-1Cassie's POV
"Hey Cas, Bella's here" Alice called. I jumped up and went downstairs. Bella was leaning against her truck.
"Hi Bells"
"I bought your stuff" she said, pointing. There was a large pile of stuff under a tarpaulin.
"Jesus, you leave anything in the house?" I asked.
"Some of it is Paul's. Anyway, Emily insisted I take everything that was yours. She's not very happy with Sam. None of the wolves are. They're threatening to go on strike if you two aren't allowed back"
"Wow"
"Oh…I've got two excitable dogs in my truck waiting for you" she opened the door and the pups burst out. They were upon me instantly and I petted them happily.
"God, I've missed you guys so much" I told them when they'd calmed down "Bella, I wanted to ask you a favour"
"What Cass?"
"Well, the Cullen's are vampires and sticking an animal in there is practically inviting them to take a bite. So I was wondering if you could look after these two, or find someone who will until I can get my own place"
"Sure Cassie. I'd be honoured but…are you sure? They've been with you so long, they're part of who you are"
"I need them to be safe, I can't guarantee that here" I told her. She nodded.
"Okay. Now…let's get this stuff shifted"
"Right. Might need some help" I said, ushering the dogs back into the car.
"Easy. Emmett! Paul!" they appeared at the door.
"You hollered?" Emmett said.
"We need help shifting this stuff to Cassie and Paul's room" the pair of them carried the stuff (Emmett took most on one arm) and took it upstairs.
"Are you staying?" I asked "Esme says she's going to make dinner for me and Paul. She'll probably cook too much"
"For Paul? Never! Anyway, I've got to make Charlie's dinner. I'll see you soon, and keep you informed about what's happening at La Push" she hugged me and got back in the car. I waved until she was out of sight, then went back inside. I knew I'd done the right thing. Buddy and Scarlett needed to be safe and they wouldn't be here.
Esme was in the kitchen, cooking. I sat on the counter, watching her.
"What's wrong Cassie?"
"I was just wondering something, why don't you hate me?" she put down her pan and wiped her hands on her apron.
"Why do you ask?"
"Well, you're really nice to me. I mean, letting me and Paul stay and helping us with everything. I expected you'd hate me because of what…he did"
"It's not in my nature to hate anyone Cassie. Yes, I am upset but not with you. You never asked for any of this so why should I hate you for that?" I shrugged.
"you love him and have no emotional attachment to me. You could easily blame me for everything, some people would"
"Like?"
"What?"
"You said some people would hate you for this. Like who?"
"My mum. She blames me for everything. She wishes I'd never been born" I felt a hot tear on my cheek.
"Oh honey, I'm sorry" she hugged me "I didn't know"
"It's okay. I'm used to it. It's just…when I was young I pinned all my hopes on a dad that would come and save me from her, make us the perfect family she wanted. He never did and I get a stinking stepfather who turns it all to shit"
"I know you feel Carlisle let you down but he probably thought it was best. You should give him another chance"
"Are you going to? Give him another chance I mean?"
"Yes. It will take time but I've been with him for a long time. I think you should try it too, spend some time with him"
"How? I know nothing about him and he knows nothing about me"
"Well work on common ground. He's a scientist, I know he's dying to find out what kind of things you can do"
"So am I" I admitted. She smiled.
"There you go then, why don't you try it? He's got a day off tomorrow, spend some time together" I nodded.
"I will Esme. Thank you"
"You're welcome sweetie. If only we'd found out sooner we could have saved you" I knew what she was implying. Of course, they'd heard my earlier conversation with Paul.
"What's done is done. But I'll try and spend time with…Carlisle" I couldn't say dad, it felt too personal.
"Good" we shared one final smile "now, can you get Paul. Food's ready"
Paul appeared at the doorway instantly.
"Did someone say food?"