Family
Here continues the story. I swear it has taken on a life of its own. I couldn't stop now even if no one wanted to read it. Hope I don't disappoint anyone who is reading this, especially those of you who have been reading and reviewing all along. Your kind words make me very happy.
Disclaimer: It's still not mine. It never will be. Can I please have a little fun anyway?
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When I pulled Bella's truck to a stop in front of the house, I was instantly bombarded by the thoughts of my family. Esme was ecstatic; she wanted to meet the girl who had wrought such changes in me. Carlisle was slightly more reserved, worried that all of us together would frighten Bella.
Jasper, of course, was worried about his control. Are you sure that bringing her here is a good idea? I won't be able to get close to her; I haven't hunted recently. I understood his caution, and would thank him for it later.
Alice was content. She had seen a vision that morning, and she knew that she and Bella were going to become friends before too long. I've never really had a friend before…
Emmett was focused on Rosalie. And Rose… Rose was livid. How dare you risk all of us? She already knows everything about us. How could you bring her here? Are you insane? She's HUMAN! Rosalie's thoughts screamed at me. If she's going to be here, I am not going to be. I will kill you, if I get my hands on you!
I heard a door slam in the distance as Rosalie fled the house, Emmett close behind.
And then Bella spoke. "Wow." She was staring at the house like she was in shock.
"You like it?" I smiled at her, hoping to put her more at ease.
"It… has a certain charm," she replied.
That response made me laugh, and I tugged playfully on the end of her ponytail.
I pulled open her door, asking "Ready?"
"Not even a little bit—let's go," she croaked with a strangled laugh. She smoothed her hair, nervous.
"You look lovely." I reached out and took her hand in mine, and led her up to the porch. I could feel how nervous she was, and I tried to calm her by rubbing circles into the back of her hand. I was still waiting for her to pull her hand from mine and run away. She didn't, so I opened the door for her.
I watched her as her eyes scanned the room, wonder in her eyes. My parents were waiting for us near the piano.
She's lovely, Esme thought, and he looks so happy with her. He's even holding her hand! I have never seen him so close to another person...
She doesn't even look nervous, Carlisle marveled.
"Carlisle, Esme," I said softly, "this is Bella."
"You're very welcome, Bella," Carlisle said, taking a few careful steps closer to her. She's not afraid of Edward, but I still need to be careful and not startle her. I can hear her heart racing as it is. He raised his hand tentatively, and was shocked when she stepped forward to shake his hand.
"It's nice to see you again, Dr. Cullen."
"Please, call me Carlisle." Remarkable…
"Carlisle," she grinned, lightening the tense atmosphere.
Esme stepped forward then, reaching for Bella's hand. "It's very nice to know you," my mother said softly, sincerely.
"Thank you. It's nice to know you, too." Bella smiled at my parents. I was very happy, in that moment. My parents approved of the woman I loved, and she was still reacting to them with her normal composure. She was no longer frightened. And then I realized that part of my family was still missing.
"Where are Alice and Jasper?" I asked, knowing that they would hear me themselves. They did. Alice had timed their entrance perfectly, with her normal flare for the dramatic, appearing at the top of the stairs just as I finished speaking.
"Hey, Edward," she called, racing down the stairs in a flash of white skin and black hair. Much too quickly to even approach normal. She pulled to an easy stop just in front of Bella.
"Hi, Bella!" she cried, bouncing forward and kissing Bella's cheek. My entire family reeled in shock. We had, with the exception of my recent actions, never been that close to humans. Have you told her about my visions? Do you think I should?
I stiffened, and glared at my sister.
Guess I'll take that as a no. "You do smell nice," she said instead. "I never noticed before."
That brought a delicious blush to my Bella's cheeks again.
Jasper had walked down the stairs, following his wife, but did not step too close. The moment had grown slightly uncomfortable, and I was grateful to feel him reach for his talent. How can you stand to be that close to her? Her scent is so strong… I glared at my brother, warning him to keep his distance. Don't worry, Edward. I know my limits. I'm not going to get any closer. Bella relaxed slightly, and I knew that Jasper's talent could affect her. Yet another thing to add to the list of the things that frustrated.me about her. I was the only one whose talent she confounded.
"Hello, Jasper," Bella said shyly. Her eyes looked over the others as she continued, "It's nice to meet you all—you have a very beautiful home."
"Thank you," Esme said. "We're so glad you came." I'm so glad my son managed to control himself. I've never seen him so happy. Your arrival here has been very good for him. For all of us.
Edward? I think it's time I told you about the vision Alice had this morning, while you were with Bella. I raised one eyebrow to indicate my interest. She sees another coven coming soon. She said that she sees three. There might be trouble. I don't know if you'll want to tell Bella, but she may have a right to know, considering her importance to you. It's your choice, either way. Will you tell her?
I nodded once, as Bella looked toward the piano.
Esme noticed her preoccupation. Wouldn't it be wonderful if she played? Then Edward would have someone to talk to about music. He needs someone who shares some of his interests. "Do you play?" she asked, nodding toward my instrument. That was one question I'd never asked her. I hoped… and then Bella shook her head.
"Not at all. But it's so beautiful. Is it yours?"
"No," my mother laughed. "Edward didn't tell you he was musical?" I'm surprised at you, Edward. Music is so important to you. You didn't tell her about it? Esme scolded me gently.
Bella was staring at me, her eyes narrowed. "No. I should have known, I guess."
What? Whatever does she mean by that?
"Edward can do everything, right?" Bella explained.
Jasper started snickering as Esme glared at me.
You can do everything, huh? Should I tell her how many times you've lost our wrestling matches?
"I hope you haven't been showing off-- it's rude."
I couldn't help myself. I started laughing. "Just a bit," I said easily. And a single thought sounded in every mind I could hear.
He's laughing. I haven't heard him laugh like that in years…
I knew I had changed as a result of falling in love with Bella, but I doubted that it was as drastic a change as my family seemed to believe. They acted like I'd been on the edge of suicidal. It was utterly ridiculous.
And then Esme broke though the rest. I knew she'd be good for you. You love her, don't you? You've admitted it to yourself now.
I looked into her eyes, admitting it. I didn't need Jasper's talent to know how smug that made Esme feel.
Bella broke the brief silence again. "He's been too modest, actually."
Oh, really? "Well, play for her," Esme encouraged.
"You just said showing off was rude," I objected.
"There are exceptions to every rule." I will drag you to that piano if I have to, she teased.
"I'd like to hear you play," Bella said.
"It's settled then," Esme said, pushing me toward the bench. I pulled Bella along, guiding her to sit beside me.
I gave her a long, exasperated look before I turned to the keys.
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