Esme's POV
With a large tray of lasagna in my hands and a bag of four boxes of Hamburger Helper, that was graciously delivered to us by a nurse from the hospital who wanted to make sure our family had something to eat, after she heard about the accident. I step into my kitchen that will probably forever smell of sweet, scrambled eggs. Or as Alice and Jasper call it, flan.
At once, I'm taken aback by the sight of my kitchen. It's a disaster!
There's splattered globs of eggs and melted butter on the stove, walls, and ceiling. It's even on the window that's on the other side of the kitchen! There's also a half a dozen pots, a supring number of cups, a filthy cheese grater, three large mixing bowls, and a blender in my sink, waiting to be washed. Besides all of that, there are eggshells littered on the floor next to the stove and an opened bag of sugar randomly sitting by the back door.
To say the least, my kitchen looks like a hurricane blew through here and had no mercy.
Placing the food I'm holding on the counter, I sigh.
"Why? Just why?" I ask myself out loud.
Alice and Jasper have been trying to perfect the art of making flan for two days now. It's something they started on Friday night and have stuck with it. Their cooking skills haven't improved much, other than managing to not set off the smoke detector. Both of them are not great at cooking. Though it keeps them busy, which is why I allow it as long as they clean up after themselves. But for whatever reason, they didn't do that today. Instead, they left their mess for me to take care of.
Feeling overwhelmed by the sight of my untidy kitchen, I decide I can't wait for them to get back from visiting Charlie to clean up their disaster. It must be taken care of immediately.
First thing is first, I put the food away and start on the dishes.
Plugging up the sink and squirting dish soap in as I let the water run, I look out the window at the gloomy sky lined with rain clouds. Turning off the water and grabbing the sponge, I immediately feel a sense of change and it has nothing to do with the day blending into night. This change is different. It's difficult to explain and I've been so busy these last few days, playing my part as a grieving mother and doing my best to keep my kids in check, that I haven't let myself feel or think about change. But change is all around me.
Standing still and holding the sponge in my hand, my eyes peer out the window as my mind begins to wonder.
Small bubbles in the sink float up to the ceiling as the world turns and time goes on. Rain drops begin to fall from the sky, splattering on the window. Everything appears to be normal. But looks can be deceiving.
Since Friday night, nothing has been normal. Then came Saturday morning where change was unavoidable.
Sometime after our family meeting Edward called me. He was fretting, not knowing what to do and worried about his father and I would be disappointed with him with everything he did, which had a lot to do with why he called me and not his father. He doesn't like to disappoint Carlisle and wasn't ready to talk to him just yet.
That was nothing personal against Carlisle, of course. It has to do with him being the head of the house, a strong authority figure, who always does what's right and never wrong, in the eyes of our youngest son who tries to emulate him. Because of those facts, Edward confided in me. Because I am mom, his safe space, the person who comforts him in his time of need. For those reasons he found it best to talk to me first.
He apologized for running off and explained why. He went into grave detail about what led to him accidentally biting Bella. It was a lot more than I wanted to hear but I listened nevertheless, letting him know I wasn't mad at him. Carlisle did the same as soon as they talked.
I was very shocked by the events that led to Edward biting Bella. One minute of getting frisky has now led to a lifetime of change. Two lives forever changed, never the same.
Of course, that happens to humans as well. Getting all hot and bothered can lead two hormonal teenagers into a situation they aren't quite ready for: becoming parents.
But, in this case it isn't the birth of a baby that changes everything for two young teens. No. Far from it. It's a vampire's new life. Both Edward and Bella's lives are forever changed. He now has to mentally grow up quicker than he did before and teach Bella our way of life.
Edward wanted to come home and how both his father and I wanted him and Bella here. To comfort and guide both of them on this new journey. But with what was to come regarding their disappearance, it wasn't wise to have them return. With wisdom and love, Carlisle advised our boy to take Bella to Alaska and stay with our extended family. Not with Tanya and sisters, but good friends of ours who have become an uncle and aunt to our children. That way Edward will have help and not be on his own with a newborn vampire when she wakes up. He took our advice and did as we told him to do.
Everything was set into motion before the sun came up yesterday morning.
The stage, so to speak, was set on a bridge and ended down below, along the highway. About thirty miles from where Edward and Bella were last seen.
The story that was told to us as well as to Charlie by the officers who discovered the gory site. Was that a young man stole a car for a joy ride, drove too fast on a bridge, flew off and unfortunately collided with two teenage pedestrians, Edward and Bella. Most likely killing them on impact before the vehicle blew up, resulting in a fiery crash.
