More time at home in social isolation means more time for fanfic. Silver linings.

Chapter Fifteen

Jason – Everything Is Awesome – Tegan and Sara – The Lego Movie

Alice – Sister Psychic – Smash Mouth

BPOV

Jason's hospital stay was starting to be a problem. He desperately wanted to get out of bed. The cast was heavy and awkward, and his broken bones were giving him more pain than he had anticipated. It was also starting to get itchy under the cast. We were assured that was a good sign that things were healing but did little to help Jase's situation. The subject of physical therapy soon came up, and I was shocked when Esme informed me that Emmett actually had a physical therapy degree. Jason and Emmett got along well, so having him help Jason with his recovery seemed like the natural course. She called Emmett with the good news and assured me that he was going to set up their basement with the needed equipment. I assured the pediatrician-on-staff, Dr. Sasaki, I would set up the sessions myself.

After the week was over, I hesitantly went back to work. I knew Jase would be fine, but I still couldn't help worrying. As I pulled into the teachers' parking lot, I still felt like I was in a bit of a fog, and I was glad Alice reminded me to pick up a lovely bouquet to thank Mrs. Combs for her thoughtfulness.

My sub, thankfully, was competent and had followed the lesson plans I had made after the first day. Most subs tended to pop in a movie and call it good. Although this was fine for a day or two, an entire week would have set me back considerably.

I was resolute in remaining professional, but I couldn't help noticing that Jeffrey's demeanor and attitude was beginning to sour. Edward would occasionally follow him to get a beat on his mental and emotional state. He confided that Jeffrey's sullenness and anger were escalating with his increased drug use. On the days Jeffrey decided to attend school, he would spend more time glaring than paying attention. He gave out creepy vibes, and the hairs on the back of my neck would stand up. Edward confirmed that despite Jeffrey's behavior, his thoughts were still benign. He had no intentions of retaliating or lashing out, but Edward still vigilantly monitored him for anything that could change, and Alice was constantly looking ahead for any violent action he could decide to take.

The day of the shopping trip had arrived. Jase had been discharged a few days before and was healing quickly but was still recovering. I was hesitant to leave him. He still just looked so small and helpless lying in the Cullen's guest bedroom. Esme was a wonderful caregiver. They spent the day keeping caught up on his schoolwork, practicing spelling and writing, which Jase actually liked, and Esme reading him classics. He loved the attention.

When Emmett arrived home from school, he became Jase's best bud, and as soon as I arrived, he couldn't wait to tell me what they did, and what a great time they'd had. In just a few days, they had viewed and critiqued every episode of Scooby Doo, in detail, from the first season, all the way through the "guest starring" episodes, through the Scrappy Doo fiasco, and lastly, an afternoon of cinema from the live action to the direct to DVD computer animation versions. I hadn't pegged Emmett as a Scooby fan, but he knew every line and even had original toys from the early days that he unearthed somewhere from the basement. Jase was thrilled.

After Jase had drifted off for a late afternoon nap one evening, I questioned Emmett about his obsession with the silly cartoon. He waxed poetic about the plots' predictable cheesiness and couldn't help sharing his philosophy of Shaggy's alluded marijuana habit evidenced by his hallucinations of a talking dog and his insatiable need for "munchies." Edward and Jasper both snickered. Narrowing my eyes, I ordered him to keep that particular revelation to himself, as Jase didn't need to be clued in to those particulars.

It was only natural that Jase's attention would wane, and they moved on to the Lego Ninjago craze. This led to the books, which Emmett read aloud with gusto, and then the cartoons and video games. Finally, they both decided they needed to play with the Lego sets themselves and made plans to head to the Lego store to procure as many as they could find.

I knew Emmett and the exuberance he exhibited with whatever latest craze he happened to be in. Coupled with bottomless bank accounts, I had a pretty good idea where this was headed. The morning before Alice and I left for the city, I pulled him aside.

"Emmett, please don't forget that Jase is recovering, and will need to come back from shopping early. Don't exhaust him with a long afternoon."

"Bella, I'm insulted. You know I wouldn't do that to Little Dude. We're best buds." His look of sincerity was almost convincing.

"I understand that, Emmett, but you need to make sure you don't overdo it, and speaking of overdoing, you need to reign it in at the store." He definitely looked like he was trying too hard with the sincerity.

