Chapter 20: Family
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Thank you to all my readers for not giving up on this story. I hope you enjoy the chapter:)
February 15, 2014
Angela's pov:
"She's awake, and asking for you," Carlisle said as Edward stepped through the door with Bella.
"How is she?" Edward demanded, passing his Dad to step inside, and kissing Bella on the cheek. Carlise followed him in, allowing Sam to hold the door for the rest of us.
"She's thirsty. Been depleting our supplies for twenty minutes now."
"How many bags?" Edward stopped in his tracks.
"Four," Carlisle said solemnly.
"She shouldn't be drinking that stuff. She needs to go hunting," Edward opined.
"I didn't want any accidents on her way out the door," Carlisle responded. "Too many vulnerable bodies around here."
"She'll be fine with the humans, Carlisle," Alice said, walking out of the hospital room, with Bella on her heels. "But she should go hunting after greeting everyone."
Edward called back to Alice as he pulled Bella through the door to Nessie's room, "If she wants me to, Alice. But I imagine she'll want to go with Jacob." It was strange, listening to half-constructed conversations. It took getting used to.
"How was your morning?" Carlisle asked me, as Ben and I and all the Quileutes trooped into the coat room to shed our winter wear. Cheerful chatter filled the space. I noticed that even the Blue Team was smiling. They were good sports.
"We had a terrific time," I enthused. "Edward and Leah raced, and Edward won. Then, he reffed a great game of Polo, and my team won."
"Ah. So you'll be picking chores for next week." Carlisle looked both ways and bent down to speak softly in my ear. "Make sure you hand off bathroom duty and dusting. Nobody likes those jobs."
"You are a mean fellow, Dr Teeth," Esme said, walking up with my babies in her arms.
"Yes, milady, I am."
"Save it for later," Emmett advised, barrelling out of the coat room.
Esme handed Theo to me, and Ethan to Ben. We kissed them and asked how they were. They both pointed at Carlisle and Esme, saying "mampa."
"Is that Grandad? And Grandma?" I asked the boys, rocking Theo a little.
"Mam." Theo pointed at Esme.
"Yes, I prefer being 'Gram'," Esme said. "Renee is 'Grandma'."
"How is Renee?" I wondered. "I haven't seen her in years."
"She's fine. Still on the road with Phil. Let's go and sit down where we can be comfortable."
"Okay."
"Renee is in Seventh Heaven. She loves this world. Thinks she's in 'Star Wars', or something," Emmett said, collapsing into a chair.
"Well, you can hardly blame her, with all these mythical creatures running around," Rosalie said, sitting on the arm of it.
Theo and Ethan squirmed out of our arms and wandered off to find some toys in the big toy box at the back of the room. Claire ran over to the piano and sat down, starting some scales. My sons hurried over. Theo banged on the treble keys. Ethan watched him uncertainly.
"No, no. No bang," said Claire. You have to be gentle." Claire informed them. She showed them how to push down on the keys. Theo squealed, breaking everyone's eardrums, and pounded twice as hard.
Kim came into the room, bearing Renesmee's daughters. "Hi everyone," she said.
"How are my great- granddaughters?" Esme demanded.
"Well, they're awake," Kim said, smiling. She passed one of the tiny babies to Esme, who cooed over her.
"May I see her?" I asked, gesturing toward the other baby.
"Sure. This one's Valentine," Kim informed me.
I looked at the baby, bundled up in her little white blanket and pink hat. She looked at me out of her little black eyes, chewing on her fist. "She's so beautiful, Esme. You must be so happy."
"I am. We never thought we'd have babies around, you know. Renesmee was nothing short of a miracle. I remember the day she was born. It was scary for a little while there, but Bella and Edward were so happy. And then, I got to hold my granddaughter. One of the highlights of my life, let me tell you."
"Bella said nobody knew vampires could sire children."
"No. It was news to all of us. There were legends, of course. But the males who sire children tend to stay concealed. They don't want the Volturi coming after them, seeing as their behaviour is generally despicable. Bella, Chirica and Chepãa are the only surviving mothers that we know of. Most of the mothers were simply victims of an Incubus, and did not survive past childbirth, if they even made it that far. We didn't know that the sire has to play such a big part during the birth, in order to keep the mother alive."
