Disclaimer – I do not own Twilight, or any of the characters created within that world, they belong to Stephanie Meyer. I have simply borrowed them for my story. This storyline, however, is completely mine, along with any additional characters (and darned proud of them I am too!)
A/N: Hi everyone! Thank you for coming back to this fic that feels like it's taking forever to get through, but I'm happy to say that it seems to be picking up pace!
It's such a scary and worrying time for everyone in the world right now, so if reading my fic makes you smile, even for just a moment, then I've done my job, and am as happy as a pig in poop! As always, I would like to thank each and every one of you for supporting me and my stories. They really do mean a lot, and I pour my heart into them, so thank you for believing that they are worth reading! I hope you enjoy this chapter!
SWTE - Chapter 12
EPOV
The thought of leaving Bella in the park, all alone and completely at the mercy of anything that may wish to destroy her almost gave me a heart attack. Well, it would do if my heart was still beating. But even though she has argued plenty of times that she is more than capable of dealing with her destiny, I still didn't relish the thought of her clashing with a deadly predator like a vampire. Even my family and I are supposed to be vicious and bloodthirsty monsters - we just choose to walk a different path, our morals and standards make it so.
I put one foot in front of the other as slowly as I thought I could get away with, without annoying Bella further and risk her possibly changing her mind about us. I turned back once or twice, and knew that I was right to keep walking when I saw her give me 'the look'.
I continued on, using every fibre of my body to not rush back, scoop the beautiful and stubborn woman up in my arms, and run for three days solid to get her as far away from any danger as possible. She would not like that, and I certainly would not survive this time.
Instead I waited until I was at the edge of the darkened streets, confident that I would not be spotted, before I took up at a run and made my way back to the house.
I thought about the fact that tonight had not gone as I was expecting, not at all. Actually, it was the complete opposite. I had expected Bella to have changed her mind about not killing me, and I meant what I said when I told her I would die smiling. If her face was the last I saw, I would die a happy man.
But to know that she was not only going to allow me to live, but that she had missed me, was astounding. I felt like I could soar above the clouds when she told me that. I'll admit, at first I felt pure annoyance at Carlisle telling Bella the truth about that devastating night at her parents' house and of their deaths, but I quickly reminded myself that Carlisle is not only my sire and the leader of our family, but he is also the kindest, most compassionate and considerate person I know. He would not have told Bella of that night if it were not for a truly noble and trustworthy reason.
The trees at the edge of the forest came into view, and I made quick work of manoeuvring swiftly through them, eager to get back to my family and discuss the evening with them.
"Edward, I'm glad to see you came home" said Alice, as I walked through the front door. She was perched on the first few steps of the wooden staircase, reading.
"Alice" I said with a nod of my head, as a form of greeting.
"So..." she edged, clearly having something to say, "how did it go?"
"Fine" I replied quickly, not wanting to discuss anything until the whole family were present, and I wanted to get out of this conversation so that I could round them up and begin. I was keen to get their answers, and if anyone disagreed, then I would need to think of a counter-argument.
"Just fine?" She asked, hopping from the staircase and flooring me into the family room.
I turned on my heel, but she didn't bump into me. Not only are vampires fast, and perceptive, but Alice must have seen that I was going to turn around, and readied herself.
"Do you have something to say Alice?" I asked.
"Why did you leave? If you didn't think you were coming back to us?"
Her small mouth fell slightly and her lip trembled.
"I saw it Edward. I saw your decision to go to the park, and what you expected to happen. But I couldn't see anything once you were with Bella. I'm just glad she allowed you to walk away. I hope you have found some peace at least, now that you have had a chance to speak to her, you know, face to face" she said, gently placing her tiny hand on my shoulder. "I was scared because by the time I saw it, it was too late for anyone to reach you…I just had to hope…"
I smiled at my sister. "It's ok Alice, it really is..."
"I know Bella meant the world to you Edward-"
"She still does Alice. We talked and I think she's willing to give me another chance"
The small gasp was enough to tell me that my mother had overheard our conversation. Not that it would be hard, with vampire hearing and all.
"Oh Edward!" Cried my mother, as she swept into the room and pulled me into her arms, wrapping me in a hug. I must admit, I may be over 100 years old, and unbreakable, but in that very moment, I realised that a hug from Esme was just what I needed.
She finally let me go, and held me at arm's length, her eyes dancing wildly across every millimetre of my face, studying it to see if she could somehow gauge my thoughts and feelings. "Please tell me it's true. I would so love to see all of my children in love and happy"
I chuckled at her enthusiasm.
"Woah woah, I said 'I think' she's willing, but there is something really important I need to talk to you all about, let's get everyone together. I'm eager to kind of get this over with" I added, feeling a dread in the pit of my stomach.
On one hand, my family knew that I had found 'my one' and they really did want me to be happy, but on the other hand, they had followed me for over a decade in my quest to find Bella without so much as a grumble. And that even includes Rosalie.
I have waited my whole existence for Bella, but I must remember their feelings matter too. They had already helped me get this far. I need to take their opinions into account.
Once we were all situated in the family room, I began what I assume will be a very lengthy and detailed conversation.
"Edward, son...what's on your mind" asked my father, sitting on the arm of the chair Esme had sat in, and he gently placed his arm around her shoulders.
"Well, as you know, I went to visit Bella tonight, and as much as I don't want to admit this, I believe I owe you all the complete truth" I said, taking a deep - yet unnecessary - breath. "I thought tonight that I was walking to my death, I genuinely thought that Bella was so repulsed by me, that she needed to get rid of me altogether"
Esme's hand flew to her mouth, and Emmett's mouth fell slack.
A protective growl erupted from where Rosalie was sat, but she made no movement or spoke, so I continued on.
"I was at peace with my supposed fate, I simply requested that she not take her anger out on my family once I was gone. I had dragged you all into this, and it was up to me to get you out of it"
"Oh Edward" cried Esme, and if she weren't frozen in time, she would have been openly sobbing right now.
I held up my hands, "It's ok" I said quickly, "I'm still here, aren't I? Bella was actually very angry at me when she realised that that is what I thought was going to happen. She said that she could never do anything like that to me" and I felt a swell in my chest when I said those words out loud. To know that she cared for me that much was astounding.
"So she's decided she's not going to kill you?" Asked Emmett, as he stood by the fireplace, with his big beefy arms crossed over his equally large chest, somewhat defensively.
"That's right" I smiled.
"I don't get it then" he thought to himself.
"Bella has decided that she would like for us to try to start building up a relationship or a friendship again. I don't know what will happen, there have been many secrets on both sides, but one thing I do know is that I cannot live without her" I explained sincerely.