"What do you mean, Bella?"

"You know exactly what I mean. Jase isn't used to overindulgence. Don't buy out the entire store! Only one or two sets at the most. He has his own birthday money, Emmett. Promise me you'll let him spend it." I had worked hard to teach Jason the value of money and the need for prudency. As a result, he was grateful and generous with what he had. I did not want him to grow up spoiled and entitled.

"Yeah, okay, Bella, I promise." The eyelash batting and innocent look had me suspicious, but before I could say anything, Alice distracted me by pulling around the corner in a flashy yellow Porsche. I should have been used to this. For all the efforts the Cullens made to assimilate into the human race, they just couldn't help themselves with fancy cars. I gave Emmett the "mom brow" and went into the house to say goodbye to Jase.

"Hey, big guy." I smiled at Jase as I sat carefully on the edge of the bed. "Alice and I are leaving now." He looked at me with his soulful eyes. My resolve to leave wavered.

"You sure you don't want me to stay, Jase?" I half hoped he'd say yes.

"It's okay Bella. I feel better, and Emmett and me have lots of things planned. Me, Edward and Emmett, maybe even Jasper, are going to eat ice cream over by the mall!" I knew he was in good hands. My mind just needed to convince my heart. Sighing deeply, I nodded my head. Jase must have read my hesitancy.

"It will be okay, Bella. It's only for the weekend, right?" I nodded again. "Don't worry, I'll call you every night to let you know I'm okay." Here he was doing all he could to reassure me. It should have been the other way around. We hugged and gave each other Eskimo kisses, and then I made myself walk downstairs to Alice's waiting Porsche.

Traveling home would have been anti-climactic had I not been looking forward to seeing Jason and Edward. It had only been a few days, and Alice and I had a great time in the city, but I missed my guys. I said as much to Alice, and she grinned while her gaze deepened. She sighed and seemed almost melancholy. I couldn't understand why.

"What's wrong, Alice?" She seemed to come to herself.

"Oh, nothing's wrong, Bella. In fact, everything is very right." She looked over and gave a sad smile. "I was just thinking how things were just last year. I know you can't see it, but the difference in my brother from the last six years compared to how he is now is nothing short of a miracle. You belong in this family, and whether or not you actually change, you are one of us already. You realize that, right?"

I did know that. That truth was undeniable. Alice chuckled darkly.

"There was a time, about four years ago, when Edward thought he could move on. He was in such deep denial, he even had a few of us convinced." She glanced over to me. I was listening intently, because I had not heard this before.

"What happened?"

"Well, he had spent a year in Rio, right after, while he attempted to track Victoria. It quickly became apparent that his dismal tracking skills weren't going to cut it, but he was so despondent that he couldn't function. Jazz and I finally had to extract him out of his rat-infested hell hole and drag him home."

I gasped. I knew he had had a rough time, but I had no idea he was dysfunctional.

"That next year, he mostly stayed in his room. We had to force him to hunt. It really wasn't a good time for any of us, Bella. One day he suddenly emerged showered and dressed in clean clothes and announced he was ready to really try. We were excited he seemed to be coming out of it, and the next few months were still difficult, but he made an honest effort. He seemed to improve a little each day. We started to have hope again, and then one day, he had an enormous setback."

I was riveted. What in the world could have cut him down so suddenly? Alice looked over to me.

"Did you have boyfriends in college, Bella?" I thought that was a strange question.

"Well, of course I did. It wasn't easy, but I was making my own efforts to overcome my heartache, and at one point I decided to get back out there, make friends and date." Alice nodded her head.

"Completely understandable, and commendable under the circumstances. Tell me about your boyfriends."

"I really only had two, Alice. The first one, Jeremy, didn't last very long. He and I were only together about a month. The second one, Elliot, and I dated for over a year. We got quite serious for a bit, but once I decided to take Jason, he bailed. Quickly and without hesitation, I might add. I guess it's a good thing he didn't stick around, huh?" Alice was nodding her head as if everything finally made sense.

"I thought so. Four years ago, Edward and I decided to spend a few days in Halifax to update some property records and do a bit of shopping. It was the first time since we left Forks that he had some semblance of happiness. He was smiling and even cracking a few jokes as we were making our way round the shops." Her smile faded and her eyes became glassy.