"So Edward saved Bella?"
"Yes. It was instinctive behaviour on his part."
"What did he-"
Bella came out of Renesmee's room, and I forgot to complete my question.
"Hi everybody," she said cheerily. A chorus of answers met her. She sat beside Esme, tucking a foot under her on the couch.
"So how's your daughter?" I asked.
"She's a little confused. It's normal. Edward's talking to her, finding out how she's doing mentally."
"Is she like you, Bella? Is she well-controlled?" Sam wondered, sitting down.
"She appears to be exceptionally calm, Sam. Calmer than I was."
"That's saying something, vampire girl," Sam said, impressed.
"Yeah, well, Jacob is a lot better behaved now than he used to be, Sam. He was not exactly trustworthy back then. And he dared to imprint on my kid. Renesmee doesn't have that stress to worry about. All the males here are bonded."
"It's a wonder Edward let Jacob live," Carlisle said. "I honestly thought we were going to have a murder on our hands."
"You underestimate your son, Carlisle. He's the kindest, most forgiving soul I've ever met," Bella stated.
"He does constantly outdo everyone else in the patience department, Bella, but honestly, Jacob is lucky Edward can read minds. It's the only thing that saved him."
"Meh," Bella equivocated, waggling her hand.
"Edward loves you and Renesmee more than anything else in existence."
"Yes. I love him too. And my daughter. There would be no point to life without either of them. And now, I have the babies. I certainly wasn't expecting to be a grandmother at the age of 27."
"Do you want to hold the baby, Bella?" I offered.
"No thanks, Ang. I'll spend time with them at night, when you're sleeping. You enjoy them. Babies only last so long before they grow up. Ah! Here comes my husband."
Bella sat up, looking eager. Edward came out into the main room, and headed straight for his wife. Reaching us, he took her hand and kissed it.
"Ren is in good shape. Carlisle? I think we could risk bringing her out to see everyone."
"She tried to hurt me, Edward," my husband piped up.
"Ben, do you trust me?"
"Well, yeah," Ben confirmed.
"Ren never meant to frighten you. She wanted to show you her experiences, and you weren't prepared for her gift. She only wanted to communicate, Ben, and she got upset when you were unwilling to listen to her. That's not your fault. She's sorry. She wants to visit with you and the family. Alice said it would be safe. I've read Nessie's mind, and I'm certain she'll be able to control herself. There are a lot of people around here who can stop her, Ben, if she slips. The Cullens control their newborns."
"You're sure, Edward?" Ben asked.
"Yes, Ben."
"Okay."
Carlisle went to stand on the little dais by the front door. He whistled sharply. There was a cacophony, as feet stomped in from every direction. Carlisle waited for everyone to arrive and settle. "Do we have everyone?" he asked.
Sam was counting heads. "Yes," he confirmed.
Carlisle held up a hand, and the assembly fell silent. "Good afternoon, everyone. You all know why we're here." There were claps and whoops. Carlisle held up his hand again. "Renesmee is awake. I will remind you that she will be extremely sensitive to movement, touch and noise. While it is safe for you to say 'hello', we ask that you sit still, and allow her to approach you if she so desires. Please do not clap or scream. Questions?"
"Should the little kids be here, Carlisle?" Leah asked.
"Bella was able to care for Renesmee immediately after waking up, so our assumption is that Renesmee will be fine with all the infants and toddlers, even if they are noisy.
"Can we hug her and kiss her 'hello'? Quill asked.
"No. Not unless she comes to you first. People, do not instigate any touching."
"Is she gonna look scary?" Claire wondered.
"She won't look much different than she did before, but she has red eyes. You might find that a bit strange for a while, Claire. But it's still Nessie. Any more questions? No? Good. If everyone would be sure they are seated, I'll have my family escort Nessie out."
More people sat down, and the room grew hushed. It was the first time we'd experienced a moment of quiet since we got here. Theo and Ethan looked at us questioningly. They weren't used to the silence. I just hoped Theo wouldn't do one of his famous whistling shrieks. I shushed the boys almost soundlessly.
Carlisle walked to the hospital room door and opened it, speaking to all inside. He beckoned gently, and painfully slowly, a girl's hand crept into his. He put her hand in both of his, smiling and nodding encouragingly.
