I don't own any characters. They belong to Stephenie Meyer.

Carlisle showed me to a spare bedroom that will become my room. It had light beige wallpapers, with a few white shelves built into them, a king-size bed, which I assumed, was a formality, a desk with a small mirror above it, and the loveliest thing in the world, a bookshelf. I looked closer and found some novels that I've read before, medical journals, that most likely, belonged to the leader of the Cullens, as well as some horror and detective stories, which I didn't mind either.

"This is amazing," I told Carlisle.

"You like reading?" he asked from behind me.

"Always have. Besides, what else can one like us do during the night when the city sleeps?"

"I understand that perfectly well. I have a larger collection in my office, and you're welcome to borrow any book from there."

"I'll take one you on your word, sir. Thank you!"

"Please, no need for sir, Carlisle works just fine." He smiled.

"Alright, Carlisle." I smiled back. "Sorry, my manners and upbringing will have to step aside."

"That's alright. The times have changed."

"They sure did. I'm sorry we came on to all of you so quickly. My sister is so certain in the future, sometimes she doesn't quite get that people have to get accustomed to change." I told him, and he patted my shoulder.

"I'm sure everyone will be happy that the three of you have joined us. Rose, even though, she doesn't show it, always wanted to have sisters. In her human life, she had two brothers, in this one she has one as well. Maybe it would be a healthy thing for her to have someone her age to talk to about things." Carlisle smiled.

"You do treat them like your children," I said surprised. "I mean, I knew people in towns that you live in think that you've adopted them, Tanya told me. I just never thought you think of them that way too."

"I've seen them grow, maybe not physiologically but psychologically. I may not be their real father, but they bring both Esme and me so much joy and pride."

"It's very sweet."

"So, you and Tanya are friends?" he asked. "Sorry, if I'm intruding."

"Yes." I smiled. "I consider her and the rest of the Denalis a sort of extended family. Jasper and I are celebrating New Year with them every couple of years."

"We too consider them an extended family, you know." He laughed.

"That's a happy coincidence because since I sent Laurent and Garrett their way, Tanya has been complaining that all the piece and privacy in the house was gone, and I invited her to visit us in a few weeks, I hope it'd be alright."

"Of course. Anything else that I should know before I let you settle in?"

"Oh, the movers will be here in a few days with our things, I should actually call the agency to tell them your home address. Can I use your landline?" I asked.

"Absolutely. It's downstairs. Our address is 5796 W 700 S." Carlisle spoke.

"Thank you."

"Anytime. If you need anything else, please let me know. I'll be downstairs, but will have to leave in the morning for work."

I nodded and smiled at the man. Carlisle had a beautiful soul; I couldn't imagine him being more fatherly than he already was. The knowledge and comfort radiated from him could be seen in the air. I put my backpack on the bed and took out a few pieces of clothing that I packed for the first few days. They included my home pants, Jasper's old shirt that I liked to wear, as well as a pair of jeans and a few shirts. A picture of Alice and Cynthia with our parents was tugged inside a small pocket. I took it out and placed it on one of the nightstands. My hairbrush, Tanya's gift, was now sitting on the desk. I looked around the room again and noticed three doors. One led to the rest of the house, the other one was to the bathroom. My own bathroom. I wondered just how much money did the Cullens have. The third door led to a small closet space which I am sure Alice would take an interest in. I sat on the bed trying to think about everything that happened today. I had a family now, a big one. Everyone seemed to be nice, I wasn't expecting much love from Rosalie, Alice warned me it would take some time for her to warm up to us, and I understood that maybe more than my sister or brother did. Alice already thought of them as her siblings and named parents, she didn't remember our own human family. I, however, still had some human memories, even though, they were a little blurred. I remembered our mother and father. They were kind and loving, and even though I didn't understand the reason behind their decision to put Alice into the lunatic house, I still thought…or maybe hoped…that it must have been very hard for them. I knew my mom was very against that, I heard it on my first visit to Biloxi after the transformation, but she couldn't go against my father's decisions.

