Chapter 8: Sink or Swim Together
Standing up, I travelled back to the house saying nothing while Rosalie and Emmett followed me, leaving Jasper and Edward.
We were nearing the house when Emmett told me, "Rosalie was concerned, asked Alice, who then became concerned, and after a brief talk decided for Rose and I to go while Alice stayed with Bella."
The fact that they talked things through were signs that they were already learning from our recent lessons. I could not have felt prouder.
As soon as we entered the house, Alice passed us at a sprint, no doubt going to Jasper's side.
When we walked into the sitting room, Bella asked, "Where'd everyone go?"
Taking a seat in a chair, Emmett and Rosalie settled into a couch with Rosalie leaning into Emmett's shoulder, and I explained, "Edward thought that what happened between Carlisle and I was influenced by my gift. He was helping me sort it out, and then I wanted Jasper's help. We went far enough from the house, so that if we used up our energy we wouldn't be a risk to you."
Bella looked incredibly uncomfortable and uttered, "oh." It took her a few minutes, but when she had collected herself, she asked, "Did you learn anything?"
"I'm not sure, actually," I told her. "Edward was right. There was something there, and it seemed like a light to me. It had a warm and inviting feeling, but upon hearing Rosalie call my name I left the visualisation. When I opened my eyes, Edward and Jasper were still meditating, so them helping me seemed to have affected them. However, I really don't know what's going on."
Only then did it occur to me that I had no idea how much time had passed. Opening my phone to check, it was full of text messages from Carlisle each getting increasingly more worried up until about twenty minutes ago. Immediately I felt ashamed in my delay in contacting him. I messaged back that I was fine, asked for an apology, and would explain when I saw him. He messaged back that it had been a slow day for him in the ER, and after not hearing from me after a few hours, had grown concerned. Apologising again for worrying him, he answered back that there was nothing to apologise for, as I couldn't have known that he would have been looking for me, as he should have been occupied with patients.
Probably reading in between my expressions, Rosalie spoke up, appearing a little embarrassed, "Carlisle called me."
Looking up from my phone, while sending a message for him to be well for the rest of his shift, it dawned on me that he was far more worried than his text messages had implied. It made me doubly grateful that he had reached Rosalie.
After a few minutes, she added, "It wasn't a vision that came to Alice. Due to Carlisle's call I asked her to check on you. She said that you, Edward, and Jasper were in the forest, just like you had texted us, yet she looked worried and confused. As her reaction was disconcerting we ran through possibilities and decided that I would go and check, and take Emmett in case there was trouble, even though Alice hadn't seen any." With a bit of a quiver in her voice she added, "You looked like a Buddha statue."
Smiling at her reassuringly, I explained, "I was merely attempting to focus."
Bella looked like she wanted to say something, so I encouraged her, "Out with it."
Smiling shyly, she hedged by telling me, "If it's too personal, just say so."
Agreeing with a nod, she then asked, "Why would your gift influence what happened between you and Carlisle?"
Smiling at her, I told her, "That is an excellent question. Edward was guessing that might be the case, and we were trying to figure that very question out. Truthfully, we didn't get to the answer. Each time I tried searching, I lost time, and although I came to with Rosalie's voice, when we left Edward and Jasper were still stone."
Even though I had already mentioned them having not returned from their meditative space, my wording immediately caused her to look frightened and asked, "Will they be okay?"
"Come one, Belly-bear," Emmett laughed, "you know we can only get hurt by fire."
She looked a little comforted.
"Maybe the family meeting will help?" Rosalie offered, seeming to offer both Bella and I a kind of assurance.
"I sure hope so," I concurred.
"Where were you Bella during all this decision making?" I wondered.
"Initially I was in my room," she answered, "but then Emmett came and got me. He said that you, Edward, and Jasper couldn't be reached and Rosalie and him were heading out to find you three."
"Were you satisfied in how you were included?" I questioned curiously.
She looked down and muttered, "It was an improvement, but not really."
Rosalie and Emmett looked slightly chagrined.
"What would have been your preference?" I enquired.
"If they would have stopped in my room as soon as they were concerned and simply said 'something's up' or 'family problem' or I don't know, just something. I'm slower than them, so maybe by the time I would have shown up the plan would have already been decided, but at least I would have known what was happening about when everyone else did."
"Sorry, Bella," Rosalie stated. "I'll do that next time. Honestly, I was so worried that I forgot that you wouldn't have heard the conversation with Carlisle like Alice and Emmett."
Bella looked taken back by the idea that Rosalie had forgotten she was human. She schooled her features and replied, "Thanks Rose, that would be appreciated."
"I'm sorry too," Emmett added. "Same reason as Rose, but I can do better."
"Thanks," she answered. Her body relaxed more and she appeared more content. "Can I get a hug?" she asked them both after a few seconds.
"Sure, come and sit with us," he told her.
Rosalie moved so she was lying down on the couch with her head in Emmett's lap while also placing herself into the back into the couch, which allowed Bella to sit in front of Rosalie. Emmett put his hand on Bella's shoulder while Rosalie ran her fingers through Bella's hair. The signs of their sibling care for each other touched me deeply.