Renesmee Black stepped into the doorway, cringing. Carlisle gripped her hand tightly on one side, and Edward gripped her on the other. I wondered why Jacob wasn't holding her. I would ask Bella later, I decided.
She was beautiful. More beautiful than ever. The curl in her hair had relaxed a little. It waved angelically. Her skin was so white it was luminescent, her lips full and red. And the eyes? Strange, otherworldly and yet, stunning. I never imagined that red eyes could be attractive.
She had the body of an athlete. A runner, perhaps. More muscular and lean than the last time I had seen her . But her shape had also become more womanly.
Carlisle and Edward escorted Nessie into the room. Jasper stood behind them. Nessie looked about nervously, nostrils quivering. Jacob followed behind her, his gaze anxious.
Nessie walked down the line of waiting Quilieutes, looking a little overwhelmed. A sudden air of calm pervaded the atmosphere. Jasper's work, I surmised. Nessie reached down to smooth Kim's hair, and touch Jared on the shoulder. They smiled quietly at her. "Thanks for babysitting," she said softly, her voice musical and more rounded in tone.
"You're welcome," Kim replied, smiling. "You have beautiful babies, Ren. They're really easy to take care of."
"Good." Nessie moved around the room, speaking to everyone. She caressed Claire's baby brother's head, and shook hands with Sam. She stroked Emily's arm lightly, like she was made of glass.
Nessie stood in front of Leah, who regarded her with folded arms. "Leah."
"Junior Leech. Well, you look a lot better than you smell," Leah said, wrinkling her nose. "You're gonna take some getting used to," she claimed.
"Be nice, or I'll eat you," Nessie joked. "Auntie Angel?" she asked, turning her attention to me.
"Yes, dear," I replied.
"Do you like Tina?"
"Yes. Both girls are wonderful, sweetie." I looked down at the baby in my arms. She was busily attacking her fist, sucking on it. I pulled it out of her mouth, and was surprised to find four little spaces in her gums that looked like they had previously held teeth.
"Are you going to tell me horror stories about raising twins?" Nessie blinked at me nervously, reminding me of Bella.
"Only if you want to hear them," I smiled.
"Perhaps I do." Nessie turned her attention to my husband. "Uncle Ben?"
"Yes, Nessie," Ben said nervously.
"I'm sorry I frightened you. I just wanted to share my experiences with you by letting you see my recent history. I didn't realize you'd be scared," she fretted. "I know some people don't like it. But I wasn't thinking. Please forgive me."
"Uh, sure Ness. I forgive you. Just warn me before you do it next time, would you please? And I'd rather not see anything ... upsetting."
"Okay. Can I have a hug?"
"Sure, honey. Okay." Ben stood up. Edward put a hand on his arm.
"Ben, hold very still, please," Edward smiled gently to soften the warning. Nessie put her arms gingerly around Ben. After a few seconds, she sighed and released him. Thus, Ben became the first human being to hug Renesmee Cullen Black after the change.
"So, Mother, how am I doing?" she asked, sporting a cheeky smile worthy of Edward.
"Ah, we'll keep you," Bella said nonchalantly. "Are you going to say 'hello' to your children, or what?"
"Do you think it's safe?" Renesmee blinked again.
"Are you thirsty?" Carlisle asked seriously.
Renesmee's hand wandered uncertainly to her throat. "Um, I'm not sure. My throat tickles. Can I just say 'hello'?"
"Yes, but I don't think it would be very wise for you to hold them before you've hunted," Carlisle suggested. Renesmee's hand flew to her throat, and she gulped loudly, her eyes large.
"Yeah, you're thirsty. Say 'hello' and then you can go get some food," Edward suggested.
Renesmee sat down on the couch between Esme and Carlisle. Esme held up Lottie, who squeaked a little at being disturbed, and showed her to Nessie.
Nessie looked like she might cry, if that were possible. "Look, Jake, she has your nose. Isn't she cute? And your hair."
"Looks more like Alice's hair used to," Jake grinned. "I never knew before that her old style was based on messy baby head."
"Shut up, mutt." Alice folded her arms. She was wearing her hair longer now. It waved beautifully around her neck.
