Thank you for following this story and liking it. I apologise for any errors. As always, enjoy or not. Cheers.
Disclaimer: All characters of Twilight belong to Stephenie Meyer. In no way do I own them. Only the character that I invented, Adaline, belongs to me.
Chapter 23
I walked into my room like a zombie after taking a quick shower. I carefully closed and locked the door, before throwing myself on my bed and burrowing my face in my pillow for a long time.
"Bloody hell! I can't believe that I am now dating the good doctor! A bloody vampire at that. What is this madness?!" I gasped out after nearly suffocating myself.
Bella was in her room already sleeping and Dad was still at work.
There was a mixed feeling of exhilation and anxiety in my mind. There was no doubt in my mind that there would be hurdles to overcome. And there were the 'children' to consider...
Carlisle and I will have to talk to them.
Just as I finished thinking that, I received a string of messages.
A quick look at the messages made me groan and smile at the same time. They had added me to a group chat.
Pixiefromhell: [FINALLY! No need to ask! WE ARE TOTALLY OKAY WITH IT! Oh you are going to be such a wondeful couple!]
Casperjazz: [Welcome to the family. I assure you that we are all glad to have you in it. Me first.]
Pixiefromhell: [No me first!]
Casperjazz: [...okay me second then.]
SillyKuma: [Woohoo! I finally have someone who'll play with me! Welcome to the family Addy!]
WildRose: [If it had been anyone else I would have objected. But you are the one that can make Carlisle happy and I admire your character so... welcome to the family Adaline. If you hurt Carlisle we'll be having words.]
CreepyEddy: [Welcome to the family. I know that we got on the wrong feet but I hope that we'll be able to get along in the future. I am happy for you and Carlisle.]
I have to say that the messages touched me but...
'Okay...This knowing the future thing will take some getting used to. And we only just started dating...They are already welcoming me into the family?! Isn't that a bit rushed?!'
I thanked them for their warm welcome nonetheless.
A: [Thank you all for the very warm welcome...I have to admit I find it quite a bit awkward of a situation.]
Pixiefromhell: [No problem Adaline! You'll get used to it, don't worry.]
WildRose: [It's awkward alright.]
SillyKuma: [Yea, you are technically our stepmom now.]
CreepyEddy: [She is not married yet Em. So stepmother to be.]
Casperjazz: [That will be strange as we all all much older than you...]
SillyKuma:[Carlisle is a cradle-robber!]
CreepyEddy: [You do realise Carlisle is going to see that?]
Casperjazz: [Ooohh Em you are in for a lecture! Lol.]
I shook my head in exasperation as he deleted the message he had sent.
SillyKuma: [I'm safe! Luckily I deleted it quickly!]
Pixiefromhell: [Too late Em. He already saw it while doing his rounds. The vibration notifications were starting to exasperate him lol. He took a quick to see if they were urgent messages before he put his phone on silent. Good luck Em! Jazz we are going hunting at that time!]
Casperjazz: [Darling...I am next to you..why are you telling me via text? But okay. You are on your own Em!]
'Hunting…..they are quick to drop the act with me too.'
Pixiefromhell: [It is more fun that way!]
WildRose: [I'll come too. I don't want to join in on the lecture.]
SillyKuma: [Rose you too!? You traitors! Eddy please don't abandon me too! Addy can't you convince Carlisle not to lecture me please?]
CreepyEddy: [No way. You are your own Emmett!]
A: [Please let us avoid words such as mother or stepmother for now. You made me break into chills. Whatever shall happen will happen in its due time. And Emmett I am not getting involved in this. If Carlisle wants to lecture you, he will. I won't intervene with his punishments. I do not have that right anyway.]
SillyKuma: [Wow..you are already getting into character! And you others are all traitors!]
WildRose: [I second that. The first part, not the second one. And you do have the right.]
Casperjazz: [Oh believe me, you have more authority than you think.]
I blinked at that before typing, [No comments.]
CreepyEddy: [We may consider ourselves a family but we are still a coven of vampires. The hierarchy, though subtle and blurred, is still present.]