No doubt to distract us, Emmett started telling stories of different people at college. Of course, all the stories contained some way that a student made a fool of him or herself. I couldn't be sure if the stories had any truth in them or not, but they successfully distracted me from my thoughts and seemed to have the same reaction to Bella.
When Alice, Jasper, and Edward entered, Emmett stopped mid-sentence and asked, "You guys okay?"
For the briefest of flashes he appeared jealous and angry, but then content. Probably Rosalie and/or Emmett had said something to him mentally.
"Hunted before we came back," Jasper stated, but then said nothing else, taking Alice by the hand and pulling her into his lap on the floor.
Edward came further into the space and chose on the other end of the sofa where Bella had been originally.
"I hope we didn't worry you," Edward told Bella as he sat.
She smiled bashfully and then admitted, "I was slightly concerned. Emmett put me right, but it's a relief to see you two back."
Emmett started back in with his stories.
About thirty minutes later, I informed them, "Carlisle should be here in about two hours." Turning to Bella, I wondered, "You want to rest and us wake you up, sleep and then talk in the morning, or something else?"
"Actually, food would be good, and maybe some coffee?" she suggested.
"I'll make the food, and you make the coffee?" I offered.
"Deal," she agreed with a grin.
As we walked together to the kitchen I put my arm around her shoulder. "You are such a blessing to us. Thank you for everything."
She looked uncomfortable, but replied softly, "I appreciate you guys too. It's odd, but I don't even think about returning to my mother's anymore and my father less and less as the months go by. My mother is so occupied with Phil she barely remembers I exist. It's sad to say, but I think pretending that she doesn't have a grown daughter is easier for her. It allows her to be the young free spirit that she is at her core. When she does call, she acts like we're sisters. I love her and miss her sometimes, but after becoming closer to Rosalie and Alice, I can see how self-focused my mother is. She cares; she does." These last words were said with emphasis. It was almost like she was more trying to convince herself than anyone else. Then, she petered out like she was afraid to say more.
"Relationships are complicated, Bella. You love her and you love Charlie. Nothing will change that. But the nature of your relationship with each is changing. In part, this is just a natural part of growing up. You're moving out of adolescence and into adulthood. But I think that your parents' lack of knowing how to assist you in growing up has a lot to do with how things are now."
She nodded looking sad and contemplative.
"Without a doubt, they want to see you happy," I consoled her.
"I am," she stated with certainty.
"Then that's what matters," I affirmed.
We enjoyed each other's company and chatted a little about her thoughts on the future. I was certainly curious to see how our family meeting might impact her decisions. Hopefully, she would be able to stand in the truths about herself that she was discovering allowing the family's needs to alter her decision making process little. We were a family of strong personalities, and she would need to hold her own.
After eating, she retreated to her room to study. Only an hour had passed when Carlisle's car could be heard in the distance, so Rosalie went and let Bella know that Carlisle was near. I greeted him with a lingering kiss, while everyone else looked elsewhere. Bella came down the stairs appearing tired. She went into the kitchen and poured herself a new cup of coffee before entering the dining room.
"We can wait until the morning," I assured her, concerned.
"I've got a few hours in me," she rebutted.
Not wanting to contradict her and give her the sense that I believed her incapable, I said nothing and sat in my usual spot with Bella to my left.
Carlisle looked at Bella and affirmed what he had heard me say, "Bella, we are more than willing to put this off. So, when you need, just say the word, and we'll wait till after you rest. There is nothing that we're going to talk about that can't wait a few days, let alone a few hours."
"Sure, sure," Bella agreed with a smile.
It was doubtful that anyone believed Bella would speak up easily.
"As you all know, Esme and I had an intense twenty days. First and foremost, I need to express my deep appreciation for all that each of you did to help keep the family safe. Your quick thinking, ability to trust each other, and actions allowed us the time to transform. That appreciation is especially sweet personally as a man and a husband, as it has been for the improvement of our relationship. Esme has given me the basics regarding the conversations she's had with each of you, and some of the unintentional consequences the family experienced. Both Esme and I are apologetic for any discomfort and difficulties you each encountered."
Everyone acknowledged him, and expressed that it had been resolved and all was forgiven, so he continued, "Both Esme and I are also grateful for the growth we have seen in each of you. Over the decades we have lived together in multiple different ways, and although we are not a traditional family, we are bonded deeply with one another. Esme raised the opinion that as we each grow, so does our bonds to one another. In that vein, although how we have often represented ourselves to the human world with her and I in parental roles has served us, Esme and I are of the mind that we should consider something different moving forward."
Their faces contained a mixture of surprise, concern, and uncertainty.
"When Esme and I called a family meeting that was the original reason for us doing so. However, given more pressing issues, what that might look like is a future conversation. Instead, I believe the most pressing issue for us to discuss as a family is how to handle anytime Esme and I are not in a position to lead. In the past, it was Edward and Rosalie, when it was just the four of us. Since adding Emmett, it has been mostly Edward leading the charge. Then, with the addition of Alice and Jasper to the family, Alice and Edward have made the decisions on the rare chance that we were unreachable. With the addition of Bella, the changes to the family, and the events that just transpired, I believe it the appropriate moment to discuss how we would like things to be handled moving forward."