"Whatever. The girls have your face shape, Ren, and your hands. I bet their eyes will be the same brown as yours, too, sweetheart."
"They are my hands, aren't they?" Renesmee's hands curled around Lottie's legs tenderly. She leaned over the baby, clearly in love with it.
Carlisle spoke softly over her shoulder. "Renesmee, you should greet Tina so you can ... go." He reached out for the baby, and I passed her into his arms. Renesmee froze as my arm brushed close by her face. I froze too.
I lowered my arms carefully to my lap. After a minute or so, my niece relaxed and leaned over the baby. "Hello, Tina. Are you glad to see Mommy?"
The baby sniffed, and reached for her. Then, she cried the hungry, staccato cry common to all newborns. "What's she want?" Renesmee worried.
"Food," Jacob replied, rolling his eyes. "They're always hungry," he claimed.
Renesmee clutched her throat again, looking panicky. The strange calmness flooded the air again, and she relaxed.
"I think we're pushing our luck," Carlisle stated, lips pressed in a thin line. "Nessie, time for you to go hunting. Jacob, are you going with her?"
"Sure, sure," Jacob shrugged.
"Trust me, Jacob, you do not want to miss this hunt," Edward said, smiling crookedly. He and Bella exchanged a private look.
"Are you coming, too, Daddy? Momma?" Renesmee blinked shyly.
"For part of it, okay kiddo? Just 'til you get the hang of things. Then, we'll leave you and Jacob ... alone."
"Can I come too, Leech?" Leah wondered, looking anxiously between Nessie and Jake.
"Sure Smurfette. We're only going to stick around until Renesmee has caught a couple of animals, though, okay?" Edward said.
Emmett laughed a laugh that can only be described as 'dirty'. Bella smothered a smile, biting her lips.
"Emmett!" Edward said, rolling his eyes and running a hand through his hair.
"Sorry, Tough Guy. It's just that-"
"Em-mett!"
"Yes, bro?"
"Drop it."
"Yes, bro."
"Ness? Let's go. Don't bother with a coat. You'll only spoil it. You'll need your boots."
"Okay, Dad." Renesmee got up off the couch and disappeared. Literally. Moments later, she stepped out of the coat room, wearing her boots. Bella went into the coat room, returning with her own.
"Ready, Jacob?" Edward asked.
"Yep. Uh, Edward? How come you're gonna leave us alone out there? Don't you need to hunt, too?"
Edward stopped in his tracks and looked up at Jacob meaningfully. Edward's lip crooked upward slightly as he tried to psychically impart some message to his son-in-law. Dawn broke over Jake's features. Apparently, he 'got' whatever message he was meant to take from the exchange. "Ohhhh," he said, nodding. Edward clapped him on the back, and reached out for Bella's hand.
"We're heading east, Alice," Edward called over his shoulder.
"Fine," Alice said. "Stay away from the north. There are loggers out there today. Got your phones?"
"Yep." Edward waved dismissively over his shoulder, pushing open the heavy front door. I got up curiously and watched them go. They ran so fast that their outlines blurred. Leah and Jacob phased into wolf form, and bounded away. In moments, the five mythical creatures were gone.
The assembled humans and vampires resumed motion of their own, chatting about how well-controlled Nessie was and how different she appeared.
"Jasper? How's she really doing?" Carlisle asked, looking at his son-in-law.
"She's her mother's daughter, Carlisle."
"Well, the fact that Jake is calm might have something to do with her mood, too. Remember how furious Edward was, because Jake imprinted on Ness? His mood had to have rubbed off on Bella. He was wired." Emmett stated.
"You'd have been wired too, had your perceived rival imprinted on your baby," Esme said softly.
"I really thought Edward was going to commit murder that day," Carlisle said again. Then, he laughed a little. "Took all of us to pry him off Jacob. It was a real horror show."
"Really?" I gaped.
"Edward wanted a daughter for a long time," Rosalie said, joining us on the couch. "You could hardly blame him."
"Still, he regained his self -control. Phenomenal man, Edward," Carlisle said.
"The compassion of his father, and the patience of Job," Jasper confirmed.
Claire walked up and leaned against Carlisle's leg. "Grandad?" she whined.
"Yes, Claire, what can I do for you?" He put his arm around her fondly.
