It had been only a few days that I had been back from Italy, and I hadn't seen Edward except for at night when he visited me. Charlie was like a dog with a bone, and refused to let Edward come over. This morning something felt different when Charlie came into the kitchen taking a seat, but I couldn't put my finger on it for the life of me. Quickly I served Charlie up eggs, bacon and pancakes along side his black coffee.
"Thanks, Bells," Charlie almost smiled at me which was weird.
"You're welcome," I sighed as I went plating me up some bacon and pancakes.
"Esme called last night," Charlie said looking my way.
"She did," I questioned as I came over to the kitchen table taking a seat.
"Yeah, with the kids gone to pack up things this weekend; she asked if you could come over to their house," Charlie nodded slightly.
"I'm sure that is a no," I said knowing not to hope for that.
"That woman could talk anyone in to anything. Now you're still grounded... However I think I can make an exception for today," Charlie eyed me carefully as he began to eat finally.
"It would be nice to see Esme... Thank you, dad," I had to force the last word out trying to make it sound natural.
"For a teen, you're not very whinny... I figured I'd be in for it by now. Plus Billy is dying to get some fishing in today," Charlie tried to compliment me.
Silence seemed to claim both me and Charlie as we both ate our breakfast. Although I knew Edward was out hunting with his brothers and sisters; I looked forward to spending time with Esme at the very least today. Carlisle was on call at the hospital which meant he might not be there much if at all today. Honestly I would take whatever I could get because it was better than all those months of nothing. My heart ached at the thought of that time without my family.
"More coffee," I asked getting up to hide the look I knew was on my face.
"Fill me a thermos," Charlie replied as I walked over towards the coffee maker.
"Alright," I said grabbing the thermos from the cabinet, and filling it with the rest of the coffee.
Slowly taking a few deep breaths I then turned going back to Charlie plastering a smile on my face.
"Thanks for breakfast and the coffee," Charlie got up taking the thermos and kissing my forehead.
"No problem... Have fun with Billy, and bring home some fish," I said working hard to bury those feelings down where they belonged.
"Meet you back here by 5pm," Charlie smiled at me softly.
"Sounds like a plan," I agreed as I walked him to the front door.
Opening the door I let Charlie out, and watched him go out to his cruiser getting in. With one final wave as he started up the cruiser; I closed the door ready to get out of this house.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
After a quick shower I got dressed in my room picking out dark wash blue jeans, a grey V neck sweater that was light, and a white moto crop jacket. Alice had been in my closet that I knew by the few well placed new items here and there. Then it hit me that I needed shoes for this look. Spotting a pair of black ankle boots sitting on the rocking chair I knew this had Alice written all over it.
"Coming," I called out as I heard knocking downstairs.
Quickly getting the boots on I then carefully made my way downstairs wondering who would be here at this hour of the morning. As I got to the door I opened it to find Carlisle standing before me.
"Carlisle," I questioned a little confused.
"Didn't Charlie tell you Esme asked for your company today," Carlisle tried to fill in the gaps.
"Right, he took my keys last night for the weekend. I feel like a goober for not realizing I needed a ride," I put my hand to my face in realization as my face turned tomato red.
"Well I was more than happy to swing by on my way home," Carlisle smiled as he gently removed my hand from my face.
"Thanks," I smiled back at him.
"Need a human minute or two," Carlisle asked as he let go of my hand.
"Actually I'm good to go," I replied as I was excited that I might get time with both Esme and Carlisle both.
With that I shut the door behind us locking up before Carlisle escorted me to his car opening the passenger door for me. As I got in this time it felt so different than when I fled with Alice and Jasper... Instantly before I could even blink Carlisle was in the driver's seat, and the car came to life as he pulled out of the drive.
"How are you?" Carlisle asked keeping his eyes on the road.
"Good, it's nice to be out of the house, and I'm glad to spend time with Esme. Hopefully you too... As long as the hospital keeps away," I tried to joke a little.
"Alice believes they won't need me today, and I would enjoy having some time with you as well," Carlisle spoke softly as he looked my way for a moment or two.
Although Carlisle seemed well composed I got the feeling that something was off. It was like it was a running theme for today, but so far it seemed to be a good thing at least for the moment. Not long passed before we were pulling up next to the house, and Esme was opening my door pulling me gently into a hug.
"I missed you so much," Esme whispered almost into my ear.
"I know what you mean," I agreed with her softly.
"Have you eaten," Esme guided me towards the house.
"I ate with Charlie this morning," I told her as we entered the house.
