Chapter 2: No bridesmaid's for Bree

DISCLAIMER – The Twilight saga and all the characters mentioned in it are the undisputed property of Stephanie Myers. This story was written entirely for non-profit.

A feeling of uncertainty crept over me I didn't know what life with the Cullens would be like but planning for a wedding was something that didn't even seem plausible.

If I hadn't seen each of my family attack mountain lions,bears and deers,I would think they were mostly human.Humans with porcelain unearthly beautiful with amber irises but nevertheless humans. Carlisle had a job as a doctor Esme stayed at home,the rest were enrolled at school,they could buy what they wanted.All of them were so civilized I had doubts as to whether or not I could fit into our family. I was so used to living like a stray I had forgotten how difficult it was to live like a normal person.

At least I didn't live in a old abandoned building that was falling apart.

When I recounted my former style of living to my family.I believe Esme could burst

Into tears at any moment in spite of the impossibility of such a thing.The rest of my family all seemed like good productive members of society In comparison to my pseudo-criminal background.Apparently Jasper had a similar former life experience but that he changed when he met Alice.That made me have faith that I could change as well.

"Are you done Bree?" questioned Carlisle as his gaze was cast upon me studying me.

"Yes I guess" I said as I released the animal from from my hold dropping it by it's antlers as the creature I had just emptied of it's bloodstream.Eating from animals did come with one advantage there was no need to clean up after my self as it looked like the animals had just run into a predator.

"Take your time dear it will all work out in the end" Esme consoled me her voice embedded with sympathy.For all of us it took some time to cancel out our natural urges, but just focus on hunting animals for now.

"Ok"I lamented, all my energy compressed in on not thinking of how even the most unhealthy of humans would taste right now.

I tried but my mind refused to allow me to deceive myself the taste of animal blood repulsed me.To Vampires having animals as meals was the human version of surviving on protein bars and waters you won't stare but you wouldn't be eager to try it again.Regretfully the ironclad rule of my family was to never hunt humans,so anytime I drained a deer or any other animal, I told my self I was a step closer to being a full fledged mermber of the family.

Despite the food leaving much to be desired, the time I spent with my new family more than made up for it.Esme was in every sense of the word the mother I never had just as Carlisle was the father I never had.They were kind and friendly and genuinely interested in my life.When I informed them I liked to read they practically built me a archive of books that could rival the Vatican's.

"Can we go home" I asked timidly, everytime I uttered the word home it felt foreign but not unwelcoming.

"Sure" Esme replied telling me to go first.And with that I rushed home.Both Esme and Carlisle were beginning to understand that I didn't need a watcher and I could be left alone to my own devices without fear of me going awol.I knew that they were just concerned about me losing control and killing any poor human that happens to cross my path.

Being around the Cullens made me miss Fred and Diego so much that I wished I had made it to Vancouver not to abandon but to confirm my survival to Fred.The fact that he protected me while in Victoria's army was the kindest act I had ever known.I'm confident Fred would be happy to know that I have a family and that I am happy.

"Bree come here would you Emmet said"

Jaspers eyes were scanning the area in a rapid motion,it was most likely that he was looking for Alice. I could hear Alice excitedly telling Bella and Edward sbout wedding plans.

"Sure what's is it" I asked looking between Emmet and Rosalie.

Do you know how to play up,up and away? Emmet asked a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Before I had even a chance to respond he grabbed me and laughed me through the air like a rocket lifting off from it's Launchpad.

After a while gravity pulled me back down which sent me crashing to the group in a messy heap my limbs were unnaturally contorted.

Bree are you ok Carlisle asked his voice laced with concern.

"I'm ok" I'm replied not wanting to be dawdled on.

Once I was at the house,the other arrived shortly jasper and Alice where in the garden along with Esme who was lecturing Emmet about being more gentle around me.

Alice was complaining about finally having someone who would let her dress them and didn't want it ruined by Emmet's antics.

Emmett was unaware of Alice's Verbal tirade or Esme's lecture and just cockily said "how about we have a competition to see who falls back down first?"

Emmett had just finished his joke before Jasper growled before pulling Alice away I got the feeling he didn't appreciate Emmet's attempts at humor.

"You need to be more careful with Bree, what if she landed in the proximity of nearby humans?"Jasper lectured.

