Chapter 12: Meeting the Cullens

Edward

I had no idea whether to believe what Tanya had said. There was a huge chance it was just one of her ways to drive me insane, but I couldn't help but wonder. All I knew about Jacob was that he played in our orchestra. Bella and Alice never talked about him, so I didn't know what kind of person he was. What if it wasn't even Bella's fault? What if he had forced himself on her? I felt a rage course through my veins toward this guy that I didn't even know. I knew I was only jumping to conclusions, and that I had to snap out of it. I was driving after all.

I had originally planned to surprise her, but I decided to tell her now. "Forks." I said, trying to keep my voice under control. "It's where I grew up." From my peripheral vision, I saw her shift in her seat and look at me expectantly.

"I went to high school there. On the Reservation, actually." Bella added, and this took me by surprise. Usually only people who lived on the beach lived there. Then it clicked. Her last name was Swan. Charlie Swan was probably her father, and the sheriff, and he had a house near La Push, where the reservation had stood for so long. I thought it was funny that we had been so close at one time and didn't even know it.

"That's cool. I remember the sheriff, but it's a shame I never met you." I said, and then I felt a wave of guilt not telling her about what Tanya had said. I got a smile out of Bella but we remained silent for the rest of the car ride.

I pulled the car into the drive of my parents' big house, and Bella looked at me wide-eyed. "You live here?" She seemed shocked. "It's practically a mansion!"

"Well, I used to live here anyway. You don't like it?" I asked.

"It's amazing, don't get me wrong. I just had no idea your parents had a place like this." She admired the building for a moment before getting her bags out of the truck. I followed her to get my one bag and offered to help her, but she declined. We walked up to the front porch and Bella looked like she'd entered a completely different world. It was kind of funny to watch as she drug her suitcase on wheels through the gravel patch and tried to take in everything her eyes could see.

We didn't even make it up the porch when my mom, Esme, burst through the door and started saying how she missed me so much and how long am I staying.

"Hello dears, you must be Bella! So nice to finally meet you." Esme found Bella's hand and shook it. Bella had a tint of red appearing on her cheeks as she talked with Esme, and I didn't notice when my father came out to greet us. Carlisle came down the steps and gave me a hug, asking who my lady friend was and is it serious yet. I laughed and took this opportunity to have Dad help me carry Bella's bags inside.

"So how's the practice been?" I asked Carlisle who'd been manning his own clinic for many years now. He had wanted me to take over and make it a family practice, but I had found my passion in music. I figured he wouldn't be too upset as long as he had Esme to take care of him.

"Same as always. Though folks have been asking about you occasionally and how the crazy life in college is going." Carlisle said. He was always on personal terms with patients and was both a good friend and doctor. After we finished making up the room, Bella found me and insisted I give her a tour.

"Let's start with my room then, since we're already here." I said, and she immediately blushed. I showed her my CD collection and my very impressive boom box. Then we moved on to the kitchen, dining room, living room, backyard, and then to her room.

"Oh," she seemed disappointed, "I thought we were sharing." She said, and I laughed out loud.

"Don't tempt me." I told her seriously. That got a smile and giggle from her, but then her face turned solemn.

"We need to talk."

So sorry it took so long for me to get back on track with this story. I know the frustration of waiting as I am also waiting for updates on a story right now. I hope you enjoyed and I will update sooner this time. Reviews please!