Disclaimer: I do not own twilight, Stephanie Meyer does!
Bella's POV
I was waiting for Keyria to come over, nervously checking and rechecking everything. I didn't really know much about her since Edward never wanted to talk about her. He had been getting on my nerves about it though, grilling me with questions after classes I had with her. I knew she wasn't a vampire though, I could see that much. I only hoped the snacks and stuff we had would be stuff she liked. I was nervous about the whole weekend. What if she didn't like me? What if we just didn't get along? Yeah, the sleepover was probably not the best idea for getting to know her, but it was a good plan for our history project. If we were both researching different things, we could compare and build our project much faster.
I was glad Charlie was gone for the weekend, it was awkward enough when he was around me. I would hate to see how he'd be with two girls in the house. So yes, a fishing trip was wonderfully planned for that reason. Charlie was a good man, just not the best when it came to dealing with teenage girls. He did his best though, and I was glad I had a father like him.
I heard a car pull in the little driveway, the headlights shining through the windows. I stood and went downstairs, at she wouldn't be waiting at the door for too long. She was probably already used to everyone moving at lightning speed, since she was living with vampires and everything. It was Edward that walked through the door though, making me stop short on the last step of the staircase.
"Edward? What are you doing here? I thought you were going with the guys this weekend? Why are you here?" I crossed my arms over my chest, watching as he came closer.
"I wanted to see you one more time before I left, make sure you would be alright." He smiled at me, reaching out to brush my arm.
I instantly shivered and pulled away a little, then relaxed myself into his touch.
"I'm fine. I'll BE fine, just have fun on your weekend. Thanks for coming to see me though." I spoke quickly, at least trying to sound thankful he was there.
He stepped back, looking at me with a blank face for a moment.
"Of course. I just want to make sure you're safe, Bella. And make sure you're happy too." He gave me a smile, leaning in to place a chaste kiss on my cheek.
"Oh, and one other little thing. Be careful around Keyria. I can't read her thoughts either, so just watch yourself while she's here. Okay?" He spoke softly, coming close to me once again.
So he couldn't read Keyria either? Maybe that's why he didn't want to talk about her, he didn't really know what to say since he couldn't poke in her head.
"Um, alright. I'll keep an eye on her and be careful of what I do. I promise. But you'd better get going before the guys start thinking you're standing them up." I nodded and even laughed a little, even though it wasn't real. He gazed at me for a minute, his darkened eyes flickering over me as he reached for the door.
"Good. Make absolutely sure you watch everything around her. I wouldn't want you getting hurt or saying too much. I'll call and check on you in the morning. Good night, Bella." His voice was low, his head nodding toward me slightly.
I gave him a weak, half-hearted smile and a nod, trying my best to keep from rolling my eyes at his melodramatic requests. I mean, why is it so important to be careful around Keyria? She isn't a vampire, so it's not like she'll be having me for a snack or anything.
I watched Edward slip out the door, my head shaking as I moved to the kitchen. There was no use going back up to my room, she would probably be here any second anyway. I just couldn't figure out why Edward would want me to be so careful around her. If anything, I should be getting closer to her. I could actually talk to her about things without having to worry about him hearing it.
You would think he would want me to be completely alone; he doesn't even like me talking to people at school, and he can hear them! Of course, he says it's because of the things they're thinking about me. Things he won't tell me.
Well, I've had enough. He won't let me make human friends at school, and he doesn't want me talking to his siblings; but I will talk to Keyria. He can't hear either of us, and we're both around vampires a lot. We have things in common, and I plan to use that as a way to at least try being her friend. Surely she could use a human girl friend too; I know by now I do.
I caught the small flicker of headlights again, the rumbling sound of a truck or something in my driveway. I went to the door and opened it, a little surprised when Emmett got out. Edward told me they were together for a cover, something about safety and keeping the family's secret; but I thought this might have been a litle much. I kinda liked Emmett from the little time I had around him at school, so I really hoped he wasn't starting to act like Edward. That would just be too much.
I watched as he trotted around the jeep and opened the door, lifting Keyria from it and grabbing her bag. At least she didn't look unhappy about what he did; actually I think she was smiling. I leaned against the door frame with my brows raised, their hands intertwining as they came closer. Emmett gave me a grin as they came to the steps; I waved them both inside. What was the real story between these two?
Keyria brushed her hair back and Emmett set her bag on the floor.
"Well Bells, take care of her for me okay? And try to have a little fun while you're working?" Emmett gave me a wink, his arms wrapped around Keyria's shoulders.
