Chapter 5. Aristotle
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Previously:
" Oh," she tilted her head with a small frown. "Not to be rude but what are you doing here?"
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Bella's POV
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"I wanted to hang out," Emmett Cullen stood on her front porch, smiling cheekily. Bella's frown deepened.
"You realise this is not a normal behavior, right?" she asked him rhetorically. "People who I say hi to in the hallway don't actually randomly show up at my house,"
"Normal is boring," Emmett pouted. Bella blinked, torn between amusement and irritation.
"Are you…sulking?" she couldn't help but to tease.
"I don't sulk," the big man scoffed, as if the notion was ridiculous.
"Pretty sure that's what your face is doing right now," Bella pointed out with a smirk. A snort escaped her when Emmett's face smoothed within a second. "Convincing," she added with a drawl.
"My non-sulking-self requests your splendid company," Emmett beamed. Strangely enough, something about his presence made Bella feel at ease. He was a lot friendlier than she had expected of his bulking figure. Then again, she only just had a lesson at how appearances could be deceiving, Rosalie Hale made sure of that.
"You're assuming a bit too much big guy," Bella replied dryly. "Splendid is not a word I'd use,"
"Terrific?" Emmett tried again. "Wonderful? Dazzling? Impressive? Superb? Magnificent? Exceptional? Outstanding?" he paused. "Spectacular?"
"Did you swallow a thesaurus before you came over?" Bella huffed out a laugh.
"I'm both beauty and brains," Emmett stated proudly.
"Pretty sure that spot is already occupied in your family," the words were out of her mouth before she could stop them.
"Oh?" Emmett's grin grew devilish in its nature. "Care to tell me who owns that title?" his eyes were far too knowing for Bella's taste.
"I know a trap when I see one Emmett Cullen," Bella narrowed her eyes playfully. She was so not answering that.
"No need to full name me," he muttered, which made Bella crack a smile. "Only mom gets to do that,"
"And does she know where you are?" the brunette raised one eyebrow.
"I choose my own bedtime," Emmett crossed his arms and stuck his tongue out childishly. The situation was so bizarre that Bella couldn't help but to laugh loudly. This was certainly not what she expected for her afternoon. Emmett seemed highly pleased with himself that he managed to make her laugh.
"So, will you hang out with me?" he asked again, his eyes wide and hopeful.
"Put that weapon away," Bella pointed sternly at his puppy eyes as soon as her laughter died. Emmett merely grinned. Bella blamed her weakened state for even entertaining the idea of taking up on his offer.
"Come on! We can play video games. No one wants to play with me anymore,"
"Was that supposed to be a selling point? Do I even want to know why everyone stopped playing with you?" Bella asked with a small smile.
"Because they're all pussies," Emmett shrugged. "You don't strike me as a pussy,"
"I might be. After all, you are what you eat," Bella quipped without thinking, momentarily forgetting she was talking to practically a stranger, and not trying to make Mike and Eric uncomfortable.
Emmett's answering booming laughter startled her in its volume.
"I like you!" he declared with a shit eating grin. "We are going to be friends,"
"Is that so?" the brunette asked with an amused smirk.
"It's written in the stars bro, we're an epic duo in the making," Emmett said gravely. "So…video games?" Bella laughed lightly with a shake of her head. She decided then she could postpone her plans for at least one more night, Emmett might be good distraction for a bit.
"My PlayStation broke down," she informed him honestly. She meant to get it replaced a long time ago, but it wasn't as if there was any point in it now.
"We're going to my place anyway," Emmett shrugged, ignoring Bella's hesitant look.
"Won't your family be there?"
"No, only Esme… I mean mom," he corrected, wincing slightly. Bella frowned at the usage of his mother's first name, before dismissing it. After all he was supposedly adopted.
"I…"
"Please?" the puppy eyes made their return.
"Fuck dude," Bella huffed out a breath. "Fine, just… stop that," she averted her eyes. Emmett laughed gleefully.
"I'll wait in the car!" he told her with a pleased grin. Bella watched him jog to his truck with a shake of her head. For some reason she had a feeling she would regret her decision.
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"This is your house?" Bella asked incredulously, staring at the glass mansion. "Seriously?"
"Mom is an interior designer," Emmett shrugged carelessly.
"She designed this?" Bella's jaw dropped. "You're loaded, aren't you?"
"We do okay," the big man smiled sheepishly. He parked the car in front of one of two garage doors, which made Bella wonder how many cars they owned.