Everything was set aflame, charred and burnt to a crisp. No bodies were left to identify, only a few blood-splattered items. Two freshmen school ID's, Edward's left shoe, both of Bella's which were said to have flown off of their feet upon the impact of the crash. There was also a tube of Dr. Pepper lip gloss, which I'm told Bella really loves to use.
Of course, those items found at the crash site didn't actually belong to my son or Bella. But Alice saw those to be the best items that would convince Charlie that his little girl is gone.
Another thing that Alice saw to better convince Charlie that Bella's death was real, were witnesses. Someone who was able to say they saw what happened.
Conveniently we found willing participants, two males and a redheaded female. They were our kind, and the group that Rosalie and Jasper came across earlier that night. They agreed to help us as long as we helped them in return. They didn't want much, just a place to clean up and a change of clothes, which Alice was more than happy to accompany me to the store to get, after everything was taken care of.
Scrubbing the last pot in the sink, I can't help thinking of Charlie. I feel bad for him, I really do. He is losing a human child and I am gaining a vampire child. I wish there was a way he could stay in her life, but it's just not possible.
It's a heartbreaking situation, that's for sure. But there's no way around it. It's not like Carlisle and I could allow Bella to be in contact with Charlie once she wakes up.
Still scrubbing the dirty pot, my eyes look out the window, seeing nothing. While my mind begins to wonder what Bella will be like when she wakes up. What will she remember? Will she be frightened? Probably. Realizing you are a vampire can be a scary thing. Waking up to a new life where everything is different isn't easy. It takes time adjusting. Especially when that person didn't have time to prepare for this life as I did, and Bella didn't. She also didn't have a chance to get to know our family well and that worries me too.
"Esme," My daughter calls my name from a million miles away.
I don't answer, I can't. Lost in my own little world of worries and concerns for the fifteen-year-old child we will be bringing into our house, I keep scrubbing and thinking.
"Mom, are you alright?" Rosalie asks me, her voice is closer this time. She sounds very concerned.
I look to see her beside me, a worried expression upon her young face.
"Yes, sweetie, I'm fine." I reassure her.
It's a lie of course. But I don't want my concerns to worry my oldest daughter.
She raises an eyebrow in question. "Are you sure? Because you've been cleaning that poor pot for the longest time. It's getting kind of weird."
Before I even have time to answer her, I press a little too hard on the bottom of the pot, it cracks, a very loud sound. There's no time to realize what's happening as it falls apart in my hands. With a big splash, it lands in the sink with a thousand bubbles rising up.
Caught off guard by what just happened, I stare at the handle I hold in my hand. Rosalie laughs, a happy child-like sound.
"Well, that's certainly one way to clean a pot." I say jokingly, holding up the handle that's now attached to nothing.
"I had a feeling that was going to happen." She says between laughter.
"Oh really?" I gaze at her while I collect the broken pieces out of the soapy water and toss them in the trash.
"Yeah," She snorts.
Pretending everything is okay, I smile and shake my head. Rosalie giggles.
"Well, since you are here," I say, a little too cheerfully as I turn around facing her. "Could you help me clean this mess?" I wave my hand around the kitchen.
Though my words are in the form of a question, there is no room for negotiation. When I ask my children for help, they are aware that responding no is not an option. I'm old fashioned in that way.
Rosalie's smile and laughter disappear. Her golden eyes stare at the stove in disbelief.
"It won't take long if we work together." I speak when she doesn't.
"It's not my mess, but sure, I'll help." She mumbles cheerlessly.
It's obvious she's unhappy but won't protest.
"Great." I grab a roll of paper towels off the counter and hand it to her.
"Thanks," She takes the paper towels and sighs. "All I came in here for, is to look at some human food so I could describe it for my story. And now I'm being recruited to clean up a mess that isn't mine." She shakes her head.
"I appreciate it." I smile at her.
Rosalie doesn't respond, she stands by the sink holding the paper towels. The only movement she makes is blinking and I can tell she's thinking about something.
Not waiting around for her to speak, I go over to the cupboard above the refrigerator and gather up a few bottles of cleaning products. Hopefully the bottles that say Tough on Grease, will work for caked on eggs and butter. Because some of this goop really looks like it's attached to the wall and ceiling. Next, I open the broom closet that's next to the refrigerator and pull out my step stool so I can better reach the ceiling.
Feeling cheerful, I quickly place five different bottles of kitchen cleaner and a can of AJAX on the counter. Humming to myself, happy that Rose is going to help me tackle this grimy disaster, I bend down and open the cupboard under the sink. It's time to breakout the sponges and scrub brushes.
