I realised after I posted the first chapter that I didn't state what year this part of the story is told from.
Edward goes to live with the Cullen's in the year 2000. Later chapters will be told from the current year when he is 34/35 and the years in between as he gets older.

I'm going to keep the chapters short for now. It's easier to type and post more frequently that way.

The Cullens home was set back from the road and surrounded by peaceful woodland with only one neighbouring house.
Esme pulled up out the front of a large double garage attached to a vast three storey building.
There was a hulk of a boy shooting hoops off to the side.
Esme climbed out and I followed suit.

"Emmett," she called, "Can you come and help?"

The boy set his ball down and jogged over. "Hey Ma." He kissed her on the cheek.

"Emmett, this is Edward. He's going to be staying with us for a while."

"Emmett McCarty." He held out his hand for me to shake. "You must be the gay kid."

"Emmett!" I looked down at the floor as Esme scolded him.

Any hope I had of finding change flew out of the window. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Emmett approaching once more.

"Edward? I'm sorry man. Sometimes my mouth gets ahead of my brain. It's gotten me into trouble on more than one occasion. I heard mom and dad talking about you last night. I didn't realise what the full situation was. I thought it was common knowledge. Apologies if I have offended you."

"S'alright." I mumbled. "You call Doctor and Mrs Cullen mom and dad? Even though they're not blood related?"

"Yeah. I was moved around a lot as a kid. No foster family would keep me around for long, until them. I've been with them since I was twelve. They're the best parents I could have asked for."

I gave him a dubious look.

"It's true! They're really laid back but firm in their rules. They don't shout and they're not in it for the money, like some fosters are. They genuinely care about the kids that pass through their doors. They're understanding and will always fight in your corner. And if you have a problem - no matter how small - talk to them about it. It's better to hash it out early instead of letting it fester until you erupt."

I stood staring at Emmett with my mouth slightly agape. I had expected him to be the strong and silent type, but it would appear that once you get him talking he never shuts up.

"Come on. Mom wants to show you around and to your room. I'll grab your stuff."

I looked to where Mrs Cullen was waiting by the front door. I walked up and followed her inside.

Their home was light and airy. As serene inside as it is out. Each room seemed bigger than the last. Kitchen, dining room, a sunken family room with large French doors that lead into the garden, games room. You name it, they probably had it in this house.
One room in particular caught my eye. A music room decorated in soft neutral tones that housed a drum kit, several guitars and a small baby grand piano. My heart panged for the old upright one I used to play at my mothers house.

"Edward, sweetheart, this is your room." Esme's voice pulled me out of my head. We were on the second floor with only a couple of doors at each end of the hall. "If you don't like the colours we can always change them for you. Emmett's room is across the hall and mine and Carlisle's is down the hall on the right." She pointed each door out before pushing mine open for me.

The room - while not as big as others in this house - was still quite spacious. Probably double the size of my old room. The walls were a navy blue with white and light wood fittings. A large bed sat centrally between two floor to ceiling windows and a wooden desk was pushed to the left wall between to matching doors.

"We like to leave the rooms simple, that way you can add anything and decorate as you wish." Esme said from the doorway. "A few personal touches here and there and it will start to feel more like a safe haven for you. Is it to your liking so far?"

"Yes. Thank you Mrs Cullen."

"Please, call me Esme."

"Yes ma'am."

She smiled a little, but didn't call me out on not calling her by her first name. "Do you have any questions sweetheart?"

"Uhm, what are these doors for?" I asked.

"Oh, forgive me. May I come in?" She gestured to the room.

I shrugged "It's your house."

"No Edward. This is your safe place. We will respect your boundaries and won't enter unless you allow us to." She gave me a gentle smile.

"You can come in." I stepped aside and let her enter.

"The door on the left is a closet and this one is a small, private bathroom for you." She opened the door to bright white fixtures and natural stone tiles. "I will need to take you shopping for toiletries and other bits you might like. In the meantime I'm sure Emmett will let you use some of his shower gel and shampoo."

"I got spares, ma." We heard from the doorway as Emmett set my bags down. He was gone less than a minute before he was back and handing me the unopened bottles. They were similar to the brands I would usually use.

"Thank you Emmett."

"Don't sweat it bro. Wanna shoot some hoops with me later?"

"Uhm.." I glanced out the window where fat raindrops spattered against the glass.

He followed my gaze but that didn't deter him. "There's a spare hoop in the garage. As long as we stay away from the cars we'll be alright."

"Son, it's been a stressful twenty four hours for Edward. How about we let him get settled in a bit first. I'm sure he'd like to unpack," I shot her a grateful look as she ushered Emmett from the room. "Clean towels are in the cabinet under the sink. Do you have any food allergies?"

I shook my head in the negative.

"Okay. I'm doing chicken alfredo for dinner. Is that okay?"

"I-I've never had it before. Mom didn't have much."

Esme gave me a sympathetic smile. "I understand sweet boy. Come downstairs when you're ready okay." She left the room and closed the door behind her.

I sat down heavily on the bed and let the reality of my situation sink in.

My mother has disowned me.
I don't even know my father.
Probably going to burn in hell.
I'm in a strange home, where I don't know anyone.
A new town, where I don't know anyone.
A new school.
A new life.
My every move was now being watched by case workers, doctors, fosters.

I hastily rubbed the hot tears from my cheeks, flinching when my fingertips brushed against my nose.

I got up and started pacing, feeling like a caged animal. The angry thoughts swirling in my head. Playing on a loop.

I don't know how long I paced for but everything came crashing down when I heard Doctor Cullen's voice drift in from outside.

It was his fault I was in this mess.

Before I knew what was happening I was out of the back doors and flying across the yard at him. Emmett caught me around the middle before I could touch him though.

"THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!" I screamed. "YOU TOLD ME IT WOULD BE ALRIGHT. YOU SAID I SHOULD TELL HER. THAT SHE WOULD UNDERSTAND. I COULD HAVE CARRIED ON. KEPT MY SECRET. YOU DID THIS! You did this." I repeated in a smaller voice, slumping in Emmett's grip. No fight left in me as I sobbed openly in front of them. "Let me go."

"Emmett, it's alright. Let go of him."

He loosened his grip and I sank to my knees. Mud and water soaked through the material of my jeans, but I couldn't find it in me to care.

I felt completely broken.

Poor Edward. What a day for him.

As always I love to hear what you think.