One entire office move, a norovirus, a serious bout of bronchitis later and BOOM! A new chapter. Seriously, I'm really grateful to all of you for hanging with me. It's been a really, really, long two months. It means everything to me that you guys are still here.

I couldn't have done this without the help of Sazzledazzled and Edwardsfirstkiss for their pre-reading and beta skills. You guys have been wonderful to me and I appreciate all of your help.

SM owns Twilight but I own Devilward.


The Devil's Plan

Chapter 18

Thank You for Coming

"Will your mom be okay with Charlie wanting to watch every football game he can find, before and immediately after dinner? Because I've been instructed to turn down the invitation if not." Bella was keenly aware of her father's college football addiction, but had hoped he could keep it in check long enough to eat Thanksgiving dinner with the Cullens' like a real family. She'd been wrong.

"Are you kidding? We don't see Emmett all day except to eat and even then he's got the games paused so he doesn't miss anything." Edward promised with a smile.

"Good. I really want to spend the day with you." She answered, snuggling up to his side as they sat on her couch watching, The Goonies. In the past Bella had never minded having holiday dinners with just Charlie after her mom left and grandparents died, but then she'd never had a boyfriend before. Now every spare minute she had was put aside for Edward time. The morning after their talk, he'd been waiting at the curb in his shiny car waiting to drive her to school. Which he did that day and had continued doing every school day since. Bella's attitude towards mornings had dramatically changed as a direct result.

"Me too." He confirmed while pulling her closer into his body.

Edward's outlook on life had changed as well. The guilt he carried was still with him, but he'd relegated it to the bottom of his closet and with Felix's help, was slowly but surely, emptying out the boxes. Bella was a ray of sunshine to him. She burst into his life when he needed her the most. Her smile both warmed and brightened his day. Thanks to her, he was becoming more worried about where to take her on dates and what movies she might want to see rather than dwelling on the past. To his surprise, he'd seen changes in his father's attitude also. While Edward was still cautious towards Carlisle, they'd been able to have several conversations that hadn't turned into screaming matches. They'd even gone as far as beginning to plan a Christmas light display, a long-standing tradition since Edward had been ten years old. Edward had thought that his brother's attitude was changing as well, but when Rosalie suddenly returned to Forks, after a vaguely explained absence, all of the late-night video gaming and tag team puppy play had ended. Luckily his relationship with Bella and the unconditional love that his four-legged best friend gave him eased the burn of his brother's bad attitude.

The couple's first arrival at Forks High brought a lot of stares and questions. Bella and Edward ignored everything except to confirm that they were indeed a couple. Alice and Angela were ecstatic at the news though Bella thought that part of Alice's happiness was due to Jasper's return. Regardless, Bella was happy to have the support. No one was happier to see the two together than Esme. She was beginning to feel the heavy cloud of guilt lift from her shoulders as she witnessed her son's growing happiness and decision to re-engage in life. While opening an interior design studio like the one she had in Seattle wasn't on her 'to do' list, at least not yet, she had made inquiries around town about her other interests. She was now in the process of organizing a gardening club and a ladies only book club.

With Carlisle finally accepting and embracing his new role at the hospital and Emmett receiving a lot of attention from college scouts, being a big fish in a little pond had its advantages, it appeared that the Cullen family, was on its way back from the abyss. Esme dared to hope that all of the bad stuff was behind them.

~~TDP~~

"Those pies look amazing." Charlie's chest inflated as he took a big sniff of the cooling pies.

"Really? I've never made pie crust from scratch before." Bella eyed the four pies sitting on the counter. One apple, one pumpkin, one cherry and one chocolate silk. She'd offered to make more than pies but Esme insisted she could handle the dinner if Bella made dessert.

"Sweetheart, they look amazing. But do we need four? I thought it was only going to be the six of us?"