With everything now on the counter, neatly displayed so we can begin cleaning, I smile at Rosalie and ask her what sponge and cleaning spray she wants to use first. She shrugs her shoulders and picks up a can of AJAX and a yellow sponge.
Cleaning is not the most fun activity to do with my daughter, I admit. But it will definitely keep me occupied for a while and take my mind off of the things that trouble me. Help me pretend to be normal when nothing is.
We begin our task. I'm enthusiastic and eager, spraying and scrubbing while I try to strike up a conversation with my cleaning buddy. Where she's the total opposite. Very slow and seems to be low on energy while saying minimal words as she sprinkles the powder on the stovetop. She's going at the pace of a sloth and moaning a lot. Just a typical teenager doing household chores, I guess.
With my fast speed our task doesn't take long. In no time at all, she and I have the kitchen in tip-top shape with no traces of Alice and Jasper's mess. With that taken care of she and I decide to go into the living room and relax on the couch. I'm intrigued that this was her idea. I had assumed after the cleanup took place; she would return to her room to continue writing her story. But no, she wants to spend time with me. I gladly take her up on the offer to spend quality time with her.
"Mom," Rosalie says, grabbing the remote on the coffee table and turning on the TV. "I know something's wrong. What are you worrying about?"
I look at her and sigh. I could lie, pretend to be alright, be the mother who has everything all together. But that wouldn't be right. Obviously, she sees right through me that something is bothering me and is probably worried about it. Otherwise, she wouldn't ask.
"I have a lot on my mind." I admit. "I keep thinking and worrying about how Bella will do after she wakes up, learns what she is, and has to live with us, a group of people who are practically strangers to her."
Rosalie nods her head in agreement. "It's hard to live with strangers, at first." She says, thoughtfully, speaking from her own experience. "But she knows us kids from school. Besides, she and Edward are a couple. So…"
She lets her voice trail off. I know she's trying to be comforting but none of that takes away my fear.
"She hasn't known any of us for very long. Her and Edward have only been dating for two days before he bit her." I point out the obvious.
"Edward was very fast and impulsive on this," She rolls her eyes. "But he made his bed. Now he has to lie in it. You know? Grow up and take on the responsibilities of being her creator instead of being a forever child."
"Very true." I agree with her. "But Bella's very young. What if she decides she doesn't want to be with Edward or even live with our family? Then what? She's under twenty-one, which in the vampire world means she has to live with an adult guardian. Same as you, Emmett, your sister, and brothers have to do. None of you guys are old enough to be on your own in our world."
Rosalie looks thoughtful at me as I lay out all of my fears out in the open. Everything from feeling bad for having to distance Bella from everything she knows in the human world, especially keeping her from her father. To, not knowing what I would do if she shall become defiant and run away after she's no longer a newborn.
"I don't know what to say to all that." She takes my hand, trying to comfort me. "But I don't think she will leave us. Seems like you're just doing what moms often do, worry for nothing."
"Maybe," I allow it, hoping she's right. That I'm worrying for nothing. "But Edward and Bella only went on one date. They really don't know each other well. What if a couple years from now they decide not to be together? How would that work with both of them living under the same roof?"
"Though they practically just met," Rosalie says slowly, choosing her words carefully. "From what I've seen at school Edward and Bella's relationship is very intense… and awkward. But it's obvious they love each other. I don't believe they will breakup nor do I imagine her wanting to leave our family. You and Carlisle are the best parents anyone could ever want."
I smile at that as she lets go of my hand and I wrap her in a hug. The last part of what she said made my still heart soar. There was a time, long ago where she had a bad attitude toward Carlisle and me, it took her a while to accept us as family. Though there's one part of what she said that makes me curious.
"When you say their relationship is intense," I begin as our hug ends. "What exactly does that mean?"
"Well," Rosalie leans back against the couch cushions. "It's difficult to explain."
"Try," I encourage.
Rosalie looks from me to the TV, to the coffee table, up to the ceiling, and back to me. She seems to be taking her time and searching for the right words. I patiently wait.
"Okay." She finally says. "You know how Emmett and I had an instant bond and fell head over heels in love at first sight? And from the moment he woke up to this half-life we were very attuned to each other's needs."
"Yes."
"And Jasper and Alice's love story was even less conventional than mine and Emmett's. But again, it was basically love at first sight. Not to mention they can magically communicate telepathically, in that very strange way of theirs."
I nod my head, giving her a silent yes.
"Now, if you were to combine all that, plus two very awkward young teenagers, you'd have Edward's and Bella's relationship." She explains. "What I'm trying to say is, their love seems real and very intense to me. They complete each other in a way I can't really describe."