"More than okay," she shot him a rueful grin. "I bet you're a spoiled brat,"
"I'm not a brat," Emmett exclaimed with an affronted look.
"Whatever you say big guy," Bella drawled.
"Come on," Emmett rolled his eyes and jumped out of the car. Bella was equally embarrassed and grateful when he went over to her side and helped her out of the giant truck, mindful of her injuries.
"Thanks," she muttered with a small blush. Emmett only winked playfully and gestured towards the house. Bella started following the excited man, albeit at a more controlled pace. Emmett gave her no time to inspect the house fully when they entered, and quickly ushered her inside the living room. A huge TV hung on the wall in front of comfortable looking couches. Bella wasted no time and claimed one of them, releasing a relieved breath. The couches were just as comfortable as they looked.
"Have you played this before?" Emmett held up a video game cover. Bella shook her head absently, taking in the décor of the room. Esme Cullen was definitely talented.
"Then you're in for a treat!" the big man insisted and handed her a console.
"Okay,"
"This is a multiplayer game. Basically, kind of like Call of Duty but in space!" Emmett explained enthusiastically. "And there are also monsters! It's totally awesome, you're going to love it,"
"If you say so," Bella shrugged, her attention finally drifting towards the screen.
"So… we need ranks,"
"What?" Bella frowned in confusion.
"It's boring otherwise. We got to stay in character Bella," Emmett said seriously.
"Is this why no one wants to play with you?" the brunette asked, her lips twitching as she tried to hide a smile. Emmett's answering look was the definition of sheepish. Deciding to throw him a bone, she only nodded with a small laugh.
"Fine,"
"Really?" Emmett beamed in surprise, obviously thinking she would refuse.
"Why not?" Bella wondered. "Like you previously stated, normal is boring," Emmett laughed in agreement with a small nod. "I only have one requirement,"
"Okay?" Emmett cocked his head.
"I'm higher in rank than you," Bella smirked. Emmett rolled his eyes dramatically but nodded.
"Commander Swan,"
"Lieutenant Cullen,"
"Let's do this!" Emmett grinned and started the game.
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Bella decided right away that Esme Cullen was the ideal mother and housewife. Bella and Emmett had been on their second game when Mrs. Cullen had arrived. Bella was initially surprised by how beautiful the older woman was but considering her kids were all pretty much models, maybe it wasn't such a stretch. Maybe that was a clause in the adoption papers; Dr and Mrs. Cullen only wanted beautiful children. Bella had the tact to not voice this out loud, joke or not.
Esme's smile had been incredibly welcoming, although she did at one-point look at Bella with such sad eyes that it made her highly uncomfortable. Maybe Esme had picked up on her discomfort, for she was quick to mask her expression. Then the woman had insisted that she needed to bake cookies. Half an hour later, she placed a plate with freshly baked cookies and a tall glass of milk in front of Bella, before drifting back into the kitchen.
Bella had to stifle the moan that threatened to come up at the first bite. She didn't even remember the last time she tasted freshly baked cookies. Her own mother had never baked, and her father had been even more useless in the kitchen. The thought of her parents sobered her for a minute, but Emmett was quick to distract her with some sort a joke. Emmett Cullen proved himself extremely talented at putting Bella at ease, which she welcomed with a smile on her face. In truth, she couldn't remember the last time she smiled so much in one afternoon.
Despite Emmett's reassurance that only his mother would be home, Jasper and Alice came home an hour into their gameplay. Bella had stiffened at first but luckily they didn't ask her a lot of question and were just as welcoming as Esme had been. Bella relaxed eventually and didn't even mind it when they sat down on the opposite couch and watched her and Emmett play. If someone had suggested that morning that she would end up at the Cullen residence playing video games, she would have laughed in their face.
"Have you stopped inhaling those cookies so we can finally play?" Emmett brought her back to reality.
"You haven't even tasted these cookies. If you knew how good they were, you would inhale them too," Bella insisted stubbornly.
"Special diet bro," Emmett shrugged, not even glancing at the two remaining cookies.
"Whatever weirdo, let's just play," she muttered, making Jasper and Alice laugh. Emmett gave her one last grin before starting up the game. Soon enough all smiles were discarded for the more serious expressions Bella and Emmett wore when playing.
"You take the left wing and I'll flank them to the right," Bella instructed as she hit the buttons with relish.