"I have to tell you, Bella, that when we left Forks, Edward made me swear that not only would we not have any contact with you, but that I wouldn't go looking into your future. He convinced me it was for your protection, and I wasn't happy with it, but I had agreed. I didn't go looking, but sometimes visions just hit, you know? I had a vision, Bella, and it was of you with a young man in a library. You were sitting in his lap in a large stuffed chair passionately kissing. Of course, Edward saw the vision as I was seeing it, and the effect was crushing."

I was speechless. I knew immediately what she was talking about. Elliot and I would research and study together, but sometimes we needed a break, and near closing time, in a deserted library, we would let off steam. I had no idea anyone knew of that, least of all Edward. My face flamed in embarrassment, and I was almost afraid to ask.

"What happened?"

"Well, I think Edward kind of knew that you were 'living your life,' so to speak. He left so you could do that very thing, Bella, but to actually see it happen was a slap in the face. He went into shock and was catatonic for a week. He finally decided being around three mated couples was too much and he left again. He went to the Amazon to spend time with friends. I think he craved the solitude more than anything, and he certainly found it there. He came home eight months later ready to try again. We were wary of each other for a while, but thankfully, I didn't have any more surprise visions of your love life." The sad smile was back.

I had to admire Alice's very matter-of-fact straight talk, even though I knew it was hard for her to tell me any of this. I rested my head back on the seat and closed my eyes.

In the next few moments, we rounded the last bend and the huge Cullen home came into sight. Edward was anxiously waiting for us out front, an apprehensive look marring his handsome face. He must have been reading Alice's mind for the last few miles, and I had a pretty good idea what she had let him see. He immediately came over to open my door and pulled me to him.

"We need to talk, love."

"We do, but I really need to see Jase first."

"Of course. He's waiting for you in the front parlor."

I had pictured Jase laid up on the couch, anxious and slightly loopy from his pain medication, but as I passed through the front door, the sight that greeted me almost bowled me over. Jase was laid back in a large padded recliner, his leg elevated, a Burger King crown adorning his head, while he lorded over the largest Lego empire I had ever seen.

Intricately detailed buildings, everything from humble houses to skyscrapers that touched the ceiling completely covered the floor. There was even a Lego carnival with moving rides and blinking lights. There were hundreds of tiny Lego people in every scenario imaginable artfully displayed on every surface in the room. Cars, buses, trucks and aircraft of every variety dotted the intricate maze of Lego city streets. I looked around to see both Emmett and Jasper in the middle of piles of loose bricks, both working on what looked like a luxury fleet of cars. They both looked up at the same time and had twin expressions that were somewhere between pride and embarrassment.

"Oh, hi, Bella," Emmett stammered, "You're home already." He looked around sheepishly. Jase looked up from the Lego pirate ship he was playing with.

"Bella! You're home! Look! Look at all the cool Lego stuff we built!" He was beaming with pride and excitement. I carefully made my way over to him and tried not to step on anything.

"Jase, I missed you. I carefully hugged him and kissed his forehead. "How's the leg, big guy? You seem overexcited," I shot Emmett a dirty look, "You've been taking your medicine okay?"

"Oh, yeah, Bella. Miss Esme and Miss Rose have been taking very good care of me. And me and Em and Jazz and Edward have been having so much fun with the Legos!" I had no doubt he had. I stared at Emmett in disbelief.

"I'm glad to hear that, Jase. You just sit tight and keep having fun. I need to talk with Emmett for a few minutes, okay?" He was already distracted with the pirate ship he was playing with and I don't think he heard me. Emmett reluctantly followed me into the kitchen.

"What the hell is all this, Emmett? Legos to the ceiling - are you kidding me? I specifically told you not to overindulge him! I begged you to let him spend his own money!" Emmett pulled himself up and indignantly cocked his head.

"He did spend his own money, Bella."

"You're not serious. There is no way he could have paid for all that." Emmett had the decency to look ashamed.

"No, I may have made up the difference. But, Bella! You should have totally seen the look on his face! He's so happy. He didn't cry for you or complain once that his leg was hurting. Plus," he looked down again and I could barely hear him, "I've, you know, kind of always wanted Legos." I heard Edward snickering from the front room.