Suddenly, I realized someone was knocking on the door, and in hopes, they haven't been waiting too long, I ran to open it.

"Hello." Edward was now standing in front of me. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

"Not at all. Please come in." I smiled and stepped aside. His presence made me anxious. The man walked inside and looked around.

"You don't have a lot of things." He mentioned.

"You are very observant." I laughed.

"That's my gift." He smiled and pointed his finger to his temple. He looked around. "Are these your parents?" Edward asked after finding one of the only personal things that I had.

"Yes, and Alice and Cynthia, my other sister," I mentioned.

"Alice had long hair?"

"She used to, yes," I said quietly with a hint of sadness in my voice, which I hoped he didn't hear. "I don't mean to be rude or anything, but was there a reason for your arrival?"

"Oh yes, I was thinking, since I interrupted your hunt this morning, would you like to go with me right now?" he asked. "I'm assuming you're finished unpacking?"

"I would love to." I smiled, and I knew if I was still human, I would be blushing intensely right now. Why did I have such a reaction to this man? Of course, he was gorgeous, even for a vampire. His crooked smile made me lose any thought process that I had.

"Ladies first." He smiled back and let me go out of my room, closing it behind him.

We ran outside the house and headed North into the deep forest. I couldn't keep my eyes from Edward's bronze hair. It was long enough to move due to his speed, and all I could think about is brushing my hands through them. What's going on? Am I falling for this man? What a stupid…stupid and irrational thing to do.

We hunted together, the first time I've ever shared this experience with anyone. Edward resembled a mountain lion while hunting. He looked graceful and strong, his inner self animal was so very handsome and sensual that my non-beating heart felt like it was alive again, and I had a strange feeling in the bottom of my stomach.

After the hunt, we were sitting next to the nearby lake. My skin, as well as his, was sparkling in the last rays of sunshine. Edward was playing with a piece of grass in his hand, occasionally looking at me.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked.

"How much things have changed and will change," I replied honestly.

"Do you like it? The change, I mean."

"Not really. I liked how things were with just Alice and Jazz by my side."

"Then why did you decide to join?"

"Alice looked so happy talking about your family, and us being a part of it." I shook my shoulders.

"But now you're unhappy." He stated.

"No, I'm not either so far. I'm just wondering what am I supposed to do." I spoke.

"Sorry, I don't mean to pry, just trying to understand you better. I'm not used to having no answers, you're like a closed book to me." He gave me his crooked smile.

"You'll have to get used to that." I smiled back.

"I guess, I will. Can I ask you a question?"

"Of course."

"What's your favorite color?"

"Blue, just like the water," I answered and looked at the lake.

"Why water?"

"I thought you said 'a' question. Doesn't that mean one?" I looked him in the eyes.

"Can I ask a few more?" he grinned.

"Only if I get to ask some too."

"Deal. You'll have to answer mine first, though. Why water?"

"I always liked it, growing up next to the Mississippi Sound, I really missed the big open space of water during my time with Maria and the army. Now my siblings and I choose our home base, as I like to call it, depending on how many rivers and lakes are around it."

"What was your favorite one?" he asked.

"No, you don't get to ask me anything yet, it's my turn." I smiled. "Tell me more about your childhood."

"I had the same childhood as other rich kids at the time. Education came first. No playtime, no real friends except for my classmates. Private schools were terrible, everyone made fun of the poor families who couldn't afford anything but public school, some boys made fun of me for reading all the time and not going out with them due to my piano lessons. It was pretty boring. My dad was always working, mom was always hushing over me and taking care of the house."

"Will you play for me one day?" I asked.

"Would you like me to?" he smiled.

"I would love to hear you play." I looked at my feet.

"Then I would grant this wish of yours. My turn. Are you able to take your shield off?"

"Yes, but I haven't practiced in years, it might be hard, besides, I like my mind being protected."

"I see. No chance I'm going to talk you into it?" he asked.

"No chance," I repeated.