"Well that's wonderful news" clapped Alice happily. I think she would very much like to be best friends with Bella one day, I suspected as much when she met her in the coffee shop one morning.
"Yes, well there is a catch..."
"A catch?" Asked Rosalie, in a dead panned tone, and one eyebrow raised. She has her sassy head on today I see.
"Yes, a catch. You see, the family that Bella has back on the Rez near Forks are wolves, right? The problem is, Bella doesn't want to keep any secrets from them"
"She wants to tell them what we are?" Asked Jasper, sounding more agitated with every word. "Edward, if she does that, they could come here and kill us. Don't get me wrong, I like our chances, but it's a whole load of hassle we can do without, and I for one won't agree to something that could put Alice in danger" he added, with finality.
He smiled down at the object of his affection, and she simply smiled back.
"Jazz, baby...let's hear him out shall we?" Soothed Alice, taking Jasper's hand and kissing his knuckles. He seemed to calm almost instantly, but I think that has more to do with the influence Alice has on him than anything he is able to do himself.
"Look, I know I've asked a lot from you in the past, and believe me, if there was any other way around this, I would do everything I could, but I just can't live without her. You all know this. She is everything to me, and the feelings I have for her...I cannot even describe them fully. It's like she owns me completely"
I looked around the room at 6 different facial expressions...Rosalie looked angry, Esme was smiling as if she hadn't even heard what we had been saying, Carlisle seemed deep in thought, Emmett just wore a blank expression but his thoughts were centred around wanting to watch tomorrow's football game, Jasper was cautious and Alice had the biggest grin. I knew if my future was with Bella, then she couldn't actually see what was to come, but the smile stretched across her face was encouraging.
"Wait wait" said Rosalie, holding her hands up to halt our conversation. "So, Bella doesn't want to keep a secret about us?...One that we have kept for a lot longer than she has actually been alive? Yeah, not going to happen, I'm with Jasper on this one" she said defiantly, as our other blonde haired sibling gave her a quick, appreciative nod.
"Rosalie, let's just hear Edward out, ok? Carry on son" said Carlisle.
Rosalie huffed and turned away from me slightly, but said nothing more.
"Thank you. Look, I know that it is a big decision and it affects all of us, which is why I am standing here talking to you all now, rather than just telling Bella yes. But I understand if you don't want her to speak to the wolves about us"
I paced to the other side of the room, dragging my hand through my hair in frustration.
"There is a few ways that this can go. We could just let Bella tell them about us...we could just walk away now...or I could allow you guys to leave, move somewhere new, and I would spend the rest of Bella's life with her..."
"Then I vote we leave now"
I knew Rosalie would be the first to speak up.
"We can't leave Rose" argued Alice gently, "that would mean that Edward has to leave Bella. Could you imagine falling in love with Emmett and then suddenly having to leave him? Never see him again?"
Rosalie actually seemed to take in our sisters words, whilst glancing over at Emmett and smiling.
"No, I guess I couldn't, but this is different. For one, Emmett and I are both vampires, and secondly, he's not wanting to spill the greatest and most dangerous secret we have"
She crossed her legs, and imitated her husband's stance by crossing her arms over her chest.
"I would just like to understand Edward, why exactly does Bella need to reveal what we are to her family?" Asked Carlisle.
I didn't take offence at his question, or feel as if were being interrogated, I could hear from his thoughts that Carlisle genuinely wanted to understand.
"To be honest, I can't confirm for sure, but I can only hope that it has something to do with possibly wanting me to meet her family in the future sometime" I shrugged, giving a somewhat half-assed explanation.
Carlisle simply nodded and resumed back to his own private musings. Although I could hear '...I guess there could be the possibility of some sort of kinship with Bella's family' and that made me hopeful, because if I could convince our father, then the rest may follow suit. But then I also heard 'I just don't want our family to be led into a slaughter' and that soured my hopes a little.
"The way I see it" said Emmett, uncrossing his arms and pacing around the room to where I was stood, "We could just get young Bella back here, so we can ask her ourselves". He placed a large arm around my shoulders and gave me a dimpled grin.
'Don't worry bro, I got your back' he thought, whilst not-so-inconspicuously winking at me.
I rolled my eyes, knowing that if this was the best I could do for support, then I'm screwed. As kind and gentle as Emmett is, once his wife puts her foot down, his loyalty will wain and Emmett switching sides will be inevitable.
"I really don't want Bella to-"
"To what, Edward? To be around a bunch of vampires?" Spat Rosalie.
"Rosie, calm down babe"
"No Emmett, I won't calm down" she replied angrily, as she stood quickly and began pacing the room. "Edward doesn't just get to give us a few choices and expect us to just choose one without question, does he?"
Her pacing got quicker and quicker, until Emmett left my side and held her still by placing his hands on the tops of her arms, looking deeply into her eyes.
"No baby, but he is our brother. He's had to sit by and watch every member of this family show love and affection that you can only share with a partner - not sibling love, or parental love. But being able to kiss and hug the one being in the world that shares your heart. Are you just going to turn your back on his only chance to do that?" He asked her gently, whilst surprising the heck out of me.
That was very open and astute for what Emmett usually comes out with. "Let's be honest, we all know Bella is Edward's 'One' and to not even talk about the options is as bad as turning our backs on him"
Wow, I guess Emmett really does have my back!
Rosalie took a deep breath, even though it wasn't needed, closed her eyes tight and blew out. She opened her golden eyes and I saw a different person behind them.
"Edward" she began in a completely different tone to the one she had used only moments ago, "you have to see how this affects us too. By rights, Bella is supposed to be an enemy to us. And now you are asking us if we can let her tell our secret to the one thing in this world that could kill us all?"
"Technically, Bella could kill us all if she wanted" added Alice, factually.
"She could try" muttered Jasper, but continued to hold his wife's hand, as she stroked gently over his long fingers and gave him a tender smile.
"Please, I don't want this to come between us all. I know what I'm asking is a lot - and yes, Alice is right - Bella is a dangerous woman, and believe me when I say that I wouldn't fancy my chances against her one bit, but I love her, and she really is the only one I will ever love".
I walked over to the large glass doors that led out to the forest and stared out, hoping my voice will hold out.
"I could just leave, and when Bella's time is up-"
"Please don't pretend to us that you will come back Edward" said Alice sadly, "We know that you could never live in a world without your mate. None of us could do that. The bond between mates is just too strong. When one leaves this world, the other will follow soon"
I knew this to be true. I didn't need Alice's visions to confirm that, even though she hadn't had a vision about it – she was simply speaking from knowing me so well.