I sighed in exasperation. Knowing Jase was taken care of and was so thoroughly entertained during my absence completely deflated me. I looked at Emmett and he lifted his head and gave me a smirk. He knew it, too. Jerk.

"For crying out loud, Emmett. You do realize that the whole front room is completely ridiculous, don't you?" The mischievous glint was back in his eyes.

"I totally do, Bella, and I don't think you would expect anything less of me." He had me there.

"Ok, Emmett, here's the deal. Jase can take home what he paid for; the rest stays here as something special when we come over. You are never to do anything like this again. Agreed?"

"Yes to the first part, and I make no promises regarding the second." I guess that was as good as I was going to get.

Edward was leaning against the door frame and beckoned me to him. I followed as he led me upstairs into his bedroom and shut the door. We sat on his leather sofa and he began to wring his hands; it was a very human gesture. I could tell he was struggling for words, and I had a pretty good idea why.

"You heard what Alice and I were discussing as we were coming home, didn't you?" I said.

"I did. I did not ever intend for you to know what I had seen through Alice's visions."

"Edward, I had no idea you would ever know about, much less see those things. I am genuinely sorry."

"Bella, do not apologize. You were living your life. Of course you had other relationships. I did know that on some level but tried not to think about it. I rationalized that if you were happy, then whatever you chose was fine. And to be honest, none of it was, or is my business."

"I have to admit that before you explained why you left, I would have been confused why you would care, but now that I do know, I'm horrified that you witnessed that."

"You shouldn't ever feel bad about the relationship choices you made, Bella. You've done nothing wrong, and now you feel unnecessarily guilty. I will be talking to Alice about that."

"No. Really, Edward, I think it is good that we are finally clearing out all these cobwebs. Maybe we should be thanking her."

"Perhaps. Bella, I want you to know that I don't hold any of this against you. If anything, I am grateful that you were able to have the experiences you did. When we were first together back in Forks, our relationship was the grounds for many firsts for both of us. I regret the way I handled it, but I can't say that I regret you living your life and having experiences with others. Now that we've made our way back to each other, when you say you love me and want to be with me, I know it's true."

"What about you? There is still much to come for us that will be firsts for you. Don't you wish you had played the field a bit more, to know for sure you won't regret anything?"

Edward took my hands. "I may not have much experience in that way, Bella, but believe me, you're the only woman I want to share those experiences with. Absolutely no regrets." His sincerity left me with no doubts. His lips turned up into a crooked grin. "I may not be your first, but I will absolutely be your last."

Alice's voice trilled up the stairs, "You can thank me with a new pair of Manolos. Page 39 of the new spring catalog." Edward rolled his eyes.

An official welcome letter from the University of Rochester arrived at the Cullen's house shortly after mine and Edward's reconciliation. The story would be that Edward, bored at Westmore, decided to graduate a year early to start his biomedical science degree. His goal would be to become a doctor like his adoptive father and mentor. Of course, Edward already had two medical degrees, and he would be taking advanced music classes instead. Although I was sure he could actually teach them, he would enjoy them more than taking medical classes again. He would be living, officially, not too far away in Brighton, in a private, upscale condo. But in reality, he would be spending most evenings either with me at my home or with me and Jase at the Cullen home. Of course, everything would be solid on paper. The Cullens were always exact with making sure appearances were in place.

Edward and I decided it was time to announce our reconciliation to Charlie and Sue and warm them to Edward's intentions. We couldn't wait too long for fear that Jase would say something. After the comatose state I was in after Edward's departure back in high school, I didn't expect Charlie to take the news well. And of course, after the talk Sue and I had about the Cullens being in Rochester, I didn't think she would either.

Charlie, Sue and I had a regular weekly Skype visit, and Edward suggested we make the call together. I would have appreciated the moral support, but I decided it would go over better if I did it alone. He was concerned but decided to honor my wishes. He kissed my forehead and left to spend the evening with his family. As he slipped out the door, I sighed and just stared at my laptop. I was not looking forward to this chat.

As Charlie, Sue and I moved past the weather and Jase's physical therapy, I casually mentioned that David and I had broken up, and that I was seeing someone new. The shock was evident on their faces.

"And, um, Dad, you know him."

"Yeah?" Charlie was confused and suspicious, and his "cop" face immediately fell into place.