Casperjazz: [True.]
A: [Okay, I'll keep that in mind. By the way, Carlisle went to work?]
Pixiefromhell: [He got called in for an emergency. Fortunately it was after he drove you back home or else they would have ruined everything!]
Casperjazz: [I have to say, you are taking the V thing quite calmly. I expected avoidance of us.]
WildRose: [She is too open-minded and composed for that. Plus she had her doubts ever since she met us. She had the time to come to terms with all this.]
A: [Yes. I had my doubts since the beginning. Knowing the Quileute legends made it easier for me.]
CreppyEddy: [You are not afraid that we may accidentally kill you?]
A: [No. I may die any day by illness, by car accident or any other hazards, so dying by hands of a vampire doesn't change anything. Death is death no matter how you die or who killed you. And I am fully aware of the dangers of mingling with you; if anything happens, well, I'll assume it because it was my decision. So no pressure on you people.]
WildRose: [At least you are going in this situation with all the facts and willing to accept any consequences that may come. Not like some.]
CreepyEddy: [Shut up Rosalie!]
WildRose: [Don't order me you Neanderthal! And the truth hurts!]
A: [Edward Anthony Masen Cullen! Please tell that you informed Bella of the laws and the consequences of a human knowing! And I got your full name from Carlisle.]
Pixiefromhell: [He did not!]
CreepyEddy: [Alice!]
Pixiefromhell: [I told you that it would be better if you told her! But, noooo, you had to be an obstinate donkey!]
WildRose: [Well said Alice!]
Casperjazz: [You have to give all the facts Edward. That was a stupid move.]
SillyKuma: [Not cool Eddy!]
A: [Edward! How could you?!]
Carlisle: [Everybody calm down. Edward, I thought we had already discussed this? Either you inform Isabella properly or I'll do it myself. And all of you, excluding Adaline, mind your tone when talking/writing to each other. I do not appreciate the name calling and the tone with which you ask others to keep their silence. There is a way and a tone to say things. If you cannot say/write things civilly, then do not say/write anything. I expect you to respect each other even when angry. Understood?]
Pixiefromhell: [Yes Carlisle….. Sorry for calling you a donkey Edward.]
Casperjazz: [I should have worded that differently. Sorry Edward.]
SillyKuma: [I didn't say anything bad!]
WildRose: [I don't regret what I said because it's the truth….But I do admit I could have said it in a better way, so sorry. And sorry for calling you a Neanderthal.]
CreepyEddy: [Sorry for ordering you Rose…And all apologies accepted.]
I musingly read all this, "he may not look like it but he is quite authorative huh. He calmed the situation with just one text."
Carlisle: [Good. Thank you for respecting each other and let us keep it that way, shall we? Now, Emmett we'll be having words about the cradle-robber comment. Edward we'll be having a discussion too and I do believe you owe Adaline an apology for your deception.]
I quietly and quickly changed Edward's name to Edwin on my phone.
Edwin: [I apologise for not properly explaining the situation to Bella, Adaline.]
I was angry but was also a little guilty about the CreepyEddy labelling… I have to admit that it was a little childish….So I decided to be magnanimous.
A: [Apologies accepted. But please inform Bella properly this time. I'll be quizzing her to confirm whether you told her everything important.]
Carlisle: [I'll make sure he does so Adaline. It's getting late now, better go to bed early. Also, as tomorrow is a weekend, I would like to invite you to spend the day at our house. Are you amenable to it?]
My ears got unconsciously red at the thought of spending time with him. I was nervous at seeing him again so soon but I had agreed to his wooing; I would have to get over my shyness sooner or later.
A: [I would be delighted.]
Pixiefromhell: [Yayyyy! See you tomorrow Addy!]
Casperjazz: [Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.]
Edwin: [May I invite Bella too? I can properly inform her then.]
Carlisle: [You may. I'll be home soon, so Emmett and Edward, prepare yourselves for our talk. Adaline, I bid you goodnight and look forward to being in your presence again.]
Pixiefromhell: [Goodnight Addy!]
Casperjazz: [Sweet dreams Adaline.]
