A/N:
Disclaimer: All characters and basic plot belong to Stephanie Meyer and her alone.
She's just nice enough to let me play dress up with them :P.
Welp here be chapter 3.
I'm amazed at how much activity this story is getting already.
However, I'm dissappointed in the lack of reviews.
It makes me sad. :( Frowny faces dont lie.
So unless I get more reviews, the chapters wont be as frequent.
I feel the need to remind you all, this story is rated M for a reason.
Cussing will ensue, later on drug abuse, underage drinking, and some lemony goodness in future chapters.
So while keeping all that in mind...
Onward you go!
Chapter 3 - Lively Settings
EsPOV (Esme)
I had always thought there was something wrong with Edward. Though, I would never admit it to him or anyone else besides my husband. Over the past decades, I have expressed my concerns with Carlisle. Telling him I feared he may have turned our son at too young of an age and maybe that's why he was unable to find a mate, unable to find his love. Carlisle always dismissed my worries, trying to reassure me that he would find her that she just hasn't come along yet. But slowly over the decades, after all of our children had paired up, besides Edward, I saw the seed of doubt get planted in my husband's eyes. Soon he feared too that he was too reckless when he turned Edward, that he didn't think it through as much as he should have. He started to blame himself for our son's loneliness.
Then everything changed the day Isabella Marie Swan came into our lives. For once in all those years I have known Edward I saw him truly and unconditionally exultant. His eyes shown as bright as the stars, his smile was so full, so true. I knew with the way he looked at her, worshipped the ground she walked on, cherished her, that he had finally found his soul. My family was complete at last. I have never known happiness like this before and I knew without Bella in our lives, I never would again.
It was as if we had been trying to complete a 20,000 piece puzzle together and after all our hard work, one piece was missing. We searched decades, some even centuries, for this missing piece. Then, out of no where it was found and with his gentle shaking hands Edward placed the last piece into its rightful place. We were whole, complete, and happy. And then, it was ripped from my grasp. Everything I hoped for, pleaded for, strived for was taken away from all of us in just some mere pathetic seconds.
He made us leave her. I was in so much pain, everyone was. It all happened so fast, we were so dazed and stunned that we didn't deny his ridiculous request to leave her. We thought he just needed some breathing room, that within two weeks at most, he'd be groveling at her feet begging for forgiveness. Oh, how we doubted his determination, his stupidity. My daughter, my beautiful Bella, gone. Soon, so was my family. Edward was just a husk of a person, his eyes so dull, void of any emotion except pure agony, and he knew his demeanor was killing us all a little more each day, and so he left. Yet another devastating blow to my still heart. First my daughter, then my son, next would be Emmett and Rose. They needed a break, as they claimed, from all the negativity and took off on yet another "honeymoon." My family was slipping away from me and all I could do was watch helplessly as it all fell apart around me.
Jasper's ability became nothing but a burden to him. He tried so hard for me and Alice to shoulder it all. A vampire he may be but a God he is not. His shoulder gave out and he too, had to flee the very presence of me. If it wasn't for Alice and Carlisle I knew I would have lost it. Alice stayed by my side day in and day out. As soon as my husband would come home from work she would go and be with Jasper. She made sure I was never left alone to sulk in my miserable memories. I knew I wasn't good company anymore, even my husband began working more and more to work off his life stresses. I became, for lack of a better word, a hermit. I spoke when spoken to and nothing more. Carlisle had to force me to feed and when I did it was very little. It all tasted so vile. I don't know how long I can keep existing like this. I needed my family back together but I knew it was not possible anymore. Bella has had to have moved on in these past nearly three years. None of us had any right to become a part of her life again. My family was destroyed, never more than a fleeting agonizing memory.
JPOV
My wife is a genius, there's no denying it. I just hope this all goes according to plan. "What happens if this goes wrong Alice? Esme will not survive another blow." I sighed as I stared at the trees flashing past my vision as my wife sped down the highway on our way back from the airport.