"Yeah, Dad, uh, remember the Cullens?"

Charlie's eyes narrowed. "Uh huh."

I knew I needed to just rip the band-aid off. "Well, they are living here in Rochester, and Edward and I are back together."

Sue let out a little gasp. Charlie's forehead furrowed. "Damn. What are the chances?" I don't think he intended for me to hear that.

Sue glanced at Charlie. "Bella, what happened with David? I thought the two of you were close to being engaged."

I could feel my face heating up. "It didn't work out."

"I can't believe this!" Charlie's face was heating up as well. "You do remember what he did to you, don't you Bella? The depression you suffered through for four solid months? What could you possibly see in him?"

I sighed. I had expected a reaction from him on some level. "Dad, I get you're shocked. Believe me, when I found out they were all here, I was too. I do remember what happened before, and it's not like that now. We've grown up." He didn't seem convinced, and Sue looked a bit distressed.

"You be careful, Bella," Dad said. "I know you're an adult and can make your own decisions but remember that your choices don't just affect you anymore." I nodded my head. He was right.

The rest of the conversation was awkward, and when it finally ended, I sat at the table with my head in my hands. I knew what I wanted and being without Edward was not an option. Would I have to give up my family? The thought made me sick.

I was still thinking about the look on Charlie's face that night as I was lying in bed. Sleep wouldn't come. I heard a light rap at the window and watched as Edward eased through. Just like old times. I patted the spot next to me, and smiling, he removed his shoes and slid in next to me.

As he wound his arms around me, I relaxed enough to finally release tears. I told Edward about the discussion with Charlie and Sue. He let me cry everything out, kissed my forehead, then said, "Don't worry, Bella, I'll take care of it."

Edward decided he needed to have a private chat with Charlie, and we debated on the best way to accomplish that. Edward was set on flying to Washington to have the heart-to-heart, man-to-man in person. He felt that anything less would undermine his sincerity and be disrespectful to Charlie. Until, that is, Alice had a vision of Charlie loading his gun. Not good. Edward acquiesced to another Skype chat, but was still not happy about the situation, Charlie's gun notwithstanding.

Edward had traded in his teen gear: jeans, t-shirt and hoodie, for a crisp button-down, dark blue cashmere sweater, and a pair of modern eyeglasses. I couldn't believe the simple items caused such a dramatic transformation. He easily looked ten years older.

I also couldn't believe that Edward was actually nervous. This was something I had never witnessed, and I found it endearing. The fact that the 109-year-old supernatural vampire was finding it difficult to speak to my very mortal 46-year-old father made me smile. I was wringing my hands, trying desperately to tamp down my own nervousness. What would I do if Charlie never accepted our relationship?

I was surprised Charlie agreed to a chat to begin with, but flat-out gaped when I saw him come into focus wearing his uniform and sitting ramrod straight in his kitchen chair. His rifle was prominently leaning against the wall in the background. I was glad I had chosen to sit to the side, just out of sight. Charlie's mustache twitched as he gave Edward the once-over.

"Cullen." His voice was gruffer than usual. Edward swallowed. I knew one of the reasons he wanted to meet with Charlie in person was so that he could try to read his mind. Edward was definitely at a disadvantage here.

"Chief Swan. Thank you for agreeing to meet with me. There are some things you and I need to discuss." Way to get right to the point. Charlie just glared. If Edward could sweat, he would be soaked.

"So, I'll admit that running into Bella was a bit of a surprise, and I won't lie and say that things have been easy, but sir, you have to understand that six years apart has made some things very clear to both of us." Charlie continued to glare.

Edward continued. "Yeah, so I understand now that the way I broke off our relationship was not good, and I think it's safe to say that we have both had a hard time since then."

Charlie's eyebrows went up. "Uh, no, it's not safe to say that, Cullen." He leaned forward and fixed a pointed stare. This was definitely Charlie's "interrogation" mode.

"Although my daughter did have a rough time initially, she pulled right up and made something of herself. She is a self-made woman, you understand me? She has worked hard for what she has and owes you nothing. Frankly, I have no clue what she sees in you, but when you say that you both have 'had a hard time since then,' you better be speaking for yourself." Rarely have I heard so much come from Charlie at once. I was a bit shocked. It made me smile a bit to see the pride in his eyes.