"You vampires forget we need to eat. I've been waiting forever and I'm starving."
"I'm sorry, dove. Whose day is it?" Carlisle asked, looking around.
"Bella's," Rosalie said. "She left food ready in the kitchen, Carlisle."
"We should have covered for her today. Who hasn't eaten lunch?" Carlisle called to the room in general. A few hands went up, including mine and Ben's.
"Who wants to eat again?" Emily called. A lot more hands went up. "Okay, gang. I'll help out. Emmett, would you care to help serve?"
"Would I!" Emmett enthused. Claire skipped over and held his hand. They hurried out to the kitchen together.
Rosalie shook her head, watching Emmett go. "He's just a big kid," she remarked in disbelief. We stood up, and headed for the dining room. Half-way there, something small and black brushed against my legs. It streaked into the kitchen. I jumped a mile, clutching at my chest.
"What was that?" I demanded, chest heaving. "A rat?"
Rosalie rolled her eyes. "No silly. It's just one of the barn cats. Carlisle? There's a cat in the kitchen again."
Carlisle sighed. "Claire?" he called softly.
Claire reappeared, her mouth crammed full of cornbread. "Wha Gran-an?"
"Did you let Mungojerry in here again?"
"Mmph."
"You know it's against the rules. Please get him out of the kitchen and take him outside."
"Buh he'v hungry," Claire protested.
"He needs to eat the nice, fat mice so we don't have a problem with vermin around here," Carlisle admonished her. "You don't want a mouse in your bedroom, do you?"
"No."
"Go catch him, please."
"Yef Gran-an." Claire rolled her eyes, taking off dejectedly after the cat.
"Thank you, honey."
"Mungojerry?" I laughed.
"Yes. All the cats have names from 'Cats'. Mungojerry just happens to be Claire's favourite, because he lets her pick him up. Some of the cats are pretty wild. They've had their vaccinations, but it's best to take care of your skin around them."
"Why do you have a barn?" I wondered.
"Renesmee had a pony when she was little. When it passed away, we didn't replace it. After all, there are giant wolves around here if anybody wants to ride. Now, we just store our equipment and our grain there."
Bella had left large pots of chicken stew simmering in the kitchen. The humans were just finishing up eating when Leah came in through the back entrance in the kitchen, shaking snow out of her hair onto the floor.
"I dunno why you aren't worried about leaving a newborn alone with Jake," she said over her shoulder. Edward and Bella followed her into the room, stopping to stomp off their boots on the mat. It was strange to think that the three of them had been out in the cold all that time without coats.
"Jacob is perfectly safe, Smurfette. I wouldn't leave him alone with her if he weren't. Trust me, attacking him is not what she has in mind," Edward said softly. Bella walked past him to speak with Esme and Carlisle about her granddaughters, who were drinking formula out of little glass bottles.
"I still think it's a ris-" Leah protested.
"Leah?" Edward stopped and faced her, regarding her with a gentle expression.
"Yeah, Leech?"
"They're mates. Let them be."
Leah's eyes flickered with understanding, and a sad expression flitted across her features, leaving her looking lost and alone. Edward stepped closer and drew her into a one-armed hug. Her curtain of glossy black hair hung down, obscuring her face. Edward whispered in her ear. Had I not been right beside them, I never would have heard. "Give it time. Have faith."
"What if there isn't-" she snarled, eyes vulnerable.
"There will be. Don't give up."
Leah stifled a sob, leaning against him, then pushed away and ran from the room.
"Typical Leah," Embry muttered in the corner. "Always upset about something."
"Embry," Edward remonstrated, not even raising his voice. "That's enough."
"Yes sir, I'm sorry."
It was strange hearing Embry call Edward 'sir'. Strange, watching seemingly older men defer to him.
"Well, I can't help it if I have the body of a prepubescent girl," he said to me, eyes rolling.
"There's a load of hooey," Bella murmured.
Sam joined in from his place at the other table. "Leah is not to be teased," he reminded the shape shifters. Ben looked at me questioningly. I would have to fill him in, later. Edward turned his attention back to our table. He smiled and patted the boys' heads gently, then took Bella's hand.
"So did Nessie catch something?" I asked curiously.