They certainly made sure their cover was solid, no one would ever have the chance to see through it. They looked like a real couple, there was no doubt about that.
"Sure thing, Em." I smiled at him, settling down on the couch.
Keyria twisted around in his arms and kissed him. Like, full on, mouth-to-mouth, tongue and everything kiss! There was more to them than just a cover, and I was going to find out just what. She broke away from Emmett slowly, her hands trailing across his chest.
"You'll call me, right? And pick me up Sunday afternoon?" She whispered to him softly, and smiled when he nodded quickly.
"I'm going to miss you, Mac." Keyria nuzzled Emmett's chest in a hug; his lips brushing against her forehead.
"I'll miss you too, Ria. But I'm just a call away, babe. No worries." He smiled at her; a warm, sweet smile that I've never seen before.
Emmett ran his thumb over her bottom lip gently, staring into her eyes before he stepped back.
"Well, see you Sunday Bells. Have fun." He flashed a smile my way then slipped out the door.
I moved to Keyria's side, my eagerness to find out more about their actions exploding at once.
"Okay, what's up with you two? I know you guys are doing some kind of cover thing for school and stuff, but this was far and above just a cover! Come on girl, spill the info! You know Edward can't hear me, and he doesn't tell me anything! Please?" I backed up a little, suddenly aware that I was bombarding her.
She was blushing a little; a rosy hue across that beautiful creamy, porceline skin. She smiled though, her deep mauve lips parting just enough for a hint of those bright white teeth to show. She was very beautiful, and the flush of bashfulness brought it out more. Those odd blue eyes glittered when she looked at me, her hand grabbing my arm as she pulled me back to the couch.
"Okay, um. Well, it started as just a cover thing. You know, since they're vampires and everything. But then something happened, something no one was expecting to happen." She was beaming, pausing for a second as I nodded eagerly.
"We're mates! I don't know how it happened or anything, but apparently Emmett called me his mate. And I guess that's not something a vampire just says, not about a mate anyway. Can you believe it? I am Emmett's mate! So, I guess we have one more thing in common now, huh? We're both human girls who are mates to vampires. God, that sounds so crazy out loud." Keyria laughed, her voice twinkling as she bounced a little.
She seemed so happy about it, like she was looking forward to being with just Emmett for the rest of her life. She was absolutely glowing with happiness about it, not the least bit scared.
"Well yeah, we're both mated to vampires, but it's not the same." My voice sounded more sad than I had expected, and I wasn't exactly sure why. Shouldn't I have been as happy as she was?
"What do you mean it's not the same? Aren't all mated couples pretty much the same when it comes to how you feel around each other?" Keyria's brows came together, her body leaning in closer to mine.
"Well I guess. But me and Edward aren't anything like you and Emmett. You guys are so close and, well, loving. There's no doubt that you two care a lot for each other. I mean, if I didn't know better, I could almost swear you guys have been together forever. You just seem so at ease with him, I wish I could be like that." I shifted myself, not completely sure why I was telling her this.
Okay, I did know why. She was the only person I could finally talk to without worrying about Edward hearing about it. I had someone I could confide in, someone I could be truthful with about my feelings toward Edward.
"Of course I'm relaxed with Emmett, he makes me feel completely safe. I know nothing can happen if Emmett's with me, he would never let it. It's like he's everything I need all rolled up in one person. I mean, we've already kinda talked about getting married!" She looked so happy when she spoke about Emmett, like just thinking about him made her feel better.
"Marriage? You've actually talked about getting married? Man, I would probably freak out if Edward started talking like that. I don't think I would ever marry him, even if he is my mate." I shrugged a little and even chuckled, just thinking about marrying Edward was funny.
"Are you serious? You haven't even thought about it? But, don't you want to be with him forever? Don't you have that little feeling of wanting to be with him as much as you can?" Keyria looked shocked.
"Well I don't know. I can talk to you, right? Like, I can trust you?" I spoke in a soft whisper, looking at her carefully.
I felt better when she smiled.
"Of course you can. You've got to have someone to talk to without it being overheard. What's wrong, Bella?" She touched my arm, a warm and caring touch.
"I don't really like Edward." I just blurted it out, I couldn't keep my mouth from moving.
"What? But he's your mate! Aren't you supposed to like your mate?"