"What a shame." He sighed.

"Maybe one day, when I get to know you better." I slipped without any thought behind it. I did like my shield, I did enjoy having an advantage over other vampires' gifts, but somehow, I couldn't say no to Edward, I liked seeing him smile and be happy.

"One day." He repeated in a whisper.

"Now, I don't know about you, but I'm planning to get into that lake." I pointed ahead of us and took off my shoes.

"It's getting darker outside." He pointed out.

"Are you scared the evil fish are going to eat you?" I laughed.

Without saying anything, he stood from the ground and started taking off his shoes and shirt. His naked torso was all I could think about. Don't stare, I kept telling myself. I decided to run into the water instead, and he followed me with a wide smile on his face. When our bodies broke the lake surface, the splashes went everywhere. I was lying on my back, moving my hands and feet in a circular motion to stay up. It was one of the things that I missed about being human. Floating was hard when you weight more than a boulder.

Stars were starting to appear in the sky. They were different than the ones in Montana, naturally, but still beautiful. I recognized a few constellations; the big dipper was towards the right. I noticed someone else's presence in my space. His hand was barely touching mine.

"Magnificent, isn't it?" I asked and turned my head towards him only to find he was looking at me all this time.

"Yes." He replied quietly, not taking his eyes off me. It took me all the courage that I have to take his hand in mine. I turned my head back to the night sky in hopes Edward wouldn't let go or run away. He didn't, on the other hand, he intertwined our fingers together, which made me very happy. His touch felt very smooth and yet strong. I felt him rubbing circles on the back of my hand with his thumb.

We laid like that until the stars started to disappear. I wished they never did, I wished Edward and I could be laying here forever. Just him, myself, and the stars in the sky. I didn't need anything else. For the first time in my life, I felt whole. If that was what affection and love were, I was alright with him not feeling the same way about me as long as I get to experience the peace and comfort that it brings. All my heart was his, it belonged to Edward Cullen, and with him, it would remain forever.

We ran towards the house without speaking. The silence was comfortable. Our hands still entwined. We jumped into the open window of my room.

"I have to take a shower now," I spoke first after a few minutes.

"Okay." He said quietly, only for me to hear. "Thank you for a wonderful night, Bella."

I looked up at his eyes. He was serious, a light smile on his face and in his eyes. Was he telling the truth? Was tonight as amazing for him as it was for me? Could it be that he felt the same things I did? Maybe, but I wasn't about to ruin it. I'll let time and fate decide when to ask him those questions. It was all so new to me; however, I knew in my heart that Edward is the only person in the world who made me feel that way. For the first time in my life, I felt love and hope for a non-single future for myself. I sighed.

"Is there something wrong?" he asked carefully.

"Nothing that can't wait," I answered.

"Alright." He smiled. "I think I'll take a shower too. Come downstairs after you're down, I'll play for you."

"Okay," I answered quietly, he let go of my hand and walked out of the room, looking back once before closing the door behind him. At that moment I dropped to the floor as to not give in to the impulse of running to get him back and hold him tight in my arms. One day. It took one day for me to fell in love with Edward Cullen.

I slowly went into the bathroom, still feeling the burn on my hand where his fingers were just mere seconds ago. I looked at myself in the mirror and couldn't recognize a woman in front of me. She was happy, truly completely happy. I couldn't recognize the cheerful woman in the mirror because I've never seen her before, even when I finally got my sister back, she wasn't even as half happy and whole as she was now.

I undressed and stepped into the shower, my thought only on this night, the lake, stars, and his hand in mine. Piece and unity. I washed my hair and scrubbed my body without paying any attention to my moves. It's like my body was in shock. I stepped out of the shower, placing a towel around my chest, and brushing another one through my hair. I put on my light blue jeans and a white long sleeve shirt. I didn't pack any short sleeves and was glad, there is no need for Edward to see any more of my scars. Somehow, I knew he would be sad if he saw them, and that was the last thing I wanted him to be. I brushed my hair thoroughly and looked in the mirror. I was pretty, just like any vampire would be. The venom running through my body made sure of it, but I still couldn't compare to Rosalie or Tanya. They had grace and their feminine side was very noticeable. They had what every man was looking for, I didn't. I never cared about how I looked, never used makeup or braided my hair to make men find me attractive, but somehow, I didn't think Edward cared about all of that. Maybe he did, and I was just dreaming.

