A month later, (Oct.31st to be exact)

Renesmee's ("Nessie") POV:

I was sitting with my Jacob outside on the porch, taking a moment to rest. Aunties Alice and Rosalie just got done putting me through a "fashion show"? Or whatever it is you call it where you put on different outfits and take pictures. Tonight, was supposedly Halloween, a holiday where you dress up in a costume and go "trick or treating' around the neighborhood and get lots of candy! I love candy, it tastes a lot better than that icky "Baby Formula" Grandpa Carlisle made me try.

It was so quiet in the yard, I couldn't help but notice something's missing?

"Jake?"

"Yes, Nessie?"

"Where's Leah and Seth?"

"They're at home in La Push, Sweetheart"

"Why?" I asked,

"Because today a very special friend is going to be visiting. And she's come a long way to see them."

"Who?"

"Do remember your Momma telling you about your Aunt Nicki?"

I remember now, Auntie Nicki is a human like Grandpa Charlie but she's very sick. So she lives in a hospital, like the place Grandpa Carlisle works at but it's far away. If Jake is bringing her up that means…

"I'm gonna finally meet my Auntie?!" I was excited,

"Yes, she is Seth's imprint" he smiled.

"Did I hear that right?!" boomed Uncle Emmett, "Nicki-roo's coming to visit!"

I started laughing, he was practically doing a happy dance. "Nicki's coming?"

Before I could blink, Momma, Daddy, Grandma and Grandpa, and all my aunts and Uncles were out there joining in.

"Yeah, Charlie put in a request a couple weeks ago to have her for the next two days." My Jacob explained, "They're probably going to swing by later. She really wanted to see Seth first."

I think I understand, if I were away for a long time from Jake. I'd want to see him too. "But she'll stop by later? Maybe go trick or treating with us?" I put in hopefully,

"If she feels up to it Nessie. Last time I saw her through Seth's mind, she looked pretty tired and worn out" said Jacob.

Then suddenly Auntie Alice's eyes went blank. She was having a vision, thankfully it was a short one. "Charlie's coming, he's turning down the drive way right now. He wants to see Bella and Renesmee. Plus he has something to ask us, concerning Nicki."

"What is it Alice?"

"He…he wants to know if we can save her…like Bella."

Charlie's POV:

A lot has changed over these last few months, my oldest got married and had a kid of her own. (Though the cover story is adoption, I'd recognize those familiar dark brown eyes anywhere.)

"Strange" or "Weird", two words that seem to be popping up quite frequently in my head whenever I visit this house. I know now, there's a story behind that family. But it's one I don't want to know nor do I need to. According to Bella, which I totally agree with. It's hard enough to grasp that my best friend's son and the woman I'm dating's children turn into very large dogs. None the less… getting back to the Cullens.

Whatever they did to save Bells, it worked. And it doesn't matter that her skin is firmer and her body temperature is cooler. She's still here and she's healthy!

Is it wrong to want the same thing for Nicki?

Stepping out of the cruiser I was surprised to find them all gathered on the porch, waiting. Jacob was there too, sitting next to Nessie before she got up and ran towards me. "Grandpa!" she squealed as I scooped her up in my arms giving her a hug. Then began walking towards them. A half hour later after visiting: seeing how everyone was and polite chit chat like that.

I did inform them Nicki was here and I'd just dropped her off at La Push before coming. She might stop in that night, depending on what her and Seth had planned. Speaking of which, ever since Nicki came to live with me. I've always known they were close but lately I can't help but wonder: How close? That thought aside, it was time to bring up my secondary reason for coming here. So I asked to speak to Dr. Cullen privately.

He agreed and showed the way to his study. I couldn't help but be impressed when I entered. The walls were cover in oil paintings, including a family portrait. Awards, shelves filled sky high with books. Not just Medical, everything from Science to Philosophy. Taking a seat behind his desk, he gestured to the chair in front of him.

"What can I do for you, Charlie?" he asked, appearing so human but I've come to know that's not necessarily the case.

"I never got to tell you, how grateful I am for what was done to save Bella."