"They complete each other." I say out loud, more to myself than to Rosalie.
"Yeah, they do. They may be the youngest couple in the family now. But trust me when I say their love is very intense. It really is. Otherwise, I don't think he would have bit her so soon." She nods her head like she's agreeing with herself.
"It's an interesting way to look at it." I admit.
"They will be fine." She says with so much feeling I'm taking aback by it. "There's nothing to worry about with them. I witnessed them together on two separate occasions and I can't imagine them breaking up."
"Okay. That's good to know." I smile at her, she smiles back.
At the same time, she suggests what to watch, I hear Carlisle and Emmett walking down the stairs.
"Emmett, we are not moving to Doctor's Inlet, Florida." Carlisle says, sounding stressed out. I'm sure this is not the first time he has said this.
"But it would be the perfect place to move to since you're a doctor." Emmett explains, sounding very thrilled. "Besides, I need to go to Florida to wrestle an alligator."
"An alligator? That's your whole reason for moving to Florida?" Carlisle asks, sounding very stunned.
"Yes! I want to wrestle one of those big mamma jammas in a marsh and kick its sorry lizard booty then drink its blood." Emmett says a bit too loudly. "It's my lifelong dream. I also want to get a wooden sign that reads, 'Feeding, Enticing or Molesting Alligators is Prohibited.' I've seen those on the internet, and I just have to go to Florida and pluck one from a lake."
Hearing that, I turn to Rosalie, maybe she has more of an insight to what Emmett is saying about the sign. It's the first I'm hearing about his lifelong dream too. Not looking away from the TV she shrugs her shoulders. I guess she doesn't know either.
"Florida is out of the question." Carlisle's tone is firm. His mind is made up.
"Florida is too sunny. I wouldn't want to live there." Rosalie says and I agree.
Emmett says nothing but lets out an unhappy groan as he and Carlisle enter the living room. At once I'm taken aback by what my oldest son is holding in his right hand, a broomstick with a neon speedo attached to it. My mind is reeling with questions.
"At the end of the week, after the funeral. We will go to Alaska and live there for approximately three months with Carmen and Eleazar." Carlisle explains. His words sound rehearsed because they are.
The first time he announced the location of our move, it was on the phone to Edward. The second time, we talked more in depth about our plans, just me and him. The third time was after we faked the deaths of Edward and Bella. When we came home, we informed our children what would be happening next and where we would move to.
"But then me and Rosie have to walk on eggshells while we're at their house. We can't openly be horny teens and it's in our nature." Emmett complains.
Carlisle and I say nothing. Though we exchange a look with each other. Both of us wish they would not be so flamboyant with their physical affection. It's often hard to stomach.
"Playing down our love life isn't fun. Is it, Sugar Boom?" Emmett moves over to Rosalie, sitting down beside her with the speedo on a stick. With his quick movements the swimsuit flows like a flag in the wind.
Rosalie puts her head on Emmett's shoulder. "No, Big Papa Pickle, it's literally torture. Especially with how squeamish Carman gets around you when the spring of 1943 is mentioned." she pokes his chest, "It wasn't your fault or mine that I had detention and had to stay after school that day."
"Yeah," Emmett kisses Rosalie's head and looks up at Carlisle. "Carman acts like it's unusual to walk in on a horny teen and his homemade sex doll."
My stomach tightens up and Carlisle rubs his forehead. Immediately he comes over and sits down next to me, going into a small but meaningful speech, telling our oldest children to not even bring that incident up when we go to Alaska. Because Carman can't handle it. She has been very clear – Eleazar too – on not having the spring of '43 mentioned in front of her. It's a very forbidden topic in their household and the reason why they have never adopted. Tanya and her two sisters, who live in the next town with their human companions, also have thought twice about adopting, after hearing that horror story.
"Neither one of you is allowed to bring that up when we are in Alaska. Do I make myself clear?" Carlisle says to Emmett and Rosalie, his voice is tight.
"Yes." Emmett and Rosalie answer in unison.
"Good." He says, clearing his throat. "Also, the two of you must limit your sexually activities to the bedroom. Nothing inappropriate should happen out in the open. Your aunt and uncle don't need to see any of your fetishes."
"It's not our house," I add. "We need to be very respectful of their house and their rules while we are there. And please," I look at Emmett, "don't repeat the past."