I came downstairs. He was already sitting on the piano bench. I breathed in the courage once again and sat next to him. Edward turned his head towards me and I felt his eyes staring right through me as if he was trying to look into my soul.

"Have I told you how beautiful you are?" I sat there, taken by surprise at his words. I was speechless so I mutely shook my head. He placed his hands at my jawline while slowly running his thumbs over my cheekbones. Then he looked into my eyes again and said, "You are the most beautiful thing in the world."

My mouth opened but no words were coming out. Did he really think that? Just like Alice was the prettiest girl that Jasper has ever seen, could I be the same for Edward? I didn't know the answer to that and decided to take his comment as a yes.

"I would give up everything to hear your thoughts right now." He spoke again and then smiled and took away his hands from my face. The burning sensation left me paralyzed, my muscles couldn't move anymore. He placed his long fingers onto the keys and started playing. The melody was slow and even, but changing at the end. It sounded like a story with a sad beginning and a hopeful ending. "I wrote it for Esme years ago."

"You compose?" I asked.

"Sometimes. It helps me think and make decisions."

"I always thought music could give one answers that they didn't even know were possible. It was beautiful, Edward. You're very talented." I spoke.

"Do you play anything?"

"No, my mother tried teaching me, but quickly gave up." I smiled. "Neither music nor any physical activities were my forte when I was a human."

"What about now?" he asked.

"Well, the physical activities are not a problem anymore, but I would rather stay away from music, don't want to ruin it."

"I don't think you can ruin anything," Edward spoke.

"I can! What are you two love birds doing here?" I heard a loud voice coming from behind me. I quickly snapped back, surprised how close my face was to Edward's, and turned my head. Emmett was standing on the staircase with his arms closed and a big grin on his face.

"Emmett." Edward sighed.

"Sorry, little brother, I didn't mean to ruin such a romantic moment between you too." He chuckled.

"I'm 14 years older than you."

"Yeah, but you'll always be seventeen, I, however, am a twenty-year-old adult. Adult, not a teenager."

"Too bad you were turned before your mind realized that." I laughed, and Emmett's smile grew.

"She's funny, I like that. Finally, someone, I can joke around with without having to apologize. I like you; you are my new favorite sister." I shook my head. "And as your new older brother, I have the responsibility of ensuring no one will take advantage of you."

"I'll repeat Edward's words. I'm 27 years older than you, Emmett. You are the youngest in the family."

"Not biologically. I am actually the third oldest. Carlisle only has 3 years on me, Esme 6. I am an adult." Emmett responded.

"I don't consider anyone who was born after 1910 an adult, sorry, brother bear." I laughed, and I heard Edward doing the same. Actually, I heard the whole family do the same.

"You know Bella, you are very mean. I came downstairs to offer you two to play baseball tonight. The shortie said there will be thunder, and since we have you as a shield, I was thinking it would be a great way of finally proving my point."

"Your point being?" I asked confused.

"Emmett believes my team wins only because I'm cheating." Edward laughed.

"We'll see tonight if I'm right or not." He spoke. "Bella, would you like to be on my team?"

"I don't think you want me to be on your team. I've never even seen the game, let alone played it." I confessed.

"That's alright, it will only prove that Edward's winning only because of his gift." Emmett smiled.

"It's your loss." I shook my head.

"So, is that a, yes?" he asked eagerly.

"Alright. I guess I should go and see if Carlisle has any books on the rules of the game." I stood up and went upstairs.

"She is on my team, brother. She chose team Emmett." I heard him sing downstairs and shook my head. What a baby my new big brother was. Even though I was technically older than him, his size and height definitely didn't let me think otherwise.