Bella looked surprised and a little confused, while everyone else appeared like they had expected this conversation. In fairness, it wouldn't have been hard to put two and two together for everyone but Bella, simply because she did not yet have the experience of how we functioned.
After a minute of pause, in respect to what Carlisle had stated, I asked Bella, "Do you have questions?"
"Tons," she replied straight away, "but I suspect this is more of a show and tell. I'll hold my questions for the time being."
"If that changes, speak up," I encouraged her.
"Will do," she agreed.
We lapsed into silence until Edward broke it. "I appreciate everyone trusting me and Alice to work together like we have in the past, and I suppose I'm accustomed to being second after Carlisle and Esme, but I have to agree with Carlisle's hinted suggestion that I am not in a position to be in that role at the moment. It will certainly be a challenge for me to alter my inclinations to take the lead, as I've done that job for a century now. And when time is pressing me using my gift to express the group's consensus has expedited things. At the same, I agree that it would be in the family's best interest for it not to be me making the final call."
Rosalie, Emmett, and Bella looked surprised and impressed. Alice and Jasper were neutral and appeared as if they had expected his words, which given their gifts they probably were forewarned.
I'm proud of you, I conveyed to Edward.
Carlisle must have said something similar and he nodded his head to both of us.
"I nominate Rosalie," Jasper stated with a small smile.
Rosalie looked shocked.
We all remained silent giving her time.
Bella kept looking around at the faces at the table like our expressions would give her the answers to the questions she had yet to ask.
When Rosalie recovered she told Jasper, "Certainly with all your past experience, you'd be more qualified."
Jasper looked at all of us lingering at me before he spoke, "I still have work to do with my gift. I can't be the one making decisions, especially how we work, with what I released into the house when Esme and Carlisle were out of commission. I will happily lend support and offer my opinion, but I think the decision making should go elsewhere, and I can't think of anyone more willing to ensure everyone's voice is heard and would make the best decisions for the welfare of the whole family than you, Rose."
She appeared stunned and appreciative of his words.
"Alice?" Carlisle asked.
"I've used my gift to help make the decisions, and even if it appeared like I was co-leading with Edward that wasn't my intention or how I saw things. I am aware of my tendency to see my visions as more true than reality, and am working on that. So, first, I apologise if my approach made it seem like I was forcing the family in any way. My heart was to aid whomever in making decisions and that remains true if we choose Rosalie or anyone else," she stated without hesitation, yet her remorse clear.
Rosalie and Emmett told her that she was forgiven. "Water under the bridge," Rosalie added. "This is a new family chapter."
After some silence, Bella raised her hand slowly and reluctantly.
Holding back a chuckle, I told her, "Just speak your mind. The rules for this family meeting are no different than the previous ones."
Nodding that she heard me, she still appeared reluctant.
"It's okay," Jasper encouraged her, sending her courage and our care for her, as I could feel it touch me, probably due to her and my proximity.
Bella looked around at all of us nervously before speaking, "So, Alice's answer seems to imply a no on her part, but I don't understand why she wasn't asked."
Alice turned to her, "Jasper is declining. If I were to take that role, then as my mate he would be assisting me, which would then negate his no."
Bella nodded, but she still appeared confused.
"We live very differently than most vampires," Carlisle reminded her. After a pause he resumed, "The Volturi, for instance, are a coven six, the three and their wives, but in their case the wives get little say in the functioning of the coven, and thus in policing the world."
Bella appeared enthralled and curious.
"In this family, although each person has a voice and role, we would never ask that role to go against the wishes of their mate. As Jasper declined, it was assumed that Alice would too," Carlisle explained.
She nodded, then looked like she was trying to solve a puzzle.
With a brotherly teasing smile, Jasper prodded her, "Out with it."
Looking slightly embarrassed, she looked at Carlisle, "So, if Emmett says no, Rosalie would also decline?"
Smiling, he answered, "That's the general idea."
With that we all turned to Emmett.
He looked at Rosalie, "You want to do it?"
She looked uncertain, but willing. After a few minutes of a wordless communication passing between them, she turned to the family, "How about temporarily until our next move? At that time, we can see if it works for me and Emmett as well as everyone else."
Carlisle looked at Emmett sincerely, "Your thoughts, please."
Emmett chuckled good-naturedly. "I think Rose here will do a great job. She's risk-averse, which is a good thing. She's good at looking at the big picture. She keeps up with humans and their world. I'm happy to stand by her and support her, as long as it's what she wants, but other than supporting her, I'm out."
No one was surprised by his attitude and words, but it would be interesting as the time went by if this role for Rosalie would also change Emmett some.
"Objections?" Carlisle checked.
No one said anything.
After the designated amount of time had lapsed, Carlisle spoke once more, "Esme and I have also discussed my role. We have agreed for Esme to take on more, making her have the greatest say between us."