"I won't." Emmett promises with a smile. "But since we're on the topic, I can't mention when we go to Denali. I must say I'm very skilled in the art of making a sex doll. The spring of '43 was not my first time. Used to make them all the time in my human days. Seriously, I could make how-to videos on YouTube for horny humans." His words are proud and so is the look on his face.
I cringe and I'm sure my left eye is twitching. This is definitely something a mother should not know about her son. So is what he and Rosalie do with spreadable foods, Ninja Turtles costumes, and antique crosses.
"It's a shame you had to do that." Rosalie rubs his arm. Her tone is sympathetic.
"I did what I had to do to survive," Emmett puts his arm around Rose, holding her close. "I lived way out in the countryside in Tennessee, so far out we had no neighbors for miles and miles. We hardly saw another person that wasn't family."
"That's so sad." Rosalie coos.
Emmett nods his head. "Spent most summers without seeing anyone from school or even from our town. So over time I made a sex doll out of old towels and pillows, duct tape, the head of a mop for hair glued to a basketball, one rubber kitchen glove tightly rolled between her towel legs and dressed her in girl's clothing. I did the bedroom rodeo with Susie Q every chance I got. It was practice for the real deal." He wiggles his eyebrows in a suggestive way and grins at Rosalie. She smiles back. "I hid her in a hatch that led to the attic. No one ever caught me until that day Carman walked in on me."
"It's unfortunate Alice and Jasper hadn't joined our family yet." Rosalie muses. "She could have warned you if she was our sister then."
"Yeah." He says, in a faraway tone. "I need to ask her if she has seen what ever happen to my first sex doll, Susie Q. I wonder if my biological siblings or even my first mother ever found it after I disappeared."
"Ohmygod." I cover my face with my hands.
I don't know how much more of this strange conversation I can take. Carlisle rubs my back and clears his throat. Emmett and Rosalie immediately stop talking.
"As fascinating as this is," Carlisle says, his tone lacks all emotion. "Is there any other place you would like to move to, Emmett?"
"Alabama." Emmett automatically responds.
Thankful that the awkward talk of a homemade sex doll is put to an end, I stop covering my face.
"Maybe," Carlisle sounds like he's really considering this. But I know what he's doing. Trying to distract the kids and change the path of our conversation.
"Alabama is nice," I say, playing along. "But it's too sunny."
"Ugh. That means we would have to stay inside all day. I wouldn't want that." Rosalie shakes her head.
"That can't happen," I turn to Carlisle. "Our children need to be in school. They need an education."
"Sorry, Son. I don't think Alabama would work." Carlisle says with mock disappointment. "Alaska seems like the best move for now."
The same time the last word leaves his mouth the front door opens and in walks Alice and Jasper. She has three boxes of LED solar lights and he's holding four bouquets of flowers.
I wonder what they are up to.
"But if we go down to Alabama, I can call you pops." Emmett's eyes lock with Carlisle's. There's so much enthusiasm on his face and in his voice. "I also have the perfect cover story. You're a family man and a good doctor who got mixed up with some bad shit."
"Emmett, language." Carlisle and I scold him in unison.
"Sorry." Emmett apologizes. "I mean bad stuff."
"What bad stuff did he get mixed up with?" Jasper asks, curiosity radiating off of him.
"Booze." Emmett's tone adds the, of course. "Pop can't stay away from the drink. It damn nearly killed him. He drank too much red Rum and almost died."
"Hmm." Carlisle sounds unimpressed.
Jasper snickers. Rosalie and Alice giggle while I say nothing at all. Saying a vampire almost died is a little funny, but so far this is not a very good cover story.
"We had to move to Alabama," Emmett goes on saying, looking at his father. "Because your probation officer sent you there for a great AA program after you showed up to work as drunk as skunk."
"No." I shake my head.
"I'm already not liking this cover story." Carlisle wipes his hand down his face.
"So far, it's very interesting." Jasper laughs.
"It's a great cover story and there's more to it." Emmett happily announces.
"Of course, there is." Carlisle groans.
"You're just a dad trying to better your life by going to AA and trying to keep your daughters off the pole and your sons out of jail, while your wife spends way too much money doing infomercial shopping for things we don't even need." Emmett says in one breath.
"Alcoholics Anonymous? Jail? Poles? Infomercial shopping?" I say each word as a question.
"I doubt this could get any worse." Carlisle whispers in my ear.
"Yep." Emmett grins with confidence. "Dad works hard for his money and mom spends it all on giant bubble makers and weird egg and bacon cookers that nobody could possibly ever need." He laughs his booming laugh. "All our money goes quickly; we can't even buy food because mom's buying all the As Seen on TV junk and dad's single handedly keeping the liquor companies in business."