Emmett leaned forward from the backseat so his head was between me and Alice. "Yeah sis, what if Eddie goes all dramatic on us and flips? Fucker is fast, if he takes off I won't be able to catch him."
"I don't see him freaking out at all. He genially is going to try for Esme's sake. But even I know that can change." She let out a frustrated grunt and shifted in her seat. "All we can do is hope for the best."
Rose gave a short snort from the backseat as she flipped through a magazine. "Something's going to trigger his memory of Bella just like last time. He's going to have a bitch fit, cry some more, and leave. If you ask me, this is all a horrible idea Alice. Nothing good can come out of this. I want my family back just as much as the rest of you but I'm not going to kid myself and fill myself with false hope." She flipped the page again as if she was bored with this whole conversation.
Emmett glared at her and sat back into his seat. "Way to be the pessimist Rosie. We just have to try our hardest not to trigger any memories of her. No speaking of her, no thinking about her, nothing. Its going to be tough but I'm willing to give it my all."After that no one spoke a word until we made it to our home in Sparland, Illinois.
Everyone was humming with nervousness and excitement all at the same time. But when we stepped out of the car no one was home. Esme never left the house anymore unless Carlisle forced her to go hunting and they had already done that earlier today. I felt my wife's emotion slam into me, she felt nothing but pure dread. I immediately sent out waves of calm to everyone. "Its ok, Carlisle probably made her get out of the house again. Let me give him a call." With that I flipped open my phone and dialed my father's number. He answered on the first ring, "Hello Jasper, how is everything? Alice still visiting?"
"Actually we are at the house wondering where Esme is. Please tell me she's with you before Alice has a nervous breakdown." He chuckled at my reply and everyone instantly let out a sigh of relief. Carlisle wouldn't have been chuckling if Esme wasn't with him.
"Yes, yes, son. She and I are out looking for house decorations. You and I both know the new house is bare and I thought getting out and finding some artwork would help perk up her spirits. I'm sorry we had you worried. I thought you and Alice would be gone longer then this." By the time he was done talking Alice was literally trying to pry the phone from my fingers. "Hold on, Alice wants a word with you." Before he could reply Alice had snatched the phone from my hand and was already talking.
"Carlisle, is Esme near you right now?" She was all but bouncing up and down with excitement. Her antics brought a huge grin to my face. I hadn't seen Alice this excited about anything in a very long time.
Though, the phone was not up to my ear anymore I still could hear Carlisle crystal clear as if it still was. Thank you vampire senses. "No, I came outside to answer the phone. She's inside talking to an interior designer about good places around here to find some unique pieces. Would you like me to go get her for you?"
"No, no. Actually, this is perfect. I need you to keep her out for a couple more hours." There was a pause on the other end of the phone before Carlisle spoke. "Alice, what'd you see? What are you up too?" Alice giggled a reply and I was reveling in the positive emotions coming off of her. I had missed this so much, it felt so good. "Nothing bad I assure you. Can you keep her busy for say, another two hours or so?"
Carlisle reluctantly agreed. "Yes, I suppose I can. The woman she's talking to now is very vehemently trying to convince Esme to check out the art department at Bradley University. She says there are a lot of talented students that are enrolled in the program. We can head over there when she is done here. Alice, just please tell me what your up to wouldn't make a certain person in Brazil angry with us."
Alice squealed with delight at Carlisle being able to occupy Esme's time for a couple more hours. This would give us plenty of time to get Edward from Peoria airport, cleaned up, and fed. This way Esme would walk through the door and find all of us standing here waiting for her. Well almost all of us. "Yes, I promise Carlisle. You will be thrilled with my surprise as well, I assure you. Just don't let Esme know I'm planning anything. Don't ruin it for me." They said their quick goodbyes and before she could even flip the phone shut, she was in her car and headed to pick up Edward.