"Roger that," Emmett responded. "Permission to use grenade?"
"Permission granted," Bella returned with a nod. She chewed on her lip thoughtfully as she focused completely on the screen. "Fuck! He's changed tactics. Abort mission!" she called out nervously.
"Meet me at the safe house," Emmett replied. "Lay low and check your surroundings. You got this Commander,"
"Roger that Lieutenant," Bella nodded and they fell silent for a moment.
"You guys take this seriously," Alice spoke up in an amused tone.
"Pretty much the only thing Emmett takes seriously," Edward appeared out of nowhere.
"They use ranks and everything," Jasper wore a private smile. "It's an entirely amusing affair,"
"I have to agree," Alice said with a chuckle. "They are adorable,"
"Safe house compromised Lieutenant Cullen," Bella told her comrade, studiously ignoring the peanut gallery.
"Damn it," Emmett muttered, pushing the buttons furiously.
"Language!" Esme yelled from somewhere in the house. That prompted laughter for everyone in the room, except for Emmett and Bella who were completely immersed in the game.
"Die!" Bella suddenly stood up; her face scrunched up in concentration. "Oh no! Hold on!"
"I can't go on for much longer, they all sprung up on me!" Emmett shouted back. "Leave me!"
"No!" Bella shook her head. "Stay where you are, I'm coming to get you!"
"It's not safe Commander, save yourself," Emmett said gravely.
"This is better than TV," Alice commented with a large smile.
"So dramatic," Jasper said with a chuckle.
"I will not leave you behind!" Bella growled back.
"It's too late," Emmett said seriously. "I'm two minutes away from dying, even if you get here in time I will bleed out,"
"Fuck," Bella breathed.
"Language!" Esme called again.
"It was an honour fighting under your command – " Emmett began.
"No! Lieutenant don't give up," Bella shook her head in denial.
"Listen to me. You have to complete the mission. Don't forget about me as you rejoice over our fallen enemies. The Empire is counting on you,"
"This is hilarious," Alice told Edward and Jasper, whom nodded in agreement.
"I can't – "Bella's next words died on her lips.
"Yes, go in there!" Emmett encouraged, pointing at the screen. "Okay so you got this in the bag. Just focus," Bella nodded without looking at him, her tongue poking out in concentration.
"I see you've robed Bella into your silly antics," a familiar voice exclaimed. Bella's head snapped up and the video game was all but forgotten. Rosalie Hale was leaning against the doorway with a small smirk, only wearing a pair of old jeans and a T-shirt stained with what looked suspiciously like motor oil. It was as if Bella's brain turned into a mush at the sight and she couldn't tear her eyes off the other girl.
"Damn it," Emmett groaned. This was followed with a crashing sound from the TV. Bella blinked and looked back at the screen, which was now black with 'You lost' flashing in big bold letters.
"Oops?" Bella offered sheepishly, feeling embarrassed at how she was easily distracted by the blonde goddess.
"You couldn't wait five more minutes Rosalie?" Emmett complained loudly, frowning at his sister. Rosalie only smirked, looking almost smug with Bella's reaction. Bella however was mortified and wanted the earth to swallow her whole. "We were about to win!"
"Why is this my fault?" the blonde challenged with her arms crossed.
"Pretty sure it's my fault," Bella cleared her throat, avoiding Rosalie's eyes.
"Of course it's not your fault," Emmett said unreasonably, still staring daggers at his sister.
"I wasn't playing, was I?" Rosalie shot back. Bella glanced at the other siblings, who seemed incredibly amused with the exchange. When Bella realised no one was going to stop the argument, she sighed.
"No but – "
"I take full responsibility for being distracted," Bella cut Emmett off. "I'm pretty sure it's not it's not your sister's fault for being…" she hesitated there.
"Yes?" Rosalie asked, challenge in her eyes. Bella narrowed hers playfully in return.
"…for being easily the most beautiful woman I've ever seen or will ever see in my life," she ended with. Rosalie had no idea the extent of the compliment, coming from a time traveler and all.
"Now that's how you give a compliment," Emmett whistled lowly.
"More of a fact," Bella adopted a small smirk. "You can put it in the obvious category, between the sky is blue and grass is green,"
Rosalie's cocky attitude disappeared right away, replaced with a timid half smile. The transformation was entirely endearing to Bella, who couldn't resist to add a wink. Rosalie cleared her throat awkwardly and averted her eyes. The fire in her eyes returned when her siblings started laughing at her expense.