Everyone was surprised except Jasper, who was smug and Bella, who was confused.
Meekly Bella asked, "Please explain."
"Since I sired everyone but Alice and Jasper," Carlisle began, "and they joined us, it progressed that I was the instructor for them all, they looked to me for guidance and direction, and thus leadership. When Alice and Jasper joined we basically carried in the same way. As my mate, and abiding by the rules our family has made, if I was in surgery or otherwise unreachable, then technically Esme led, but in reality she often demurred to Edward. Some of that is probably because Edward helped Esme through the newborn period," he paused allowing the information to settle in Bella before continuing.
"Esme has always had a gift of seeing the best in others and nudging them in the direction they need to go. However, since her vision, she has become more active. These past months with us in Forks and you all here, she has become the bridge between the two houses. And the truth is that I'm often occupied at work. It has been immensely helpful to me knowing that she has things in hand."
He looked over at me and grabbed my hand. "She also is a natural leader. I am a scientist and a diplomat. We are growing into our strengths and moving past the roles we took on early in our relationship. I believe that growth is mostly down to Esme, her gift, along with her leadership qualities. This is one of the many things that became apparent to us when we were unreachable."
There were a few minutes of silence before Jasper asked, "In what manner would you divide the role?"
His question did not surprise me, as he, over everyone, needed to know the chain of command and division of roles.
"I would still stand as the mouthpiece for the family, negotiate with other covens if necessary, and represent the family. Thus, to the outside world I would remain the spokesperson. Esme and I agree that this generates the safest option for us, as our community is aware of my name."
"The Denalis?" Edward questioned.
"We, of course, are free to tell them of our family dynamic alterations, but I'm also fine if we choose to say nothing. Although, if we go and visit for more than a few weeks, they are likely to notice the changes," Carlisle answered.
Waiting to make sure there were no more questions, I then added, "And I would take on more of the daily family parts."
"Objections?" Carlisle asked. After waiting double the usual amount of time, he looked at me for input.
"I'm thinking that given our changes that we will need a different kind of living situation next time, so I would like to discuss our next move at least six months, if not a year in advance," I requested.
Everyone responded in the positive.
"Thank you," I told them. Then turning to Bella, I checked, "How are you holding up?"
"Carry on," she said through a yawn.
Doubting her, I nevertheless did as she requested, "Anything more before we talk about my gift?"
Jasper took a breath and we all turned towards him. "I just wanted to let the family know that I'm going to be working on honing my gift. Esme has asked me to practice when Alice is in a vision, also monitoring and sending out a positive emotion. Feedback when that happens would be helpful."
Everyone affirmed that they would help.
Next, Alice spoke up, "I know that at the last family meeting I mentioned about opening a clothing line. I'm still in the process. I've made some steps, but not enough to bring a plan." She paused for a second taking in a breath. "I've mentioned to Esme that I'm going to study costume designing this time around, and I wanted to mention my ideas to everyone."
We all gave her the floor.
"I found out that humans have designed a special glue that allows them to adhere false skin without damage. It gave me hope that finally we could figure out how to age ourselves. Of course, I doubt that the glue for humans would work on our skin, but I was hoping someone might be willing to do the chemistry. I'm going to learn more about how humans are doing it in film and stage production, and see if we can modify it for our purposes. I'm hoping that if we all pitch in, we can figure out a way to trick the humans into believing that we're aging. Then, maybe we could stay in a place longer."
"I'm thinking about studying chemistry or biology as my major," Bella put in. "Anything in particular?"
"I'm not sure," Alice answered.
"One step at a time," I assured Bella.
She nodded and then after a second mentioned, "Do you guys know about hand warmers?"
Everyone shook his or her heads no.
"They're little packets that generate heat. It's two chemicals that when you break the packet come together and create heat," she explained. "I was thinking it would allow you to warm your hands temporarily."
"Don't forget contacts," Rosalie added.
"If we had warmer hands, brown coloured eyes, perhaps, and appeared to age, how long until someone asks questions?" I wondered.
"Thirty to forty years, I'd wager," Carlisle offered.
Emmett whistled lowly, then seemingly reluctantly asked, "Will that raise warnings for the Volturi?"
Carlisle seemed to consider that carefully before answering, "I can't see how. They have dwelt in Volerra for over two thousand years and Amun his home even longer. As long as we keep the secret, then I can't say that they would be bothered."
Emmett smiled widely.
"It would have to be suburbs or similar," Rosalie put in. "Small towns are too nosy and inner cities, although offer anonymity are too densely populated for us to live. We'd have to find the space where people don't notice their neighbours for that length of time."
"Northeast?" I presumed.
"Probably," she agreed.
Carlisle looked extremely pleased. "This would really make a difference, Alice. The world is getting smaller, and starting over is getting more and more challenging, especially with the humans' technological advances."
"I can't see if we make it work, and I know our previous attempts have failed, but I want to try again," she practically begged.
"Objections?" Carlisle checked.
There were none.
After the time had passed, Emmett spoke up, "I'm thinking of studying programming for making games. It's a job I can do without meeting anyone, like the fashion company Alice mentioned, and I'm hoping learning more in that area of study will allow me to help the Jay-man with our digital footprint."
