~ Chapter Eight ~
Harleigh brushed past everyone in his hurry to move inside. Skin still irritated from being torn and pieced back together, everyone movement punched through his body in agony. Relaxation amongst a group of unfamiliar vampires was far from what Harleigh desired. All he wanted was a warm bath followed by a solid eight hours of sleep.
As he climbed the stairs, Harleigh heard Carlisle raise his voice, "You will not bring her here."
Several of the vampires protested but Harleigh couldn't care. Right now, he was grateful Carlisle was keeping Isabella Swan at arm's length. Her questioning gaze was far from what he needed to add to an already large pile of concerns.
Harleigh didn't acknowledge Carlisle as they entered his room. They could still hear the vampires outside arguing over the mortal. They desired her return to the house even for only a few hours but now it would cause more problems than they could handle. Certainly, the family agreed that Isabella couldn't be joined to Edward in the way Harleigh and Carlisle were but Edward was still reluctant to turn the girl. Right now, keeping the girl away from the entire family seemed to be the best option though everyone disagreed.
"This girl is becoming an even greater problem." Harleigh commented.
He'd been brought here to deal with a newborn problem only that wasn't the only problem he could see and they centred around the girl. Isabella Swan was a magnet for trouble and the trouble continued to harass the Cullen's as well.
"Is she truly worth the effort?"
Harleigh's question wasn't immediately answered. Carlisle stood thinking, watching the red lines decorating his skin. No one had been willing to admit it but Bella strained their family. No one seemed able to agree on a single thing when it came to the girl. Rosalie despised the girl. Emmett held no care for her. Jasper wanted to keep her as far away as possible. Alice adored her. Esme doted upon her. And Edward was obsessed with her.
Yet parting with this girl brought the possibility of breaking the family apart. Alice, Esme, and Edward would be devastated to lose Bella. What Carlisle needed to know was if they were stronger as a family to push all of this behind them. Could they leave Bella and remain a family? Would bringing Bella into the family destroy them further? Carlisle didn't know what they would do but he knew where his decisions would lead.
"I do not envision Bella becoming a part of our lives."
Harleigh removed his shirt, grabbing the necessities he would need to shower. "Our lives meaning who exactly? A few of your children seem awfully attached to the human."
"I can't speak for my family Harleigh. I can only speak for myself."
Neither of them moved. Carlisle's words hung in the air, heavy and permanent.
"You would break your family, the family you've brought together, just for us?"
Harleigh turned, needing to see Carlisle's honesty as he answered. This wasn't something they could take back. This decision would affect a number of lives not their own and Harleigh wasn't certain Carlisle was ready for it to just be the two of them again, alone and wandering through life. Family had been something both had craved and something they had sought on their own. Now they were either going to break it or bring it together.
"Harleigh, our world will change. People will come and go. We've neglected our bond for a long time and I think it will only create a disadvantage when we really need it."
"You foresee trouble in our future?"
"Trouble is already within our home Harleigh. I can't protect my family when they easily accept trouble though I will try to steer them away. In the end if they don't accept my words, the only person I can protect is you. I won't fail you again."
Harleigh walked towards Carlisle placing a hand on his arm. "Are you certain this is the correct path?"
He couldn't force Carlisle to choose between his family and the person bound with him till the end. It wouldn't be fair. He needed to know this choice was what Carlisle wanted because they couldn't take it back once they moved forward.
Carlisle pulled Harleigh into his second hug for the day. "I never should have allowed us to part ways for so long. Perhaps this mess could have been avoided but we shall never know."
Stepping apart, Carlisle held Harleigh's shoulders and stared into wary green eyes. "We need to be strong. This situation is only going to become worse with Bella and the newborns. But once the newborns are settled there is no reason why I should force my family into more trouble with Bella. If some members of my family choose to stay that is their decision but I will protect my family and if that means removing us from the problem, so be it."
"Carlisle, we might be free of Bella but I have my own problems to deal with. We'd only bring those that choose to follow us into more trouble." Harleigh admitted.
The life he'd been living away from Carlisle was still waiting for him to return and he wasn't about to leave them when trouble was brewing. He would drop anything for Carlisle but he wouldn't abandon a problem when he had a hand in creating it.