"You're too thin for my liking," Esme shook her head slightly.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Most of the morning I was outside with Esme in her greenhouse watching her with the plants. She talked to each one that she worked with like it was a child. The way she was within those walls spoke to her true nature: tender and kind. I loved seeing her at work in her garden. At one point Esme had me down in the dirt next to her planting some flower that was beautiful with purples, blues, and white.
"What is this?" I asked as Esme finished planting it.
"It's called Amy's Blue Orchid which isn't from around here, but Edward found it grown out in the woods somewhere. It was almost lifeless when he found it, so he brought it back for me to save. I had to baby it a long time to get it ready to go into the raised beds," Esme explained it to me.
"It's so beautiful," I mused aloud to no one in particular.
"So are you, my dear one," Esme smiled softly at me making me blush.
"How's Jasper," I asked looking down at my hands.
"You two carry too much guilt around," Esme eyed me carefully.
"It was my fault... I should have been more careful, but," I trailed off at the end.
"You're both are so tangled up with exactly what you both are. I love you both just as you are. Everything will work itself out in time," Esme reached out her hand stroking the side of my face tenderly.
"One mistake cost months of separation," I sighed blinking back tears.
"It wasn't just one mistake but culmination of things. This wasn't your fault... Both Carlisle and I are so sorry that you went through all that you did. That will never ever happen again. Everything came apart at the seams without you," Esme promised me as she took her hand gently making me look her in the eye.
"I came apart without you too," I admitted in an almost whisper.
"I love you just as much as the others. You are part of this crazy dysfunctional family forever and always," Esme pulled me into a hug.
"I love you too," I replied without hesitation.
"Let's go get cleaned up, and get you something to eat," Esme said letting go after my stomach started to growl.
"I guess I'm overruled," I joked as we got to our feet dusting off the dirt.
"From now on you will be eating much better because I want my girl at her best health. You got it," Esme teased me lightly, but she meant it too.
"Got it," I agreed as we left the greenhouse.
"How does a meatball sub sound? I found an old Italian meatball recipe I tried out for you," Esme questioned hoping her pick was a good one.
"Meatball sub sounds amazing," I smiled ear to ear.
"Well let's get washed up, so I can get your lunch ready for you," Esme said as we went into the house together.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Stuffed from lunch I went to Edward's room taking a nap on the couch just for a little while. When I got up I wondered down toward Carlisle's office hoping to spend a little time with him. I hadn't seen him since I got out of his car, so there was no telling if the hospital had called him away. Outside of his office I heard a "come in" from the other side before I could even knock on the door. Slowly opening the door I saw Carlisle sitting behind his large cedar desk with a medical book in front of him.
"Sorry, is this a bad time," I questioned not wanting to disturb him.
"It's never a bad time when you are here," Carlisle smiled at me warmly.
"I thought maybe I could look around at the books. Maybe hang out if you don't mind," I said as his collection amazed me.
"You are more than welcome any time you like," Carlisle replied before going back to his book.
Gently tucking a strand of hair behind my ear I went over to one of the walls of books just looking at them in amazement. The smell of the leather was a homey smell I couldn't explain...
"Is that a first edition Leaves Of Grass," I whispered almost in utter awe.
"That was a gift from a professor," Carlisle was suddenly behind me.
"Wow just wow," I said afraid to touch it.
"You can look through it," Carlisle pulled it out trying to hand it to me.
"I'd be afraid to... It's really old, and valuable," I shook my head a little.
"If they are never read; then they are worthless," Carlisle gently put the book in my hand.
"Thank you," I smiled holding the book of poems carefully.
"My collection is how I share what I love with the ones I love. You are very much a part of that group," Carlisle kissed the top of my head before returning to his desk and his book.
With book in hand I went over to the couch taking a seat, and I carefully open the book just looking over each an every page. The pictures within the book were mesmerizing... There was an elegance in the writing collected into this one book. I don't know how long I just sat there. Suddenly I felt myself nodding off as a gentle hand took the book sitting it aside. Looking I saw Carlisle who put my legs up on the couch, and pulled a blanket off the back tucking it around me.
"I not tired," I mumbled as I laid down as I fought to stay awake.
"My little fighter... Time to let yourself rest for a while; I'll be right here when you awake," Carlisle sat down on the coffee table across from me.
"Promise," I asked as I was losing this fight.
"Promise," Carlisle stroked the side of my face gently.
Not long passed before I fell into a deep dreamless sleep believing that Carlisle would be there when I awoke.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The sound of rain hitting a window woke me after sleeping for I didn't know how long. Feeling Edward's lips against mine made me smile without hesitation. Slowly I opened my eyes to see him knelt next to me, and then I looked up to see Carlisle above me looking down. That's when I realized Carlisle had sat with me with my head on his lap like I was a little kid for sometime.