"Oh Edward no!" Sobbed Esme, who had left her seat and her husband, and was beside me in less than a second. She took hold of my hand and held on tight, as if I was suddenly going to run. "I cannot lose you. I cannot lose my son. Please, please don't do this. Don't leave us"
I pulled her into my arms, as she held me just as tightly.
"I cannot bear the thought of losing you" she mumbled against my shoulder, "and if it means that we need to talk to Bella about this first, then I will welcome her into our home".
She pulled away, and took my face gently on her hands, whilst her eyes began taking in as much of my features as she could. "Besides, the night she found out, she was coming here to protect us from the very things that we are. She seems like a lovely girl, and from what your father says, she's also smart and compassionate. I would be willing to do anything to keep my family together" she added finally, as if the conversation was over.
"Me too Son, Bella is a strong girl, and she is a delight - once you get past the whole huntress thing. I think talking with her would be a step in the right direction" added Carlisle.
I turned to the other 4 faces around the room, knowing how this would probably go down, and sure enough I was right.
"What about you guys? What do you think?"
"Yes, I think Bella coming here and talking would be good for us all" said Alice, whilst Emmett shouted "yeah!", agreeing with our spiked haired sister.
"I like Bella, Edward, you know I do. Considering what she is anyway, and the fact that she spared Alice that night has put her in a somewhat better light, but if this all goes sideways..." said Jasper, leaving his side of the conversation open ended, knowing what he was getting at.
The silence in the room lasted as six sets of eyes fell upon Rosalie. She stood as still as a statue, glancing out of the window ahead.
"Rose?" I asked quietly. "Rose, what do you think?"
After another moment, she relented.
"Fine" was all she said, before pulling the back door open, and taking off into the night.
"I'll go after her" added Emmett, before patting me on the back, and disappearing too.
The phone call to Bella to ask her to come over had to wait until the morning, and the hours that passed until I could speak to her again felt like an eternity.
I headed to my room, knowing that not much would have changed. Even though we all technically owned our own homes, they were more for personal privacy than anything else. We all still had our own space at the Cullen house, and still had our own rooms. Esme wouldn't have it any other way. And the house Carlisle and Esme would buy whenever we moved to a new town would always be far bigger than what was needed for all seven of us.
I reached my room, the one furthest away from the rest of the house, and sat at my piano. Esme would polish it up every now and again, just to keep it looking clean and as good as new. I lifted the lid, hearing the familiar groaning creak, as it opened against its will. Lack of use had caused that, and I feel like my search for Bella had taken up much of my time that I sat everything else on the sidelines. My family. The chance of making any friends. My music. My books and paintings. It was all about Bella. It always had been.
My fingers moved quickly over the keys, hitting Ivory and black without actually thinking about it. A directionless tune, but a tune nevertheless. And it was gentle, and light, and hopeful. I realised that it was Bella in music form. The way she made me feel and the way I thought of her, like she was here influencing me right now. She was in my every thought without even knowing it.
'Ah, he's playing again' thought Esme, happy in the fact that I may get my happily ever after, and be just like the rest of my family at long last...but Jasper's thoughts of strategy upon this turning nasty was not something I wished to dwell on or hear.
I couldn't really blame him. He had been the youngest general in his army, and Jasper was a darned good soldier from what I can tell. He sometimes let me in on the few spotty memories he could still hold onto, and fighting enemies was something he was very good at doing. The problem was that if this did come down to a battle, I would have no choice but to side with my Isabella. After all, my family know that if any of them killed her, it would kill me too.
I stopped playing, shutting the lid quickly, and loudly.
The thoughts were whizzing through my mind, rapidly weighing up all the options and possible outcomes. And ultimately, even if my family did allow Bella to tell her family about us, there was still no guarantee that the wolves wouldn't come after us. In which case, would Bella fight with her family, or would she side with us against them? I didn't really like my odds with that particular thought process, as I know she would stick with her family. Bella is fiercely protective over those she loves, and it would be a no-brainer for her in the end.
Luckily, dawn quickly came around and the sun began to rise. I picked up my phone seeing that it was just before 6. Bella would most probably still be asleep, but as I no longer slept, and hadn't done for over a century now, I really had no clue on that. But one thing did know was that I couldn't wait any longer. I had to speak with her, and just hoped that she could forgive me for waking her.
"Good morning Edward"
Ah, her voice is literally music to my ears. I feel so lucky just to be able to hear her speak. I smiled to myself, just imagining her on the other end, her beautiful lips as she spoke my name.
"Good morning Isabella" I replied, throwing all of my charm into my voice, hoping she would be enticed into actually not killing me this time, "You sound wide awake and chipper this morning"
"Well, I had a very eventful night last night"
My still heart almost started beating again at the dread I felt knowing she was in danger and I had walked away, albeit forced, but I still had to walk away.
"So you fought a vampire then?" I asked, swallowing thickly, a million different scenarios whizzing through my mind, each one where Bella ends up lying broken on the cold and dirty floor.
I shuddered and shook my head slightly in a vain attempt to wipe my mind clean of those images and thoughts.
"No, but I did meet up with one and I'm more than happy that he walked away with his head very much attached to his shoulders"
"Oh you mean me!" I exclaimed, realising she had been talking about me the whole time.
She laughed lightly, the sound of her happy tones easing me drastically.
"Yes I mean you, you beautiful idiot!" She continued to chuckle. "So, did you manage to speak to your family last night?"
"Well, that's the reason I'm calling actually-"
"And here is my thinking you just wanted to hear my voice again" she teased.
"Oh Isabella, I could spend every single second for the rest of my existence listening to you talk, laugh, sing, hum and even shout at me, but I have something I would like to request of you if you would be ok with it?"
"Okaaaaaaayyy?"
Oh shit, she sounds unsure already, and I've not even told her what it is yet!
"Edward?"
I brought myself back to the conversation. "Oh sorry, erm...well, I sort of spoke to them and...well...they want to meet you"
The long silence on the other end was making me worry.
"Are you still there?" I asked, but of course she was still there. I could hear her shallow breathing through the phone, and could even faintly hear her beating heart. I guess I really was drawn to her. More than I could have ever realised.
"Why do they want to meet me? I've already met them" she replied quickly, and somewhat defensively.
"I think they would just like to understand why you would need to tell your family about us. I sort of understand, but I must respect that this involves my family too, and I wanted to give you the chance to tell them in your own words"
I held my breath, waiting for her to deny me the request, and put up a good enough reason why she should stay away from my family.