"Thank you. I think Emmett's girlfriend is joining us for dinner and I'm trying to get Alice to come over for dessert." Ever since that first dinner at the Cullen's house, Rosalie had rubbed her the wrong way and continued to do so. Especially since Rose's bad attitude seemed to adversely affect how Emmett interacted with Edward. Still, she had no choice but to try to get along. Though she hoped that having Alice there would make things easier.

"Is she still seeing that Jasper boy?" Charlie's search on the two Hale kids had turned up next to nothing. Which in and of itself is a good thing seeing as neither had a police record, but they didn't seem to have any records. He'd briefly spoken to Lloyd Hale about his niece and nephew, but was disappointed and a bit alarmed when the man spat out a few sentences that had no substance and seemed to be memorized. He couldn't even tell Charlie how old the twins were or what school they'd attended before appearing in Forks. All he could say was that they were his sister's children from Texas and that he and his wife, Sharon were delighted they were living with them.

"Um, yeah."

"Will he be at dinner?"

"He'll probably come to dessert with Alice." Bella admitted. She wasn't happy when Alice took Jasper back without even a demand to know where he'd been for the last couple of weeks. But her friend was smiling again and Bella couldn't begrudge her that happiness, especially since she'd found her own happy place with Edward.

"Good. Maybe he and I will find time for a little chat." Bella raised an eyebrow at her father.

"Dad, please don't make a scene."

"Hey, do I ever embarrass you in front of your friends?" Bella's eye twitched as she proceeded to remind him about being dropped off at play dates from the back seat of his patrol car. Or her twelfth birthday when he presented her with pepper spray and proceeded to tell the three neighborhood boys who were in attendance that it would blind them and make them pee their pants. Or the time when she was ten minutes late walking back from a movie at Alice's house only to discover that Charlie had dispatched all three of his deputies to track her down, only to have them all converge at the Piggly Wiggly where she'd stopped off to buy tampons.

"Okay, okay." He laughed, holding his hands up in surrender. "I can see by your expression you seem to feel I have in some way, in the past, embarrassed you." Bella opened her mouth to remind him that the last event happened only a year ago. "BUT, as your father it's my duty to ferret out any pertinent information regarding that Hale kid. And I will do so as I see fit." He ended his statement with a smirk and crossed his arms over his chest, daring her to argue.

Bella smiled and leaned up to kiss his cheek. "Okay, daddy. You win."

~~TDP~~

"I think we'll use Great-Grandma Cullen's china instead of mine for dinner. What do you think?" Edward shrugged at his mother. A plate was a plate to him. "Well, you're no help." He had to stifle a laugh as his mother threw up her hands in mock disgust. Edward knew she wasn't upset. In fact, he hadn't seen her this excited in quite a while. "Go set the table."

After Edward finished setting the table, Great-Grandma Cullen's china looked quite fetching against the Autumn themed table cloth, with his task completed, he wandered back into the den where his brother and father were watching football.

"Did you see that?" Emmett asked, pointing to the big screen TV. "That coach is fearless! Boy, I hope he saw my game against Temple. I would love to play for them."

"You don't think you'd want to stay a little closer to home?" Carlisle winced as he watched the crimson and white uniforms of the Oklahoma Sooners flash across the screen.

"Dad, you know Washington is my top choice but playing for the Sooners would be so cool."

"Well, I think that your mother would appreciate you staying close to home. The last year has been very challenging." Edward stopped short at his father's words. Like a criminal, he hung back at the doorway, hiding in the shadows as his father continued to speak. "Especially for your mother. I think you should seriously consider staying close to home, for her sake."

"Dad, I'll think about it. Where I go will depend on where Rosie wants to go."

"Son, you cannot allow your feelings for that girl to affect your future."

"Rosie is my future!" Emmett's voice rose defensively.

Edward could hear his father sigh from his hiding place in the hallway.

"Emmett, you just met her. You have to think of your family-"

"No! Don't you dare say that to me. Did Edward think of the family when he slept with Tanya? No, he didn't, but we all paid for it!"

Edward flinched at the unmistaken anger in his brother's voice, he prepared himself for the rest he was sure to come.