He then raised a perfect eyebrow, "You're Welcome Charlie" I took a deep breath, this wasn't an easy thing to admit. "Nicki…is dying. We've all known that fact for a while now. But watching her deteriorate so rapidly like she's been doing these last few months has been an unbearable wakeup call and to know it's far from over…

Dr. Cullen, I appeal to you as a father and a doctor. Is there anything you can do or know of that would save my little girl? Even at this stage?

Like that treatment Bella went through? And I don't care about the "change". She's alive and that's what matters."

"Charlie" he sighed, "That "treatment" is very dangerous. Especially the after effects, we got lucky with Bella."

"You mean the patients hardly survive?"

"No Charlie, quite the contrary. The survival rate is pretty high, but in normal cases of "the recovery" process. It is usually extremely dangerous for the "patients" to be around people, at least until the next year after. Supervised and even then, something could go wrong."

I swallowed, there was a chance I couldn't see my daughter for an entire year?! Well… I don't care. She'll be alive, that's the main thing!

"Whatever it takes… Dr. Cullen, I'm willing to do whatever it takes to save her life."

"Charlie, please let me continue to explain the consequences of this. Before, you make your final decision. By choosing this path, you will have to give up Nicki,"

What?! No Way! I just got her back… but he continued on.

"The treatment does save lives Charlie, but its effects, though lessening over time. Are severely permanent. Resulting in a total and completely different change and lifestyle. It would not be safe nor wise for the both of you to continue living together under the same roof."

"What would you suggest?" I asked, desperately. If it was true that she couldn't stay with me, I wanted to make sure she'd go to a safe, permanent place where she'd have the best care. And not be tossed around from place to place, like when she was in the system, but I wasn't prepared for what he said next:

"Would you be willing to let us adopt Nicki?" What?

"Every member of my family, including myself are trained and prepared to handle these situations. We've all been helping and guiding Bella since she went through it."

I got to thinking: if it was them….Nicki already knows and trusts them… for the most part. If she stayed in this house? There'd still be a small chance I'd see her occasionally. "If and when it's deemed safe for her to be around people? You'd grant me visitation to see her like Bella?"

"Of Course, Charlie" the kind doctor assured me.

"Then…yes, I'll do it."

Esme's POV:

I sat on the couch with Renesmee on my lap as I watched my children pace back and forth. Waiting, listening to Carlisle and Charlie. I knew we shouldn't eaves drop, it's rude. But it honestly cannot be helped with the way our senses are. The best we can do is give them the illusion of privacy. And I can't quite blame the children either, I'm a little curious myself.

Part of me is really excited at the idea of gaining another child. Nicki… that poor girl has it so tough, she's never really gotten a break for years… until now.

"Grandma?"

"Yes honey?"

"Is it true what Grandpas' are talking about? Auntie Nicki, Mommy's sister might be coming to live with us as a vampire?"

"It looks that way, sweetie. If everything works out?"

After ten more minutes both my husband and Charlie came out of the room. Then Charlie said his goodbyes and left. The moment the door shut and he drove off. Carlisle faced us and said "Family meeting in the dining room…and Jacob? You're free to attend as well. We'll be needing your input too. Then went you go home you can discuss it with Seth and the rest of your pack."

He nodded gruffly, grabbing an extra chair to bring to the table. Once everyone was seated, my husband called the meeting to order.

"Alright everyone, we all were there when Alice had her vision and my recent talk with Charlie confirmed it. So there's no need to second guess what this meeting is about:

"The Vote for Nicki's Immortality". We decided as a family whether or not to bring Bella in, now we must do the same for Nicki. Edward?"

"No, Carlisle it wouldn't be right to condemn her to this life. She's deserves better than this. Rosalie help me out here?" he implored,

"Sorry "Hair Gel" you're on your own."

"Ouch! Good One Rose!" Emmett high fived her across the table.

Edward meanwhile was flabbergasted until he found his voice. "I can believe you Rosalie! Where's your big fight for humanity? Don't tell me you actually like being a Vampire now?"