"Ok" she said finally, and the strength in her voice made me feel a sense of pride. I could imagine her straightening her back, squaring her shoulders and clenching her jaw in determination. "Where shall we meet? Or do you want me to come by the house?"
A movement out of the corner of my eye caught my attention, and I saw that Alice was stood in the open doorway to my room, leaning against it with her dainty shoulder. She smiled encouragingly, and winked. And I knew in that one moment that everything would be ok. I know that Alice couldn't see a future with Bella involved, but her silent confidence was almost just as good.
"The house would be great, if you are happy to meet here that is?" I added quickly, nodding to Alice, knowing that she would have heard Bella's side of the conversation anyway. "I don't want you to feel-"
"It's fine Edward. I suspected that this wouldn't be simple, and if talking to your family will alleviate any worries and objections they have, then, I will meet with them"
She had, what I liked to call, her 'professional' voice on. The one she used when I've heard her talk to clients in the gallery.
"Thank you Bella. I will be here with you. You will be completely safe, I promise you"
"I know" she replied quickly. "You seem to forget that I'm just as dangerous as any vampire out there Edward. I can take care of myself", and I suspect that she was sending a message to the rest of my family, who she would be very aware could hear every word she was saying.
"I can come by tonight if you wish? I have to take care of some business first-"
"Gallery business?" I asked, rudely interrupting her, but wanting to make sure.
She chuckled once more. "Yes Edward, gallery business" and she repeated my words back to me a little sarcastically. Luckily, I knew she hadn't taken offence to me being concerned.
"That would be fine, tonight it is then. Would you like me to come get you?"
"No, I can drive myself thanks. I'll be coming straight from work anyway. So I'll see you later then?"
I sighed, at the thought of seeing her soon. "Until later, my beautiful Bella"
With a quick goodbye, we hung up, and I noticed that Alice had slipped away unseen whilst I had been wrapped up in speaking with my girl.
My girl.
I just hoped that I would be able to say that for a long time to come. But I know that we had a very large mountain to get over before that.
My mother just wanted me to be happy.
My father was already familiar with Bella and had spoken to her at length, which still irked me somewhat. But I know that Carlisle always did what was best for others and he would not have spoken to her if he did not truly believe that it was for the best. And if we're not for Carlisle, our reunion may not have happened at all.
Alice was confident that she and Bella would become best friends, and Emmett was so laid back that I was certain she would be best friends with him too.
Jasper may be reserved and silent for now, and already probably planning a hundred different ways to either fight the wolves or to get Alice as far as away as possible if a fight should erupt, but he also worshipped his wife, as trusted her with his life. If Alice thought everything would be ok, Jasper was more likely to believe so too.
Our biggest issue was going to be Rosalie. She was set in her ways, stubborn and extremely self centred. Not only did she perceive Bella as a threat to our family, but also in a shallow and completely 'Rosalie' way, she saw Bella as another female potentially joining the family.
Of course Rosalie would see her as competition, rather than the possibility that she could temporarily gain a sister, an ally and someone who may just take Rose's side every once in a while. It was totally possible, given that Bella was not only a determined and focused woman herself, but she was someone who strongly supported other great women.
The other thing about Rosalie was that she was fiercely protective of her family. Even me. Sure, we were completely different people, and had opposite personalities, but if I were in trouble, I know Rosalie would be right there to help me out of it. So I knew that part of her hostility was for fear of us getting killed, or that she will lose someone she loves deeply.
At request by myself, my family and I spent the rest of the day, scattered throughout the vast woodland behind the house, hunting until we felt satisfied. I wanted nothing to go wrong tonight, and hoped that having fed meant my family were not letting hunger and pent up energy distract them from what Bella and I were hoping to achieve.
"Are you ok Edward?" Asked Carlisle, as he joined me by a large oak tree. He took out a handkerchief and patted the sides of his mouth, hoping to catch any stray blood. He needn't have bothered, Carlisle had never been a messy eater anyway. Emmett on the other hand was a completely different story. For Emmett, it was more of a game. There was nothing in our lives that Emmett wouldn't try to make more fun.
"Yes, I'm ok thank you. Just thinking..."
"About Bella?" He asked. I nodded quickly, keeping my eyes trained on the swaying leaves of the trees in front of us.
"Anything I can help with?" He stepped a little to the left, and took a seat on a large flat rock. After a moment I joined him, knowing it was a silent invitation to talk in private whilst the rest of the family were still busy other their meals.
"I think you've done enough" I said gently.
"Edward, I'm sorry that I-"
"Oh no, you misunderstand me. I was being genuine, you really have done more than I could ever have asked Carlisle. If it wasn't for you, I would have nothing to worry about tonight, because it would not be happening. All I would have to look forward to was a future where I had to watch the woman I love grow older, meet and marry someone else, knowing it would never be me. At least with your help, I may one day get to call her my wife"
"And that is what you want?"
I turned to look at his face, seeing nothing but love and support in his eyes.
I nodded sadly. It was a bittersweet thought.
Having Bella as my wife, and to be loved by her as a husband could expect to be loved, enjoying all of the memories of a wedding and a honeymoon and all of the years ahead of us...but seeing the ageing process develop right before my eyes day by day, and not being able to do anything about it, with it ultimately ending in our final goodbye...
"I love her more than my own life Carlisle, more than my own existence. I ask myself why could I just not have fallen in love with a fellow vampire, who I know was strong and fast and unbreakable..."
"From what I have seen and heard, Bella is strong and fast and very much unbreakable too"
"But she is mortal Carlisle, and as strong and brave as she may be, and as challenging as she is, I cannot stop time. I will get to love her for the rest of her life, but then I must go on without her. How can I do that?
"It really is something that you need to figure out yourself Son. I would give anything to be able to provide you with an easy and perfect answer, you know that, but I can't"
I placed my hand on his shoulder, indicating that I understood. I just couldn't put into words how I was feeling.
"There is also the whole destiny thing" I added as an afterthought. I elaborated when I saw that Carlisle was confused. "Her destiny of being a huntress. It has been passed down for generations, as long as Bella can trace back. Every woman in Bella's family has had a daughter, who has inherited the huntress gene and therefore become one herself. She would then give birth to a daughter, and it would go on and on like that. Bella's mother was a huntress, her grandmother, and her great grandmother..."
"And what does Bella think about that?" He asked gently. "Has she expressed an interest in finding someone who could provide her with a daughter? Biologically I mean?"
I growled quietly, the rumble reverberating in my chest. The mere thought of another man touching my girl was too much to even think about.