I managed to find a book about baseball in Carlisle's office, and in hopes, he wouldn't mind, I sat down on his chair to read but was interrupted a few minutes later by Alice and Jasper.

"Hello," I spoke.

"How are you doing?" Jasper asked.

"I'm alright, why?"

"I've never sensed such…strong emotions from you before? I thought I should come to check on you." My brother said.

"Jazz, she is alright, more than alright actually." Alice grinned, and we both looked at her. Jasper with confusion, I with fury. "It's a girl thing, honey, you wouldn't understand."

"A girl thing?" he asked more confused.

"Alice is right, you don't have to worry about anything except for the game tonight. I heard you're on Emmett's team too, I'll need all the advice that you can give me if we want to win." I changed the subject.

"Advice or no advice, you will lose." Alice hopped with a smile on her face.

"Shortie doesn't know what she's talking about, don't listen to her Bells!" Emmett was screaming from downstairs. I guess I should get used to having no more privacy. Definitely not while living under the same roof with seven other vampires who happen to have amazing hearing.

"You know you are ruining the game with your visions?" I told my sister.

"How can I ruin the game if I see that it's you who will?" she asked while still hopping around the room.

"Control your woman, will you, Jasper?" I shook my head.

"If only I could." He looked at my sister with a large smile on his face.

"Well, good luck with that. I need some quietness to actually read the rules, let me know if she has another vision, maybe if I study enough, we won't lose." I stood up and went back to my room.

I read the whole book, so at least I remembered the theory part of the game, the physical would be harder to grasp, but I was ready. This reminded me of school. You learn something, and then get to practice your knowledge in real life. All medical students do that, it must be the same for sports, right?

Alice called everyone downstairs in a few hours, right after Carlisle came back from the hospital. It was still light outside, no sun though. I looked at everyone and noticed that everyone but me was wearing baseball jerseys. Alice reached her hand out to me; she had a piece of clothing in her hands along with a hat. I liked the dark blue and white together, so I put it on top of my long sleeve. The cap fit nicely, and I pulled my ponytail through the gap.

"It suits you well." Alice hummed. "You look good in blue, doesn't she, Edward?"

"Uh...She does, yes." He replied and tilted his head down. I quickly looked away, trying to hide my smile.

"That's enough. Let's go already! We'll miss the storm!" Emmett opened the door and held it until everyone got out of the house. "The last one to the field goes shopping with Rosie next."

Rosalie rolled her eyes and ran after her husband. I laughed but started running as well. Shopping was not my favorite thing in the world, frankly, I hated it. I saw that Alice was standing behind, giving us a few seconds of a head start. Now it was me rolling my eyes. Give my little sister a chance to get more clothes, and a person who will willingly go there with her, and she'll do everything to win.

"Are you excited?" Edward was now running next to me.

"About shopping or baseball?" I asked.

"Both?"

"Neither actually." I smiled. "As I've told you before, sports aren't my forte, and I'm not very fond of stores and new clothing either, especially if I have to go with Alice."

"What are you fond of?" he asked.

"Books, education, languages, I am the Nerd as Dr. Seuss called it." I smiled.

"Didn't that book just came out a few weeks ago?" he asked.

"I made a few large donations to a few bookstores a few years ago; in return, they send me new books as soon as they receive them," I explained.

"That must be nice." He spoke. "I like reading too. One glance at a book and you hear the voice of another person, perhaps someone who's been dead for 1,000 years. I think reading is like traveling through time."

"Gives one perspective."

"Exactly." We looked at each other and smiled. "Sorry about Emmett, he can be annoying at times."

"I'll get used to him."

"Why did you agree to be on his team?"

"You never asked me to be on yours."

"Would you say yes, if I asked?"

"Yes," I answered honestly.

"Isabella Marie Brandon, will you be on my team for our future games?" he smiled.

"With pleasure, Edward Anthony Masen Cullen." I laughed. "Your name is too long. Anyway, what's about thunder?"

