Chapter 4

EPOV

I was 10 years old when my sister and I came to live with our Aunt and Uncle.

10 when my mother and father were robbed and murdered before my eyes.

10 when I saw the face of the man who killed them and have never forgotten.

10 when I told my twin that mommy and daddy weren't coming back.

10 when I stopped smiling, laughing, joking and playing the piano in front of an audience.

10 when I didn't cry or even go to my parent's funeral.

10 when I gave up everything to make sure Ali had it all.

10 when I refused to feel anything at all unless it involved my sister.

10 when I refused therapy

10 when she lost it all just like me

I am exactly the same as I was then. No matter where I go I am always looking for their killer and I only play the piano at night or early morning whichever way you want to look at it, a time where no one can hear me, and I only play one song the same song I played the night they died. Clair de Lune by Debussy was my mom's favorite song. It was the first one she taught me how to play when I picked up the piano and the only one I ever play anymore.

Two weeks ago Aunt E brought home another foster kid; I thought it was the end after Emmett. She told us that it is a young girl mine and Alice's age and was like all of us. A reject, something bad happened to her and Esme took her in when no one else would just like the rest of us. Her case was somewhat like Rose's but worse. She didn't tell us much just that she is terrified of men so we had to stay away from her and that her name was Bella.

It hasn't really been that hard since Bella doesn't ever come out of her room. I haven't ever really seen her just glimpses every day when she peeks out her window when I come home from school. I also hear her moving around every time I get Ali from in front of the girl's door. Yet there is still something about her. Some pull I have. It's weird; when Bella's near I can feel it. It's not like the connection I have with Ali it's more for some reason, I can't explain it and it terrifies me.

What is it about her that affects me? I haven't even met her yet.

"Come in," I said after I heard the knock that pulled me from my thoughts. Jasper, my twin's boyfriend and my best friend, walked in. I sighed and sat up on my king sized bed with black sheets as I stuck my pencil into my biology book and pushed it aside. I don't really do colors anymore.

Unless Ali makes me, she is the only one I will ever do anything for.

"Hey Ed, I just wanted to apologize for earlier," Jas said as he sat on my black leather couch that was in front of my window and facing my bed.

"It's ok man," I watched as he put his hands on his knees that was covered with his blue jeans. They matched his light blue sweater that Ali gave him last year for Christmas.

Another holiday that I only still participate in for Ali

"No you were right, I should have never agreed to take her there," he said referring to Ali wanting to go to Chicago to see mom and dad. I haven't been back since I was taken here. I would never go back and I didn't want Ali going either.

"Your right you shouldn't have, but I do understand. All I ask is that you wait. Look she's my sister, the most important person in my life and I would die if anything happened to her."

"You know I would never let anything happen to her. I love her Edward, with all my heart. She brought me back, you both did," he said with sorrow in his voice. I got up and sat down beside him.

"I know you wouldn't and I know you love her just as much as she loves you, but Jas its Chicago. It's that I don't trust. I don't want to risk it, I can't" I needed him to understand.

"You could always come with us," He offered just like Ali does every time she mentions it.

"I can't Jasper. I can't go back there, to many bad memories. I know she wants me to go, but I physically can't" I told him. He wouldn't really understand none of them would.

Because you tried

Bought the ticket

But couldn't get on that plane

He sighed and stood up, "I had to at least try I told her I would."

"I know," I said as I got up with him. "She outside the door again?"

Ever since Bella has gotten here Alice has been outside her room, and talks. I am always pulling her away, as she goes on and on to me about Bella being our saving grace. Ali thinks Bella will bring me back like she brought Jasper back and that she and Bella will be best friends. For the first time I am betting against my twin instead of with her.

"Actually no, Esme has her helping in the kitchen." We both cringed.

"Well there goes dinner," I responded to him.

"I heard that Edward Anthony," Ali yelled up to us. I chuckled.

Of course she did. She always knows what I need or say. It's our freaky twin thing.

"Gotta love having twin telepathy," he chuckled.

After everyone was asleep I did my usual routine. I checked on Ali, went to the bathroom and then made my way down stairs to the baby grand piano. Aunt Esme and Uncle Carlisle bought it for me when I was four. They kept it at their house so I could play it over here when I came. When I moved in they offered to switch it out for one of my mom's Grand pianos that were in our house in Chicago. My dad gave them to her as a wedding gift. He told her they were sisters and had to stick together I still remember what they looked like. They were Steinways and one was pure white, the other pure black. They were covered in floral arabic designs with gold inlays that resembled traditional arabesques. (Link on profile) Both plain but beautiful all at the same time. Mom always said the best things in life were like that. I refused; I could never play either of my mom's pianos again. They held to many memories. I could barely play this one.

I turned on the spotlights and made them dim. I took a deep breath and sat on the bench, then ran my hands across the lid before I opened it. I breathed slowly. "I miss you mom and dad, this one is for you. I will never forget." With that I started to play the familiar notes. I closed my eyes and thought about my mom. She would always play it for and with me. I still have the cd she made me with her performance. I haven't listened to it since she died though. I never think or try to remember the moments we shared together playing or all the times she played to me. It hurts too much.

I felt tears fall as I came to the closing. I always cried when I played it, yet as I ended it I jumped when I heard a gut wrenching sob. I opened my eyes and looked toward the sound angrily.

Everyone knows not to disturb me!

Then I saw her. There on the stairs was a figure of a girl with long brown hair covering her face. She had her knees to her chest and one arm around them as the other reached up toward her eyes. I could see that she had on blue sleep pants and a long blue shirt. My anger died down as I saw how vulnerable and scared she was. She was shaking horribly.

This must be Bella

I stared at her as she slowly lifted her face and I saw the most beautiful I have ever seen. As I looked into her deep chocolate brown eyes I felt that pull again and realized that Alice just might be right. I have just seen this girl and she already has a hold on me that I can't even begin to understand. I knew that I would protect her just like I protect Alice.

No you will protect her more than Alice

It was a voice that sounded just like my mother.