"I swear to god, if you don't stop laughing I will – "
"Continue your transformation into a pool of mess?" Alice quipped with a mischievous smirk.
Bella's eyes widened as Rosalie took a step towards her sister, promising murder with her eyes. Alice, seemingly realising her error, leaned back into her boyfriend.
"I will set your wardrobe on fire," Rosalie finished with a promise.
"You wouldn't," Alice declared, although unsurely.
"Try me," the blonde said cockily. Bella shifted in her seat, trying to ignore how extremely sexy she found Rosalie in that moment.
"Okay!" she captured everyone attention. "So how about everyone leave Rosalie alone so we can avoid any impromptu bonfires?" Bella suggested pleasantly. Alice muttered something under her breath, which made Rosalie's eyes flash. "Alice!" Bella said sternly, surprised when the smaller girl nodded with a sigh. She didn't think Alice would actually listen to her.
Rosalie shot Bella an appreciative look.
"Bella laying down the law!" Emmett grinned cheekily. "You better watch yourself Alice,"
"Don't get me started on you, big guy," Bella shot back. "Pretty sure you were the instigator,"
"Cracking the whip already?" Emmett pouted dramatically. Bella couldn't help the shiver that ran through her at the word 'whip', which didn't go unnoticed by the others. "I thought we were best friends?" Emmett added with an easygoing grin, although it seemed a bit forced. Bella appreciated the diversion nonetheless and gave him a faint smirk in return, forcing the memories away.
"We moved from an epic duo in the making to best friends in a spam of one second?" Bella was definitely amused.
"It is only inevitable, I'm saving a lot of time," Emmett waved dismissively.
"I have a feeling I may have signed up to something I will end up regretting," Bella said dryly.
"Probably," Emmett said in a sing-song manner. "No take backs though,"
"I suppose I have to endure this hardship," Bella smirked, trying to ignore the inner turmoil she felt at his words. Gaining a best friend was not part of her plan and would certainly not make things easier. It could be even considered a bit cruel of her to befriend the Cullen's, when she was planning on dying. Another part of her, a much smaller one, felt a spark of hope. She quickly pushed those thoughts away.
"There are worse things in life," Emmett countered. Bella almost laughed. She could shout that statement off of roof tops.
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Rosalie's POV
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She stared at her mate with masked worry. She had the most curious reaction to Emmett's words, something that filled Rosalie with dread. She had a feeling that there was a lot more to Bella's story than any of them was prepared for. Rosalie quietly observed as Emmett pulled Bella in a conversation about the game they had been playing. Somehow Emmett had managed, effortlessly too, to befriend her mate. Something about their interaction was easy, as if they had been friends for years and not half a day. It made Rosalie both immensely happy that her favorite brother got so well on with Bella, but another part was insanely jealous that it had been so easy for him. She could barely form a sentence around her mate, yet Emmett had robed her into becoming his best friend in one afternoon.
A wave of calm washed over her and Rosalie glanced at Jasper, who was smiling at her kindly. The blonde exhaled softly and nodded her thanks.
"Give it time," Edward whispered, obviously listening in on her thoughts. Rosalie silently asked him to stay out of her head, although she privately was glad for the encouragement.
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Flashback
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"Relax Rose, we'll figure out something when we get home," Jasper said reasonably as Rosalie ignored all speed limits.
"If I were still human, I'd be getting grey hairs at this rate," Rosalie muttered. How on earth was she supposed to come up with a new plan to keep her mate alive? It was not as if it worked the first time.
"She's going to be fine tonight," Alice spoke up. Rosalie glanced at her sister, who wore a big smile.
"How on earth do you know that?" the blonde asked suspiciously.
"I just had a vision," the pixie explained. "Emmett is on his way now. He'll bring her by later," If Rosalie didn't have the reflexes of a vampire, she would have crashed the car.
"Emmett?" she repeated incredulously.
"Yeah," Alice grinned. "He decided to take a detour,"
"What? He's just going to show up? They don't even know each other!" Rosalie's voice rose an octave. "How is – "
"It'll work out," Alice cut her off. "We just need to stay away from the house for a bit. Jasper and I can go hunting,"
"What am I supposed to do?" Rosalie wondered.
"Go work on your cars or something. Just don't make an appearance right away," Alice advised. "Trust in Emmett," she added. Rosalie frowned but sighed eventually.
