A/N: Just thought I'd do a chapter to tie up some lose strings, but seriously after this one, it will be a series of random events within their lives. And just adding, Edward and Rosalie will not be getting together, no. I dislike both of them to the core, its impossible for me to write anything happy for them, which is why I won't bother! Happy reading! Remember, if you have scenes you want to see, then just message me! love ya!
The clearing was silent, save for the sound of the bubbling Brooke and Bella's settling sobs. They had done it, they had won. She still had Emmett; she could barely believe it, her hand grasping his shirt as she delved deeper against his chest. His hands settled over her lower back, his thumb rubbing the skin gently. She was so sure today would end badly, but he had done it, he had won, for her.
But at what cost would this triumph bring, Bella dreaded to think of Esme, Carlisle, what would they do? Would they be angry at Emmett, would they turn him away? The thought was irrevocable, unthinkable; it planted an ill-feeling in her stomach. Things weren't done yet she realized, they had faced Edward, but now they had to face the rest of the Cullen's, Esme and Carlisle deserved an explanation.
Her hands moved from their position in Emmett's shirt, and she pushed herself away, sucking in a breath to steady her heartbeat, which pounded loudly against her temple. He looked at her confused, but she shook her head, not wanting to explain. He had fought for her, now she would have to fight for him.
The whole family had gathered to see the showdown; Jasper clutched a shaking Alice to him, his head bent to her ear, whispering words that Bella couldn't hear, though she could only imagine they would be words of comfort.
Carlisle stood with his wife, his hands wrapped tight around her waist, and he looked different from his usual self, protective, and the slight frown over his face was a hint towards his anger, though she was unsure who it was targeted at.
Her stomach began to ache, and she cringed, putting it down as nervousness, which was plausible considering the circumstances.
She stepped forward, folding her hands in front of her and bowing her head, both in fear and in hopes to show them the honestly of her words.
"I know-" Her voice broke, and she heard Emmett step forward, her hand rising to stop him, she had to do this, they deserved this.
"I know nothing I say could every be enough." She said unevenly, "And I know how important family is too you, and I was selfish, I broke it. Although my reasons were true, my actions were not. I sought my own happiness above your own, and I can't begin to tell you how much it hurts me to know the pain I've caused you." She sucked in a breath, ready to continue her speech, but a hand was placed over her mouth, Alice's face before her eyes, scowling.
"Shut up Bella." She said, shaking her head. "I loved Rose and Edward like siblings, but even that love can only run so far. Don't apologies for following your heart, we would rather you did this than continue fooling Edward into thinking what he was doing was okay." Bella watched her stunned, not expecting her speech, She swallowed the lump in her throat, and nodded.
Jasper, who had been silent since then, nodded his head and gave a small but warming smile. "Alice is right Bella, as wrong as your overall actions were. I can't blame you. Being in love isn't as solid as having a family, you can't expect the other person to be there if you mistreat them. Being in love is something you have to tend to, or else it will fade, my brother and sister haven't realized that yet, this will teach them, and perhaps they too will find love in the future."
Bella's lip wobbled and she swallowed down the emotions that were bubbling beneath her skin, overwhelming her. She turned to look at Carlisle and Esme.
Esme stepped away from her husband, her eyes warm and still unyieldingly warm, despite the fact that Bella expected Malice and anger within them, they held none.
"My Darling Bella." She said softly, reaching out her two hands slowly to cup Belle's face. "You are as part of this family as any of us, why would you ever dream of our hatred or anger, when you are not deserving of it. I and Carlisle are disappointed in the path you and Emmett chose, and we do wish you had chosen a more honest approach, but it is done, no one was fatally harmed in the process and in the end, Edward and Rosalie will move on, they will learn from this situation, and will find someone they can love. I have learnt that there are no gray area's in love, if you are capable if mistreating a loved one, then you never truly loved them at all."
Bella leaned into her touch, blinking as a tear fell down her cheek, her lip wobbling. It had been forever since she had felt the comfort of a mother's arms, so nothing could stop the torrent of tears as she gave into Esme's gaze, wrapping her arms tight around the woman's neck, hugging her tightly. Her words struck deep, and no matter how much it hurt, she could see the truth in them, she hurt Edward, she had never truly been in love with him, she had been in love with the idea of him.
"Thank you Esme." She hiccupped, swallowing her tears and burrowing her nose into Esme's neck.
