It's a tree!

I woke up alone, slightly confused, and very hungover. Sitting up, I looked around slowly for Edward, but he was nowhere to be seen. I groaned loudly, putting my hand on my forehead as I laid back against the pillows with a thud.

I hadn't had a headache that bad since I graduated from college. My mouth tasted like dirt covered cotton, and my eyes were in agony as they tried to keep out the harsh light of the mid-morning.

Scratch that, it was almost eleven. I don't think that qualifies as mid-morning anymore.

After a few minutes, I decided my need to get to the bathroom was more overwhelming than my desire to avoid the light. Crawling out of bed, I stretched slowly. I was only wearing my bra, not bothering to take it off the night before. It felt a little odd, so I decided to change into something a little more comfortable, a sports bra and a pair of boy shorts. After that, I slid on some jeans and a long sleeved tee shirt, along with a pair of socks and shoes.

I wasn't comfortable walking around their house with no shoes on yet.

I went to the bathroom and scrubbed my face clean of smudged makeup which made my skin look rough and my eyes dark. After that I brushed my teeth, just hoping to get that taste out of my mouth.

It didn't work.

After that, I decided to go in search of Edward and of some aspirin. Either one would have worked at that moment. My boyfriend was comforting in himself, and I knew he could provide the medicine, so of course, he was my first choice.

"Good morning," Carlisle said with some good humor as I came into the dining room. There was a breakfast tray waiting for me, along with a bottle of pills and a big glass of water. "Edward said you might need those this morning."

"Thank god!" I whimpered, going over to them quickly. I popped three of the pills into my mouth and sighed as I swallowed. "Where is Edward?"

"He's trying to jog away his hangover," he chuckled. "He said if you woke up before he got back that he wouldn't be too long and when he got back if you were up to it, you could go sightseeing again."

"I don't know about that," I muttered, rubbing the back of my neck. "I'm sorry, this is embarrassing."

"Don't be," he chuckled. "You're not the only one at this table that got sloshed last night. My brother and I had a few too many pints. Anyway, sit, darling. Sit. Eat. It'll make you feel better. That's the doctor's orders."

I smiled, sitting down at the table. I put a croissant and a thing of grapes onto my plate before pouring some of the coffee that was still hot on the table. I wasn't going to bother with the cream and sugar. I needed it black.

"What kind of doctor were you before you retired?" I asked conversationally. Edward really hadn't told me, except that he worked with mainly children.

"Pediatric Oncology," he said, giving me a small smile.

"Cancer? Wow, that must have been a hard job..." I said, frowning at my cup of coffee. I had already drunk half of it in a few short seconds.

"Well, at times. But in the past thirty years, there have been leaps in that field. More and more children are surviving things we never imagined they could. And kids are strong. They fight back. They want to live and be happy, and they tend to do just that no matter what their condition is. But, still, it was tough. I guess that's why I decided to retire at such a young age."

"Do you ever think about going back?"

He shrugged gracefully, pushing his glasses up his nose. "I volunteer. It's enough. I don't want to be paid for my services anymore. And I don't want to be on call ever again."

I nodded my head thoughtfully, finishing my coffee before taking another bite. "I can understand that. Every time I put money into my retirement fund I look forward to not working."

"Speaking of work," he smiled at me slightly, "Esme wanted you to join her in the greenhouse when you were ready. She wanted to discuss something with you."

"Should I be worried?" I asked quietly. He just chuckled. "That's reassuring."

"With my wife, you should always be worried!" He laughed, patting my hand before standing. "But, no, I don't think you should be overly so."

That certainly didn't make me want to rush through breakfast. So, I finished my croissant before having another, along with two more cups of coffee. By the time I was done, I was practically vibrating.

With a sigh, I pushed away from the table and took my dishes to the kitchen where Ms. Cope was working on something. She took my plate with a smile then directed me to the backyard.

"Bella! There you are!" Esme said, brushing the dirt off her glove covered hands when I came into the large glass house. "Just the woman I wanted to see."

There was a huge terracotta pot filled partially with dirt and a small tree standing beside it. It didn't take a genius to figure out what she was doing. "You're planting a tree?"

"No, my dear! You are!" She smiled, tossing me a pair of gloves. "Edward told me that you always wanted to plant one and I thought that I could help with that. This is a fruit tree that I will be planting out in the yard once it gets big enough, but it will have to stay in here for now. So, would you like to help me?"