"Great idea," I offered.
"Sounds good," both Edward and Jasper told him.
"Cool," Emmett replied pleased.
Looking over at Bella, I said, "I think we should call a break, and pick up talking about my gift in the morning. What time shall we set?"
Everyone looked at Bella.
She became bashful, looked at her phone, thought some and then offered, "10am?"
"Sounds good," I told her. "Enjoy the evening everyone."
Then, I took Carlisle's hand and led him outside. Rosalie and Emmett had joined us.
"Need to hunt?" I asked.
"Sure," Emmett replied.
I swore that boy always said yes to hunting.
Running together, it was good to move at a more natural speed. Although I would never wish Bella away, it was hard at times to remain so slow for such long periods of time.
When the scent of prey crossed us, Rosalie and I followed one trail, while Carlisle and Emmett followed another. It would be good for them both to spend time together. When we came across a herd, Rosalie signalled for me to go first. After drinking down two, I buried them and then we started running once more. It seemed that the effects of my searching my gift was still impacting me. When we found another group of deer, I stood back and cast my eyes on the forest ceiling, knowing how much Rosalie disliked being watched when she made her kills. As much as she had changed, it seemed to be one of the things that lingered on.
When she was done she asked, "Should we find the boys?"
Turning to her, I told her my tone full of admiration and pride, "You'll do a great job."
Smiling reluctantly, she confessed, "I'm nervous."
Hugging her, I told her, "Of course you are. You care and want to do the family proud. If you weren't nervous, I would be worried."
Her smile grew and then she teased, "While you're taking over the reins."
"Hardly," I replied, aware as soon as the word exited my mouth that my tone was defensive. "Sorry," I stated immediately afterwards. Pleading with her to understand, I explained, "I didn't see it, not to mention that I wasn't trying to do any such thing." Sighing, I continued, "I just want to see us become our best."
She grabbed my hands and looking into my eyes earnestly told me, "That is why we all love and trust you." Stepping back a little she stated, "You're not kicking Carlisle out or removing him from his role. You're taking your rightful place and sharing it. I'm so happy for you, Esme. I've always appreciated your mothering and guiding hand, but it has changed. It feels more like we're sisters and as your younger sister, I am grateful for your example. Perhaps with this new role Emmett and I can also find a greater balance."
Surprised at her statement, I queried, "You don't think the two of you have balance?"
She pondered before answering, "In some ways we do, but come on, we all know that I tend to get my way and he's happy to go along with whatever I want. I'm hoping that having this responsibility will bond us closer together and allow us to grow as individuals and as a couple."
Hugging her once more, I then stepped back and putting my hands on her cheeks agreed, "I hope for that too."
"Boys?" she questioned smiling.
Nodding we started searching for them. As we travelled through the forest, she mused, "Interesting that in a family of gifts the two most non-gifted couples are leading the family."
Considering her observation, I agreed, "Yes, that is something to consider." After a few minutes, I added, "Perhaps our lack of a gift gives us the advantage in our family of wanting to make sure every voice is heard."
After some pondering she hedged, "Perhaps."
"If the time comes, just remember to lean into the gifts we have. They might be annoying at times, but Alice's, Jasper's, and Edward's have all contributed to keeping the family from harm."
With earnestness she vowed, "I will."
When we came across Carlisle and Emmett they had clearly been play fighting, and it seemed like only Carlisle had found something based on the colour of their eyes. When Carlisle looked at me, he looked all of his 24 years, and I had to wonder if this change in our family might be good for him. He had admitted that a part of him had not wanted to change and that part wanted to keep his role in the family, but it must have been a small part of him, if our conversations and his present appearance were anything to go by.
"I can't take you anywhere Emmett McCarthy," Rose stated playfully with her hand on her hip.
"True," he answered with a boyish smile before he launched himself at her.
She squealed and attempted to move out of the way, but he moved himself midair and caught her wrapping her in his arms, while also keeping her from getting dirty, as he crashed into the ground creating a divot that didn't exist prior.
She relaxed into his embrace.
As soon as Emmett had sprung Carlisle began moving towards me. He kissed me passionately. "Good seeing you," he told me playfully.
"Good to be seen," I replied with a smile.
We stood looking at them, our arms wrapped around the other's waist.
"Did Carlisle teach you a new move?" Rosalie asked talking into Emmett's chest.
"Not really," Emmett offered. Then dropping the volume of his voice as if we couldn't hear, he told her, "He is hiding some mad skills, though. I suspect that he was a member of the Volturi guard all those years and is only hiding it under that distinguished doctor persona."
She started giggling and looked up at him, placing her hand on his face. "You'll stand by me? Keep me from pulling an Edward or even just being a controlling bitch?"
"Till the end of time," he vowed and then kissed her sweetly. With a big grin he looked over at us, "Oh, the peanut gallery. Didn't see you there."
Both Carlisle and I chuckled.
"Shall we return or do you wish to find something?" Carlisle asked directing his question at Emmett.