"Emmett-"

"I know what you're going to say. Mom has said it a hundred times. 'Think about Edward, Edward lost so much, Edward was taken advantage of-" Edward shuddered as Emmett mimicked is mother's voice.

"That's enough. I will not have you mocking your mother!" Carlisle sighed loudly before continuing. "Look, I know it's been difficult. Your teammates, your friends, Alec…" Edward allowed his head to fall back onto the wall behind him at the mention of Emmett's best friend and Tanya's son. Despite the advances he'd been making in his quest to move forward, he couldn't forget the ones that had been left behind because of his weakness.

~~TDP~~

"What exactly is this feast celebrating?" Ba'al asked as he watched Astarte spray a highly flammable and sticky substance all over her finely coiffed head.

"Emmett says it's basically an excuse to eat roasted fowl and sweetened pie while pretending to be grateful for things. Oh, and he said to wear stretchy pants." She put the can down onto the counter and turned to Ba'al with a sarcastic smirk. "I don't do stretchy pants."

"I can see that." Ba'al snorted as he took in her decidedly tight and fairly short attire.

"When will you and the girl get there?"

"Alice said something about being there for the pumpkin dessert. Evidently it's a big deal for the celebration."

"Yes, Emmett mentioned it. Well, I suppose I should be going. I do enjoy watching Emmett eat." Astarte said, rolling her eyes.

"I trust that you will be doing more than just watching the large child eat?" Ba'al asked with a raised brow.

"Of course. I promised him fellatio if he makes his brother cry during dinner." She said flippantly before leaving the room.

~~TDP~~

"Emmett if you open that oven door one more time, I'll throw the whole thing away and make tuna salad sandwiches for lunch!" Emmett's large frame shuddered at his mother's threat, before slamming the oven door and rushing out of the kitchen. "I swear, that boy is a turkey freak." Bella laughed at Esme's exasperated expression. She and Charlie had only been at the Cullen's for a little over an hour and she'd witnessed Emmett attempting to peek at the turkey no less than three times. Kodi, sniffed the air trying to suck in as much of the turkey scented air as possible.

"You too, fuzzy!" She shooed the large puppy out after her son.

"I can understand his obsession. It smells wonderful." Esme beamed at the compliment. "Charlie and I usually just have ham. I've never gotten the courage to try cooking a turkey."

Esme laid a warm hand on Bella's shoulder. She'd begun to think of the motherless girl as a daughter. "I would love to show you how to cook a turkey."

"Thank you," Bella said softly, her face awash in sadness.

"Bella, I don't know what happened to your mother, why she's not here with you but I am. If you need anything-"

"She left us." Bella's statement hung in the air like an over inflated balloon. Esme's heart clenched at her admission. She'd guessed it was something like that. The gossip about Renee Swan's departure from Forks and her young family had begun to find her ears as soon as it became known that Edward and Bella were dating.

Esme searched Bella's expression. Her heart breaking at the look of rejection on the girl's face. "I'm sure it's been difficult for you and your father." Bella nodded and cast her eyes to the ground. "But I'm sure it was also very difficult for her. I'm sure she feels terrible about leaving you. Mother's don't abandon their children with little thought." Esme's words had been meant to lessen the feeling of rejection that was so obvious in Bella's eyes.

"I want to believe that, but I don't know…" Bella wanted to believe. For her sake as well as for Edward.

"Believe me, sweetheart, a mother's love doesn't stop." Esme pulled Bella close, kissing the top of her head, reinforcing the words she was saying. Her words and actions the opposite of how Edward had described her when they lived in Seattle.

"What's going on in here?" Edward asked from the doorway. His mood instantly lifted when he saw the two women embracing. After overhearing his father and brother earlier, he'd vowed to not allow it to mar the day his mother had been looking forward to for the last two weeks. At Bella and Charlie's arrival, he'd pushed the feelings that conversation evoked, deep down and would tackle them another time.

"Your mom offered to give me cooking lessons." Bella said.