"Of course not! My attitude and feelings on the subject remain the same. But this isn't about me, it's about her. Any problems I had with her died on that fateful trip to Seattle hospital in May. Unlike Bella, she literally has no future as a human… Other than death and even now as we speak a little more of her precious life is being ripped away. So…Yes, Carlisle."

He nodded but I could tell my husband was indeed surprised. It was rare that he and Rose agreed on anything.

"Nicki-roo? Comin' to stay as a permanent member of our Vamp Club? Hell Yeah!"

"Emmett!" I scolded my son, "There are young children present!" reminding them of Nessie

"Listen to your Mother, but I appreciate the enthusiasm" said Carlisle. So it was two "Yes" and one "No".

Bella spoke up, "My sister and I were separated when we were young. These last months since she's been back have been in a word: "interesting". Knowing now what happened since she left my parent's care. I can't blame her for turning out the way she has. Yet I still see the smidgen of the tiny girl I knew shine through occasionally. The most recent time was that phone call a month ago. Her voice was so nice and tender the way she talked about Renesmee and her own son when he was alive.

Seth explained, Jasper's explained and finally Jacob's explained too:

That her tough behavior is like a mask she wears to protect herself from those around her. Since she's disabled and sick. I for one would love the chance to get to know her again. To see what she's like in a better state of health. Them maybe with time we'll all get to see the real her behind the mask of emotions, Yes."

"I want Auntie Nicki to be happy and healthy Grandpa, so "Yes" voted Renesmee.

"Little Soldier's earned her place in our troops as far as I'm concerned, Yes" said Jasper smiling, he's missed her so badly.

"She's going to be absolutely stunning, yes" Alice agreed.

"You already know my vote, Carlisle" I told my husband. He nodded, "Eight to One, looks like you're getting a new sister… "Jacob?" Leaving the final decision up to the alpha wolf…

Jacob's POV:

This the second time I found myself faced with the decision to have one of my friends turn into a leech. Sorry, old habits die hard. But any blood sucker outside of the Cullens is my enemy.

The question is can I allow another one to be unleashed into the world? Now don't get me wrong! Bella and I are still best friends and her daughter is my imprint and Nicki is Seth's. He's always liked the Cullens… Normally I wouldn't allow this to happen to an imprint but it will save her life. I looked around, they were waiting patiently for my answer. I held three fingers up,

"As long as she drinks animal blood, doesn't attack humans and you've have Seth's okay…Then its fine by me"

"Thank you Jacob" said Dr. Fang, "I promise we'll do our best and I think Seth will understand."

Seth's POV:

I think this has been the best day I've had in a long time. Trick or Treat? Well this has defiantly been a treat, my angel's here! Her gorgeous dark hair is longer now but I can see how weary she is from the bags under her eyes. She's growing worse all the time. I know it wouldn't be long now though. I didn't see what I'm going to do without her.

"If there's a way to save her? Please do it! I-I'll do anything!" I thought as I laid there in the sand as a wolf on first beach. Nicki was leaned up against me, stroking my fur absent mindedly. The members of Sam's pack had walked by earlier, giving sympathetic glances. Since Nessie's birth and Jake's imprinting, the treaty had been renewed and peace between the packs was stronger than ever.

Our small pack had even grown. Quil and Embry, Jacob's best buddies had joined and my sister was now second in command. As if being the oldest wasn't enough of a reason for her to boss me around… Good news, was I wasn't the only one who's having to take it this time.

"Seth!" Speak of the dog, I raised my head in answer as she walked up to us.

"Jacob wanted to see you down at the ticks' right away," Don't call them that! I growled even though she couldn't understand me at the moment. "Sorry, I know they're your friends."

I inclined my head to Nicki's resting form. She sighed, "I'll take your place while you run down there and see what's going on."

Running behind the bushes and emerging as a wolf. I carefully crawled out as she scooted in. Once Nicki was comfortably situated, I took off for the Cullens as fast as I could go… As I trotted up to the deck, I became vaguely aware that I hadn't changed back. Jacob was waiting for me,

"Seth, listen buddy we need to talk about Nicki." I slightly tilted my head, to show intrigue.

"They- the Cullens and Bella want to save her…by changing her."