"I'll wait for a bear," he replied with a smile.
Rosalie and he stood up, and we started back to the house.
Emmett appeared to be considering something really serious and then asked, "So, does the husband of the vice-president get a cool title? Maybe Duke or something?"
"Second husband?" Rosalie offered trying to sound serious.
"Ah that's terrible," Emmett groaned. "There has to be something better than that. Maybe we can get Edward to call me His Highness."
Rosalie and I rolled our eyes while Carlisle looked amused.
"How is your brother?" I asked, wanting to take the opportunity to get his opinion.
"Imitating a sloth," he replied with a chuckle.
"Better than a stone," I pointed out.
"For both their sakes," Emmett agreed. He seemed to be putting his thoughts together, so we all stayed quiet. After a few minutes he said seriously, "The problem with those high-falutin' lawyers and stuff like Edward's dad was that they were really busy and stuffy. I doubt Edward really got time with his Dad, except maybe at his office or something. And, no offense, Carlisle, but his second life hasn't been much different. Maybe in the beginning you were there a lot for Edward, but since I came into the family you've been busy. Us hillbillies didn't have much in the way of material goods or even sometimes food, but my brothers and I had lots of time with our pops. He taught me how to shoot, trap, fish, skin, and all that stuff. In Edward's world, he wasn't given jobs like that. Not to mention that he has spent his entire existence single. He got himself into a rut. He's a good kid, and he loves Bella. He'll get there."
He paused before continuing, "I've never been so grateful to grow up how I did until recently. It might not have been great as a human, and wouldn't have prepared me to be a lawyer or doctor or accountant or any of those jobs, but it was great preparation for this life. Edward had a great human life, so he sees what he's missing. Mine was hard and I would have never had a chance with a beauty like Rose, so I figure that I lucked out good. That viewpoint makes a world of difference. I'm not trying to knock the downsides. There are some, for sure, but it's all in how you look at it."
Unsure of what to say myself, it was Carlisle that broke the silence. "Your wisdom and clarity of vision will serve Rosalie well if she is called to act for the family in the future."
He nodded and then said his tone serious, "No one wants to replace you Carlisle. You know that right? You've led us right for all my vampire years."
Carlisle smiled assuredly. "Truth be told, my feathers felt a little ruffled at first, but my greatest desire is for the family to flourish. When I got past my juvenile reactions, I realised that this new way was a blessing for me as much as for everyone else. There is a load off my shoulders knowing that while I'm at work Esme will lead us and I can come back home and take orders." He looked a little shy, but admitted, "I am excited actually for how this will allow Esme to come into her own. She's sexy when she's the boss." Then, he winked.
Emmett seemed caught off guard for a moment, but quickly recovered and agreed, "Sexiest thing ever." Then, he leant over and kissed Rose shamelessly.
"Down boy," Rosalie teased.
"Ah, Rose, you're ruining my fun," he retorted playfully.
"Back by ten," I reminded them.
"Will do," Emmett agreed before he swept Rose off her feet and jetted away.
"How does he manage that immaturity and maturity all within a few minutes?" I pondered out loud.
"It is the enigma that is Emmett," he replied lightly.
"I suspect that he is quite wise, but doesn't want his reputation as a clown ruined," I suggested in jest.
"Well, then, we shouldn't expose him," Carlisle said as if being serious.
The house was coming into view.
"Spend some time with Edward," I encouraged him, my voice soft, so that the sound wouldn't carry. "Perhaps Emmett is right and he needs your influence more, rather than less."
"I am afraid that I make things worse," he confessed at a whisper. "It seems that all he wishes to do at the moment is argue with me."
"Maybe that's what he needs," I offered.
Pondering that he allowed, "Perhaps."
Carlisle must have called Edward mentally, as Edward appeared in front of us.
I kissed Carlisle's cheek.
"Enjoy," I told them both as they moved into the forest.
Finding Alice wrapped in Jasper's arms on the couch in the sitting room, I asked, "Mind some company?"
"Please," Jasper replied.
It seemed Alice was distressed, so I asked her, "What's wrong?"
"For decades now I've left Rosalie and Emmett out," she explained sounding remorseful. "Emmett doesn't care that much, but it has wounded Rosalie. She's forgiven me, which I appreciate. Nevertheless, I can't help but acknowledge that this latest time she trusted me to protect the family, and I feel worse. The least I could have done is explained, or asked Edward to explain."
"Perhaps," I allowed.
"Rose will do a better job of including everyone than I have," she admitted.
"Watching how she handles things could offer you a learning opportunity," I suggested.
She smiled, but still appeared sad. "Yes, it could." After a few more minutes, she added, "I didn't mean to leave them out."
"Would another apology, perhaps privately, be in order?" I asked.
She grumbled and Jasper smirked. "I swear the two of you should be the ones posing as twins."
"Jasper and I?" I confirmed.
"Yes," she grunted out. "It's like having a conversation in stereo."
Chuckling I suggested, "Maybe you needed to hear it twice, then."
Frowning she paused, "All these changes are hard."