"We love you Bella." Esme crooned, her hands moving over Belle's shoulders to slowly push her back, smiling warmly. Her thumbs brushed away Belle's tears, and she framed her face with her hands, leaning forward to press a kiss to her forehead.
Suddenly her smile dropped, a stern frown taking its place. She gently moved Bella out of the way, her amber eyes shifting to lie on Emmett's form. Bella watched shocked as she stalked up to the large vampire. She couldn't help the soft smile as such a large bear of a man literally cringed in terror at the sight of his mother's wrath.
"Emmett McCartney Cullen!" She said angrily, but even in her anger, she looked every much the loving mother as always. Emmett's eyes were wide, and he stepped back, grinning sheepishly
"Hey, now wait a second..." He began, but Esme silenced him with a slap across his head, her hand hitting the upside of his head. He winced, yelping and rubbing his head pitifully.
"You owe me a new wall, a new table, a new vase! You might as well get me a new house Emmett!" She scolded angrily, "Why can't you guys ever talk to me, I would've helped!" They were all silent, and for a small second Bella could see Esme's lip wobble erratically.
"Esme..."Emmett breathed, his brow furrowing as he stared at the woman he had called mother for the last millennia. She sighed, swallowing and stepped away, pointing at him with her index finger.
"Not again, you understand, I won't have you guys not talking to me; you could've gotten seriously hurt today."
He was speechless, and only managed a nod before he opened his arms, offering a hug. She took advantage, wrapping her arms around his waist and squeezing. She pressed a kiss to his forehead, smiling warmly at him. "Treat her well Emmett, make her happy..." Esme breathed, her voice loud enough only for their ears, but he nodded nonetheless.
"I wouldn't want to treat her any other way." He answered, releasing her as she stepped away, relishing the freedom and comfort he felt under his family's support.
Bella stepped forward as Esme walked back to her husband, each couple easily sliding into the comfortable position of intimacy, Emmett's hands wrapping around Belle's waist protectively, tucking her into his body, her head resting against his chest. They enjoyed the freedom of not having to hide anymore.
Naturally, Bella could feel the urge to ask more questions, her cheeks flushing, attracting Emmett's attention easily.
"I don't mean to ruin the atmosphere." Bella said nervously, her eyes drawn towards the dismembered form of Rosalie, she tried to ignore the way the limbs twitched manically, pressing closer to Emmett's chest, his hands tightened protectively, and he shifted so he was between the dismembered pieces and Bella.
"But what are we going to do about Edward and Rosalie?"
Alice glanced at the headless body, before looking at Jasper and sighing. "Well, Rose's body will reattach itself overtime, it will take about a week, when she wakes up she'll have to accept things, she lost. I can see that Edward will return in a day or two..." She looked at Bella smiling.
But there was still something nagging in her mind. She frowned, "But, Won't it be awkward... I mean, you know me and Emmett are... Intimate." She jumped as Emmett laughed, grinning at her choice of words. "Gee Bella, we're not in science, they know we had sex." She blushed as Esme gasped, glaring at Emmett.
"Emmett that isn't something you discuss openly!" She scolded.
Alice smiled too, mischievously, "Yes Bella, believe me we know, Jazz was my gossip partner, since I couldn't tell anyone else."
Looking at Jasper, Bella could see an ill expression on his face; he glared at Emmett, his face twisted in a look of nausea. "There are so many things I never wanted to know about you man..." He said numbly, cringing at the memory.
Emmett laughed, patting him on the back, "Hey I'm amazing, and anything you heard can be used as pointers." Bella chuckled, her eyes glittering and she smiled sheepishly at him. "I'm sorry you had to go through that Jasper." She chuckled.
"But onto your other point Bella." Carlisle stepped forward; she had nearly forgotten his presence, jumping slightly at his entrance. "Edward and Rosalie will be bitter, but our species works mostly on a Biological level, their anger is pointless because they lost their battle for their mates, the stronger partner won, they have to let it go, in respect for their defeat. Therefore, when Edward returns, he will have to endure yours and Emmett's intimacy, seeing as he was the weaker male. His biological purpose now is to seek out a new female."
Emmett pulled her back, pressing a kiss to her neck and grinning. "Now I can have you whenever I want, and I don't have to hide anymore!" He murmured in her ear, purring like a content cat.
As if his words had triggered her anger, Rosalie's body jerked on the grass beside them, and Jasper's hacking noises could be heard in the background, but Bella was too distracted to remember her fear, wrapping her arms around Emmett's waist and burrowing into his solid chest.