"Yes. A big buck." Bella turned aside and spoke to Emily. "We brought it home to be butchered up." Emily nodded.
"We're getting a lot of venison in the ice house," Esme said in concern. "We need some different meat."
"Well, Emmett brought home that bear. Leah wants the skin for something. But I don't know if the humans will find it appetizing." Edward stated.
"Probably not," Bella replied. "It'll be awfully tough."
"We could send the boys to trade venison for chicken and fish," Esme suggested.
"Yes, I think we should," Carlisle decided. "Can they go to Midland on Saturday?"
"Don't see why not," Sam responded. "Edward?" Sam looked at him, communicating something nonverbal.
"Yeah, I'll talk to her Sam."
"You'll remind her?" he said, eyes downcast.
"Of course."
"I wish she..." he stopped. "But it took you a long time, right?"
"Eighty-five years."
Emily bit her lips and brushed back Sam's hair from his shoulder. Alice entered the dining room, skipping over to join the conversation. She was beaming.
"Let me talk to Leah," she demanded.
"You Saw something, didn't you?" Edward asked, eyes narrowing.
"She's moving out," Alice said cheerfully. The Cullens looked at her, shocked. Alice glanced around, finally absorbing the atmosphere. "Not permanently," she clarified. "She's going away to finish her schooling. And she'll find her mate."
A collective gasp went round the room, followed by a sigh of relief. The younger Quileutes gave each other high fives.
"I'm coming with you to tell her, Alice," Edward informed his sister.
"Okay."
"Edward?" Bella asked quietly. "I could use some help with some ... paperwork. In about, say, twenty minutes?" She brushed back his errant forelock, wet with melted snow. He looked down at her, eyes smouldering.
"I am always happy to help you with ... administrative details," he murmured, kissing her on each corner of her mouth. Bella smiled at him meaningfully.
"Eeeew!" Claire declared, pretending to stuff her finger down her throat and making retching noises.
"Claire! Enough. Grow up." Sam admonished her.
"Sam, enjoy that while it lasts. Your days are numbered. She won't always think it's gross," Edward said solemnly.
"Edward! Leah's changed her mind about running away. If she doesn't leave within the hour she'll never meet her mate. Rosalie, Emily? Come help her pack. She has to be out of the house in ten minutes." Alice was bouncing up and down with distress.
Letting loose Bella's hand, Edward hurried for the door. On the way out, Jasper smacked him on the backside, eliciting a hiss. Edward looked at him, the picture of offended innocence, then strutted out. Alice tagged along behind.
"The Bimbo's just not fun to tease anymore," Emmett lamented to Jasper.
"He doesn't like it when you call him that," Jasper said pensively.
"Fine. Tough Guy's no fun to tease anymore." Emmett frowned.
"We just have to find better subject matter to rile him with. Nessie and Jacob, perhaps." Jasper mused.
"Boys!" Esme barked.
"Yes, Mother," they chorused, groaning.
Five minutes later, we were assembled in the Great Room again, in time to see Leah fly down the stairs with a large, brown pair of saddle bags, flanked by Alice, Edward and Emily. She rushed into the coat room, and came back carrying suede boots, a hat, mittens and a long, buckskin coat. She stuffed everything into the bags, her dark eyes sparkling with excitement, and a huge grin on her face.
"Tell Seth I'm sorry I missed him," she said quickly, while hugging various people good-bye. "You'll look after him, right?"
"He'll be fine with us," Edward reassured her. "Your mother, too. Besides, we'll probably see you again before long."
"And tell Ren and Jake I said 'good-bye'." Leah hopped up and down, trying to remove her shoes quickly.
"Of course."
Esme confiscated the bags and stuffed some sandwiches and Coke cans inside. "Don't forget to eat," she warned.
"I couldn't eat now," Leah laughed. Her white teeth gleamed and her face flushed. She looked radiant.
"See ya around, bloodsuckers," she teased.
"See ya, mutt," Emmett shot back.
Leah made a frenzied run for the door. She stopped dead, barefoot on the threshold. She did not turn around, but addressed the door handle.
"Leech?"
"Yeah, Fluffy?" Edward answered, his expression sad.
"Love ya."
"Yeah. Love you, too."
And she was gone.