Now even Esme was getting in on the act when it came to finishing up my list. And I doubted she even knew it. I would have to thank Edward later for making the comment to his mother.

"Sure," I said, slipping on some gloves. "Tell me what to do because I have no idea."

"Well, you came to the right place. I've got quite the green thumb," she smiled. "Come on, let's get to work."

"So, how did you meet Edward?" Esme asked conversationally as we toiled together. It wasn't going to take long to get it done.

"Through Alice and Jasper," I said with a shrug and a little sigh, "through a stupid turn of events I ended up kissing him within ten seconds of meeting him. After that, we became friends and finally-"

I stopped, I didn't know how to explain that story exactly. I wasn't sure if Edward wanted me to tell her either. I probably shouldn't have told her that I kissed him either, but I was still a little hungover despite the massive amount of coffee I had ingested.

"Couldn't resist the Cullen charm any longer?" She chuckled. I smiled and just nodded my head. I guess I really couldn't resist anymore. I couldn't fight my own feelings anymore. "I know how that is."

"How did you meet Carlisle?" I asked, trying to get the attention off of me. Esme giggled softly before advising me to put the tree in the soil we had prepared.

"Well, I came here after I graduated school. I was going to spend a summer in London discovering myself. I was having a good time. And I was quickly surrounded by a group of friends. Well, one night that first month, I went to this dance club. This was right when the punk scene was really coming into play."

"You were a punk?" I laughed.

She shook her head, her red hair bouncing quickly. "No! My, no. I was a clean cut girl from Texas..."

"Carlisle?" I raised an eyebrow.

"The first time I met him," she giggled to herself like she was lost in a memory, "he was in tore up jeans, a Clash tee shirt, a leather jacket, spiked hair, and eyeliner."

"Eyeliner?" I laughed.

"And he looked good too. Despite what my friends said, I went dancing with him when he asked me. He told me his name, and we kissed but, neither of us got a number or an address. I never figured I'd see him again."

"So, how did that work out?"

"The following day I went to the university, considering furthering my education here and this beautiful, clean-cut blond man walked up to me. He was in khakis and a lab coat. I nearly punched him when he touched me," she laughed happily, "and then he said 'Esme, it makes me a little sad that you don't remember the kiss we shared last night because I know I will never forget it.' I melted."

"That is so sweet!" I said, smiling slightly. Edward was a lot like his father in that way.

"We were married exactly a month after that first kiss," she sighed. "We were married in Paris. So lovely."

"Wow, that's quick."

"Worked out well, wouldn't you say?" She smiled, putting the final shovels worth of dirt on top of the roots. I hadn't even realized that we had been working for that long. Or that we were done. "When you know, you know. Or at least that's how the men in the Cullen family are. Edward's Uncle Liam married his wife a week after they met and they've been married thirty-five years."

"Wow!" I gasped.

I nearly jumped out of my skin when a pair of hands wrapped around my shoulders. "Like Aunt Siobhan would have let it happen any other way."

I turned slowly to see Edward standing there in nothing but jogging pants and a pair of shoes, his body dripping with sweat despite the cold. His hair was slicked back, and his cheeks flushed.

And he looked hot. So fucking hot.

"That's true! Liam does whatever Siobhan wants," Esme giggled. "Carlisle is a bit more defiant."

"Yeah right! Dad is putty in your palms, just like I am with Bella," he said before leaning in and kissing my cheek lightly.

"I wouldn't say that," I breathed out stupidly, unable to take my eyes off of him.

He leaned in, his lips brushing my ear, "I've told you that I would serve you in any way you wished. I am your slave."

"So what do you two have planned for today?" Esme asked, breaking up the moment. Which was probably a good thing. I needed to learn to control myself around his family. Edward just wasn't mine for the taking.

"Whatever Bella wants," Edward winked at me playfully. "But, I do know a shower is coming up for me very shortly."

"Me too," I agreed. "I'm covered in dirt."

"Are you staying for lunch?" Esme asked.

Edward looked over at me for an answer, and I shrugged. "That's fine with me if that's okay."

"Darlin, you are always welcome! Do you have anything planned?"

"I haven't really thought about it," I told her truthfully.