"Then I will help you fix it because we are family, Harleigh, and our time away seems to have only created problems for the both of us. Together we will fix it."
Harleigh nodded. "But first, we need to fix the Cullen family problem."
The small smile he gave Carlisle was returned.
"And then we will fix the Potter problem. Now go have a shower."
Just as Harleigh reached the bathroom door he turned, "What happens after we deal with our problems?"
Carlisle smiled, hope filling his being as a future he'd envisioned from the start began to come together. "Then we live our lives however we choose to and with whoever chooses to remain by our side."
"I think I'd like that."
x-x-x-x-x
Harleigh's discussion with Carlisle the previous night left him feeling calm. When he had originally accepted Carlisle's request for aid, anger simmered within his mind tempered by uncertainty. The mere prospect of facing the family had left Harleigh bitter. The continued interactions also hadn't helped. He'd honestly believed that once the task was done he would leave, return to London, and never hear of the Cullen's again.
Carlisle had other ideas.
At first, Harleigh could see Carlisle cling to the idea of having his entire family beneath one roof, a marriage of his past and present so he could look towards a brighter future. The dream dimmed as Harleigh remained bitter towards the family and his children turned disgruntled at this new stranger that knew Carlisle better than anyone else did. Yet, when choosing between them, Harleigh had been certain Carlisle would remain with his family.
Sighing, Harleigh left his room knowing the family would be away and revelling in the few hours of peace he had before their return.
Perhaps the best thing about this house, Harleigh believed, was the kitchen. Building a kitchen for vampires seemed a little ridiculous but considering they would need to leave the house within a matter of years meant a kitchen was a necessity for the next owners. That didn't mean however it couldn't be enjoyed.
Esme, as Carlisle had asked, had been making food not only for Isabella but also for Harleigh. Everything, however, was so Americanised that Harleigh could barely eat a few bites before he was full. Isabella ate what was placed before her but only in small amounts. Esme apparently didn't realize how much food a human could eat in one sitting.
Harleigh pulled out exactly what he would need to make a small English Breakfast being mindful he was cooking for one person and not an entire Quidditch team. He set to work keeping half a mind on baking and the other on Carlisle's choices that continued to baffle.
"I didn't expect you capable of cooking."
Harleigh startled knocking the pan he was cooking on only to have Rosalie save it before it could reach the floor.
"I didn't expect to have an audience." Harleigh snarled in return watching as Rosalie retrieved a plate and serve the food he was cooking.
Retrieving a piece of fruit, Harleigh began to eat trying to disregard Rosalie's noticeable stare.
"I thought the children attended school today." Harleigh mentioned, trying to figure out why his peace was once again disturbed.
Rosalie smirked. "After your little spectacle yesterday, the family is a little divided. The children don't realize why it was important and desire your leave as soon as possible."
Harleigh nodded. That outcome was eventual. He hadn't expected the family would favour the undesirable elements to Carlisle and Harleigh's connection. However, knowing the complication of their connection meant this would need to be completed before any more slipt.
"You think differently?" Harleigh questioned.
Rosalie frowned. "I understand the importance of you being here and the necessity with which you throw yourself into the hunt. However, I don't believe attempting to do so by yourself was the only option you had."
"You believe your siblings would have placed themselves in danger at my say so."
"No," Rosalie agreed, "not all of them. I would have listened and argued. Jasper would also have enjoyed to plan a battle being a soldier and all. Together we could have created a plan that not only kept everyone safe but also was enough to retrieve the information we needed."
Harleigh had to admit having Jasper by his side to plan would have been better than heading in alone. Even speaking to Rosalie would have been better than simply walking in as he did. After all, having even part of a plan was better than nothing at all.
"But you wouldn't have known this." Rosalie admitted. "Another part of Carlisle's mistake in keeping you apart from the family. However, that is in the past and we need to work together so we have a future. I don't want this to be my end and all because of some silly mortal Edward can't read."
"She is a rather shallow and insipid child." Harleigh agreed.
Rosalie narrowed her eyes, pulling Harleigh's plate away and forcing him to pay her full attention.