"Wow." Alice giggles.
"While Mama shops, never leaving the comfort of our living room that's piled from floor to ceiling with boxes of infomercial junk, and Daddy comes home late every night. He drinks heavily, loudly proclaiming his love for us while he hugs the porcelain throne and pukes. Then he drinks some more until he passes out. Us kids are basically being raised by ourselves in our flashy mansion." With each word Emmett speaks, he becomes more and more animated.
"It's like we're being raised by a couple of Frou-Frou crack addicts." Jasper laughs.
"Practically." Emmett says the word so serious it's actually comical. "But hey! Being raised by a functioning drunk and a depressed shopaholic isn't ideal, but we make it work. That's one of the reasons we started dating our siblings."
"Dating our siblings?" Rosalie and Alices gasp in shock.
"Yup." Emmett says matter-of-factly.
"Wait. Who's related to who?" Jasper automatically glances at Alice who stares at Emmett.
"No one's related who's bumping uglies." Emmett replies in a carefree tone. "It's a Yours, Mine, and Ours situation. Alice and I are Esme's kids from her first and second marriages. Both of her ex-husbands ran away together and left her as a single mother."
I stare at him, deadpan. Carlisle chuckles once.
"Jasper and Rosalie are Carlisle's twins from his runaway bride in the '80's," Emmett happily explains. "That woman left them on his doorstep for him to take care of. He was a single father until he married Esme then they had Edward and Bella."
"Edward and Bella are related and dating?" Rosalie wonders, her tone a mix of disgust and amusement.
"No one will question it. They are in a Kindergarten relationship, the most they do is passionately hold hands. So, it doesn't matter." Emmett shrugs his shoulders. "Anyways, mom and dad basically don't care what we do as long as their needs of shopping and drinking are taken care of, we get to do what we want."
"Sounds like a horrible way to live." Jasper's tone contradicts his words.
It's obvious my middle son is very intrigued by the disturbing story that his oldest brother is creating. I'm sure he finds this fascinating and wants to hear it till the end since he is manipulating the vibe in the room, making everyone very absorbed in Emmett's story.
"Since our parents spend all of their money on themselves," Alice says to Emmett in a cheerful tone. "And we're playing the part of human high school kids, what do we do for food? Humans have to eat."
Carlisle and I stare at each other. There's no doubt in my mind, and probably his too, that Alice knows the answer to her own question and is egging Emmett on. She wants him to reveal this part of his story for some reason.
I fear what is to come next. But suddenly I feel peace and curiosity as my eyes glance from my husband to my oldest son. I now want to know what Emmett is going to say. All eyes are on him.
"Good question!" Emmett shouts, briefly standing up and waving the yellow speedo on a stick in the air. He quickly sits back down. "We hardly eat. All we have is one carrot and a jar of mayonnaise in the fridge. We already fought each other for the one loaf of bread we got out of someone's trash can."
"Poor us." Rosalie shakes her head in despair.
"We live in a family with a lot of issues." Jasper says between laughter.
"At least we have each other. Even if we fight each other for bread." Alice dry sobs and Jasper puts an arm around her.
Carlisle shakes his head and I rub my temples. This is too much.
"So, without any responsible adults to make sure we eat," Emmett grins at Carlisle and me. "Me and my bros go to Walmart getting that five-finger discount," He brings his free hand up for everyone to see and wiggles his fingers in the air. "Taking what we need and working a hustle on the side at school just to make money to survive. And the girls are dabbling in underage exotic dancing, which you're fine with as long as you get your drink on, Pop."
His strange story comes to a close and that interesting feeling that had me curious about his story is gone. Jasper is no longer changing the emotions in the room.
"Great cover story, right?" Emmett asks no one in particular, sounding very pleased with himself.
Carlisle and I share a horrified look.
"It was a very interesting and elaborate cover story." Rosalie's clearly very impressed. She gives him a kiss on the lips. "Babe, when did you come up with it?"
"I've been thinking about it ever since mom bought that weird t-shirt folding thing from the infomercial last year." Emmett explains and Jasper cracks up.
"It's a very unique story." Alice chimes in, bouncing up and down with the boxes of lights in her hands. "Esme, will we be moving to Alabama with that as our cover story?"
Her question sounds like she has legitimate curiosity. Though I'm sure she has already seen this conversation and knows the answer.
"No." Is all I say.
"As a mandated reporter for child abuse and neglect, I have to say. If I were to use that backstory, the outcome would not be good. Once a teacher or another mandated reporter would catch wind of our family history," Carlisle speaks seriously, never looking away from our oldest son. "The Department of Child Protective Servies would open up an investigation on our family very quickly. Because it would sound like we," He gestures to himself and me. "Are not fit to be parents."