"I sure did. Though I doubt you need the help if those beautiful pies are any indication of your cooking skills."

"I concur," Edward said, raking a finger through the whipped cream topping on the French Silk pie. "Bella, these look amazing."

"Edward!" Esme admonished her son.

"Thank you." Bella said, trying very hard to not focus on Edward's finger as he licked the whipped cream off.

"Edward, will you please carry the green beans and mashed potatoes to the table?" Esme interrupted Bella's slow perusal of her son, with a raised eyebrow. The girl that she'd just been embracing like a daughter blushed furiously at being caught ogling her son. Edward grabbed the two bowls and headed into the dining room.

"Bella, would you be so kind as to take the water and iced tea pitchers' out?" With her two helpers at work, Thanksgiving dinner was soon on the table.

"This looks fantastic, sweetheart." Carlisle smiled warmly at his wife.

"It really does. Esme, Carlisle, thank you for including Bella and me in your family celebration." Charlie said sincerely, his eyes never leaving the beautifully presented turkey sitting in front of him.

"You and Bella are always welcome." Carlisle nodded in agreement with his wife's statement.

"So, are we going to eat or what?" Emmett asked, tucking his napkin into the collar of his shirt and grabbing his fork and knife. Rosalie looked amused at his antics.

"Emmett, you know the rules." Esme admonished. Emmett rolled his eyes and put his silverware down.

"Fine. I'll go first. I'm thankful this crap town has a decent weight room and pizza place, that the three cops in this burg never seem to be wherever I am and that my angel landed here just when I needed her." Emmett took Rose's hand, kissing her knuckles. Bella noted that Rose looked on with an expression that almost looked like affection.

"Well, that's great son, you managed to insult our new city and our guest. I'd say that is a new record for you." Carlisle said, sarcastically.

"No offense, Chief." Emmett quickly added.

"None taken. You drive the big Jeep, right?" Emmett's eyes got wide as he nodded.

"Rose, would you like to go next?" Esme asked.

Rose's eyes darted around the room quickly before settling on Emmett.

"I'm not familiar with this holiday tradition. What are the rules?" Her strange statement stunned the table. Charlie was just about to ask her what she meant when Emmett spoke,

"There's no rule Rosie, just say what you're thankful for." Emmett said, squeezing her hand. Rosalie thought for a moment before speaking.

"I quite enjoy wearing jeans and adore hair dryers." Rosalie said, running her hand through her shiny hair before smiling up to Emmett as if looking for approval. The rest of the table remained quiet at her strange admission.

"Um, okay. Well, thank you Rosalie. Charlie?" Carlisle looked to Charlie, hoping he would erase the weirdness of Rose's statement.

"I'm thankful for my girl," Charlie said, smiling down at Bella. "the Seahawks, Mariners, Sol Duc lake and Kevlar vests. Not that I've ever needed one, but you know, they're nice to have around." He added with a shrug. His remarks earned smiles and soft guffaws from everyone but Rosalie, who looked vaguely bored.

"I'll go next," Carlisle said, taking a drink of his wine before speaking. "It's been a rough year, for all of us." He stopped and looked at each one of his family members before continuing. "But I feel as if we're beginning to settle into our lives here in Forks. And I'm thankful that we've done this as a family. A family that God willing, will continue to grow stronger as we move forward and put the bad moments behind us." He finished with a smile and another drink of wine almost as if he were toasting to himself.

Esme raised her glass to her husband as Edward took Bella's hand and Emmett gave a frown. "I second that," Esme said. "I'm thankful that we made it through the last year and we're sitting around this table as a family and so very thankful for the people that helped us get here." Edward squeezed Bella's hand, Emmett kissed Rosalie's cheek while Charlie looked confused.

"Who wants to go next?" Bella felt Edward tense slightly beside her.