"Well yeah, I guess. But I just don't. I was fascinated with him at first; the whole family really. We started hanging out since he was the only one single and able, besides Emmett anyway. Emmett didn't act interested, so I went with the one who did. Edward. It was kinda intense as first. I think he was as curious about me as I was with him. He started telling me he felt strongly for me; that he had to keep me safe and he didn't think he was strong enough to stay away from me. I didn't really feel the same, but he told me that only his mate could ever make him feel so strongly so quickly. I just went with it; I figured it would give me the chance to get to know the one I really wanted to know." I had rambled on, I could tell by the slight smile on Keyria's face.
I blushed and looked at my fingers, picking at my nails.
"Well, um. Alrighty then. So you don't actually like Edward in a romantic way, but you're his mate? But why would it be different with me? And who is it you really want to know?" She was almost as excited as I was, her eyes darting around as she thought.
"I don't know why it would be different. We're both h uman and they're both vamps, so I really don't know. Maybe it's just something different that happens." I took a minute and looked at her, that eager, brilliant white smile signaling she still wanted to know who the other person was. I groaned a little as I answered her.
"Jasper. The one I really want to know is Jasper." My voice had gone squeaky, the blush on my cheeks getting deeper.
"Jasper! You have a crush on Jasper! Oh my gosh, I can't believe it." She was laughing and excited, but at least she wasn't upset.
"Yeah, I know. I'm Edward's mate and crushing on a guy who's already taken. Ugh, I am so messed up." My head was in my hands, a little laugh as I thought about it.
"Well, I can't blame you in a way. I think there's a little more to him than anyone knows. And I feel for him being stuck with Alice. She is one annoying chick. He honestly looks like he's in pain around her most of the time. So... what are you going to do about it?" She leaned back, eyeing me as I thought.
"Well, if I could ever be around him outside school I'd probably try talking to him at least. But Edward hasn't really invited me to the house, and I'm not just popping up." I laughed and shook my head a little, shifting slightly in my seat.
"Well that's an easy fix; I'll invite you over. I live there too. so I'm pretty sure I can have friends over." She smiled, turning on the couch and stood.
"Really? You would do that for me?" I looked up at her, eyes wide.
"Well yeah. That's what friends do; they help each other out. Besides, I think it's horse shit Edward hasn't done it already. You are his girlfriend, so you should have met the family by now. And not just from school." Keyria looked at me, a little wiggle in her brow and a small smile on her face.
"Thank you. I've been thinking the same thing, but he always tells me the 'time's not right'." I mocked Edward's voice and did air quotes when I said the last part; huffing slightly as I slowly rose to my feet.
"I got your back; no worries. Now, why don't we grab some nosh and at least get our intro done before we crash out?" She linked her arm through mine when I nodded; letting me lead her through to the kitchen.
We each grabbed a soda and Keyria made us a big plate of Thin Wheat crackers, cheddar cheese and green onions to snack on upstairs. We chatted and munched, getting our introduction lined out for tomorrow. We decided to go back to the start of Forks. Keyria was going to do the town itself, and I was doing the Indian tribes of the area. It was shaping up to be an awesome project; and that would help our final grade immensely.
Her cell rang right as we were putting stuff up for bed; Emmett was calling to tell her good night. They talked for a few minutes, laughing and whispering most of the time. It wasn't like that when Edward called me, it was actually annoying and left me mad most of the time. It had actually gotten to the point where I wouldn't even answer sometimes. I just didn't feel like dealing with it sometimes. They got off the phone and we crashed, my thoughts revolving around how different things were going to be with Keyria around now.
Keyria's POV
It was a late morning; neither of us woke up until almost noon. I laid there for a few minutes looking at the dim light filtering in through the window.
Another dreary day in the town of Forks; lovely...
I rolled to my side and sat up, looking over my shoulder at Bella with a small smile on my face.
"Please tell me you have coffee?" I rubbed an eye as she laughed, smiling wider.
"Yeah, we've got coffee. You hungry or anything?" She rose and I followed, both of us walking sleepily downstairs.
"Coffee is my breakfast, that's what I'll be eating." I laughed a little, sliding into a chair at the table.
She shook her head and started the pot, grabbing two cups from the cabinet.
"Well at least I'm not alone in that anymore. Edward hates it when I don't eat, and that's half the reason I don't!" She smiled and leaned against the counter; at least she didn't bow down to him.
We fueled up on coffee and grabbed some snacks for later, heading back upstairs to get to work. We sat in almost silence, only the sounds of papers shuffling, keys typing, and pencils scratching to fill the silence in the room.