"If this doesn't work – "
"It will. In fact, they will hit it off right away,"
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-End Flashback-
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"Do you want a pain killer or something?" Rosalie tuned back into the conversation. Jasper was staring intently at Bella, who gave him an awkward smile.
"I'm good," the human assured him, although judging by Jasper's small grimace, he knew better. Rosalie wondered with no small amount of worry, in how much pain Bella was if Jasper had to comment on it.
"You sure? No offense but you don't look so good," Alice piped up.
"Not everyone can look like they just stepped off the runway Alice," Bella shot back in a strained voice. Rosalie noticed it seemed like second nature for Bella to deflect.
"I'm not the model that just got beat up," Alice raised one eyebrow.
"A model?" Bella batted her eyes. "Are you saying you find me pretty?" Alice opened her mouth to answer but her retort died on her lips when a low growl escaped Rosalie. Everyone's eyes snapped to hers, including Bella's. Rosalie's eyes widened at both her reaction and its volume, that even the human could detect it. The sound had been instinctive. The primal beast in her had clearly disliked the idea of someone else complimenting her mate. Luckily Bella only seemed amused, curiosity her eyes. She was definitely not as amused as Rosalie's siblings, who all wore poorly hidden shit eating grins. Rosalie wanted to hide at the attention or break something.
"I only meant you look like you're about to faint or something," Alice tactfully told Bella, shooting Rosalie a wary look.
"I'm fine, but thank you," Bella replied politely.
"Our father is a doctor and he'll be home later. He can-"
"I'm fine," the human interrupted firmly. Her stern expression slipped into embarrassment when the others looked taken aback at her tone. "Sorry, I didn't mean to get all defensive. I just…" she cleared her throat. "I'm okay,"
"If you're sure," Alice half questioned, half stated. Bella just nodded.
"Want to play another game Bella Bear?" Emmett asked before thing could turn awkward.
"Bella Bear?" Bella cocked an eyebrow.
"Yes," Emmett nodded. "That's obviously your nickname,"
"That's a terrible nickname," Bella protested, although she seemed amused now.
"It's a great one," the big vampire defended. "I'm great at giving nicknames,"
"He's really not," Rosalie couldn't help but to butt in. Warmth spread in her chest when Bella's amused eyes met hers.
"What are you talking about? Everyone loves my nicknames," Emmett frowned. Jasper, Alice and Edward all voiced their protest at the same time, making Bella laugh loudly. Rosalie's smirk shifted into a soft smile at the sound.
"I'll find the perfect one for you Bella, mark my words," Emmett promised, adopting a thoughtful expression.
"Dear god," Edward muttered under his breath. Rosalie hid a smile, wondering what Emmett was thinking, making Edward look positively exasperated.
"Queen B?" Emmett questioned.
"Pretty sure that's Beyonce," Bella pointed out.
"Bell?"
"A resounding no to that,"
"Taco Bella?"
"Definitely not,"
"Princess Bella?"
"Do I look like a Disney Princess?"
"Belly Button?"
"Wow, you really are terrible at this,"
"Bellapeño?"
"Amusing…but no,"
"Bella Boo?"
"You're not even trying at this point," Bella drawled, mirth sparkling in dark brown eyes. Rosalie stifled laughter at Emmett's concentration.
"I got it!" Emmett snapped his fingers. Everyone present waited with bated breath after another ridiculous suggestion. "Aristotle," he declared grandly.
"Aristotle?" Bella blinked in confusion. Emmett glanced at Rosalie with a mischievous grin, which filled her with dread.
"A little birdy told me you are quite the philosopher," Emmett shrugged. Dark brown eyes met Rosalie's.
"Is that so?" Bella asked slyly, studying the blonde with quiet intensity. Rosalie shifted awkwardly, fighting the urge to throw something at her brother. It wasn't as if she could deny the claim and honestly tell the human that Emmett's vampire hearing picked up their previous conversations. Rosalie wanted to kill the him in that moment.
"I thought Aristotle would only be awfully fitting," Emmett recaptured Bella's attention.
"Not sure I'm completely sold on the idea," Bella began and Emmett deflated. "It's better than Bellapeño though, I'll give you that," she added. Emmett kept pouting.