"I was only asking Edward, because this is something that you and Bella need to discuss at length. There is no point in causing yourself any more upset and hurt if your heart will have to be broken in order for her to keep the legacy going. As much as I hate to say it, you are not the man for that particular job. At least, not that I have ever been aware of. We just can't reproduce I'm afraid"
I calmed myself down, concentrating on the feel of the breeze as it whipped around us gently, and of the sound of the leaves rustling in that very same breeze.
"I know, and I'm sorry Carlisle, but I just don't know what to do. I love Bella so much that it clouds my thoughts, and I would be lying if I said I haven't considered already asking her to marry me…to be mine for as long as she will have me, but getting the family to accept her could be harder than I thought. And it's not just that she is an outsider, but she's also a huntress with an equally dangerous family"
I scrubbed my hand roughly over my face, and through my hair.
Carlisle placed his hand on my shoulder in support. "Don't overthink it Edward. I know it's not a normal situation, but then again, what about our family is normal? Things will happen the way they are supposed to, but whilst you are worrying, you could be letting opportunities pass you by", and with a firm squeeze of my shoulder, he muttered about having room for one more in him, before taking off into the forest again.
The day passed by slowly.
Our hunting took less time than it usually does. Under normal circumstances, we would wait a few weeks before feeding again, but I insisted my family feed before Bella arrives this evening. So, the rest of the day consisted of reading books that I had read a million times before, without actually taking in the words. I paced the length of my room, not daring to make a visit to my own home for fear of not being here when Bella arrived. I wasn't worried about her being around my family alone, because I know that she is completely safe around them, but the thought of missing even a second with her sends my stomach in knots.
Jasper called by my room in the afternoon, to offer his services in calming my nerves. I politely declined his help, but knowing that he would be feeling the whole families emotions including my own only added to the feelings he would be experiencing, in the guilt that that brought on.
'Leaving the gallery now, I'll be with you soon. B x'
As soon as Bella's text message came through, the churning feeling in my stomach returned in full force.
'Edward please try to calm down brother, I'm trying to concentrate on keeping Rose serene and as civil as I possibly can' thought Jasper from across the hall.
I immediately calmed myself, sending waves of gratefulness his way. I couldn't say thank you even in my quietest voice, because Rosalie would click onto what was happening. And that would be worth than both mine and Jasper's lives put together.
This was our little way of communicating without the rest of the family hearing.
'You're welcome' he thought in response, and I smiled, as he showed me his memory of Bella again in her office. Her jaw set, her shoulders squared...she really was a magnificent woman. And she was currently on her way here, to have a talk with seven vampires.
She was nothing short of incredible.
The minutes passed by more slowly than I could ever have imagined, the hands on the clock just dragging themselves reluctantly along.
I could hear my family below laughing and talking amongst themselves. All except for Rosalie. She was silent on the outside, but her mind was a mess of emotions, and remarks.
'I swear Edward, if we end up getting killed because you fell for the wrong woman, you will die knowing your family perished because of your choices, you know that right?'...
'How on Earth is a huntress even going to be a part of this family anyway? She's the complete opposite of all of us'...
'I'm not going to make any special effort at all, she is coming here to...'
By that point, I just focused on someone else, anyone else would do. Rosalie's mind-poison was just distracting me in all the wrong ways. Because if I were being truly honest with myself, I knew that she was talking sense - although I would never admit that it her.
If my family were targeted by Bella's wolf brothers, then it would be because of me. I would see them all die, all because I fell in love.
I quickly shook my head in a vain attempt to clear it. I couldn't dwell on thoughts like that, not when the alternative could be so perfect.
The familiar sound of Bella's car pulling into the driveway had me on my feet in less than a second. And as I made my way down the staircase towards the front door, I noticed a lot less physical talking, and much more mental.
'Ooh she's here' gushed Esme.
'Right, let's see how much of a firecracker she really is' thought Emmett.
'She had better not fuck this up for us' sneered Rosalie.
But it was my father's thoughts I chose to focus on. They were aimed at me after all.
'Calm thoughts Edward, and remember that this is just a talk. We just want to find out what is going on from Bella's side, ok? Now go let her in Son'
I made it to the front door, just as a small knock came from the other side, and I pulled it open quickly, not wanting another second to go by where we are separated by anything, even a piece of wood.
"Isabella" I greeted her.
"Good evening Edward" she replied almost formally, and as much as I loved having her here, it felt like she was attending a business meeting rather than meeting my family.
I showed her in, and took her coat, trying not to focus on her almost see through blouse, tight black pencil skirt and high heels on her dainty feet. I swallowed thickly, hanging up her jacket and directing her through to the family room, whilst averting my eyes to anything besides the swaying of her perfect body in front of me.
"Bella, you have already met my family" I said, as we saw all six pairs of eyes land on us.
"Hello everyone" she said, nodding formally and smiling.
It felt like the air was full of static, buzzing between Bella and my family. I don't know if it was because we were supposed to technically be enemies, or because of the reason behind Bella's visit this evening, but I felt it.
"Hi Bella, it's really great to see you" said Alice, crossing the room quickly, and pulling Bella in for a hug.
If Bella was surprised or uncomfortable, she certainly didn't show it. She just stiffly hugged Alice back and quickly let go, taking a step back and plastering on a smile again.
"Hi Bella" waved Esme from the doorway. "I hope you don't mind but I made you some dinner. Edward mentioned that you were coming straight from work, and I thought you might not have eaten yet?"
The hope in Esme's voice broke my heart. I could see and feel and hear in her thoughts how much she loved being a mother of sorts, and being able to have someone to cook for brought her a lot of joy.
Bella looked over at me, a little uncertainly. I nodded quickly, showing her that it was alright.
"Erm, thank you Mrs Cullen, that's very thoughtful of you" she replied sweetly, "it smells delicious"
It was only in that moment that my sense of smell even registered that there was something cooking in the kitchen. I had been so preoccupied with Bella's impending arrival that my senses were slightly off.
Bella's compliment put the biggest of smiles on my mother's face, and I could have scooped that beautiful girl up in my arms and kissed her for eternity for enabling Esme to feel that happiness.
"That's great. Well, I will set it all up in the dining room for you, to give you some privacy whilst you eat. And we will be here for you when you are done, ok?" And before she even got a response, Esme was off and clattering around getting cutlery and crockery together, setting up the dining room.
Within a minute, Esme was back with us, and giving Bella directions to the dining room.
"Take your time dear, we aren't going anywhere" she smiled.
Bella mumbled a quick thank you, and I followed her into the dining room, closing the door behind us.
"I hope you don't mind me joining you?" I asked her, as I pulled out her chair.
