I realized that I have neglected to put any sort of disclaimer. I have never in anyway sort of way ever thought of Twilight as mine. It, and all its contents, belong to the uberly talented Stephanie Meyer, whom I thank continually for giving me a good book to read.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The plan was set. Edward, Emma, and I would disappear for the day while Charlie talked to Esme and Carlisle. Even though the plan was solid, I still couldn't help but be nervous. Knowing everything that had gone on in my life up to this point, something was bound to go wrong.
"Bella, dear?" Esme was suddenly at my side on the couch in the living area.
"Yes?"
She seemed almost hesitant to say whatever it was she had on her mind. Almost as if she was afraid it would make me upset.
"We have a problem." She gauged my expression for a moment; I gestured for her to continue, "Well, you see, Charlie has made it clear that he wishes to speak with Edward," she made a face, "to make amends. He wants to let Edward know that he doesn't think the accident was his fault."
This time the face making came from me.
"So you see, Edward would have to stay behind, to live up to the story we made up concerning your 'death'." Esme explained. I mulled over every word she was saying. "Now, I've already spoken with Edward. He has a plan." Doesn't he always? "He thinks you and Emma should go to the meadow with Emmett and Rosalie."
The small amount of blood, still left in my system, drained from my face. I hadn't really seen much of Rose or Emmett since giving birth. And Rosalie and I still didn't get along much. Though, the angry stares weren't as often.
Then, as if she had been summoned, Rosalie appeared at the top of the stairs with Emmett at her side.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
While Rosalie watched Emmett fight with the baby carrier, I decided to say my goodbye to Edward. I walked into our room to see him lying on the couch with his eyes open and his expression comatose.
"Edward?" I asked nervously.
He blinked a few times as he snapped out of his self-induced trance.
"Just practicing." He said with that beautiful lopsided grin splattered on his face. I sighed in relief. Though, I wasn't really sure why I was stressed. Maybe I was going through pre-separation anxiety.
"Well, I uh," I paused slightly to compose my thoughts before continuing, "I just wanted to tell you goodbye before we left for the meadow." Solemnity was the only emotion ringing in my voice. I placed a false smile upon my lips and silently hoped he wouldn't see right through it.
My hopes were in vain. The next thing I knew, his arms were wrapped securely around my waist, his head buried in the crook of my neck. I could have stayed here forever.
"Bella, we will only be apart for a few hours. I promise, everything will be just fine. You and Emma will have a great time with Emmett and Rose." Was he really saying this? Last I heard he wasn't happy about leaving me. "Now, I'm not pleased about leaving you, but you'll be fine. I'm sure of it." Much better.
I breathed out a sad attempt at a laugh. "If you say so." Suddenly, I realized something was missing. "Edward?" I asked suddenly panicked.
"Yes?"
"Where's Emma?" The last time I saw my baby was when she was sleeping in Edward's arms.
"Calm down sweetheart, she is with Rosalie." He said smoothly.
I was struck dumb. For some reason, I couldn't imagine Rosalie holding Emma after all the hatred she has portrayed towards me. I felt like I needed closure. I walked out of the room and back down the first flight of stairs to where Emmett was still fighting with the baby carrier and Rosalie was holding Emma.
For the first time, I saw Rosalie smiling. Actually smiling while she was holding Emma. The kind of smile that blocks out the world around you; leaving you only with what makes you happy. It was truly a beautiful sight.
"Yes, Uncle Emmett is being a big doofus isn't he?" I heard her say in the most sardonic baby voice I had ever heard. Not that I have heard many. Emmett was having a bit of a difficult time with the baby carrier though. I decided now was the time to make my presence known.
"Oh! Bella, hi." Emmett said looking up from the baby carrier. I smiled warmly in reply, then looked to Rosalie.
"Bella, she is beautiful. I never had the chance to congratulate you." She seemed almost repentant, but still somewhat proud.
"Thank you Rosalie. That means a lot to me." I replied truthfully. It was touching to earn such a comment from someone like her.
"Aha!" I heard Emmett exclaim from behind us. Apparently he had a breakthrough. Rosalie and I turned to see his accomplishment, only to be met with the smug, cocky expression on Emmett's face. "You ladies ready to go?" He asked as if the epic battle with the carrier never happened.
Rosalie and I just glanced at each other briefly then burst out laughing. Emmett was definitely going to be the "fun uncle".
Rosalie told us that she was going to tell Esme that we were leaving soon, and to pack some bottles for Emma. I had a feeling that Rosalie was going to make a perfect aunt, and maybe even a great babysitter.
"Emmett, would you mind holding Emma for a few moments? I need to go say goodbye to Edward." I asked after Rosalie was gone.
"Sure!" He seemed all to excited about holding her. "Rosie wouldn't let me hold her earlier." He explained.
"Ah." It was all so clear now. "Well, you can certainly have your turn now." I said as I gently handed Emma over to her uncle. To be honest, the two seemed to hit it off just great. "I'll be back in a few minutes."
"Yeah yeah, take your time." Emmett blew me off, too involved in causing high-pitched giggles from his niece. I only chuckled to myself as I walked away.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Bella, my dear, you must hurry! Charlie is just down the road!" Esme looked and sounded frantic. "Why aren't you already gone?"
To be honest, I didn't know why we hadn't left an hour ago like we had planned. Maybe it was Alice prancing into the room stating that we had forgotten diapers and blankets.
Whatever it was, it didn't matter anymore. We had to leave now. I had said my goodbye to Edward earlier, so that was taken care of. He was upstairs pretending to be comatose-like.
Before I even realized it, Emmett, Rosalie, Emma, and I we're all in Rosalie's shiny, red convertible; driving at an insane speed towards the meadow. Only now did the whole situation start to officially sink in. I started to panic a little in my head. I knew the only thing I could do was hope and pray that Edward was a much better actor than I was.