"They are," I agreed, "which is why I think that Jasper is the strongest, and most admirable of us all. He is not Maria's man, nor the man who arrived beside you, and he continues to strive to self-improve."
She glowed in affection and pride. "Yes, he's the best."
Winking and in a teasing voice, I told her, "We just shalln't tell Edward or Emmett."
Jasper chuckled and Alice beamed. "No, can't have that," she agreed.
After some silence I enquired, "You both truly content with the new plans?"
"Yes," they both said easily.
"It will give us the time we need, and we're only here four more years at most," Alice pointed out.
I was glad to hear her being optimistic once more. It suited her better.
"All true," I agreed.
"Rose might shine," Jasper pointed out.
Alice pouted, and then he said something too soft for me to hear. She nodded and looked resigned.
"Hard to put your future in her hands?" I guessed.
She frowned and nodded.
"In the beginning of this life, you only had yourself and your visions, Alice. You've worked hard in letting the visions not be the most important part of you, and that's been huge. I can't imagine how scary it would be to let go of that, especially as Carlisle helped guide you via your visions after your first viewing of him."
Her face fell and she appeared to be thinking critically. After a while she agreed, "It is hard."
Leaning forward, I reminded her, "The greatest challenge is trust. Find a way to trust that Rose will consult you, listen to what you have to offer, and keep the family safe. Or does that concern extend to me also?"
She shook her head. "It's not you or her. It's the change. The change scares me," she admitted.
"It is frightening because we do not know for certain what is around the next bend," I reminded her. "We trusted you, as a family, to help us stay safe. Trust us and the family to keep you and Jasper safe."
She nodded.
"Concerns, Jasper?" I checked.
He pondered before telling me, "The first few times will be rough, but without doubt lessons will be learned and we will find out how to successfully navigate this new way."
"True," I agreed.
"You're going to do great," he assured me, "no reason to worry."
Chuckling I confessed, "A little worry probably is good. I'm confident that I will find my feet. I just hope that whatever lessons I need to learn won't be too big of a blunder, and thus cause the family too many problems."
"We are stronger united," he reminded me.
"Without a doubt," I agreed, "and we will still have our voting that directs us mostly. It's really only if quick decisions need to be made. If someone were to slip or risk exposure in some way, then my feet will really be put to the fire."
"You are made of gold," he told me sweetly. "Even if you are remolded, your nature will not change. Do not fret."
Smiling at his metaphor I thanked him, then lost myself some in my own thoughts.
"How are we doing on the digital end?" I asked Jasper curious.
"It's getting more difficult," he stated. "As camera phones grow more affordable, removing our images completely is going to become impossible. A nomad being caught on camera is more of a security risk than us, but that's the Volturi's problem. Being able to stay in a place and age will solve lots of problems digitally as well. From a strategy perspective, what would be ideal is to move after 20 or 30 years, but then keep up the aging for another 20 to 30. Then, be abroad and out of contact for another 20 years and in that time put out obituaries. Next, would be to start again with a new name. That way if any descendant ever did find a digital picture we could more easily play the dead relative or descendent card. Emmett studying gaming will hopefully help, not just for him having an occupation that will give him a place in the human society, which will keep us on the pulse of things, but also assist the family. I need another set of eyes, which I've mentioned to him. He is more interested in the future, and my focus has been covering our tracks, so that should work well for the time being."
"What are the odds of a picture of us being a problem?" I asked mulling over his words.
"Almost 400% greater than what it was two years ago," he replied after a brief pause. "I can cover our tracks if the picture is uploaded and even most of the time if it's in a cloud, but otherwise it is nearly impossible, and with the non-hospital elements that are apart of Carlisle's role at some point what we're doing isn't going to work anymore. We could always move to remote places around the globe or something like that for a few decades until I can get a better handle on it."
"Carlisle's work has always created the greatest security risks for the family," I mused hating to think of a time when Carlisle might be forced out of a hospital, "but at the same time it deflects people considering our true nature. No person or individual would put vampire and doctor together, only Carlisle."
He nodded in agreement, but we all knew how integral Carlisle's work was to his contentment, and it did keep people from the truth, even if it increased suspicions at times.
"At the next New Years family meeting, add to your agenda setting up medically-focused non-profits across the globe where we could set up if ever needed," I suggested.
"Done," he agreed.
After some more time had gone by, I asked Alice, "Do you really think that we'll be able to construct a way to appear like we're aging?"
"There will be a limit," she stated matter-of-factly. "Unless they invent even more clever things, I can see up to 50 years old."
Shaking my head in amazement, I stated, "It's hard to imagine. It will radically alter our lives."
"It will take time to apply," she warned. "As you know I've been looking into the makeup used on stage and then movies since shortly after joining the family and the discussion about us being able to stay longer in one place for more than 10 years. The greatest hurdle has always been that our skin doesn't have pours like humans. Thus, we can wear a wig or mask, but the human eye usually can tell up close. The next hurdle has been something that will stay over the whole day, in adverse weather conditions, and also the hospital environment. At the hospital especially, there are fluids and chemicals in the atmosphere, according to Rosalie, that create a risk that it won't stay adhered for Carlisle's entire shift. But I have hope in the new techniques humans are using. It wasn't a promise that it can be done, but a hope that we can find a way."
