Chapter 6 – Offer
The morning of her graduation, Bella laid in bed thinking about what was the next move for her life. She contemplated moving away, but she liked the life she had in Alaska. She wondered, like Carlisle, should she use her degree? Should she go onto graduate school and earn a Master's. Bella laid in bed for hours, until a rapid knock on her front door interrupted her train of thought. As she looked through the peephole, Bella just saw black spiky hair. Shaking her head, Bella knew who it was as she opened her door. "Hi Alice." Alice danced into the apartment and gave Bella a disapproving look. "Why aren't you dressed? You are going to be late for your first college graduation." Bella leaned on the door and said "Alice, I'm not going. I have to decide what I am going to do next." "Bella, you should go. We're waiting downstairs for you. I came up to get you dressed." Bella dropped her head and repeated "Alice, I'm not going." "Bella, come on. It will be fun. Then you and I can go hunting for some bears. I noticed you preferred them." Bella looked away from Alice and said "You know, he was right about one thing. For such a small thing, you can be really annoying." They heard Emmett and Edward laughing from outside. Alice just rolled her eyes. "Bella, can we just go?" "I have nothing to we………….." Alice threw a bag in Bella's arms. "I knew you were going to say that. I picked out just for you." Bella held out a blue satin wrap-around dress. "I love it. But I still don't think I want to go." Alice got on her tip-toes to look Bella in the eyes. "Bella if you are not dressed in five minutes, I will dress you myself and drag you to the ceremony by your hair. And as lovely as your hair is, you know I will do." Bella stared down at Alice, sighed and ran to her room. She came back in less than a minute, running a brush through her hair. "Happy, now? You win again and I know you saw this outcome, so I'm not going to argue." Alice smiled, "Ahhh, Bella, you remembered." Bella laughed and followed Alice to Carlisle's car. As Bella walked outside, Esme hugged her and whispered "Congratulations." "Thanks, Esme." Jasper hugged Bella and gave her lilies. "Edward and Emmett left to meet Carlisle and Rosalie at the ceremony." Jasper explained getting into the driver's seat. Bella, Esme and Alice got into Carlisle's car and drove to the ceremony. As they got out, Carlisle helped Bella out of the car as Alice got her cap and gown ready. Bella put on her gown, but playfully refused her cap. "Oh no, Alice, I can't wear that cap. It will mess up my hair." Alice smiled "Finally, she is beginning to understand." Bella took the cap from Alice and got in line with the graduates. As she got in line, she saw Rosalie, Emmett and Edward in the audience, all of them smiling at her. She smiled back, but avoided Edward's eyes.
As Bella crossed the stage, she heard the Cullens applauding the loudest for her. After the ceremony, Alice found Bella and took her back to the family. Emmett gave Bella a bear hug and she gave him one back. Bella looked in Edward's direction, because he was holding her lilies and another bouquet of flowers; her favorites, lavender roses. After hugging everyone, Edward walked to her and offered her the flowers. "Congratulations, Bella. We are all so proud of you." He held her eyes as she took the flowers and smiled slightly. "Thank you. Everyone, you really didn't have to do this. But I really appreciate that you did." "Ok, we need to do something fun for you, Bella. What do you want?" Emmett asked. A wide smile spread across Bella's face and she playfully thought about it. "Are you against playing football? I haven't played any sports since I changed." Jasper and Emmett laughed aloud. "Oh yeah!! She's definitely beginning to understand." Emmett howled. Bella smiled, "That and I want nothing more than to tackle you into the ground. It's payback time." She glared at Emmett. All the Cullens laughed and headed for their cars.
After playing football all evening and most of the night, the girls beat the guys; 107-83, they all sat together, when Carlisle stood up to talk to everyone. "Well after letting the girls win, think it's time we spoke about an important matter Esme and I have been discussing." Esme got up and stood with Carlisle, leaving Bella sitting with Rosalie and Alice. "Every since we found out what happened to Bella and seeing how she has built her life here, first we'd like to say we are really, truly proud of her. You have adapted so well to this life and started a new one." Carlisle stated, smiling at Bella. Esme smiled as well "Also, no matter what you think, Bella, you are still our family. Despite what has happened to you, you are not alone. Carlisle and I would like to extend this invitation to you; for you to come and live with us. We are moving out East and we really don't want to leave you here by yourself. To us, Bella, you are a daughter and we'd like for you to move with us." Bella stared at them with wide eyes, then turned her eyes to Rosalie, who smiled encouragingly. "Do I have to answer right away or can I think about it?" Bella asked. "Of course." Carlisle and Esme answered together. Everyone sat in silence, until Emmett broke the silence. "Ok, ok, now I want a rematch. This newborn isn't going to beat me like this." Bella smiled slightly, looking at him "Emmett, I'm not going to embarrass you in front of your wife twice in one night. I have to get going, I do have some thinking to do." Bella darted into the forest and headed home.
As she ran into her apartment and changed out of her dress, she heard a knock on her door. "Come in, Alice." Bella said. She heard the door open and headed into the living room, pinning up her hair and stopped in her tracks. It was Edward, with her flowers, cap and gown. "You forgot these in the field. I was just returning them" he said placing them on the couch. "Thank you" Bella said turning back to her bedroom. "Is now a better time?" Edward asked. "For what?" "For our conversation. You said you wanted it at a more convenient time because you had to study? Well, you are done with studying, as of today. It is a better time?" Bella wasn't facing him and she whispered "I guess so," she said turning back to him. "Would you like to sit down?" she offered gesturing to the couch. "Thank you," Edward said walking around the couch, not taking his eyes off of her.
