Chapter 8 – Family
I explained my situation to Alice. "Bella, get on the next flight to Seattle. I will get you from the airport. I'm going to go and talk with Carlisle and Esme. Just get here as soon as you can." "Alright. Thank you, Alice." I bought my ticket for Seattle. The plane took off and landed in no time. My excitement built up again. I was in the state I was born in. Also, I was going to see Alice and soon, I would see Edward. During the flight, I thought about Marcus's words. He felt a strong bond between Edward and myself. That thought made me happy and lighter. As the plane landed and the doors opened, I jumped from my seat, almost ripping it up. I walked out into the terminal and put on my sunglasses. I searched the crowd and I found her. Alice smiled at me and we hugged, as if we were old friends. "Bella, what happened?" she asked. I looked to the floor, "I'd rather talk about it with all of you." She nodded and guided me through the airport. As we went outside, I saw him. Edward was leaning against a black Mercedes, with his arms folded. He looked up as Alice and I approached him. He smiled at me and opened his arms to me. I embraced him for a hug. I inhaled his scent; the sweetest thing I've ever breathed in. I felt him brush my hair back. It was as if he missed me too.
This embrace felt like I was wake again. He released me and opened the passenger door for me. I saw him and Alice exchange a look. She smiled and got it the backseat. I watched the city fly past the car as we drove to their home. I felt light again. It was sinking in; I was away from Volterra and I was here with Edward and Alice. "Bella, does your father know you're here?" Alice asked. That brought me out of my reverie. I looked down to my hands in my lap, "No. He was gone with the others. That's when I left. I.... I had to leave." I couldn't look at either one of them. I kept my eyes down. If my father found me with the Cullens, he would punish all of them. Why was I doing this? I shouldn't have called Alice. I had more than enough money to fend for myself. I was surprise how much money I really had. Just a little more than a million. I told the attendant to not change that much. I change my Italian lyre for $6,000. The rest I would put away. I looked back at the window. I was surprised to see trees and open lands. Where were we? I still couldn't look at either of them. "Let's see what Carlisle says. We will see what happens," Edward said. I dared to look at him and he smiled. "So, you finally got away and you already called us. Couldn't make it?" He chuckled, Alice giggled and I smiled. They weren't mad. Alice and I talked about potential places she would take me. Malls, galleries, museums. I smiled brightly at her. It was what I wanted. "Edward, did you ever get your new car from Emmett?" He smiled, "Yes, a Jaguar XK. It is amazing, but I really haven't had a chance to drive it yet." He looked to me, "Well, now I have a reason. I promised you a drive." I smiled and exhaled, "That sounds like fun."
We arrived at the Cullens' house. I was secluded in a meadow. Alice explained that they family keeps their distance from humans, so that they can be themselves in their home. Edward opened my door and offered me his hand. I took it willingly and got out of the car. Alice had my bag and we walked into the house. Carlisle held the door open, "Bella, it is wonderful to see you again," he hugged me. I smiled and saw Esme. I almost ran into her arms, she was such a lovely person. Emmett, Jasper and Rosalie came down the stairs, "Well, look who finally got out." I smiled and hugged Emmett. Emmett walked me to the couch, "Did you see the car you won for Edward?" I shook my head, "But he told me about it." I was too happy to be with the Cullens again. Rosalie sat on Emmett's other side, "How long can you stay?" My smile fell slightly, "I don't know. Maybe not too long." This was bound to happen. The sooner they know, the better it would be.
Carlisle asked, "Bella, how did you get here? Your father told me that you've never left Volterra, because he didn't allow it?" Anger lit my face, "He is not my father, not anymore." Everyone exchanged looks. Esme broke the silence, "Why do you say that?" I exhaled and closed my eyes, "He only kept me because of my talent." If I was telling them why I was here, I should tell them everything. I looked to Edward; maybe almost everything. "I overheard my…." I inhaled, "father and uncles talking a few days ago. They were hoping that I would convince," I looked to Edward and Alice, "convince Edward and Alice to remain in Volterra. I heard Marcus say even if I got Alice to stay, they knew Jasper would have stayed with her. Literally, they thought of that as two for one. I heard them laughing at that thought. My father defended me, but he said I was too important. That he could never let me go." I felt the pain building in my chest, "I always had a feeling the main reason why my father kept me. Why he took me on as his daughter was because of my ability." I looked to him, "Carlisle, I'm sorry. He does see you as a great friend, but he hoped that I could lure away part of your family, to build up his guard. When I found that out, I could not stay." Alice sat with me, "How did you get away?" I looked to her and to everyone in the room, "Someone created 13 immortal children in China. My parents, uncles and aunt left with the majority of the guard. Only three were left to watch the tower and me. While Heidi, Chelsea and Afton fed, that was when I left. I leaped from the veranda and ran to Venice." "Why didn't you do that before?" Jasper asked. "Too many people in the tower how could have physically stopped me." Esme sighed, "When do you expect them to return to Volterra?" I bit my lip, "In about a week. I left a letter for my mother. I asked that they not punish Heidi, Chelsea or Afton. They really had nothing to do with my leaving." I shook my head, "That's why I can't stay long. I don't want anyone to find me with you." I rose from the couch. "This was a mistake. I shouldn't have come here. I shouldn't have called Alice. I should leave." I took a step to the door. "Absolutely not!" I turned and Esme was standing. I stammered, "Wh.. " Esme came towards me and held my hand, "You should have called Alice. You are staying here." I exhaled, "No, I should," I looked to the front door. "Bella," I turned and looked at Carlisle, "You are new to this world. You have never been outside of Volterra. You should remain here."
I looked around the room. Alice and Emmett were smiling. "You have to stay. I told you about all the places I wanted to show you," Alice said, coming over to the three of us. Emmett chuckled, "Yea and I need you for when I'm wrestling Edward. And someone needs to beat Jasper in fencing." I smiled, but I was still unsure. Jasper rose, "Bella, do not feel anxious. If anything, Alice will see if your father is sending anyone here. If that happens, we'll handle it together." I smiled and hugged Jasper. Esme squeezed my hand, "Alice, show Bella to the room on the second floor." She bounced in place and clapped, "You're going to be right next to me."