"I'll go," Bella said quickly, giving Edward a moment's reprieve. "I'm thankful for my dad who has always been there for me through everything and who understands me better than anyone even when I don't make any sense and am being slightly crazy." Her voice began to crack at the end of her rushed statement, causing Charlie to lean in immediately and envelope his daughter into a hug.

"I love you, baby. Always." Charlie whispered into her hair. He pulled back as Bella dabbed at the tears that had begun to fall from her eyes. Esme, did the same as she observed the closeness between father and daughter.

"I also want to thank all of you for making me feel so welcomed in your home." Esme smiled deeply and nodded.

"We love having you here."

"Edward…" Bella's voice faltered as she looked into his eyes. There was so much she wanted to say to him but saying it in front of his family didn't feel right. Instead she hoped that he could see the depth of her feelings in her eyes.

Edward smiled, leaning down to place his forehead onto hers and whispering, "Ditto."

Charlie's look of confusion was replaced with one of concern. It was readily apparent his girl was jumping into this relationship with both feet. His senses as a father and an investigator were both piqued. He would have to look into the Cullen's a bit more.

Charlie wasn't the only father at the table who was concerned by the depth of Bella and Edward's relationship. Carlisle wondered if it were a good idea to allow this kind of a relationship to flourish so soon after the last year they'd had. Esme on the other hand, was beaming at the two young people.

Bella pulled away with a blush and dabbed her eyes with a napkin as Edward took a deep breath and squared his shoulders, never letting go of Bella's left hand. "I um, I just want to say thank you. Dad, thank you for trying and mom for not giving up on me. And um…" He paused and looked at Emmett. Their eyes met over the table. Edward's expression was one of deep regret while Emmett's was cold. Edward sighed and looked away from his brother, instead focusing on the orange furball sitting at his left knee. "Thank you for my newest best friend, Kodi." Only then did he let go of Bella to rub Kodi's soft head. Despite his attempts to remain aloof towards his brother, Emmett found himself smiling at the display. However a quick elbow jab from Rose erased the smile immediately.

"Can we eat now?" Emmett asked, coldly.

Esme wrenched her eyes from the touching scene and addressed her oldest son. "Yes, Emmett. We can eat now. Please everyone, enjoy."

For the most part, the meal that followed was one that mirrored the same ones occurring in millions of American homes. The clinking of silverware and murmurs of appreciation and contentment echoed throughout the dining room as the meal was consumed.

"That was amazing, my love. You out did yourself." Esme smiled at Carlisle's compliment as stomachs were patted in contentment and thanks were once again given as the meal ended.

"I think we're all in for a treat for dessert." Bella blushed under Edward's praise.

"I'll go get the pies." Bella stood up from the table with Edward right behind her.

"I'll help."

"Can we eat dessert in the living room? There's still a lot of football to watch."

"I'll tell you what, you clear the table while Bella and Edward get dessert ready and it's a deal." Emmett grumbled but began clearing the dirty dishes, following Bella and Edward into the kitchen. Rosalie grabbed a glass off the table and followed Emmett.

"Does your mom mean for us to use these plates?" Bella pointed to the delicate looking plates with gold rims.

"I think so." Edward answered, closing the silverware drawer.

"You must think you're really clever thanking them for Kodi before I could."

"What are you talking about?" Edward turned to his brother in confusion.

"Like you don't know. Here we go again, Edward trying to be the good son. Saying all of the right things and tugging at all the right heart strings." Rose placed the solitary glass she'd carried in onto the cabinet and turned to watch the brother's fight with a satisfied look on her face.

"Emmett-"

"Just stop. I don't know how you do it."

"Do what?" Bella watched the boys with growing concern.

"You fuck up everyone's lives and still you come out on top. 'Poor Edward, think about what he lost, have some compassion' I'm sick of being told to feel sorry for you. Everything always has to work out for you. I've wanted a dog ever since Casey died, but we don't get one until mom and dad decide the only friend you'll ever have is the one they buy you! What are you going to do? Cry? Go ahead. Cry to mom and dad. Maybe they'll buy you a pony!"