"Yes, I registered your reservations," I confirmed. "And it seemed like Bella wanted to take on some of the chemistry aspects."
"Yes, it does seem that way," Alice agreed. "As you know that has often been on Rosalie and Edward's shoulders, but as Rosalie's focus on our vehicles has taken more of her time, that has left Edward. Due to Edward's need of a secure room originally, we were able to set up a lab for him. And although he has made some interesting findings, truthfully, it's not his passion. If it becomes Bella's, all the better."
Everything she spoke I knew. It took a lot of work for our family to stay near humans, especially as we wanted to stay a step ahead, but it was great to know we were on the same page. Keeping our nature a secret definitely made sure we were occupied, especially with technology advances happening at such a fast rate.
Thinking things through, even if I didn't know the details of what Jasper did, his lessons over the years on how to keep ourselves digitally safe meant I had a rudimentary idea of what the future might hold.
A frightening idea came to me and with trepidation at the answer, I asked Jasper, "How much longer can the Volturi continue their practice of having humans brought to them?"
His eyes lit up at the puzzle I had given him. I could almost watch his tactical mind at work.
Eventually, he said, "If they have a really good hacker or a couple of them, they could hide such numbers of human deaths for a few decades. I guess it depends on how technologically current they are. Will the brothers even understand the danger or even the weapons humans now possess? Sure, Aro might read the human's thoughts that he kills, but how much stock will he put into it? There are too many variables to say for sure."
"It's not just our family that's changing," I mused.
After a couple of heavy minutes Jasper said solemnly, "I suspect that the vampire world has not faced such a crisis since humans discovered fire."
"Truly?" I checked.
He mused some more before answering, "Humans are at their highest numbers ever, their technology connects them in instants. The stories, if true, are that the coven of Hiroshima did not survive the nuclear blast. And humans are naturally scared of us. Would the world leaders be willing to bomb Volterra in order to destroy the threat of a bus load of humans dying every two weeks or so? I would say yes and they can do it without any risk to themselves. It would be a declaration of war, and none of us would be safe."
Shaking my head to rid myself of fears that did not serve me, I nevertheless told Jasper gravely, "I assume that you've made a contingency in case of such a situation."
His smile was predatory and sadistic while his eyes were alight with mirth. It was rare to see the parts of his old self come through, but when they did it was easy to see why he used to be good at being Maria's right-hand man. "Naturally," he said coolly.
Appreciative of whatever he had come up with, out of curiosity I asked him, "What would you do if you were to advise the Volturi?"
"Move," he answered quickly and definitely.
My confusion must have been clear to him.
"If they were in a war torn country in Africa, for instance, or the Himalayas, or the Amazon then their money would cover most, if not all, of their increasing problems," he explained.
Considering his suggestion, I offered, "I can't see them out of Italy as a base."
He agreed, "They have over two thousand years of ruling. It is doubtful that they will truly know the danger they are in until it's almost too late or is too late. The question is whether or not they can pull off something at the 11th hour."
"Carlisle is from aristocracy like the brothers," I mused out loud.
"Who chooses to serve rather than rule," Jasper retorted clearly seeing the connections.
"Apart from Edward he is the slowest of us to change," I proposed.
"Edward is just scared and stubborn," Alice interjected.
"Mostly stubborn," I agreed. "His stubbornness is, in part, what allowed his to resist Bella's blood and to come back to our lifestyle so fully when he returned to us, but that same quality is a weakness."
"You're proposing that age makes change more difficult?" Jasper offered.
"Humans are often like that," I pointed out unable to clearly form the words for the picture in my head. "And the human world seems to be changing more in the last decade that it did in the five before that."
He narrowed his eyes, looking at me as if I were a prophet. Then abruptly pressed, "What have you seen?"
I was taken back and a little upset by his tone.
He sent me his mixture of familial love with a hint of remorse. Then smiling sadly said, "Let me say that better. What are you imagining?"
Puzzling his question, I answered, "I don't know."
Out of the blue Alice whispered, "Bella might just be our saviour after all."
Completely confused I asked, "What do you mean, Alice?"
She looked abashed and Jasper looked slightly put out.
"It's only a feeling. Jasper's abrupt question is because of these strange inclinations I have been feeling. I can't say for sure, because no decisions have been made, but ever since I awoke to this life, I have believed that I was meant to be a vampire, that it was my destiny, and being a Cullen was critical for what my future held."
Nodding, I said nothing, as she looked like a fortune teller listening to something not of this world.
"Every member of our family is important in order for us to survive the future," she said her voice sounding distant, "and Bella is the final piece. We won't survive without her."
Looking critically between them, it seemed that she was incredibly serious. Would I have what it takes for whatever future Alice saw? Then it dawned on me that it wasn't down to me, I was in a family that would sink or swim together.
A/N: I hope that you're enjoying the story as much as I am. I have enjoyed having the characters mature and grow into themselves. It might be less dramatic, but it makes me smile.