"No, not at all. I'm actually really hungry" and she placed a napkin over her lap, before picking up her fork and beginning to eat. I just couldn't bring myself to look away from her face. She really was beautiful.
"Your Mother can certainly cook Edward. This is delicious" she added, before putting in another forkful. I smiled, knowing Esme would be bouncing in her seat at having heard that.
"So, how has your day been?"
She gave me a deadpanned look.
"What?"
"You're making small talk with me now? You do know the reason I'm here, right?" She chuckled, before putting more food into her mouth and chewing slowly. Her raised eyebrow gave me the feeling that she wasn't as nervous about this evening as I was.
"I just figured that you might want to chat a little whilst you eat. And then when you are done we can get to the heavy stuff" I shrugged.
She swallowed and smiled at me. "That's very considerate of you Edward. Thank you. So, tell me," she went on whilst spearing more good into her fork, "how has your day been?"
She gave me a sweet smile and put more food into her mouth.
I smirked at her playfulness. "It's been abysmally long and tedious, knowing that I would be seeing you this evening, and having to wait for it. Time ticks by very differently for a vampire than it does for others"
She nodded to indicate that she had heard me, but said nothing more.
"How are you feeling?" I asked cautiously. I didn't want to neglect her feelings, but I was also worried about alerting her to any emotions she may be trying to keep at bay. Such as fear. Or anxiety. Or disgust. My kind are her mortal enemy...I just hope that doesn't extend to my family and I. "Are you ok?"
"You mean are my spidey senses tingling?" She asked, wiggling her small fingers at me.
"Something like that" I smirked.
"It's there a little, but I think it will just be something I'll have to get used to"
I breathed a sigh of relief at her assumption that she will be around to actually get used to it.
"Anyway, it's nothing compared to when I come across a real vampire" she shrugged.
I heard a growl from the other room. Bella did too because her head also turned. I guess I will have to get used to Bella's special senses too, of her hearing things we vampires can hear. And sensing things we can sense.
"I didn't mean it like that," she said, rolling her eyes with her head tilted towards the door, then she turned back to face me, knowing my family could also hear, "it just that in all of my years of hunting, I've never come across your kind. The kind that don't hunt humans. I don't class you as vampires, I class you as people. To me, vampires are monsters, but you and your family…well, you aren't monsters, you are different. You're better, kinder and much more civilised"
I smiled at her.
I could see the pride in Carlisle's thoughts. Of all the times he stayed by each of us whilst we fought against the bloodlust. Of watching us grow as people, rather than the monsters that Bella spoke of.
Of us helping what we should consider our food, but who we actually consider our friends and colleagues.
"Do you even eat human food?"
"No, not really. I mean, I can eat it, but I choose not to. It tastes terrible, and we can't digest it" I answered honestly. After all, there was no point in hiding anything now was there?
"So, the date we had at the restaurant?"
"Yeah, I tried to eat as little as possible, but I'm sure you had already spotted that", She nodded quickly. "Although, knowing what I know about you now, it doesn't seem so strange that you were carrying a blade in your purse"
"It helps to have weapons stashed everywhere at all times"
She smiled and placed more food in her mouth. She chewed slowly and swallowed. "What?" she asked, seeing my expression.
"You have weapons always?"
"Yeah, I have some in my apartment, some at the gallery, some in my car. I even have some stashed away in certain parts of the city…just the places I know humans don't really go, but where I know vamps do" she ticked off on her fingers.
"Do you have any in your car right now?" I asked, hoping not.
"Of course I do Edward. My day job has a clocking off time, but my destiny doesn't. I have to keep weapons close to hand, because vampires never wait around for me to go home and get them. Don't worry, I don't have any on me now. I trust your family"
"You do?" Yes, I sounded as surprised as I actually was.
"Yes, I do" she chuckled. "Apart from the fact that your golden eyes prove your family are different, I know I am always safe with you"
She reached across the table, and squeezed my hand, before picking up her fork again and continuing to eat.
"So, the date at your house?"
I ran my hand over the back of my neck. "I cooked that meal for you, I really prefer to drink blood, but human food doesn't hurt me. It certainly helps that we can eat it if we need to, for example, benefit dinners and such"
"I see" she replied.
The grandfather clock at the far end of the room annoyingly ticked away, reminding me that our time together is limited, and I sent waves of hatred toward it for being such a disturbing inanimate object.
'Easy brother' thought Jasper, sending waves of calm.
The silence drove on, only the sound of the cutlery clinking on the plate, and Bella chewing.
"I don't think the blonde one likes me" she said after a while, taking her fork and spearing a piece of chicken, placing it in her mouth, and chewing. "Your sister" she confirmed.
"Rosalie is not to everyone's taste" I replied.
'Such an ass' thought Rosalie, whilst I could hear Jasper chuckle.
"But, she is just very protective of her family"
"Well," said Bella, placing her knife and fork on the plate, and picking them up, "let's get these washed up, and go have a talk, shall we?"
Before I could answer, Esme appeared by her side. "Here, let me take those for you dear" and without another word, she took the dishes from Bella's hands, and made her way into the kitchen.
"Honestly, I could have done that myself. I didn't expect-"
"Trust me, my mother is more than happy to wash the dishes" I replied, knowing what was going on inside Esme's head. I know she missed the mundane parts of everyday life that humans take for granted, such as cooking for the family and cleaning the dishes.
I placed my hand at the small of Bella's back, guiding her back down the hall to the family room. "We have a dishwasher in there, but as we don't eat and our kitchen is just for show, my mother will take any opportunity to use it in any way she can"
"Well, if she loves housework so much, I have a whole apartment that needs cleaning" she joked.
I laughed at her humour, knowing that she felt so easy and calm, enough to make jokes anyway.
We entered in the family room, seeing that the rest of the family were already situated. Luckily, the seat nearest the door was free, and I indicated to Bella to sit down. I wasn't sure if my family had intentionally left that seat unoccupied so that Bella could leave if she wished, or if it had just happened that way, but whatever it was made me grateful.
Alice gave Bella a small wave. Jasper nodded. Emmett and Carlisle said hello to her again. And Rosalie...well, Rosalie sat with her arms folded and staring out of the window.
Bella sat and straightened out her skirt, and I was once more distracted by the pale skin of her legs.
Jasper gave me a smirk, knowing exactly what my emotions meant right now.
"Sorry about that everyone" said Esme, as she entered the room, and quickly closed the door behind her. "I was just doing the dishes" and she was practically buzzing with happiness at having been able to even utter that phrase.
