Disclaimer: All characters belong to Stephenie Meyer.

In Six Months I Lost My Mind But Found My Heart

Chapter Eighteen: Arrival

1st April

3 Months Left

Bella's POV

There is only one word I can use to describe their house: unbelievable. I'm still not even sure that covers it.

The house is amazing. From the way they described it I thought I was going to be staying in some cold ghastly ancient castle. I'm glad that I was wrong. It's is ancient but it is also very beautiful. The grounds that the house is located on are very extensive and from what I could see the gardens aswell were lovely.

The house is big, to say the least. After driving down the long road to the entrance I stepped out to stare up at the ridiculously grand house before me. It had stately home written all over it. Whilst I was standing there gaping at the sight before me Edward and Alice were chuckling away, finding my reaction hilarious.

"You guys live here?" I croaked out. God in comparison to my house it looks like I live in the slums.

"Yep. It's not as great as your making it out to be." Alice said, brushing it off.

"How could it not be? This place is gorgeous." They both just shrugged and Edward grabbed my hand leading me up the steps to the main door.

"It's got its good and bad points. You'll notice that it becomes deathly cold at night and sometimes it gets eerily silent. Also you'll get lost, I've lived here my entire life and I still get lost sometimes. On the upside there are endless amounts of things to do. But it's not like you'll have time for much since we're really going to throw you in the deep end of our lives. Anything we do you do it too." He walked me through the grand hallway with black and white marble flooring and led me up another set of grand stairs.

"Basically the next three months are going to consist of you attending more private dinner, royal functions and high society balls than you would have thought possible. There's also school which we will be going to tomorrow, the uniforms in your room. I'm...hoping it won't be too bad for you."

Well since he said it like that my brain went into overdrive. Obviously from what they've told me I'm not going to be welcomed with open arms but I was hoping that they wouldn't judge me just yet. Hell if Edward could like me and he was a pompous spoilt rich boy when I first met him then I'm pretty sure they could learn to like me. Or am I just wishing on a hopeless dream?

Since Edward was leading the way, and leading rather briskly at that, I didn't exactly get to see a lot of the house. He pulled me through a few more corridors and rooms before opening the door to the room that would be mine for the next three months.

Much like the rest of the house it had a very rich, grand feeling about it. Even though the style was not modern it still had many modern features added for comfort. It was cream in colour and many of the items were pastel coloured, matching the walls. The room had a lovely antique dresser on the right wall by the window which faced the bed. There was also a set of chest drawers and matching bedside tables. I looked around the plush room once more before turning back to Edward who was leaning in the doorframe.

"Are you sure I'm meant to be staying here?" He smirked but nodded.

"This room is perfect for you. It's in the same wing of the house as Alice and I therefore we're close. My room's across the hall and Alice's is two doors down on the same side as yours. Through there-" He said pointing to the door next to the window. "-Is your bathroom, it has one of the best views of the surrounding garden. I'll give you a proper tour later but most of the time you'll spend in the East wing, which we're in right now."

I nodded and he walked over, embracing me in his arms before kissing me softly. The soft kiss suddenly turned to a passion filled one that had us both grasping for air. I wasn't the one to pull back first though. To be perfectly honest I wouldn't stop kissing him if that was possible. Who needs to breathe anyway?

Edward led me back through the house, picking up Alice along the way to go meet his parents. I was nervous to say the least. I really hope that they like me or just find me acceptable to be staying in their home. It would be really awkward if they hated me since there is still three months left. I couldn't stay here if they didn't want me to.

Alice went off to get them leaving me and Edward in the living room, which had a more modern feel to it. He could tell I was nervous and was doing his best to try and calm me down. First impressions are usually crucial so I don't want to mess this up.

"Relax." Edward soothed as he gently rubbed my back. "They don't bite."

"I know I just...I'm worrying for nothing." He nodded in agreement just as Alice trotted back in, closely followed by their parents.

They both introduced themselves and seemed very friendly. From everything Edward said about Carlisle making him hunt for a bride or making him marry someone against his will I found it difficult to see the man before me who doted on his family do that to his son.

"Welcome to our home Bella. Hopefully you'll find everything to your liking. If there is anything wrong or you want anything whatsoever please just ask, we will be happy to help." Esme said sweetly.

"Thank you for having me."

"Oh you're very welcome. We love to have more people round the house. I would love to stay and talk but unfortunately we have to go. We'll see you at dinner tonight though. See you then." They both nodded and left the living room.

"See it wasn't so bad, was it?" Edward said, wrapping his arms round my waist and placing his head on my shoulder.

"No they're really nice. Completely different from how you painted them." He shrugged and kissed my cheek.