"It's definitely not a good cover story to use if we want to blend in. That would make us stand out and be the talk of the town." I point out.
"My thoughts exactly, dear." Carlisle agrees.
"Just trying to help out." Emmett shrugs his shoulders, unphased by any concern. "I don't see anyone else trying to create a reason why we had to move."
Jasper opens his mouth to say something. But before he has a chance to speak, Carlisle announces he and I will handle all the small details, just like we always do. In other words, our cover story is not for our children to worry about or come up with. It's our responsibility, not theirs. It's better that way.
"Let's go decorate Edward's and Bella's memorial site along the highway." Alice announces in a happy sing-song voice. "It's time!"
Emmett and Rosalie get up from the couch. Still holding that ridiculous speedo on a stick, Emmett walks to the kitchen with Jasper following him, while Rosalie and Alice walk outside.
The living room is quiet as our four children prepare to leave. Carlisle suggests we watch a movie since the kids are going out. I agree. He flips through the channels, and we quickly decide on a movie we both like and begin to watch it.
With a few questions on my mind, I turn to my husband.
"Why do you suppose Emmett was carrying around a Speedo on a broomstick?" I ask, realizing it's a very strange question.
Carlisle shrugs his shoulders. "I don't know. I didn't ask, and I don't plan to."
"Really? Aren't you curious what our children are up to?" I wonder, feeling confused and a little annoyed.
He shakes his head no. "Love, there's things I don't feel the need to know the answer to when it comes to our children and that was one of them."
"In other words, you choose your battles wisely." I guess, looking into his golden eyes.
He nods his head once. "We have enough going on right now." He speaks. "I don't want to know why Emmett has a Speedo on a stick, waving it around like a flag. I'm sure we'll find out soon enough and wish we didn't know his reasons."
I sigh. I know he's right. I try to push those thoughts out of my mind. But doing so, I think of something else, and I just have to say it.
"Carlisle," I say, cuddling up to him and putting my head on his shoulder.
"Yes, love?" He wraps his arm around me.
"Do you realize we're going to have six kids very soon?" I say, feeling exhaustion seep into my brain. "With five there's so much craziness and never a dull moment. But six… I can't imagine what life will be like with three boys and three girls. All the kids will be coupled up. Not to mention, Bella will be a newborn…"
My voice trails off as I realize I will soon be responsible for six minor vampires.
"Don't worry, love. I'll take off work for a couple of years and help out with the kids. You're not alone, we're in this together." He reassures me and kisses the top of my head.
"Yeah." I let out a content sigh.
Both of us cuddle up to each other, our bodies molding to one another. Everything feels right and peaceful as I begin to concentrate on the movie.
"Are you sure you have everything we need, bro?" Jasper asks in a teasing tone as he steps back into the living room.
"Yup, brother man. This is it." Emmett cheerfully replies, following Jasper.
I turn and look at them. At once all the peacefulness I felt is gone and I wonder why Emmett is holding one of my kitchen appliances and where he's taking it. Carlisle glances at them but quickly turns back to the TV screen. When it comes to most of the ridiculous things our children do, especially the boys, he ignores it. But I can't.
"Where are you guys going with my microwave?" I ask, it isn't a casual query. It's also a sentence I never thought I would say.
Of course, we don't use our microwave for its intended purpose, it's more of a decoration. Though I like it to be where it should be, in the kitchen. So, there better be a good answer for this.
"I'm going to use it to decorate the memorial site in memory of Eddie boy." Emmett explains, patting the top of the microwave and waving the Speedo flag around at the same time.
"Why do you need my microwave and the Speedo?" I just don't understand.
"Because this was Edward's special Speedo, he wore it to school the day after he got his first boner," He waves it around like a flag again. "And this was his favorite microwave. Since he didn't know how to cook, he loved microwave food and would definitely want it with him in the afterlife."
"Very meaningful items." Jasper suppresses a laugh.
"Exactly." Emmett nods in his brother's direction. "Got to take these things to Little Hot Pocket's memorial."
"Little Hot Pocket?" Carlisle, Jasper and I all ask at the same time.
Emmett grins. I'm sure he was waiting for us to question him about that.
"That sounds like a gang name. Are we in a gang now?" Jasper stares at him.
"What? No!" Emmett snorts.
"It kind of does sound like a gang name." Carlisle says, staring at Emmett.
"None of my children are in gangs, are kleptomaniacs or pole dancers." I immediately clear the air on that.