Edwin: [Goodnight Adaline.]
SillyKuma: [Goodnight from Rose and I! See you tomorrow.]
A: [Thank you. Goodnight to you all…even though you don't sleep.]
With that last message, I let my mobile fall on the bed and turned on my back to stare dumbly at the ceiling.
"….how surreal…"
My phone vibrating broke my daze. A quick look showed that it was a private message from Carlisle. It read : [I'll come fetch you tomorrow Adaline. I'll take that chance to properly inform your father of our relationship. Can't wait to see you again. Goodnight my Darling; wish you sweet dreams.]
'I swear to merlin, that man is going to make my heart stop one day!We just started dating and he is already calling me darling!' I thought as I burrowed my red face in my pillow again.
L.B
The result of staying up late texting is that I slept through my alarm and was still sleeping when Carlisle arrived. It was Bella jumping on my bed that woke me up.
Bella: "Adaline, wake up! Carlisle and Edward are already here!"
I groggily opened my eyes and stretched my body, "already? I slept through my alarm."
I sat up and pushed my hair out of my face. It was a tangled mess by this point.
Bella: "Hurry up! Get up and wash your face."
Adaline: "Why are you in so much hurry? Is there a fire somewhere? Geez, they can wait a few minutes more, can't they? We did not set a time at which they would come anyway. It's only 08:30."
Bella: "You wouldn't say that if you saw how awkward it is down there!"
I got up from the bed, "they are big boys, they can deal with the awkwardness. The fact is that they are in a relationship with us now, so they will have to get used to each other. Leave them alone, they'll find a common ground sooner or later."
Bella grimaced before letting her body fall on my bed, "...so you and Carlisle are officially dating huh? And you know about the V thing?"
I grabbed some clothes before saying, "yes to both questions. Now, I am going to shower and brush my teeth. You can go join them if you want to."
Bella: "Nopes, I prefer to wait up here."
I rolled my eyes and said out loud, " Carlisle, I'll be ready in fifteen minutes. Hope you are having a good discussion down there. If you need an emergency escape just text me."
Then I turned to Bella, "there, I gave them an escape if they need to." I walked to the door with my ladden arms, "you better have made my bed again when I get back."
Fifteen minutes later I was done. Bella had fallen asleep in the same pose I had left her. I checked my phone, no emergency message. Just one reassuring me that I could take my time and that they were okay.
I quickly brushed my hair, put it in a ponytail and took my phone.
"Bella." I whispered while gently shaking her, "I am ready, let's go."
She quickly got up and I took that time to make my bed, " at what time did you get up for you to feel so sleepy?"
She blushed while helping me and mumbled, " at five."
I raised an eyebrow at her and shook my head, "let's go."
We made our way downstairs and found them all sitting in the living room. Dad and Carlisle were discussing something while Edward was quietly listening to them.
They all stood up as they saw us.
"Good morning to you all." I greeted with a smile. Bella muttered a good morning after me.
"Good morning." Carlisle and Edward replied, one with a warm smile and the latter with a quirk of his lips.
"Morning Addy." Dad greeted me with a kiss to my head.
I raised an eyebrow at his unusual greeting and he awkwardly cleared his throat, "ahem, Dr Cullen has already asked me for permission so, yes, you can spend the day at their place. I'll be going fishing with Billy later, so call me on my mobile if you need me."
Adaline: " Okay, thank you dad. Have a good fishing trip."
Charlie: "I sure will!"
We all made our way towards the door. Edward opened and held the door open for Bella and Carlisle followed after them.
Charlie: "Addy, a minute please."
Carlisle gave a glance backwards before tactfully going to wait a little further away.
'Not that he isn't going to be hearing everything anyway.'
Adaline: "Something the matter?"
Dad shuffled awkwardly, "so Dr Cullen told me about 'wooing' you earlier, and I just wanted to let you know that I approve. He is a decent man. If he ever hurts you, I'll hurt him."
I gave him a hug and kissed him on the cheek, " thank you for your approval dad. And for the vouch of protection."
Charlie: "Anyway, who uses the word 'woo' nowadays."