"Yes, sir, I completely understand." Edward looked a bit sheepish. "And you are absolutely right. Honestly, I don't understand what she sees in me, either, but Chief, I'm not about to question it." He took my hand under the table. "All I know is that I am still very much in love with Bella, and I'm going to make the most of this second chance." Charlie snorted.

"Whatever, kid. If Bella feels the same and is willing to take you back, that is her choice, but I'm telling you now, if you ever, and I mean ever hurt her again, I will hunt you down. I know how to use a firearm and how to hide a body. Is that clear?"

"Crystal clear, sir."

"Good." Charlie disconnected the call and Edward sat there for a moment just staring at the empty screen. He turned to me and smiled. "I think that went well."

I stared at him in disbelief. "Edward, he did not accept our relationship, and he threatened you." He stood up and gathered me in his arms.

"True, but he didn't order me out of your life, either. Yes, I'll have to earn back his trust, and considering what I put you through, I wouldn't expect anything less."

"You know this will make family holidays so very awkward."

"I know, but you and Jason are more than worth it." He bent down and lightly kissed my lips. "He needs time, but he'll come to see that I mean what I said. I do love you, and I will not ever leave you again."

We still had a way to go, and it would be a while before Charlie could trust Edward again, if ever. At least we didn't have to hide our relationship as far as my family went.

I called Jake not too long after that. He said Sue wasn't happy in the least, especially knowing what the Cullens were, but as the alpha, she decided to take her cues from him. I knew he wasn't thrilled with my choice either, but he knew first-hand how difficult love could be.

"You've never been happier with anyone else, Bella, and although I think you could do much better without the bloodsucker, hey, I'm not going to judge. Julie is happy with her wolf, and I'm not about to question it, either."

We had never talked about this, and I decided to put it out there. "Even if I decide to change one day?"

Jake was quiet for a moment. "You understand what you'll be giving up, right?"

I did. I would have to fake my death one day and say goodbye to Charlie, Sue, and all my friends and family on the reservation. I may even have to live away from Jason for a while if I had a hard time learning control. That thought slugged me in the gut.

"Would you do anything less for love?"

"Hell, no."

Glad we were on the same page.

Although I knew we were going to move after the school year ended, I decided it would be for the best to change Jase's pediatrician. I knew it would be very awkward, but since David had followed Jase through his surgery, and it fit into my schedule, I decided to keep the follow-up appointment. As I sat wringing my hands in the waiting room, I questioned my decision. Awkward was never my favorite position. Soon we were called back, and although David remained professional, handling Jase's leg and cast and asking the right questions, he avoided looking at me. As we were leaving, he gently held me back by my elbow and finally looked me in the eye. He seemed genuinely concerned as he asked about me, and finally satisfied, smiled sadly. I left with the feeling that the relationship was well and truly over.

We stopped by the Cullen house on the way home, and Esme graciously invited us to stay for dinner. She whipped up Jase's favorite, mac and cheese, while she warmed up Italian take out for me. It was a very thoughtful gesture. Of course, the rest of the Cullens pretended to eat for Jase's sake. As Edward poured me a glass of merlot, I asked Jase about his weekend with Emmett, Edward and Jasper. He was animated as he told me every detail of the giant rainbow swirl ice cream cone Emmett got for him, and how they perused the Lego store, taking their time debating which set Jase would purchase with his own money. He got very excited telling me how a truck had arrived later that day bringing Emmett the many, many sets he had purchased for himself. I was impressed that Emmett could look sheepish and unapologetic at the same time.

"Miss Esme made me take my medicine and lay down after that," Jase said.

"And did you actually take a nap?" I asked.

"I tried to. Emmett and Jasper told me I could help them after I woke up."

"I see." I guessed the actual sleeping part had not gone well. I popped in a bite of alfredo. "Tell me what your favorite part was."

Jase shrugged. "That's easy. My favorite part was watching Emmett and Jasper racing and disappearing around the back yard. Did you know that Emmett can lift a tree?"

I nearly choked on a chunk of broccoli and quickly swigged back a huge gulp of wine.

"W-what?" I stammered. Everyone went stone-still, and every set of eyes was riveted on Jase, who sat back, nonplussed, as he took another bite of macaroni. I looked around, horrified.