"I have an idea!" Esme said, clapping her hands together happily. I noticed that it was a sort of a habit for her. "Why don't we all go to the zoo? I haven't been in ages! And then maybe we can all go to dinner as a family."

Edward once again looked at me for an answer, to which I smiled. "Yeah, Mum. Sounds nice. Why don't the two of us get cleaned up? When is lunch being served?"

"One," Esme answered, taking off her gloves.

"Should be plenty of time then."

"You know, you're going to spoil me with this showering together. Once we get home, I'm going to have to learn to shower by myself again, and I'm not going to like it," I complained. Edward chuckled, wrapping his arms around my waist as he pulled me into the room we were sharing. I could smell the musky scent of his sweat, and the aroma made me a little light headed. I laid my nose against his chest, taking in a deep breath.

"I wouldn't suggest you do that." Edward's chest rumbled with laughter.

"You smell so good," I moaned, breathing in again before sliding my fingers just down the back of his black pants.

"You're insane," he chuckled, rubbing his hand down my back. "And Bella, if I had my way we would never shower apart again."

"I wish," I breathed. "That's a nice fantasy."

"I want to make it a reality," he whispered softly as he put his fingers underneath my chin, lifting it up so I would look into his eyes. "Would you like that?"

"Yes," I said, pulling his hand up to my lips, kissing his fingers lightly. "Now, come on! Let's go get cleaned up before we don't leave this room for the rest of the day."

"Damn! I like that idea better," he groaned, pouting slightly.

"Come on, I want to go to the zoo," I giggled, tugging on his arm.

"If I promise to act like a wild animal, can we stay in bed?" He said, wiggling his eyebrows at me. I groaned loudly, rolling my eyes at his random weirdness.

"No, zoo."

"Damn," he pouted but then smiled at me innocently. "Come on, let's get showered then."

We did shower together, but we did behave this time. Edward got out before me so he could go ahead and shave. Of course, I would take a lot longer because I needed to blow dry my hair. There was no way I was going out with wet hair in this weather. I wasn't going to take a chance on getting sick while in London.

Edward was dressed and clean shaven by the time I got out of the shower, sporting a sweater vest over a button-down shirt and a pair of blue jeans. He looked so cute with his bare feet against the marble flooring.

"I'll meet you out there," he said, kissing my cheek lightly, leaning in so he wouldn't get wet himself.

"Okay, I'll be out in a second," I assured him, unwrapping the towel from my body and rubbing it against my hair. Edward groaned loudly. "What?"

"You're dripping wet and naked, and you're asking me what? Honestly, woman..." he said, shaking his head. "Sometimes, I worry."

I laughed at his cheesiness, rolling my eyes as I shook my head. "Get out of here."

"Easier said than done when you have a view like this," he said, taking the towel from me and running it down my back. Once it was all dry, he smacked my ass and tossed me back the towel. "Well, better get out there!"

He was out before I yelled that he was a wicked tease. I heard the phrase, 'I know' as the door shut behind him.

I worked quickly on my hair, making it a messy mass of curly hair. I pulled it up into a ponytail at the crown of my skull before applying a bit of light makeup. After that, I got dressed and headed into our bedroom to put some socks and shoes on before joining them for lunch.

"Dad, there has to be some way I can get out of this," I heard Edward's voice from behind a door. I wasn't sure where it was coming from. I stood still a minute, trying to figure it out. "This is stupid."

"Edward, they are your family. You should see them."

"I am not related to people like that. Why are you trying so hard to please them now?"

"Because Edward they are the only family we have left."

"No, Dad, it's the only family that you have left. I have an entire family across the pond. That's why I didn't want to come back with you when you moved back here. Why should I put Bella through that?"

"Edward, they can be very civil."

"Civil?" Edward scoffed. "I remember Grandmother calling me the little half breed bastard more than once. What will she say about Bella?"

"Edward, I've talked to them. I made sure they understand the importance of Bella to you. Please, do this for me. Your mother is," Carlisle said, sighing heavily.

"That's because Mum has a backbone of steel. She lets whatever they say roll off of her like rain."

"Please?"

"Fine. The moment they say something crass or rude, I'm leaving. I'm taking Bella, and we're going, and I'm not going to see them again. I love Bella, and I will not allow them to say a single bad word about her."

"Do you think I want them to say those things about you or your mother?"