"Shut the fuck up! You have no idea what I've gone through or how difficult it's been-"

"Oh really? Tell me how much harder it's been for you than Alec. He lost his family because of you!"

"Not only me! I didn't do it by myself!"

"So you didn't seduce his mother? You didn't call her; make excuses for her to spend time with you?"

"NO! Not like that. You don't know anything about it!"

"Please! You've always been spoiled and favored. But you just had to push it and take what wasn't yours to take! And then everyone has to run to you! They had to protect you! We all have to protect you!" Bella gasped at his outburst. Her eyes darted to Edward's reddened face and clenched fists.

"You never protected me! Where were you when I was being used by that woman? Huh? Where? She abused me and where was my big brother's protection? His understanding?"

"Abuse? You were getting your dick wet with a beautiful older woman and you want to claim abuse?"

"She used me! It was abuse!" If Edward had made that declaration at any other time, Bella would have been proud of him, but instead Bella screamed as Emmett launched himself towards Edward.

"You little piece of shit!" The boys grappled for only seconds before the kitchen door slammed open.

"Boys! Stop! Please stop!" Esme's panicked cry startled the boys long enough to allow Charlie and Carlisle to get a hold of them. Kodi's barking joined their mother's voice as the little dog ran from one of his boys to the other, not understanding what was going on.

Charlie had the struggling Emmett in a police hold. "Calm down boy!" He ordered sternly.

Carlisle was having a much easier time holding onto Edward as most of the fight had gone out of him at hearing his mother's cries.

Bella's hands were shaking as her adrenaline level topped out. With wide and watery eyes she took in the sight of the family in shambles. Edward looked absolutely crushed as his father held onto his arm.

"Mom…" His voice was rough and strangled. Esme looked to her son with tears in her eyes.

Carlisle looked equally as crushed as his wife. He let go of Edward and turned to his oldest child. "Emmett, go upstairs. NOW!"

Charlie let go of Emmett and stood back slightly, but stayed close enough that if the giant boy decided to not listen to his father, he could step back in.

Emmett huffed and puffed, his face bright red and his eyes still locked onto his brother.

"Now Emmett!" Carlisle's voice rose two octaves with the order and Emmett reacted.

"This is bullshit!" He yelled as he rushed out of the room, overturning a chair on his way out.

Esme turned to the sink, her shoulders shook with emotion. Carlisle looked at his wife, and then at his youngest son, before looking at the confused Charlie. "Thank you for your help. We can take it from here."

Charlie opened his mouth to say something but instead just nodded solemnly. But Bella could see the questions bouncing behind his eyes. She knew he'd heard what had been said and knew that he'd expect Bella to tell him what she knew about it.

"Bella, I think we should go. Carlisle, Esme thank you for the meal, if you need anything-"

"Thank you, Charlie." Carlisle cut him off with a nod and a tight-lipped smile. "We'll handle it."

"Fine." Charlie nodded, holding his hand out to his daughter. "Bella."

Bella's eyes darted between her father, Esme and Carlisle to finally land on Edward. Ignoring her father's outstretched hand, she walked over and took Edward in her arms. He stiffened immediately but when her hold intensified, he relented and hugged her back, needing her strength and assurances to keep him upright. He hadn't wanted a fight though he knew some kind of confrontation was going to happen after overhearing the conversation earlier, but he never intended to have it with Charlie and Bella in the house. Now, his body and mind were exhausted. He only hoped that his family wouldn't want to revisit the event as soon as Bella and her father left.

"It's okay. You were right with what you said. He needed to hear it. They all did." Bella's whispered words filled his mending heart with hope. He hugged her tightly to him, hoping she would understand what he couldn't verbalize.

"Bella." Charlie insisted. Bella reluctantly pulled away from Edward and looked to her dad.

"Okay, just let me get my things." He nodded and began walking out of the room before stopping and turning back to the room.

"Rosalie, do you need a ride home?" At Charlie's question, everyone's eyes darted to the silent and forgotten girl leaning up against the refrigerator.