"Jase," Esme calmly said, "tell us what you think you saw."

"Well," he said, very matter of fact, I watched them out the bedroom window. They cleared the back yard so you could set up some Christmas trees. They ran around so fast, I could barely see them!" His eyes lit up. "And, Miss Rosalie hung the lights so fast, the trees and yard were glowing in no time."

Edward, resigned, nodded his head and whispered so low I could barely hear him. "Yup, looks like he saw everything." I couldn't believe this breach had happened. The Cullens were always so careful. I whispered back, "Where were you when all this happened?"

"I had briefly gone into town for replacement bulbs. Had I been home, we could have prevented this."

Emmett blew out a breath. "Crap."

Jase reached over and patted Emmett's arm. "We're friends, Emmett, right?"

Emmett couldn't help but smile. "That's right, little man. And because we're friends, you're not going to tell anyone what you saw, okay?"

"I would never tell anyone, Emmett. Superheroes are supposed to be secret. No one can know who they are. Superman, Spiderman, and Batman are all secret." A thought suddenly made Jase's eyes go wide. "Do you all have costumes? Can I see them?"

Now that the flood gates had opened, Jase launched into interrogation mode. "Can you fly, Emmett? Can you shoot lasers from your eyes?" His fork hit his plate. "Will you show me?"

Edward sighed, and Emmett grinned. "I can fly, but not in the air. I fly over the ground."

"Cool!" Jase was way beyond finishing his dinner.

"I guess I can show you, but you have to be sure it's okay with Bella first." Jase's eyes shot over to me. "Bella! Can we, please?" I knew he wouldn't relent until he saw what all Emmett could do. The cat was out of the bag, so what harm could it do now?

"Okay, but Emmett, you must be careful. Please don't over-excite him." That sounded impossible, even to me. Emmett picked Jase up, being extra careful with his cast, and ran out the back door. Esme went out back to supervise, while the rest of us held an impromptu family meeting.

"How does Jase knowing a different version of the truth affect the safety of this family?" I wasn't in the mood to mince words.

Edward seemed much calmer than I had expected. "Bella, it really isn't as bad as you think. To Jason, superheroes are as real as anything else in his very active imagination. To see Emmett with his huge frame tossing around trees and zipping over the backyard, his six-year-old brain made the conclusion that made the most sense to him."

"Do you think he would tell? Even if he doesn't mean to, things do sometimes slip out." I still had a hard time believing Edward and I were together again. The least little hiccup made me anxious, and this situation had the potential to explode.

"Bella," Rosalie interjected, "normally, I would be freaking out over a breach like this." She smirked. "You should have seen what a mess I was when I thought that finding you here would disrupt our lives." Edward snorted. "But, with the time we've spent with Jason over the last few weeks, I have to agree with Edward. Jason is a smart, sweet, loyal little boy. He is fiercely protective of you, and I can see that he and Emmett are bonding. I believe he won't say anything if he thinks that it could hurt you, Emmett or this family."

I took a moment to let that soak in. "Okay. Suppose you're right. That still doesn't help us to know how we're going to handle this as he grows older. At some point, he'll realize that superheroes don't really exist, and then what? Do you think he will accept the fact that vampires do?"

"By that point, Bella, he'll have lived with and amongst vampires for a while, and will only associate positive connotations with the term," Esme said as she walked back to the table. "They're both having the time of their lives out there, and I honestly don't think Jason could believe otherwise."

"There's really nothing else we can do at this point," Carlisle finally spoke. "He knows, and we will handle his questions in age-appropriate ways as he grows. Most energetic children have active imaginations. Honestly, even if he were to say something, who would take him seriously?"

Maybe. Only time would tell, and with Alice looking ahead, we most likely could head off disaster. I took a deep breath. This might just be doable after all.

A/N: Emmett was able to get around Bella's rule by purchasing the Legos for himself. Those Cullens.

I originally wrote a long chapter detailing Alice and Bella's weekend in NYC. While it was great fun to write, I realized it didn't add much to the story, so I took it out. Maybe I'll include it at the end in an outtake chapter.

There were a few of you who asked me questions, but have your messaging feature turned off. You must turn it on, or I can't reply. We are nearing the end. Two more full chapters, an epi, and then a special chapter at the very end with some outtakes. Thank you all for your lovely reviews.