"You have barely been here a week and you know so much about her… how?"
Her demand wasn't anything Harleigh would quake at. Yet, out of all of Carlisle's children Rosalie was making the effort to learn. She desired to know more, not only about Carlisle's past, but also about Harleigh. The others couldn't care at the moment as long as he kept Isabella safe. However, Harleigh wasn't here to keep her safe, he was here to protect Carlisle and those Carlisle loved. Rosalie understood and accepted this so he gave her an honest answer.
"Edward may not be able to read Isabella's mind but I can."
Harleigh motioned for the return of his plate before he continued.
"Isabella isn't the most difficult to read for a skilled person, unfortunately, Edward is untrained in his ability and occasionally he will come across someone he can't access."
"Edward doesn't have trouble around anyone else." Rosalie countered.
"But has anyone else attempted to block Edward?"
"We always try to keep Edward out. Having him in our minds is the last thing we want. The only thing that works is reciting books or anthems." Rosalie spat in anger.
Harleigh raised his hands hoping to calm her ire. "You are family; it would be remarkable if any of you were capable of keeping him out. Isabella however is something new; something that he craves yet knows he can't have. Edward might even be blocking her out because she is his singer. Without training, Edward may never know who is actually blocking her mind."
Rosalie pondered on Harleigh's words as he finished his meal. Truly, the mere mention of Isabella seemed to put the Cullen family on edge whether they liked the girl or not. There was something about her that drew in the supernatural and it wasn't something Harleigh wanted a part of. He'd witnessed creatures with allure tear apart entire families just because they could. Isabella might not share the same level of allure but it was enough to send creatures of a higher nature to madness.
"If Carlisle asks your opinion, what will you say when Isabella asks to be turned?"
"Turning Isabella would be a mistake and Carlisle will not be the one to do so."
Rosalie's eyes pierced through Harleigh's back as he stood to clean the dishes. "You've already spoken to Carlisle about this."
"Carlisle and I have spoken about many things Rosalie. Some I believe he will follow through, some I have my doubts, but on Isabella's turning I know this: Carlisle won't agree to turn Isabella Swan for Edward. He will either have to do the deed himself or ask another."
"This event will tear my family apart."
Harleigh closed his eyes at the pain within her voice. After a few days, he'd known this family wouldn't last with Miss Swan among them. Carlisle, like Rosalie, had shared the same heartbreak at the idea of the Cullen family splitting. However, even if Carlisle asked, there was nothing Harleigh could change that would keep them together. Everyone needed to make his or her decisions.
"You will need to start thinking Rosalie about what you will do. The Cullen family have begun down a road to ruin. All you can do is decide where your next adventure will begin."
As Harleigh moved to return upstairs, Rosalie held his arm. "What have you decided, where is your next adventure?"
"I will return to London, once I am finished here with the vampire army." Harleigh admitted. "I was aiding a friend in the turmoil he had created through poor decisions."
"And Carlisle?" The slight hesitation in Rosalie's question caused Harleigh to weigh his words carefully.
"Carlisle loves all of you dearly, he has wanted nothing more than for his family to be happy and together, however, Isabella continues to bring complications that strain even Carlisle. If she remains, Carlisle will leave. I can't offer you an reassurance that your family will remain as one. All I can do is deal with this mess and leave you to make your decisions."
Rosalie gave a stiff nod before vanishing out the back door and into the forest beyond, seeking solitude to think on what the future would hold for her and leaving Harleigh to ponder whether the Cullen's were stronger together or apart.
x-x-x-x-x
Lunch for the Cullen children was a despondent affair. Around them, the humans chattered away, content in the simplicity of their lives. Bella tried to uplift the mood with small talk, bolstered somewhat by the absence of Rosalie, yet not even Alice could pretend everything was all right.
Edward couldn't help but listen to his siblings' thoughts.
The youngest vampire of the group, usually upbeat and joyful, couldn't help but feel drained. Emmett missed Rosalie, her absence worrying her mate as he contemplated what she was doing. Added to this was the stress of the Newborn Army. Rosalie had been the only one willing to locate Harleigh yesterday even if that meant walking into the Newborn's Nest.