"Want to see the rest of the house?" I nodded and followed him out of the living room and into the main hall.

"There are different wings to each side of the house. The East wing is the more modern one which also has our bedrooms. The West wing is the kitchen quarters and the staff's area; no one really spends any time there. The other two wings you'll never be in. One is the old fashion area of the house. So basically all the old antiques and goods that we aren't allowed to touch but have to have. The other one is my parent's wing. You are welcome to go exploring and see all the rooms but do it during the daytime. The old wing gets locked at night and I would hate for you to be locked in and set the alarms off."

We spent the rest of the afternoon going round the house. He was right when he said I would spend most of my time in the east wing. It had everything we could possibly need. The rooms downstairs consisted of an extensive library, another living room (this one was much more casual), a billiards room, a games room, the indoor pool and a few other spare rooms for just hanging out in.

There was a drastic difference between the old wing than the rest of the house. The second I walked through doors it was like stepping back in time. It was a mix of interior decor from the late 1500s to the early 1900s.

"What is all of this?" I said pointing to all the different photos and belongings.

"Most of it is linked to our family history dating back through time. The house has been in the family for generations and a lot of these things are hundreds of years old. I don't know a lot about all of it, you're best to ask Carlisle, he can tell you more."

"So these people in these portraits are your family members?" He nodded. "Has your family always been this privileged?"

"I think so, wealth wise anyway. A lot of the people seen here died of disease, were executed by the state for treason or were murdered. Just because they had money didn't mean they had a great life. I would say they were privileged to have the wealth and opportunities they did but were limited by the restrictions set. I'm still marrying for wealth and so did they, not much has changed."

"Will I...will I meet your possible fiancé?" I asked nervously, glancing away from his piercing topaz eyes.

"Do you want to meet her?"

"Have you met her?" I asked trying to divert his attention off of that question. He shook his head and held my hands in his.

"I'll meet her in a few weeks but you won't be there. I wouldn't know how to explain that. Plus what's the point of meeting her if I won't marry her. She wouldn't affect us if I don't marry her and I don't intend to. I'll put this off as long as possible. Carlisle still needs to run me through everything about her and the situation. But if I confirm her as my fiancé you'll be first to know." Edward leant forward and kissed me slowly before we made our way back to the main part of the house.

I was going to meet their friends and was a little nervous. Jasper who I had already met was nice enough and he had reassured me I would be fine. My father gave me a brief update on his opinions about Jasper and their friend Emmett. I don't think I should take his opinion into much consideration since he seemed bias that they ended up in his police cell. Great way to make an impression.

When I entered the living room again my nerves bounced back in full force. When I met Alice and Edward I was shocked with how remarkably beautiful they both were and the same applied when I met Jasper. Their parents were also ridiculously good looking and now looking at Rosalie and Emmett I'm beginning to think that anyone who is associated with the Cullens has to be pretty or handsome. So I definitely don't fit in.

Before I had a chance to say hi I was engulfed in a bear hug from Emmett.

"God Emmett give the poor girl a chance." A voice said, I can only guess it was Rosalie since I didn't recognise the voice. I didn't detect any malice when she said 'poor girl' but I think that word was included on purpose.

"Sorry. I'm Emmett." He smiled sheepishly as he stepped back, allowing me to take in Rosalie properly. She made no move to introduce herself so I took it that maybe she wasn't particularly happy with my being there.

Now I was very nervous. As though Jasper sensed it he sent me a reassuring smile and got us all to sit down. We spent some time in there talking and getting to know each other, well me getting to know them. Emmett just seemed like a big kid at heart and was forever keeping us amused. His girlfriend on the other hand didn't say much and just added a few words in every now and then.

When they left Emmett gave me another hug and ruffled my hair, feeling completely comfortable around me. Jasper and Edward walked him to the door as Rosalie said goodbye to Alice then gave me a curt nod and small, almost minuscule smile.

"She doesn't like me." I said after she walked away.

"It's not like that. She's protective...especially of Edward. She knows that there is something there and she knows you're what's making Edward appear more cheery, back to his usual self. Give her some time and she'll warm up to you, I promise."

"Why is she so protective of Edward?" I asked watching as he said his goodbyes to her, they were whispering about something but I don't know what.

"There's history there. Don't worry they didn't date...it's not like she's some psycho ex-girlfriend of his. No definitely not, you'll meet them tomorrow at school."

With that Alice walked over to Jasper and the departed the hall to head upstairs. Her last comment had me a little worried. I felt like I was a lamb up for the slaughter. Also there definitely is something there between Rosalie and Edward. I don't want to impose on whatever friendship they have but Rosalie doesn't seem to like me and I'd like to know why.

Three months down and three to go. I think I can make it.