"My brother was supposed to come for dessert. I'll wait for him." She stated, crossing her arms over her chest.

Bella felt sick to her stomach as she took in the slight smirk still attached to her face. Why did Rosalie appear to take so much pleasure in the Cullen's pain? And why did Bella get the feeling that she had somehow lit Emmett's fuse or at least fanned the flames?

"I don't think we're quite up for more company. Charlie, I would be obliged if you would give Rosalie a ride." Carlisle turned back towards his wife; disappointment and grief were etched on his face.

"Of course. Ladies, shall we?" Rosalie huffed but followed Charlie down the hallway.

"Edward, let's see our guests out." Carlisle directed. Edward pressed a lingering kiss to Bella's temple before following Charlie and Rosalie out of the room.

"Esme…I'll be right back." Carlisle sighed and gave Bella a head nod before following his son.

Bella released a deep breath and put a hand on the wall for support. Like Edward, she'd found the events in the kitchen exhausting.

What could she say to Edward's mother? How could she let Esme know that she understood and wanted to help?

"Esme, Edward told me what happened in Seattle." Bella waited a moment as Esme collected her thoughts.

"Good." She said in a shaky voice. "He needs someone…he needs you."

"I need him too." Bella said softly. Esme looked over her shoulder at the tearful girl, wanting nothing more than to rush over and take her in her arms, but Esme's strength was gone. Letting go of the counter top was not an option.

"He's getting better. I know what happened makes it look like the opposite but, he's letting go. He fought back."

Esme's head dipped as she took in Bella's words. She was right. Normally, Edward would have borne his brother's shouts without saying anything. But today he fought back. Today, he accused his brother of not protecting him and Esme felt that guilt on top of everything else.

"Esme, it's going to be all right." Bella promised, hugging Esme from behind. "We'll work together to make it all right." Bella squeezed her again before rushing out of the room.

Esme stood at her kitchen sink and looked out onto the yard. The shadows growing longer as twilight took hold. The day that had started so promising, but like so many days that the sun met with promise, the darkness of what had happened in Seattle, now threatened to take away.

~~TDP~~

"Do all of your holidays end in such a way, Bella? With a fight and everyone leaving early?" Bella looked at Rosalie in shock at her callous question.

"Hey, let's not be mean." Charlie cautioned, wriggling uncomfortably in his seat. As adept as he was at slowing the roll of an enraged football player, he would be at a total loss if a girl fight broke out in the car. Could he use handcuffs on girls? What if they bit him?

"Oh, was that mean? Is it mean to point out the obvious?"

Bella turned around in her seat. "Why do you always want them to fight?"

"Whatever do you mean?"

"Oh, please. You know exactly what I mean." Bella accused. She'd just said goodbye to a boy that looked absolutely broken and she couldn't or wouldn't shake off the feeling that Rosalie had planned the whole thing. "You're constantly poking at Emmett to start a fight with Edward."

Rosalie laughed. "My, my, why does everyone think they have to protect little Edward."

"You little-"

"Girls! Stop!" Bella immediately recognized Charlie's official Chief of Police voice and silently sat back into her seat, while Rosalie smirked from the front seat.

Before Bella could say another word, Charlie pulled up in front of the Hale's two story home. With a voice much too chipper for the day's events, Rosalie opened the door to get out throwing a "Thanks for the ride" over her shoulder before walking towards the house.

"There's something not right about that girl." Bella nodded in agreement, her eyes darting to the now open door where Jasper was waiting for his sister.

Ba'al watched the taillights of Charlie's car travel down the street before turning to Astarte. "Imagine my surprise when Alice called to say that dessert had been cancelled. Can I assume that Emmett earned his reward?" Astarte leaned casually against the doorway, smiling.

"He did. He did indeed."


I'm still recuperating from being sick but I hope to be able to get back to writing with regularity. I really, really do appreciate all of you sticking with me. Your support means to the world to me.

Until next time,

ruinedbyrob