Emmett's mate desired to aid Harleigh in the destruction of the army in the hope that their family would break free from Bella. Having her absent could mean anything with Harleigh involved especially if he walked into the Nest with her by his side. Emmett may try to befriend everyone he could but if Rosalie walked, Emmett would follow.
Edward hadn't known what Rosalie planned when she remained behind that morning. Her thoughts led Edward to believe his sister wanted to speak with Harleigh. She was careful to keep deeper, detailed thoughts away from Edward but he believed Bella and the Army were the main topic. Yet, this was not going to ease Emmett's mind.
This information wouldn't ease any of his siblings' minds even if Bella and the Newborn Army were all they could currently focus on.
Jasper already struggled around humans; having Bella around constantly only strained him further. Like Rosalie, Jasper projected rather loudly in his thoughts that he wanted to be far away from Bella. He had several plans lined up to keep Bella away as well; all hidden amongst plans to deal with the Newborn Army. Jasper was prepared to protect their family even if that meant he needed to factor Bella's demise into his plans.
Alice, on the other hand, was trying desperately to see a future where her family remained together and they managed to keep Bella among them. They didn't have many friends being vampires so Alice was attempting to keep her only human friend around as much for her emotional state as well as Edwards's. Alice wanted to keep their family together including Bella regardless of what horror it would bring in the future. She believed her ability would prevail.
Esme desired the same as Alice. She enjoyed cooking for Bella but she desired to keep the girl close because Edward wanted her close. Out of all her children, he'd been alone for the longest so her desire to help him achieve happiness was warming.
Esme and Alice were the only two happy with Edward choosing Bella despite her being his singer. While both of them supported his decision, the remainder of the family held doubts and they were starting to get to Edward.
Carlisle held the most sway over Edward's decision. Originally, he had supported his decision to befriend Bella as an attempt to overcome Bella's blood. The more she brought trouble into their home, however, the more Carlisle withdrew until his father had begun shunning the idea of turning Bella. Then Harleigh had been introduced to the family and Carlisle was purely hostile towards the girl.
Harleigh was a mystery. He'd known Carlisle far longer than any of them and though they knew many of the people Carlisle had met over his life, they knew next to nothing about Harleigh. The scent of spice in Harleigh's blood was intriguing and maddening as it called forth memories from his human life. However, Harliegh's blood didn't drive him to hunger as Bella's did. And, while Harleigh's thoughts were protected from his, like Bella, Edward found he didn't feel an incessant crave to know the witch's thoughts.
The similarities between Harleigh and Bella were minimal and yet they still bore weight on Edward's mind. He shouldn't care about the similarities especially when he knew Bella desired to be by Edward's side and Harleigh couldn't stand looking at him. But there was something in the back of his mind focusing on the little details.
Despite Edward's growing thoughts, Bella needed to be protected; so many creatures threatened her life and he felt responsible for her safety after brining her into their world. He continued to defend and protect Bella at every turn including against his family but it was becoming increasingly difficult especially when she invited danger into their lives. But he needed to protect her, he needed to keep her safe.
"Is everything alright Edward?"
Bella's inquiry had the remainder of his family turning towards him; his girlfriend placed a hand on his arm offering comfort. Edward shrugged it off not desiring the comfort she offered.
"Everything is fine."
Edward's answer came too stiffly to be an honest answer. His siblings knew he'd outright lied and Bella knew he wasn't being honest; they couldn't tell why. He wasn't about to speak his mind either but Jasper's thoughts were directed towards him specifically.
'You are confused.
Edward gave a sharp nod, attempting to ignore the remainder of his family as they watched.
'What are you thinking about?'
"I am trying to come to a solution regarding Harleigh and Bella."
While Edward spoke the words aloud, no human would be able to hear them and for that, he was glad. He needed advice and he needed to keep it somewhat quiet.
'You are confused about your feelings towards Harleigh and Bella?'
Again, Edward nodded.
Jasper gave Edward a searching look. 'You will not like what I reveal.'
"I need to know. I need to make a decision before it affects the family even further."