"We only play during it, you'll understand why in a few minutes."

We reached the field and were now waiting for Alice to arrive, everyone else was already here.

"Shortie is really taking her time." Emmett laughed.

"She wants to lose your challenge, hope you have a lot of money, I'm not going to pay for that shopping trip." I laughed, and he stopped. I guess, it never occurred to him that since it was his idea, he was responsible for financing it.

"Good job, love. Thank you in advance for my new dresses." Rosalie smiled placing her hand on Emmett's cheek.

"I think we should go tomorrow; it will be cloudy all day, no raining though." Alice appeared through the bushes. "Oh, I'm so excited. I haven't gotten anything new in months!"

"Well, it's your lucky day, Emmett's paying," Edward spoke.

"That's so nice of you!" Alice turned to the Bear.

"Yeah, you are both welcome." He frowned.

"Are we going to play now or what?" Jasper asked, Emmet's face turned back to a smile, and I put on my shield over everyone.

We took our places on the field. There were no gloves or helmets, the bat was made out of steel. What I was seeing was completely different from the books. Alice was pitching first; Jasper was now holding a bat in his hands watching her every movement. He looked just like he did during our time in the South, concentrated, reading emotions, trying to predict the movements of the other person and the outcome of them. Alice threw the ball, and he swung the bat right when the first round of thunderstorms began. With a loud noise, the small round circle was now flying far away into the bushes. I understood why Cullens only played during the thunderstorm. Everyone was running now, I reached the first base when I noticed Edward was no longer in my sight. By the time I reached the third base, I saw him again, running out of the forest with the ball in his hand, he threw it to Carlisle just in time for me to reach my place on the field again. We scored 4 points, and Emmett came running to me, he swirled me around in a tight bear hug.

"I told you, Bells! With your shield, we'll 100% win!" I laughed at his enthusiasm and high-fived Jasper. It was the first time in my entire life that I was good at sports. We didn't win the game, but the rush of adrenalin that I got from playing was still pulsating through my veins. It was an experience that I would love to repeat.

"With a little more practice, I believe you will be an amazing player," Edward told me when we were running back home.

"Thank you, you are pretty good yourself," I replied.

"It's so weird still. Not hearing anyone in my head. Almost makes me feel like an idiot." He laughed.

"You know, everyone else in the world feels like that every day. But if it's so hard for you, I'll let them off right now."

"Leave it for tonight, my family…our family was always on my radar, I don't mind giving them some privacy." Edward smiled.

"Okay."

"I was wondering since Alice and Rose are going shopping tomorrow, would you like to tag along, go to Indianapolis with me?" he offered.

"I thought I told you. I don't like shopping."

"I know, and I'm not fond of it either. I was thinking we could go to a book store or maybe a record shop? We can even go to home supplies, so you could choose something to decorate your room with."

"That sounds very nice, Edward. I would like that." I smiled at him.

When we reached the house, everyone went to their bedrooms. Edward and I were still standing in the backyard. He took my hands in his.

"I don't want to let you out of my sight." He whispered.

"Then don't," I whispered back. "Give me time to change clothes, and I'll come to find you."

"Alright." He gave me one of his crooked smiles. "I'll be waiting."

Edward pressed his lips to my hands and disappeared into the house.

'Mates'. Every vampire was supposed to have one. The person who we fall in love with, the person who becomes the only other living being in the world for us. People like me can't change their feelings, can't fall out of love. Could it be that first love is the only true love? And humans after those first fires had been doused or burned out, chose whom they would love based on worldly needs, and then reenacted the rituals and feelings of that first pure experience - nursed the flames that once burned of their own accord…In case that was true, I was rather glad I wasn't human anymore. My love for Edward was pure, not bonded to his social status or his financial well-being, just him. He was and will always be the only one for me. With these thoughts, I finally came inside the house.

Please review.

By the way, the chapters are going to be longer now, seeing as I now have 8 people to write about.