1

2. Family Reunion

"SO WHEN EXACTLY IS ESME, CARLISE, AND THE OTHERS coming back from Denali?"

Edward hesitated. "Tonight."

"Ah."

Rapid thuds pounded lightly on our door. It was Jacob. I could smell him. I stood up and was there in half a second. When I opened it, Jacob was there, tapping his food impatiently. It reminded me of Edward when Jacob didn't take me home in time.

"She's sleeping." I said a matter of fact. His shoulders slumped. "Oh. Darn." He stared me down, and then looked at the ceiling. "Your not expecting me to come in there and have green tea with you, right?" I laughed. He'd bang his head. "Oh wait. Did I say green tea? I meant red tea." I glowered, all humor gone. Now I knew how Edward felt when I made that joke the first time he said breakfast when I was human. "Kidding!" He snorted.

I rolled my eyes. "Listen, Jake. You can come later tonight, in about 2 hours after Nessie's nap, and come to the main house." Our new nickname of the Cullen house.

"Sure, sure…" He grumbled. "'C 'ya, bells…" He went off, and his behind a tree to phase. I closed the door and returned to my 17 year old husband. I positioned myself onto his lap, and smiled. "We've got two hours." I whispered, tracing the texture of his muscles. He pressed his lips against my forehead. Then, trailed down to my lips. We kissed passionately, and then I was swept into his arms, wedding style. We were in our room in a eighteenth of a second.

"She's awake." Edward mumbled into my ear. I closed my eyes and then stood up. I didn't stumble, but I had a difficult time finding the closet in the dark. Then, Edward gradually helped me by turning the lamps on.

I picked a quick and simple outfit and hurried to the living room. Nessie was there, lounged on the carpet, staring at the ceiling. Edward was on the couch, watching her instinctively. When he didn't look up to acknowledge my presence, I stretched my shield out to her. Edward grimaced, and glanced up at me. Then, he smirked.

"Hello."

"Hello."

"Hi." Nessie added, smiling at me. She was kneeled on the floor now, waiting for a human response. I laughed. "Let's go." Edward quietly suggested. "I don't want to be too early." I retorted.

"Early can be good." Nessie pressed. Edward smiled. Ooh, she's just like her father.

I sighed in defeat. "Okay. Let's go…"

"I told you we shouldn't have come so early."

"It's not early, Bella. Jacob just isn't here yet." Edward argued. I crossed my arms and looked around. I stopped to stare at the piano. I had a sudden urge, then. I walked to it, half-dazed, and sat down. Resting my pale fingers softly against the keys, I exhaled. I looked behind to see Nessie sitting patiently on the couch, while Edward was making his way towards me.

I closed my eyes and pressed my hands against the ivory, creating a sound I never made before. It was beautiful, soft, yet a bit adventurous. Like a life that went through struggles, and then it was went sweet. Just like my Lullaby did. But then, it too a erratic turn into elegant battle.

My eyes fluttered open. Bewildered, at the dancing hands on the piano. It was my hands. Not Edward's.

The piece went on, and came into an alternate tempo, still showing some unwritten love. I ended it with a simple, low D.

When I turned, around, they were as shocked as I was. Nessie's mouth was popped open in inspiration. Edward's eyes wide with…dazzled-ness?

"What was that?" Renesmee asked in a small voice. I smiled triumphantly. "Your Life's Harmony."

"Exquisite." Edward breathed. He was suddenly right next to me, with Nessie in his arms. Then, there was that smell. That all too familiar smell. I was even kind of sure I smelled it as I played.

Jacob.

Jacob didn't knock, but he came in and looked around with a blank expression. "Hey Edward, how'd you come up with that music piece? It was actually pretty good." I coughed back a giggle. Renesmee grinned.

"I didn't. Bella did. With no expectation, she sat down and played from her heart." Jacob turned to me, aroused look on his face. His jaw dangled. "Wow…" I nodded.

Then, 3 cars drove up. Jacob snorted—because of the smell. To think I was sure he would be used to it. Well, maybe he was, but at times he was caught off guard.

Alice danced in with suitcases in her hands. "I'm home!" She sang cheerfully. She set her suitcases down near the stairs and hopped to us. She pecked Nessie on the forehead, and hugged me tenderly. "I missed you guys!" She crooned.

"I see." Alice turned to Edward, who prompted that. "I missed you too, Eddie!" Edward's face scowled at her, but then it went away. "Welcome back." He smiled.

"Debussy." Emmett suddenly said. Edward, Renesmee, and I looked up at him. "Don't you get tired of this classic stuff?" Edward made a face. "No."

"Edward….." Esme smiled at him. "What…glorious music did you play when we were almost here? It was…something." I knew it wasn't like a 'something' insult. Like special. "Oh, it wasn't me, Esme." Edward automatically responded. "It was Bella." I almost forgot Jacob was here, until he came out the kitchen.

Esme turned to me. "When did you learn Piano?"

"I never did. It just came to me."

"Ah. Yet another musical in the house. Fabulous." Rosalie murmured. Edward shot her a glare.

"Actually, Rosalie, I'm not. I think that's the only piece I can make, perfectly."

"Mm…" She turned away and tiptoed up the stairs. Jasper cleared his throat. "Is it okay, if I speak to Bella for a while?" Edward hesitated. I gave him an approval nod, and they all disappeared with Nessie and Jacob.

I wondered what this was about. Jasper was looking uneasy. He took a step forward and stared at the Piano. "I know…Alice is going to kill me for this…and I know she's already seeing this…but I must say," he paused. "Alice got you a thong."

"A what!?" I blurted. No way, no way! I am not wearing a thong? For what occasion, too?! I don't won't black silk up my butt!

"I saw it, and I got worried. Not worried you'll be walking around the house here with only it on, but because Alice bought 2."

"WHAT?" I looked at the ceiling and groaned. "Why does she want to give me 2 thongs?"

"No." Jasper urged. "One is for her. That's just what I'm worried about…so, I put both of them in your closet. Please burn them later." I pressed my lips together and sighed.

"Good luck with Alice later…"