Alice shifted, attempting to search the future for possible outcomes of this conversation while Emmett tried not to pay too much attention. Bella, in the meantime, was attempting to get him to speak so she could hear. Edward ignored her.
Jasper nodded. 'When you are with Bella there is no love. You desire her but it is not love. To me, you don't feel like mates. You are not a pair.'
Edward didn't feel as shocked by the news as he might have been a few months ago. In the beginning, Edward had been infatuated with Bella and everything about her ability to both send him crazy after her blood and repel him with her mind. Getting to know her, he had just assumed his desire to protect her had been with a lover's intent. He was beginning to understand, however, his intent was far from a lover.
"What of Harleigh?" Edward questioned. "How does Harleigh fit into our family?"
Jasper frowned. 'Harleigh will always have a special place in Carlisle's heart. For Carlisle, Harleigh is family and not something he desires to abandon again… even if that means he leaves us. Rosalie dislikes Bella enough to leave along with Carlisle. Emmett will follow Rosalie. But as for everyone else, that is a personal decision we will need to make based on how your relationship with Bella develops.'
Carlisle's feelings weren't something that Edward had been too focused on. His negativity towards Bella had pulled Edward away from his father. He'd never contemplated that Carlisle would hold Harleigh above the family he'd created and abandon them to remain reunited with Harleigh.
"My relationship with Bella is destroying the family."
Edward's admittance had Alice immediately shaking her head.
"You and Bella are not the problem, Edward!"
"Well, we can't blame Harleigh. Our problems started before he showed up. I'm well aware that you love having a friend outside the family Alice but if Bella is ruining our family then I should be old enough to realize remaining with her isn't in our best interest."
"What if it is in your best interest?"
The way Alice spoke led Edward to believe she'd seen a possible future where they remained together. Edward could see happiness with Bella, a child, the family remaining together… all except Carlisle. Regardless of the futures Alice predicted, Carlisle still left with Harleigh.
"Perhaps, Alice, you should consider my feelings when you look into the future and not just focus on Bella remaining with the family."
Edward stood, shaking off Bella's grip in his arm, before storming out of the cafeteria. He was happy with the support his family had provided when he'd started his relationship with Bella; but it was no longer working and instead of aiding him in leaving they thought remaining would be the best decision for their family.
He was having second thoughts about Bella and attempting to pull together enough courage to act but they weren't helping. He might desire to keep Bella safe from the Newborn situation they had started but he was well aware having Bella turned was not a desired outcome.
Bella was breaking their family and perhaps it was time for Edward to leave her behind.
x-x-x-x-x
Harleigh could feel Carlisle struggle. Learning to adapt to the changes from human to vampire weren't as easy as they'd first assumed. They had been lucky their connection prevented Carlisle from absolute bloodlust at the first sight of blood.
Certainly, the scent was appealing, however, with their connection Carlisle could ignore the lure and focus on hunting animals instead. It wasn't ideal for a vampire to survive only on animals, and Harleigh had told Carlisle as much, but the vampire was insistent. Never would he take a life from a human so Harleigh had agreed.
Yet, blood was the least of their concerns. Carlisle was strong. He could break through a doorframe easily if he wasn't paying attention. This was something they need to deal with before they even attempted to move to another village. After all, breaking numerous objects wasn't a normal human feat.
Harleigh sighed; yet another tree branch snapped beneath Carlisle's grip. "You will have to start again Carlisle."
"It is getting late, perhaps we should turn in?"
Their little shack had been abandoned for quite some time before they had stumbled fortuitously across it. Though there wasn't much room, it served it's purpose well enough for now.
"Carlisle, you no longer need to sleep." Harleigh pointed out.
"You do, however, Harleigh. You are not mortal any longer but you are not a vampire and I do not want you to tire because you are taking care of me."
Harleigh frowned, unaccustomed to someone caring. "What do you propose then?"
Carlisle dropped the branch with a thud and moved swiftly towards Harleigh.
"You need to eat and sleep. We will start again in the morning."
The sun dipped below the horizon, birds calling goodnight amongst the treetops. "Very well, but we also need to work on your speed."
So... another chapter... I hope you enjoy it.
MidnightEmber