That cold question was met by silence. Edward came stomping out of a room two doors down. I bit my lip, looking at him shyly. His green eyes flashed towards me, instantly softening. "All ready for lunch?" He asked quietly.

"Yeah, let me get my shoes."

I went into the bedroom and began to put on my socks. Edward followed behind, deciding to do the same thing. "How much did you hear?"

"Enough," I said, looking up at him as I tried to slip on my right shoe. "Edward, you don't have to worry about me. I'm a big girl. I can handle myself. If it becomes too much, I'll stand up for myself."

"I don't want you to have the need to," he said softly. "Bella, I can't... I won't let them talk to you the way they do my mother. My father always wished that they would warm up to her. They haven't. In all this time, they haven't. I don't want to waste of second of my time trying to please people who are this horrible and nasty."

I stood up and walked over to him, putting my arms around his waist. "I'll be fine," I assured him. "Nothing they can say will bother me. Well, maybe annoy me. But not upset me. Now, let's go get some lunch and then go to the zoo."

"Okay," he breathed, taking my hand so we could walk together to the dinner table.

We had Shepherd's pie, which I had never had before, for lunch. It was perfect actually. I asked Edward if he could make it and he assured me he could.

"Mum, any pudding?" He asked when he pushed away his plate. I giggled, and he looked at me innocently. He winked playfully at me, smiling then innocently at his mother.

You could practically see her mother melting on the spot. Someone was a bit of a momma's boy, but I kind of liked that. It was nice to see his relationship with his mother.

"Of course, darlin! You know I always have dessert on hand. What about a piece of pie and some coffee before we head out?"

"Oh, pie," I said, standing up when Esme did. "I'll help you."

"So, what's the real reason you're helping me with dessert?" Esme asked me with that same raised eyebrow that Edward had. It was rather uncanny, actually.

"Edward and Carlisle were having a disagreement earlier. They barely said anything to each other during dinner. I'm going to give them a chance to make nice," I said, shrugging as I put the carafe of coffee on the tray Esme provided me.

"You're going to be a fine mother one day," she smiled brightly, putting a sweet smelling pastry on the tray along with a few plates and clean forks.

"Esme, you know, I'm not going to pop out a kid next week," I teased her, taking it all in stride.

"One can hope." She smiled, bumping my hip into mine. "You know it's all innocent, don't you?"

"Sure it is," I drew out. "You don't want grandchildren at all."

"Are you joking? Of course, I want grandchildren! And if Edward had them with you? That would be wonderful! Cullen men can't resist a woman from Texas. I'm just kidding about the timing. Take your time. I mean, NOT too much time, of course."

"You're awful," I laughed, taking the tray for her. She went to the door and held it opened for me. When we came into the dining room, Edward and Carlisle were chatting away about football. Edward gave me a small smile and mouthed the words 'thank you' to me when I passed him his piece of pie.

"Mm, this looks lovely, ladies," Carlisle said charmingly. "Come on. Let's hurry up or we'll never make it to the zoo."

The London Zoo was only a few minutes away, and it wasn't that busy since it was a weekday. Carlisle and Esme were members and Edward and I had the cards, so we basically went right inside. It was an incredibly relaxing afternoon.

By far my favorite animal was Golden Lion Tamarin. It was a cute little monkey like creature. I think it was a type of monkey anyway. He was tiny and covered with bright colored fur. Edward's was lamely the Spider monkey. He said that they always looked like they had fun.

I guess I could agree with that.

Esme took a very long time at the birds. The owls seemed to be her favorite. They had a decent selection of them for her see.

Carlisle just seemed to be taking the whole thing in, enjoying having his family together for the first time in a long time. I wanted to tell him that I understood what it was like to be almost alone in this world and not really liking the family you had left. My father's words came to mind from Christmas Eve when he was referring to my mother.

"That woman hasn't been normal a day in her life, but she's a part of you. You haven't always done what's normal. It made you... you. I know she's crazy. I know she's completely bat shit, but she does love you."

I hadn't even met Edward's grandparents yet, and I was starting to understand my mother a little bit more. I was beginning to be thankful that she was just a little crazy and not... well, evil.

I decided I would try to approve the relationship I had with my mother at the start of the New Year. It was, unofficially, added to the list.

She planted a tree and we learned a little bit about Carlisle and Esme!

I want to thank everyone who takes the time to review! You are all so awesome.

Thanks for reading!