"Rain," I mumbled still not totally awake.
"It's coming down pretty well I fear," Carlisle answered the unspoken question as I sat up rubbing the sleep from my eyes.
"Shoot! Charlie is going to have a fit," I grumbled not wanting anymore trouble than I already was in.
"Charlie called saying he was staying down at Billy's, and for you to just stay put for the night," Carlisle tried to ease my fears a little.
"Why do I get the feeling this was planned," I eyed the pixie who came gliding into the room smiling ear to ear.
"It wasn't for sure until a few hours ago... Plus it's a very special occasion," Alice smirked as if she was about to jump out of her skin in excitement.
"It's part of the reason for the hunting trip today," Edward stood up offering me his hand.
"It'll be alright," Carlisle promised me softly.
"Alright," I whispered as I let Edward help me to my feet.
"You're mine for a few minutes," Alice said as she linked arms with me and Edward let go of my hand.
"Alice," I eyed her as she led me out of Carlisle's office.
"Don't worry... I have the perfect outfit for tonight. This will go off amazingly," Alice said so sure of herself.
"Alice," I looked at her not believing her one bit.
"No paper anywhere I promise," Alice said as we went into her bedroom.
Within seconds she had be undressed and redressed in a blue floral lace retro off shoulder cocktail dress and white vintage pumps. Next she guided me over to her vanity making me sit, and in no time at all my hair was in a simple french braid bun.
"Now just a bit of color on those lips,"
I watched as Alice picked out a light shade of red that only enhanced what was naturally there.
"Can I have a hint of what is going on," I asked as Alice applied the lip color.
"No, what fun would that be," Alice teased me a little.
"The human would like to know," I tried my best to get it out of her.
"Not happening," Alice shook her head.
"Fine," I pouted a little bit.
"I love you so much and this is going to be perfect," Alice kissed my cheek gently and giving me a long hug.
"Know-it-all," I teased her a little more knowing she knew the truth.
"Carlisle is going to be up in just a minute to get you. No, pouting or else," Alice warned before disappearing out of the room in the blink of an eye.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
True to Alice's word not long passed before there was a knock at the door, so I got up going over to the door opening to find Carlisle dressed up in a nice suit. He offered his arm to me which I took without hesitation in the least. Gently he guided me to the stairs, and we headed down towards the living room. Although everything looked different it did give me pause because of what had happened on my birthday all those months ago. Carlisle gently gave my hand a squeeze of reassurance as we continued to the rest of the family.
"This is a sit down," Esme smiled as Carlisle took me over to the couch.
Edward stood by his siblings not taking a seat next to me which was a little weird.
"Bella," Carlisle drew my attention for me to sit down with him and Esme sat down on the other side of me.
"A long time ago I started this tradition with Edward, and continued it with each new member of the family. The plan was for about a month after your birthday, but as you know things didn't go to plan,"
I could hear the guilt in Carlisle's voice as he spoke to me.
"Carlisle," I started to say.
"The last thing I ever want is for you to doubt your place in this family. Hopefully you will accept this token from Esme and myself," Carlisle pulled out a thin jewelry box offering it to me.
Gently accepting the box I lifted the lid to reveal a white braided leather necklace that had a medallion with the Cullen crest on it.
"It's beautiful. Will you help me put it on?" I whispered as tears came to my eyes.
"This is a promise that nothing and no one will ever come between this family," Carlisle explained as he took the necklace putting it on for me.
"You have been and always will be our daughter," Esme wrapped me in her arms and Carlisle wrapped his arms around us both.
"We love you so much," Carlisle said as he and Esme let go.
"Now you have to get over the shopping thing," Alice said eyeing me.
"I'll just hide behind Carlisle because I'm the baby of the family," I shook my head having a little fun.
"Not fair," Alice crossed her arms.
Just then my stomach growled to life making everyone laugh even me.
"Are there any more of those meatballs?" I asked looking to Esme.
"Plenty for a while," Esme nodded her head slightly.
"Those smell gross," Emmett pretended to puke.
"Those are amazing," I disagreed with him.
Then I saw Jasper coming my way being quiet and uncomfortable.
"Bella," Jasper offered me a wooden snowflake with a B in the middle.
"It's beautiful," I said handling it with care.
"It's also tradition for every member of the family to have a special ornament for the tree. I know it's a bit early, but I wanted to give it to you now," Jasper said as he looked me in the eye.