"Little Hot Pocket was Edward's nickname from our family." Emmett explains with a wide grin. "Because he loved eating hot pockets for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. So, that's why I need the microwave, to make sure the ghost of him is well fed."
"Well, I guess the pretend nickname isn't so bad." I admit, feeling relieved that Emmett didn't create a strange backstory about Edward being a gang member.
"Sooo," Emmett draws out the word. "Can I take the microwave? I really need it."
Not sure about the answer I should give him, I sit up and rub my forehead. I'm positive if I were human, I would have a headache right now. Probably a migraine.
"Go on boys, take it. Go decorate the memorial and stay out of trouble." Carlisle says, putting his hand on my knee, gently squeezing it.
"Of course." Jasper gives a two-finger salute.
"Thanks. See ya later peeps! Little Hot Pocket gets his microwave!" Emmett half shouts with glee. He and Jasper start walking towards the front door.
My mind is full and my left eye twitches as I look out the window wall, watching my oldest sons stroll into our detached garage with my microwave. Never in my life or even my wildest daydreams, did I think they would use a kitchen appliance to decorate the spot on a highway where someone was said to have died. I wonder what the humans will think when they see a small cross with flowers, a bunch of LED solar lights strung around it, making the spot visible at night, along with a Speedo on a broomstick, and a microwave, of all things. I don't know. I have no answers to my own question.
Maybe Carlisle is right. We have enough things going on in our life right now to question every little weird thing our children do on a daily basis. I guess, as long as no one is playing with fireworks or some other explosive device, they will be fine. But why on Earth did he let them walk off with a portable cooking device?
"You gave them permission to take the microwave? Why?" I am completely dumbfounded.
"Let them have their fun." He says softly.
"But…But… The microwave." I stammer. "It belongs in the kitchen, not out on the side of the road. Whoever heard of such a thing?"
"It's just a microwave." He says nonchalantly, running a hair through his blond hair.
"Yeah but…" I start to speak but don't know what else to say so I stop.
"We'll get all new appliances for our new house." Carlisle reassures me, shifting in his seat to better see me.
"Okay." I mumble, trying to hide my irritation.
I'm fine with getting new appliances when we move to a new house, we always do. Though I'm stressed out about everything that has and will take place since Edward bit Bella, and for some reason, I'm not taking the spontaneous departure of my microwave very well. Why couldn't the boys have taken the coffee grinder instead? Or even a blender? Those kitchen items I don't particularly like and probably wouldn't have taken it this hard.
I let out a loud heavy breath. Carlisle turns to me, and I try to play it off that I'm fine. But I'm not.
"Everything will be okay." Carlisle says in a serene tone.
I nod in agreement.
His golden eyes look into mine with so much love and devotion I see when I look at my husband. His lips curve up into a small smile, and for a second, I can't remember what we were talking about. He leans in, brushing both of my cheeks with the back of his hand, first one and then the other. His hand finds its way under my chin. His touch is so gentle and strong. He moves in closer, aligning his face to mine, my eyes close on their own violation and our lips meet. Now I really can't remember what our conversation was about.
Our kiss is nice, slow and full of love. His fingers find their way to the back of my neck and my resolve crumbles. I no longer care about the kitchen appliance that will now be a highway decoration. I have other things on my mind, more important things as our kiss builds up.
My lips move with his as my arms grab his shoulders, wanting to rip off his shirt. Like magnets we move closer to each other. My lips part and his tongue slips inside exploring my mouth. He's driving me crazy, and I bet he knows it.
Our tongues wind together while I change positions from sitting beside him, to sitting on him and straddling his lap. His hands find their way inside the back of my shirt, running up and down my back in a very chilling way that feels delightful.
His touch, his kisses, his breath and mine blending together. It's all wonderful and beautiful.
Our kiss carries on and it's obvious now by the bulge in pants, that he is ready for more than just kissing. Needing more, I attack him with my mouth while rubbing myself against him. He growls in pleasure, letting me know he likes what I'm doing. My hands begin to pull at the collar of his shirt, ripping it. Carlisle gives me one long kiss before his mouth lets go of mine. Both of us look at each other panting and smiling.
"Love, shall we forget the movie and continue this upstairs?" He asks in a low and sexy tone.
"Yes, please." I say as my lips reach for his.
Between our kiss and his muffle chuckling, about my eagerness, I suppose. He wraps his arms around me, stands up, and carries me off to our bedroom.
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Thanks for reading. :)
This is the SECOND to the last chapter before the Epilogue. So, of course the yellow neon Speedo had to make an appearance. ;)
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