Look, I know this is short, but the next chapter is all worth it, I swaer. And I would like to make a special thanks to my other half (whom I would probably die without), Robin. She has been a true friend, and I truly love her like a sister. So, thanks, Ro Ro.
Disclaimer: Twilight isn't mine.
I was looking fondly at pictures that were taken over the years. They were dated all the way back to when Carlisle first knew Edward. In 1918 he became a Cullen, and they took a picture to signify he was part of the family. We did that with all of the Cullens. Every time someone new joined the family, we would take a picture with the rest of us it make it official.
I came across a picture I would never forget amongst other pictures I also would never forget. They were wedding pictures (and Edward's and Bella's prom picture). The first picture was of Rosalie and Emmett on their first wedding. I laughed to myself. They married so many times just for show. Rosalie loved attention, and Emmett liked to please her, so they both got what they wanted.
I moved to the next photo: Alice and Jasper. I glanced back at the photo of Rose and Emmett, and shook my head smiling. They were different from Jasper and Alice, that was for sure. Once was enough for them.
The next photo was Bella and Edward. That girl looked beautiful, but failed to see it. I don't know why, though. And Edward, with his arm around her waist, looked very hansom. I was extremely proud of him. He restrained himself for the one he loved; and that shows great strength considering, she's a human, and his nature is to drink from her. I stared at the photo for a moment. They are such a good couple. They belong together. And Edward and Bella reminded me of Carlisle and myself when we were in the same situation, sort of.
And speaking of Carlisle and me, I looked at the next picture, and my eyes burned with tears that would not fall. He was the love of my life, and I could not be here without him. He looked beautiful and elegant at the same time. He was holding my hands, and smiling broadly at me, not taking any notice to the camera. His eyes were loving, as were mine, as we gazed deeply into the pools of topaz the other held. I got lost in the memory, and didn't hear when Bella walked in, and knocked on the door.
Knock knock. "Esme?" she said in a voice so soft, I almost missed what she said.
I turned around slowly, and blinked my eyes. "I'm sorry Bella. I didn't hear you come in. You caught me off guard. I was looking at all of our pictures."
She looked intrigued, and said, "Really?" She stepped forward and picked up the picture of Carlisle and myself. "You look beautiful," she said in an awed voice.
"Thank you. Do you want to hear how we met?" I knew I was asking a lot. I mean, Bella did not care about how Carlisle and I met. She was here for Edward, not me. Especially not me when I'm just babbling about memories.
But to my surprise, she looked sheepish. Now, why would she be shy about that? "Are you sure?" she asked. "I don't want to intrude." She flushed a deep red (the color of wine) and I had to thank the Gods that I had just fed the other night.
"Of course," I said lightly. "I am glad someone will listen to me. Everyone is always too busy to sit down and just talk."
"I know how you feel," she muttered. Then she blushed, realizing she had just said something out loud she didn't want to. She blushed and then looked worried. "I'm sorry," she said quickly. "I didn't mean… I mean… I wasn't talking-"
"Bella, child, it's alright. I know what you meant, and it's okay." I held my hand out, and guided her to the couch in the living room.
"And you're sure I'm not impeding on the subject?" she asked hesitantly.
"Yes, I'm sure. Now let me tell you how it began."