"Welp Em, Rose, lets get this place cleaned up and situated." Emmett let out a big yelp of approval and threw Rose over his shoulder and ran inside. I just smiled and shook my head at their retreating forms. Yes, I do believe I'm very glad for my wife's plan. It felt good to feel all of these positive emotions. Its been nearly three years since I felt any positive emotion from my family members. I just hoped it would stay this way when Edward arrived.
EPOV
Oh thank God! This big hunk of metal was finally touching down. I should be nervous and apprehensive by now but I just wanted to get away from all these thoughts! I had spent three years in near complete solitude and all these jumbled, useless, thoughts were driving me crazy.
I wonder if he'll be happy to see me.
Did I lock the back door before I left?
I hope I get this job.
Oh, man that lady is hot!
I think I'll make me some peas tonight to go with dinner.
I wanted to rip the hair from my head. When the pilot finally gave us the okay to depart the plane I all but bolted from my seat and out the gate. I'm sure I shoved a few people in my haste but I didn't care I just wanted to get all of this over with.
Before she was even in my line of sight I heard her thoughts enter my head. Oh I hope he's happy to see me. I really hope this cheers Esme up. Uhg! Where is he?! I'm going crazy! Despite my all but permanent solemn mood, I couldn't help but let out a chuckle at my sister's crazed thoughts. I really have missed her. She heard my chuckle and all but squealed inside and out. I walked through the doors and she flung herself at me. Her tiny arms squeezed hard around my neck and I hugged her just as equally back. Oh, Edward I've missed you so much. I squeezed her just a little tighter. "I've missed you too Alice and I am very happy to see you." She hugged me so tight due to my revelation I'm sure if I was human my neck would have snapped." I pulled her out to arms length and gave her the best smile I could muster. "Come on Tinkerbell, let's get home."She smiled and wrinkled her nose at me. She turned on her heel and walked to her car as I followed close behind. You reek brother. First things first, I need to get you some clothes and a shower. I looked down at my attire and sniffed myself. "I just bought these clothes and took a dip near a waterfall before I got on the plane at Carajas. You think this is bad, you should have seen me before." I joked trying to lighten the mood but it had an opposite effect then I intended. Alice's thoughts were full of sorrow. Oh believe me, Edward. I did see. I bowed my head and didn't speak another word till we got to the car.
You didn't hunt enough either. Lets go hunt before we get you cleaned up. I shook my head no at her. "Nothing taste good Alice, I'm fine for now. I'm sure Em and Jazz will drag me along during a hunt soon. I'll be fine till then." She sighed and looked me up and down. Fine, but I get to pick out your clothes. I had to laugh at her, "When don't you Alice?" She reached over the center column and squeezed my hand. Thank you for this Edward. I just nodded my head and brought my attention to the changing scenes out the passenger window.
About Twenty minutes later she pulled into a mall parking lot. As much as I want to take you shopping right now Edward, we don't have time. So, just stay in the car and I'll be right back. I nodded my head in response and she took off. I wasn't left to my own devices for long. Fifteen minutes later she came out carrying two bags of clothes. One bag from a store called Buckle and another from Hollister. I wrinkled my nose in disapproval. I was never into the preppy style and holey jeans. We can go shopping tomorrow and you can pick out your own clothes but this is the best I can do for now so deal. She threw me a wicked smile. Alice, loved me in preppy clothes and destroyed jeans. She always said it fit my appearance too well. But I was stuck in my old ways and I loved my dress clothes. However, I figured with all the pain and stress I've been causing her lately, I wouldn't fight her on this and let her play dress up with Eddie. I just rolled my eyes at her. "Whatever you say Alice." She let out a beautiful laugh and we were back on the road headed to Sparland.
Disaster here I come.
A/N:
Family reunion will be the next chapter :D
idk about you guys but I'm excited to see Esme cheer up, poor thing.
We are getting closer to Bella's arrival too!
So remember, the more reviews I get, the faster we can bring this disfunctional family back together. :P
*shoves you toward the review button*
Make me happy :D