"Yeah okay,"
"Stop it," Bella pointed at him sternly. Rosalie shared a confused look with Alice. "I told you not to use that," the brunette complained. Rosalie wondered if she was missing something. Emmett just kept looking at Bella, who eventually averted her eyes with a curse word. "Fine," she agreed reluctantly, to which the man cheered. "I'm including a segment in our friendship contract," Bella pouted.
"You have a contract?" Edward asked surprised.
"A verbal one," Bella answered easily. "No puppy eyes," she told Emmett, who shrugged with a small grin.
"You like philosophy?" Jasper spoke up.
"Somewhat," Bella shrugged, before shooting Rosalie a look. "Not exactly a philosopher though,"
"I must disagree with you there," Rosalie teased lightly, delighted when Bella blushed.
"I have a question for you," Alice said with a sly grin, which usually meant she was plotting something. Rosalie inwardly sighed, knowing she would not like this.
"Shoot," Bella requested, although seemed a bit wary of Alice's grin.
"What do you think about destiny?" the question was innocent enough, but Rosalie wanted to scream at her sister. Was she honestly trying to get Bella's feel on what she thought about mating bond? Of course Alice would never pose that question outward, but she was obviously building a foundation. If it wouldn't seem out of place, Rosalie would have told Bella that she didn't have to answer that. After all the question was innocent, despite the intent behind it was not.
"Destiny?" Bella repeated in an odd tone. It was enough to make Rosalie forget her ire towards Alice. Bella was quiet for a long time, enough to worry Rosalie and the others. The emotions in dark brown eyes were ever shifting, as if her mind was overworking itself.
"In what context?" she finally asked.
"Well let's say…" Alice paused for a moment. "How about if everything happens for a reason?" Rosalie's let out a relieved breath. She was at least glad Alice hadn't outright asked about soulmates or something. Bella's reaction was strange, however. She muttered something under her breath that sounded suspiciously like 'I hope not,' but Rosalie couldn't be sure.
"Do you want the answer from the cynic in me or the optimist?" Bella asked after a long moment of silence.
"Which one is more dominant?" Alice seemed intrigued.
"The cynic," the human said without skipping a beat.
"Let's start there then,"
"Then no," Bella blurted out. They all waited for more, but it seemed as if Bella had finished.
"And what does the optimist say?" Edward finally asked. Rosalie unconsciously leaned forward in anticipation.
"Yes," Bella nodded hesitantly.
"Care to elaborate?" Alice was clearly not satisfied with the one word answer this time. Bella's whole body had tensed up and her eyes drifted towards the door, as if she was ready to bolt.
"Enlighten us, Aristotle, o' wise one," Emmett piped up in a mocking fashion.
"I feel unloved with this attitude," Bella deadpanned, although her shoulders relaxed a fraction.
"I humbly apologize," Emmett said formally.
"Humble apology accepted," Bella replied in the same formal manner. Rosalie couldn't help but to roll her eyes with a small smile at their easy banter. Emmett's intention on relaxing her mate had been successful though.
"The universe is a curious place," Bella finally began thoughtfully. "There are many unknowns and sometimes we think all there is, is chaos and no reason as we try our best to navigate through life. We often lose hope when we don't understand. Once in a while, we find ourselves in situations, that might seem random, but proves the theory that there is a pattern to it all,"
"Everything happens for a reason?" Alice summarised in an equally thoughtful tone.
"The optimist in me finds that quite comforting,"
"Why is that?" Jasper asked before Rosalie could. Bella was silent for a whole minute.
"It helps to make sense of things, I guess. It's hard to accept hardship and pain without some kind of reassurance that it is worth it in the end, that it was supposed to happen in that way. It gives suffering meaning and purpose," a pause. "Not purpose exactly, but there was a reason we have suffered. That no matter what happens, there is a reason for it. Kids have a wonderful outlook on this. Let's make an example that simplifies this. When you go to the dentist as a kid, you are promised a small toy as a reward. Going to the dentist is never a pleasant affair, especially for children. Sure, it may hurt or be uncomfortable while they are in the chair, but then they remember the toy they are promised and how much fun they will have playing with it, and they endure because they know it will be worth it. Maybe it's a bad example…" Bella trailed off.
"No. It makes perfect sense," Alice assured her kindly. Rosalie rather liked that reasoning herself.
"Well okay, good," Bella let out a small awkward laugh, as if she were feeling self-conscious.
"I like that theory," the pixie decided. "Have you found your 'dentist toy' yet?" Rosalie wondered if Bella would find it rude if she were to throw something at her sister's head.