"Thank you again Mrs Cullen. That really was delicious"
"Oh it was nothing dear" replied Esme, waving her hand dismissively, but her thoughts being excited and proud. "I was more than happy to get a chance to use the kitchen. And please, call me Esme"
Bella nodded and smiled.
And then the room fell silent once more.
Thoughts all around the room were uncertain and full of questions.
I couldn't read Bella's mind, but the 'voices' in the room were screaming out, but the actual volume of the room was an awkward silence. Everyone had questions, or comments, but no-one wanted to be the first.
They knew Bella meant everything to me and to upset her, meant also upsetting me too.
Finally, it was the head of our family who decided to speak up.
"Bella, it was very kind of you to agree to meeting with us this evening. I hope we haven't caused you to cancel any plans" he began.
Carlisle, smooth as ever and equally as charming. I was glad it was him who was speaking first.
"Not at all, I was happy to come along to talk with you all" smiled Bella.
'She means it too Edward' thought Jasper. 'I'm not getting any hint of sarcasm or insincerity at all'
I nodded once to show I had acknowledged his thoughts, but not enough to draw attention.
"We have talked with Edward, regarding your friendship..."
"Oh that's what he calls it, is it?" She chuckled, tapping my knee teasingly. "You can refer to it as a relationship Carlisle, I won't be offended or upset. Edward knows I'm serious about him"
The touch of her hand on me was like an electric pulse, and I was suddenly desperate for more. Like I had been a man in the desert dying of thirst, and she was a beautiful, cool, blue lagoon.
Jasper smirked at me knowingly, but I chose to ignore him. I needed to concentrate on my girl right now, and exactly what she was saying. The fact that she had pretty much confirmed we were still dating.
"That's wonderful to hear Bella" said Esme, sitting forward slightly, in order to get a better view of her from around Carlisle's torso, "it has been so long and we wondered if Edward would ever fall in love..."
"Mom!" The word left my mouth in a much higher pitch than I would have liked.
Emmett chuckled, Rosalie smirked and even Bella had a grin on her face.
"What? It's true...you have never taken an interest in anyone in all of the years you have been in this family, and now you have fallen in love" she gushed, clasping her hands together tightly.
"If I asked really nicely," I said bending slightly to whisper to Bella, "would you change your mind and just kill me?"
Bella laughed and rolled her eyes, whereas my mother tutted at me, but I could hear in her thoughts that she wasn't angry or annoyed.
I couldn't hear Bella's thoughts, so it was frustrating to know how she took my comment really. Was she secretly annoyed? Did it make her think differently of me? Or is she glad that the awkwardness has passed between vampire and huntress?
"Hush" she laughed, and placed her hand in mine.
I was instantly calm and happy.
"So, what we want to know is why?" Asked Rosalie, somewhat rudely, I might add. But at least she was acknowledging that Bella was in the room.
"Why did I fall in love with him?" Asked Bella, her perfectly shaped eyebrows pulling together a little.
The word 'love' being mentioned had Esme almost bouncing out of her seat.
"Oh Edward, she really is perfect for you" she thought.
"No, I'm asking why you need to tell your family. The wolves on The Rez. Why do they have to know about us?"
Bella didn't seem phased by Rosalie and her demanding questions.
In fact, she actually stared out into space for a moment, obviously being careful and considering how to answer.
"I don't know how much you all know about me, but I do know that you are aware of my past. Or should I say, my parents. You were the ones who saved me, and having learnt that recently, it made me think about you all a lot. You see, when Billy took me in and I went to live with him and Jake, I felt like an outsider. A burden. I felt like the kid that he didn't ask for, but the one he got regardless. Another mouth to feed and another kid to run around after"
I could hear Bella's heartbeat pick up pace, and I placed my hand over her shoulder in support.
"But it wasn't like that at all...not from Billy's point of view anyway. He loved me like one of his own, and welcomed me with open arms. Jake did too. They kept me safe...in fact, I'd go as far as saying that they actually kept me alive. Goodness knows, there were enough times when I just wanted to give up. They both opened their home to me, and the tribe opened their hearts and they made me one of them. The palest one, but still a tribe member all the same"
"That's very sweet" said Alice, smiling at Bella with a wistful look on her face.
"Yeah, it was, and I guess even today, I feel like I took much more than I gave back. But I only recently found out about the tribe turning into wolves - whilst out on a hunt actually, when one of the wolves fought a vampire right in front of me - and it hurt. When I say it hurt, I mean it absolutely devastated me. I had grown up with these people practically my whole life, and when my dad was alive, he would always take me to play with Jake and the boys. They were, and still are, my family. So to know I wasn't a part of that particular area of their lives just tore me up. I felt betrayed and confused. Of course, they didn't have to tell me anything, but I'm a big believer that you don't keep secrets from family. And so, if I kept Edward's secret - all of your secret - then I would be a hypocrite for having been so upset when they kept something from me"
"I guess she has a point" thought Jasper, and he avoided my eye contact when he realised I'd heard that. He hadn't meant to make that thought so 'loud'.
Whereas I was trying to hold in my anxiety at Bella witnessing a full blown fight between a vampire and a werewolf and having being able to live to tell the tale. I mean, I know she was sitting safely in front of me, but the protectiveness I felt over this beautiful and tiny woman beside me was all consuming. I made a mental note to ask her about that particular encounter later on…
"Look, I'm hoping that this thing between Edward and I can continue onto something special...something unique and amazing, but I couldn't carry on with such a huge secret looming over us, every time we visited my family - because they will want me to meet you, Edward" she added, turning a little in her seat to look up at me through her thick lashes.
"I know Pops will definitely want to meet you. He was always very protective of me, even when my parents were around, but more so now. Even though I can obviously take care of myself, he will still want to meet you. I've already talked to him about you"
The gasps around the room came all at once.
"Oh gosh, no" said Bella quickly, holding her hands up in defence, "I've not mentioned anything specific, I promised I wouldn't. But he does know that there is someone in my life that I feel very strongly about, and he knows that I don't fall for guys very easily. So, what do you all think?"
I detected the slightest hint of hope in her voice and it gave me a great feeling of happiness and optimism. If Bella was hoping my family will agree to it, then there is hope for us yet.
"What do you think - as an active member of the tribe, of course - what would your family think?"
"I'll be honest Carlisle, I'm not completely sure, but I'm pretty confident that if we handle this the right way, it could be fine"
"Could?" Shouted Rosalie, rising from her seat rapidly, "Could be fine? Are you kidding? You've come here and asked for our agreement to something that is not a risk to your own life, but it sure as shit risks ours, and just hoping we roll over and agree...especially when you can't predict how this is going to go? And our best shot of knowing what would happen is Alice, but even she can't do that, not when you're around, because she can't see any future that involves you!"