Emmett has a uncaring expression plastered on his face they would thought a she was rogue skydiver"

"Have more faith in her declared"Emmett full of energy.

He clapped me with such force that were Jasper and Alice not supporting me I would have been launched into the air again.

I was glad Emmet felt like he could joke with me but when it came to adjusting to my new diet he was the worst Cullen you could have for help in that department.

"I'm getting better it's just hard" I said.

Jasper and Alice giggled.

Edward could be heard chuckling upstairs chuckling from inside the house. I wonder if we will have more moments like this.

"I'm going to get changed" I said. Finally your clothes look like a rabid dog attacked you"Alice joked.

I leaped up to my room and was changed in the blink of a eye.

Walking down the stairs I saw Edward at the piano.

I still feel like I had a debt to pay to the Cullens. Edward in particular.

"Are you composing anything for the wedding?" I questioned.

"No, there's time for that," said Edward casually.

Edward wasn't home much as a result of the time he spent with Bella.The only reason he was home was because bella was spending time with her father.

"Edward your a mind reader right?"I asked timidly.Yes why"he responded,

"why doesn't Bella like me" I queried. "Bella does like you she's just being shy and cautious, I also can't read her mind" I thought that was odd but kept silent on that.

Since we were on the topic of the wedding I figured this was as good a time as any to bring up my only concerns at this point.

"Edward your going to be married in less than a month and I want to be there to support you I really do but, If I'm there I don't know if I can control myself, It's not that I don't want to, I just that if I'm there might hurt some people" I said reluctantly afraid he would hate me for not wanting to attend.

Edward has a bitersweet expression on his face "I want you there but in this instance I thinks it's best you don't attend".

I nodded in agreement. You are part of the family, there are precautions we could take."

I briefly flirted with that idea,but could I trust myself to keep my instincts at bay in a sea of flowing blood,exposed jugulars.

Edward had a blank expression coating his features.Edward gulped then told me that . "Alice saw you killing everyone happen if you attend!".

"Bree" Edward said his voice laced with regret.

"It's ok It's for the best" I said dejectedly

"Im sorry one day this will change I promise you", Edward consoled me.

I was appreciative of Edward's words, I suppose it was better this way and maybe some time alone would do good for me.

"If only your wedding was a year or two away I could attend easily" I thought.

"If only" Edward said cheerlessly.

I gazed inquisitively at the sincerity in his desire for the wedding to be delayed. This bewildered me wasn't he supposed to be head in the clouds,love sick, down -right obsessively in love with her.What could possibly be reason for delaying the marriage?

Edward smiled sadly at my thoughts. "I love Bella for who she is not what she is and I don't want to lose that part of her" Edward explained.

I found the very concept of wanting someone you love to remain human yet wanting to spend every moment you can with me paradoxically heartbreaking. I felt the sharpened claws of envy pierce my very being like a surgical knife making an incision.Was I ever going to find a love like their's or had it been extinguished like a fire on it's last flame with the death of Diego?

Edward was observing me intently so I smiled to show my happiness for him.

"Bella,will she be angry that I won't be at the wedding?" I asked Timidity ingrained In my voice.

"She'll be sad your not there but will understand," said Edward.

That put my worries to rest.

"What do you plan on doing while the wedding occurs?" Edward questioned.

I had forgotten to give much thought to that. "I'm not sure" I said reluctantly.

"You're not a prisoner, Bree if you want to leave you can" said Edward.

"No no, no that's not what I meant at all" I said hastily worried he had taken it the wrong way. "do you think I'm capable of being on my own for a few days?"

"I don't think you're too irresponsible to be on your own," said Edward.

"Bree there's something you have to understand our diet is unique even among our kind just clean up after yourself and you will be fine".

At Edward's words my faith was renewed.

"I'm going to try to find my friend, Fred"

"Good luck Bree"

"Thanks" I said .

"Esme's going to make you swear said Edward, rolling his eyes.

"You don't have to leave right away" said Edward. It's better if I get a head start"

"Wait for everyone to say goodbye" .

"I will," I said sincerely.

"Congratulations, Edward. Tell Bella I'm happy for you both.

"I will thank you" Bree said Edward.

I walked by the time I was in the hallway Esme was there."be safe Bree and come back please" she said.

"I promise," I said, smiling, I couldn't lie not to her she was my real mother for all intents and purposes.