I felt my pupils dilate as the thought and realization of the proposal set in. Could I live with the thought of my angel as a vampire? She'd became my natural enemy, but No I could never hate or want to kill her. Just look at Jake and Nessie. She's part vampire and yet they make it work. Plus she'll be a Cullen, so it won't be so bad…

"You know what this means, but it will ultimately save her life… or so they claim."

"It will, Jacob" said Alice. The whole family had come out.

"Seth, I promise I will take good care of Nicki and you'll be able to see her all the time. Since your scent and blood won't appeal to her." explained the Doc.

The minute I nodded my head up and down, my ears picked up Edward's signature groan. Having once lived with them, you'd pick up on these things. "Seth said "yes" to the transformation" he translated.

"Son, it's not going to be that bad. You're gaining a sister." Esme attempted to console him while Bella handled Nessie. None the less he stormed up stairs into I guess his old room and slammed the door.

"Why does Daddy not want Auntie Nicki to join us?"

"It complicated Sweetie, but don't worry. He'll come around soon enough, he always does." Bella tried to assure her daughter. Though a momentary flicker of doubt lingered on her face, when Renesmee wasn't looking.

"He's got a hang up on humanity, plus I think he doesn't like the idea of having another immortal bugger in this family who won't put up with his crap!" Emmett blurted out.

A loud bark interrupted any further comment. I turned my head in the direction of the sound. Leah was behind the trees! Where was Nicki?!

I bolted going to meet her, she'd better have a good explanation. Nothing surprised me more to find… Nicki on top my sister, riding her like horse! I would have laughed if I wasn't so worried.

"She woke up and wanted you. What was I supposed to do?" was her alibi.

"I'm sorry Seth, but I've only got less than 48 hours here and I don't want to miss a thing, my Nicki said. Suddenly the Aerosmith song of the same name started playing. "You are hilarious!" we both echoed,

"Payback! Lady and Gentleman! Payback!... Now if you all would be good little doggies and fetch Nicki-roo from behind that there tree, we'd be much obliged!" shouted Emmett.

Nicki's POV:

It's now or never, I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about my recently discovered fate. Growling, Leah followed Jacob's orders stepping out behind the trees and coming to a stop in front of the Cullens, my sister, and my niece. I was surprised and happy when I found out it was a girl and she still had both of her parents.

The movement of Leah's legs from under me, reminded me of what natural walking felt like. If being a vampire was my destiny, just like Abigail once told me. I couldn't help but wonder:

"Would I get my legs back?" My real legs? To once more be able to feel dirt and the grass between my toes. Sounds like a dream, yet I know it's real and there's a price… But just how deep is it?

Carlisle came up and slowly and gently lifted me from Leah's back. Rather than refuse further help, like I would have done in the past. Once he placed me on my feet, I leaned against him for support as we walked towards the family. Though tired, I managed a small smile.

"Hello,"

Everyone minus Renesmee stared at me in shock. I could see why, I'd always kept my vow before of "I don't do vulnerable" around these people. And here I was doing just that, by accepting help. But I honestly didn't care much anymore, I needed it. Next thing I knew, they swarmed in a circle. Each took turns embracing me. I even got down on my knees to Renesmee's level where we exchanged greeting hugs.

Sweet girl, looks just like her mother, but there's a bit of her father in there too and I'm not just talking about the hair color. While his, looks like somebody stuck too much Hair Gel in and moussed it up, hers was dazzling chestnut ringlets that tumbled from her shoulders. She put her hand to my cheek and I saw a vision of my face.

"I know I look terrible. That's what happens to us humans when we don't feel good, Sweetheart" I explained to her.

"But it won't be that way for long. Grandpa's gonna fix you, right? He said so"

I looked at Carlisle, "Do you want me to save you, Nicki?"

I looked around me at all the hopeful faces, both human and wolf. Then raised my eyes to the heavens and prayed. Finding the strength and encouragement, I turned my head back to the Vampire Doc and nodded. The reaction I got was the same one from when I'd finally shared my story: Cheering and applause…

The only questions left are: Am I ready? And how do I say goodbye to Charlie?