A growl erupted from my chest without me realising. Bella cleared her throat beside me, and I stopped my involuntary sound.
"Babe, calm down" soothed Emmett, and I felt for the guy. His evening has been mostly about calming down his crazy-ass wife!
She shrugged his hand off her shoulder, but he just put it right back. Rosalie was hot headed and stubborn, but Emmett was patient and persistent. She would calm down eventually, and he would be right by her side the whole time until it happened. They balanced each other so perfectly.
"I'm sorry Rosalie, but I don't know what to tell you. I can't predict the future either, but I know my family-"
"Oh yeah? Until a few weeks ago, you didn't even know they were wolves!" Shouted my sister.
"Ok, you have a point there...but just because they physically turn into a wolf doesn't change their personalities...their compassion...their understanding" replied Bella calmly. "My family love me, I love Edward, Edward loves all of you...if they hurt you, it would hurt Edward, which would hurt me, and my Pops would never want to do that. Just let me talk to him. He's the tribe leader, and the tribe follow his word, even if they don't always agree to it. If I can get Pops to understand, he can order the rest of the tribe to give you guys a chance"
Various nods and hums came from my family members, all lost in their own heads. Alice of course was all for it. She might not be able to see a future with Bella in it, but she was confident in how it made her feel. She felt like it would be fine, and I held onto her happy feeling, hoping it could rub off on the rest.
"If this doesn't work out with your family, you do know that we will have to leave don't you Bella?" Asked Carlisle. "That would mean Edward too. We just cannot risk exposure for what we are, but most importantly, we cannot risk being killed by your brothers. I won't put my family in danger like that"
"I understand Carlisle, and I am completely responsible for the consequences" said Bella sincerely. "But I cannot do this if it means lying for the rest of my life. I can't do that"
Carlisle smiled kindly. "Then it is a yes from me"
"And me" added Esme, quickly.
"Me too" said Alice, with Emmett also agreeing.
"I have my reservations, of course" said Jasper, cautiously. His arm was around Alice's shoulder, but I could tell that he held her just a little more tightly as he spoke. "But I worry that you will resent us, and we will end up fighting if things get out of hand, and I end up killing one of your brothers..."
"Oh it won't get that far Jazzy" said Alice, smiling up at him and tapping his knee gently.
He sighed and nodded. His faith in his wife never failed to astound me. "In that case, I am agreeing to what you ask"
"Rosalie?"
Our father turned to her, as she stood with her back to us. I couldn't even hear a thought in her head right now, and that didn't sit well with me. I've never had radio silence with Rosalie, she always has some sort of thought or musing, being the self-centred person that she is.
She was silent for a long time, and if we were all human, I would have assumed that she hadn't heard him. But as we are all vampires with unbelievable hearing, I knew she was either considering it, or just being dramatic. I suspected the latter.
"Fine!" She eventually broke the silence, "but I'm not happy about it, and if this goes sideways" she added, turning back to the room, and pointing her finger at Bella, " just know...I'll kill you myself" she spat, before taking off out of the room and up the stairs to her bedroom. Emmett gave Bella a huge grin before following after her.
The rest of us took some time to exchange some small talk. Bella spoke a little about the gallery, and promised Esme a tour so that she could purchase some new pieces. She asked Carlisle how things at the hospital were going, and I took the opportunity to forget about everything else for a moment, and fantasise about how this could be our lives now. No worries. No troubles. Just family.
After a round of goodbyes and hugs, especially from my mother and sister, I followed Bella to the front door. I helped her into her jacket, and handed her bag over.
"Thank you for coming tonight Bella, it really helps to know that you were willing to discuss it all with my family. I'm hoping that your family are just as accepting of us"
She pulled her bag over her shoulder, and flipped her long hair behind her back, and out of her face. "Well, almost all of your family accepted us. I think it's going to take something special in order to get your sister on side" she said.
"Oh don't mind Rosalie. She's always been a little hot headed…she will come around"
"No I won't!" said Rosalie, from her bedroom, sounding a lot like a petulant child. Bella's eyes cast upwards and I knew that she had heard her response. She smirked at me knowingly.
"I wish you would let me drive you home" I added, almost pleading with her.
"Not a chance Cullen. I have my car here anyway. It would be pointless for you to drive me home, only for you to have to come all the way back here on foot. No, I'll be fine. I wish you would stop worrying" she added, reaching up and smoothing out the frown lines between my eyes. Her touch calmed me instantly, as it always did.
She was the light to my dark. The calm to my storm.
"Please make sure you call me when you arrive home" I said, more of a statement than a request.
"I've told you, I will be fine"
"I know, but it will have been too long since I had spoken to you" I replied, reaching to cup her face in both of my hands, feeling the warmth of her cheeks against my palms.
I brought my lips up to gently meet hers, and the all familiar tingle was still present, reminding me that what we have is not only dangerous and unusual, but that it is also absolutely perfect and meant to be.
We reluctantly broke apart.
"Edward, I don't know what is going to happen with my family, but I hope you understand why I need to do this. Why I cannot lie to them?"
"Of course I understand, and if there is anything I can do to help-"
"I'm glad you said that" she interrupted, "because I think I have an idea on how we can go about this, where no-one needs to get hurt, and there need not be a war" she smiled.
~~~SWTE~~~SWTE~~~SWTE~~~
…And that is how I ended up sitting next to my girl in a crowded coffee shop in Washington, grasping Bella's hand tightly, and feeling the nerves kicking in.
"This will be fine Edward" muttered Bella.
The chime of the door rang out in the quiet café, indicating that someone had entered, and heard the booming voice of who I assumed was Bella's brother, Jake.
"Bells!"
I turned to see a huge Quielete man enter through the door, pushing a much older man in a wheelchair. He was the spitting image of his father, besides the long hair, of course.
I knew from talking with Bella that the man in the wheelchair was Mr Black, and now that I had seen his face, I remembered him from all those years ago.
Mr Black waved over, and Bella stood, bending to hug Billy when they approached the table.
"Mr Black" I said, offering my hand.
He smiled and took it, but upon contact, his voice remained silent, but his mind raced.
A/N: I know, I know…I'm leaving it on a cliffy, but the chapter was getting a little long as it was, and I have much more planned that would be great as a brand new chapter.
What do you think Billy and Jake will make of what Bella is about to tell them? Is there going to be a war of the families? Or will they trust Bella's instinct as they usually do?
Let me know what you think!
Until the next chapter!
WhitlocksBoo xxx