Bella's eyes held pain in them.
"Not yet," she answered quietly. Rosalie wondered if it would be egotistic of her to suddenly declare; 'Here I am!' – although she loathed to be considered a toy, metaphorical or not. Perhaps Bella didn't mean a person.
"Can this toy be a person?" Edward asked Rosalie's unspoken thought.
"Before I answer that, let me clarify that people are never toys," Bella stated seriously, which calmed the storm inside Rosalie. The blonde still held her breath for the answer. "I might have chosen a bad example if we're going there. But yes, in a sense. It is quite rewarding to be in love, is it not?"
"That's romantic," Emmett grinned, and Rosalie couldn't help but to agree, her stomach fluttering at the notion.
"I'm not a block of steel," Bella deadpanned.
"I'm aware of that Aristotle," Emmett teased back. "Philosophers are known romantics,"
"Are you referring to Dante's inferno? Because that's kind of our Romeo and Juliet," Bella said cheekily, and Emmett was not the only vampire that laughed. Rosalie shook her head with a smirk at the dark humour.
"Definitely what I meant," Emmett replied seriously.
"Well both end with death and despair," Bella quipped and while she was joking, it still bothered Rosalie.
"That went from dark to a blackhole," Alice said frowning.
"It is what it is," Bella commented vaguely.
"You stated earlier that you leaned more towards the cynical answer," Jasper noted. "Is that because you haven't found this so-called metaphorical toy?" Bella was oblivious with the way every vampire stared at her intently.
"Perhaps," Bella mused out loud. "It's twofold, I guess. Mostly it bothers me that you have to suffer to be rewarded in any way. Does that mean you aren't allowed happiness unless you go through some traumatising shit? What does it mean for people who find their happiness without the trauma - why are they any more special than the rest of us?"
"Important questions," Edward nodded. Rosalie felt incredibly conflicted, understanding both the cynic and the optimist in Bella. She couldn't help but to reflect on her own life.
"Will you keep searching?" Alice stared at Bella seriously. The brunette simply stared back with a queer expression. Rosalie stopped breathing at this point and previous thoughts on Bella's philosophical theories were pushed away for later inspection. Alice's question was simple in its nature; are you still planning on killing yourself?
"Breathe," Jasper whispered to Rosalie, who automatically exhaled. Her breath hitched on the way when dark brown eyes bored into her own.
"The jury is out on that one," Bella asked after a long pause. The tension in the air was practically stifling. Finally, after almost half a minute, Bella looked away and Rosalie shifted nervously.
"Thank you for answering," Alice spoke into the silence. Bella simply nodded. Emmett quickly defused the awkwardness.
"Since you're my best friend, does that mean my life will be now filled with questions that will only produce headaches-"
"It's physically impossible for you to get a headache," Edward reminded him amusedly in low tone that only the vampires in the room heard. Emmett pointedly ignored him.
"-and I will forever keep questioning my existence and life choices?" he finished.
"For your sake I'm hoping you never stopped doing that in the first place," Bella remarked.
"I feel an incoming headache," Emmett joked.
"You're an idiot," Bella told him in a fond manner.
"And now that's your headache," the big vampire said gravely, prompting an eye-roll from Rosalie. When Bella looked away, Rosalie caught Emmett's eyes and mouthed 'thank you'. The big man gave her a beaming smile and a playful wink.
"Do you like history?" Jasper asked Bella randomly, probably hoping they had something in common. A strange little smile was painted on Bella's lips.
"I really shouldn't but yes," she laughed a little, as if there was some private joke in her answer. Jasper's eyes practically lit up and he was quick to start a conversation about his favorite topic. Bella listened and gave her input from time to time, although there was a sad glint in her eyes.
Rosalie realised then that it was probably a pretty strange behavior of a human to stand for such a long period of time without getting tired, so she hesitantly walked over to the unoccupied seat next to her mate. Bella glanced up momentarily from Jasper's lecture and offered her a small smile. Warmth blossomed in Rosalie's chest as she carefully sat down. Rosalie wasn't sure if it was an unconscious move or not, but Bella shifted slightly towards her. The blonde smiled privately and felt contentment settle over her.
She could sure get used to Bella spending evenings at the Cullen home. She knew they were on borrowed time but she couldn't fault herself for enjoying the moment.
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To be continued...
By the way, English is not my first language and I don't have a Beta - so take it easy on me when it comes to grammar.