Adaline: "He does."
He rolled his eyes at me and called out Carlisle, "Dr Cullen."
The later gracefully marched back towards us, "Charlie, I believe I asked you to call me Carlisle?"
Charlie: "Well..., yea, that will take some getting used to. Nevermind that. I will be leaving my daughters in your care, one in more ways than the other, take care of them and make sure they are back home before 11."
Carlisle: "Thank you for your trust Charlie. I'll take good care of them and make sure they are at home in time."
His answer was a nod.
I gave him a smile as Carlisle put his hand on my back to guide me to the car, "love you dad. See you later."
Charlie: "Love you too."
I thanked Carlisle as he opened the car door for me and slid inside quickly. A glance behind showed that Bella and Edward were sitting in the back seats while holding hands.
I gave them a smile before putting my seatbelt on. Carlisle started the car and I rolled down the window to give dad a small wave as we drove away.
'And the awkward silence is back. Why is it always that way when it's us four?'
L.B
We quickly arrived at their house with Carlisle's speed driving. Bella and Edward quickly got out of the car and were soon out of sight. Carlisle used his speed to open the door for me.
As soon as I got out of the car, he hugged me tightly, "I couldn't greet you properly earlier. Even though we have your father's approval, I didn't think it would be proper to do so this soon in front of him. Have to let the poor man get used to our relationship first. So, good morning darling." He finished with a kiss to my head.
'It would be nice if you could let me get used to it too…not that I am really complaining.'
I burrowed my red face in his chest and mumbled a 'good morning' back. It felt good to be hugged by him...even though it was a bit cold.
He finally let go of me, "shall we go inside?"
I nodded and he put his hand on my back to guide me.
"Addy!" Alice pounced on me as soon as we were inside.
"Oooouuf Alice! Thank you for the enthusiastic welcome." I said sarcastically as she lifted me in a hug. "Now, if you could kindly put me down again and stop invading my personal bubble..." The rest of my sentence trailed off in a squeak as Emmett took me from Alice's arms to hug me.
Emmett: "Addy!"
"Careful Emmett." Carlisle said from behind me.
Adaline: "Put me down you dunderheads! And stop passing me as if I were a barbie! Mind the bubble! The bubble!"
I looked over Emmett's shoulder to find Rosalie and Jasper standing while laughing at us. They looked like they were waiting for their turn for a hug.
'Might as well. I've already endured two.'
I gave them a long suffering look before saying, "if you must."
Jasper speeded to Emmett's side and gently took me in his arms, "welcome to the family Addy." He whispered lowly.
I whispered a 'thank you' back. He suddenly glanced at Bella, but he regained his casual contenance too quickly for me to determine what kind of expression it was. He gave me a last squeeze before letting go of me. But not before sharing a glance with Carlisle.
Rosalie then came and took me in her arms, "glad to have another strong woman in the house."
I laughed at that, "thank you Rose. I hope you realise that I am no super woman. By the way, you smell really good."
She let go of me and gave me a resplendent smile, " thank you. It's my new shampoo."
Adaline: "Smells really nice. And Alice, you smell like you bathed in chocolate."
She clapped her hands excitedly, "I got a new shampoo too!"
Carlisle casually put his arm around me and muttered, "unfortunately."
Jasper gave a grimace, "a shower gel, a body cream and a perfume too. All with chocolate scent. Why you even need body cream, I cannot fathom. "
Adaline: "Doesn't the smell overwhelm you after a while? Isn't it too sweet?"
Emmett muttered, "it is more than overwhelming. I have to leave the room when she comes into it sometimes."
Alice smacked Emmett's arms. Edward and Bella approached and stood by Alice's side.
Edward: "I do too. It gets nauseating after a while Alice."
Rosalie: "I told you to get the pistachio scent. It is more subtle."
Alice: "None of you have taste!"
Jasper: "I have to admit that it can be a bit much Alice."
The little pixie huffed before crossing her arms with a pout.
We all laughed at her.
'I am glad that they are okay with my relationship with Carlisle.' I thought with relief as we all migrated towards the living room.