused.
"Don't you Ally me," she warned. "It'll be a cold day in hell before I let any grandchild of mine get away with cursing."
"You cursed," Papi pointed out.
Nona's eyes flared and I could've sworn I heard her growl at him.
"Yes, and I'm about to do much worse than curse, Gregorio."
"Oh ho, so now I'm Gregorio, am I?" teased Papi.
I balked, shocked at his nerve. Nona looked positively lethal.
"Come now, papa," said Aro suddenly, turning to his father. "Don't goad her."
Papi Greg just laughed and Nona's temper reared once more, turning to her son.
"You keep out of this, boy," she snapped. Aro rolled his eyes and returned to his newspaper, looking bothered.
Carlisle watched with great amusement as Nona's rolled magazine made contact with Papi's head.
I jumped in surprise.
Papi laughed heartily once more, dodging the next blow.
"Come on, Allegra," he goaded. "You can do much better than that."
Smack!
"Ouch woman!" he complained, holding the back of his head. "I didn't mean that kind of better!"
"You mind your tongue too, then," she snarked. "I only give what you've asked for."
Papi, subdued, just grumbled, turning his attention elsewhere.
"See how she treats me?" he said suddenly, looking at me. "Positively medieval!"
"Greg," warned Nona again, not bothering to look away from her magazine.
Papi just grinned behind her back and winked at me, earning him a smile.
Those two were my favorites, I decided.
The seat cushion next to me sunk down and only then did I notice Emmett was gone. Esme, having taken his place, gave me a gentle, reassuring smile, letting me know that Uncle Alec and Emmett had gotten down to talking.
"I'm sure he's not really angry," said Esme gently, speaking only to me. "He's just upset, is all."
"I know," I sighed, having recognized the trademark tension that overcame my brother when he was angry.
"It means a lot to me that you can forgive him," said Esme softly. "I've been waiting a long time to introduce you to my brother."
I blushed and examined my fingernails, uncomfortable with the intimacy of the conversation.
Esme, catching on, simply ran her hand down the back of my head, smoothing my fly-away hairs.
"I love you, sweetheart."
"Love you too, Esme."
She pressed a kiss to the side of my head before leaning back, resting her hand on my leg. Jasper was watching the interaction from across the room, his attention divided between Alice and I. Alice, I suspected, was talking about her Christmas purchases, as she was so apt to do now that we'd all opened them up and discovered what they were.
"…took me forever to find it," said Alice, her voice wavering across the room. "You have no idea!"
"I'll bet it did," said Jasper gently, pacifying her.
"Are you even listening to me?" she asked, sounding irritated.
"Of course," he returned, feigning hurt. "It took you forever to find that dress!" he mocked.
Alice huffed, falling silent and sitting back once she realized Jasper was mocking her. Jasper, looking sheepishly amused, snuck more than one glance at her and her newly developed sour mood.
"Go play a video game or something," she said sullenly. "You're obviously not interested in what I'm talking about."
Jasper wisely kept quiet and kept his rear in his seat, knowing that obeying that command would only make her angrier. I tuned out of their conversation and returned to Esme.
"When do I start school?" I asked.
"When our guests have returned home and when the others are back in class," she said. "The fewer distractions, the better."
"What will I learn?"
"Math, English, history, science, maybe some art," she said. "Whatever's mandatory and some of the things you want to learn."
"I want to write," I informed her easily.
"You'll learn," she said. "You have some of the basics already, so really, it's all about honing the skills you already have."
"Yeah."
"Do you want to stay here or would you like to come back to the kitchen with me and help me finish lunch?" she asked.
"I'll help."
With a quick goodbye to Rosalie, Nona and Papi and a glance over at the newly-happy Alice and a bored Jasper, Esme and I moved into the kitchen, where Emmett and Alec were still talking. When we came inside, they stopped abruptly, both sets of eyes zeroed in on me.
I knew they were talking about me.
"Don't mind me," I said sarcastically.
Emmett looked properly bashful and Alec averted his gaze.
Esme wordlessly handed me some fresh bread to slice, knowing that my knife-wielding skills were improving every day.
"Sorry Bella," said Uncle Alec softly. "I don't mean to talk about you behind your back."
I ignored him, knowing very well that he'd meant to… why else would they have done it?
You couldn't accidentally talk about someone.
"All I said is that I don't like it when you're upset," said Emmett. "I don't like that Jane got you so riled up."
"Mhm."
Esme remained silent, letting us talk it out.
"It's bad for your heart," said Emmett bluntly.
"It's been three months," I reminded him. "I'm allowed to freak out every now and then."
"I know," he sighed. "It's still not ideal."
"Neither is caffeine, but you weren't whining about my hot chocolate yesterday."
"I just don't like it when you're upset, alright?" he snapped. "Is it so wrong of me to want you to be happy?"
I turned to him, knife still in hand.
"Not usually," I began, "but if you're taking it out on the wrong person, then yeah, it's a bad thing."
Emmett closed his eyes and pinched his nose—a very Edward move—and faced Alec again.
"I've already said it, but for Bella's benefit, I'm sorry," he said. "It's not your fault your wife's a manipulative bitch."
"Emmett!" gasped Esme, wheeling around.
"No, Esme," said Alec tiredly. "He's right."
"That doesn't give him the right to say it," said Esme angrily. "You watch your mouth, young man."
Esme had her paring knife pointed at him.
Emmett, though I knew a rude retort was on the end of his tongue, kept his mouth shut and listened to his mother.
"Sorry about earlier," said Emmett gently, returning his attention to Uncle Alec.
"It's fine, Em," he said. "I'll deal with Jane when I get back to Jacksonville."
Emmett, appeased, left the conversation there and turned his attention to me.
"Are you mad at me now?" he asked quietly, taking in my tense posture and pointed, feigned ignorance.
"No," I said, my voice clipped.
"You're a horrible liar," he said gently. "Whatever I did to make you mad, I'm sorry."
I turned back to him, observing quietly. When he kept quiet as well, I nodded an acceptance and turned back to the bread, making the final slice.
Uncle Alec returned to the living room, leaving Esme, Emmett and I alone in the kitchen together.
"I'm just a worrywart, Bella," said Emmett gently, pulling up a stool on the opposite side of the island. I took the cucumber from Esme and began slicing that, having no choice but to face him.
"The very last thing I want is you getting sick again."
"I won't get sick again," I scoffed. "I'm fine now."
"I know you are," he said. "Doctor Denali has given you nothing but rave reviews."
"Then why are you so uptight about it?" I asked. "I'm going to get upset every once in a while… even Carmen says so."
"I don't have to like it, Boo," he said. "If it were up to me, nothing would ever upset you."
I stared at him for a moment, sighing.
"That's impossible, and you know it."
"Of course I do," he said, chuckling. "I'll try my best to make it happen, though."
I just rolled my eyes and continued chopping. Emmett laughed outright.
"It's my job, Bella," he said. "I get to be uptight and annoying… I'm your big brother."
Yeah, he most definitely was.
A/N: As of right now, there are 1809 reviews... only 191 more to reach my goal of 2000!
...and no more bitchy anonymous reviews about how I shouldn't ask for them. I can ask and I will.
Also, if you haven't already, check out the poll on my profile to vote for the story you'd like to see next (a Dark Waltz prequel is an option!)