It felt like time had been slowly inching by when I looked up; the clock flashing close to six. We'd been working for hours and it had barely felt like minutes. I was rubbing my face when Bella's voice snapped my head up.
"Hey Keyria. I think you should see this; might be important." There was a slight tone in her voice that made it sound as if she wasn't just talking about the project. She handed me a paper; I took it with puzzled look on my face.
My mouth dropped open as my eyes landed on the photo. It was black and white, clearly a picture taken long ago. Apparently it was back when the town was just getting started, since the article was about the first doctor coming to Forks. I looked at the photo again, biting my lip as I looked closer.
It was Carlisle, that was very clear. But it was the woman to his right that had me puzzled. It was me; or rather someone who looked exactly like me. I squinted my eyes and read the tiny print beneath it:
'Forks was proud to welcome their first physician, and his nurse wife; Dr. Carlisle Cullen and Esme Platt Cullen...'
Wait, Esme? Platt? Esme Platt? But Platt isn't a common name, and I knew for a fact that Carlisle and Esme were already vampires at this particular moment in time. I hadn't really paid attention, but now I could see the similarities between Aunt Esme and myself. It was like looking into a mirror actually; an old, black and white mirror.
That's when the thought smacked me. We looked damn near identical, and clearly at one time her last name was Platt. So that could only mean one thing really. At some point in my ancestry, Esme was really part of my family. I was actually related to my Aunt Esme after all, even if it was very, very distantly.
That would explain why I was sent to them when my parent vanished; but why hadn't anyone told me? Was it just because they were vampires now? That might have explained part of it, but not why she wasn't anywhere in the history.
I scanned the rest of the clipping, noting that it must have been while Edward had been gone. He wasn't mentioned at all; and in that time he would have been if he were there.
I cleared my throat and smiled at Bella, keeping any trace of something more from my face.
"This should be pretty interesting for the report. I'll have to figure out a family connection though, since they do have the same names and all. Good eye for finding this!" I flashed a grin at her, acting as though I didn't put any of it together.
She stared at me for a moment, her eyes searching me for any clue that I connected the dots. I put it in with my other papers, shuffling through them quickly to get them in order. I saw her shake her head slightly, sitting up on the bed.
"Um, alright. We should get something to eat, we've been up here for a while." She stood and stretched, looking down at me.
"Wanna go out? I don't really feel like cooking." She smiled, apparently it wasn't something she could do often with Eddie hanging around.
I smiled and nodded, pushing myself to my feet.
"Sure, as long as I get to pay. I'm not freeloading, and you bought snacks and stuff anyway. My turn!" I laughed with her, sliding my shoes on and we left.
Finally at the diner, we ere being stared at as we ate. It was a little unnerving, and a problem Bella and I both had. They were boys from school, some of them we'd both turned down, and a few more than once. One of them I hadn't spoken to yet, but he was in a few classes. He was staring like crazy, a shy goofy grin on his face. Bella moaned and shook her head.
"Ugh.. that's Mike Newton. He really has no idea what no means, so watch out." She laughed a little, munching on a french fry as she rose her brows.
I just shrugged and went back to my burger, not really worried about the silly boy.
"Ah, I'm not worried. He's actually the only one who hasn't bothered me, but I think that's more because I'm not around him as often." I smiled as she nodded her head in agreement.
"Yeah, that could be it. He's in my year, a junior. And it might have something to do with you dating a brick wall. He's always shied away from Emmett, even in class."
I was just about to laugh with her when I saw him move from the corner of my eye. He rubbed his hands together and smiled at his friends, nodding his head and shaking hands with a couple of them.
"Great... here it comes..." I muttered under my breath so only Bella could hear me.
She dipped her head, then turned toward him as he stepped next to her.
"Look, Mike. I..." She was cut off rather rudely by his hand coming up.
"I'm not here for you Bella. You're a lost cause and I get that now. I wanna talk to Keyria here. She seems a little more accepting... no offense." He looked at her quickly and smiled, her face going from shocked to amused as she looked at me and cocked her head.
She gave me a sly grin and wiggled her brows, crossing her arms lightly in front of her. He cleared his throat and sat down between us, his eyes stuck on mine.
"So, um, I know you're supposed to be dating that Emmett guy, but come on. You guys don't even look right together, he's so much bigger than you. Why don't you give a regular guy a chance? Not just someone you're around everyday, but a true Forks boy." He finished his little speech and beamed at me, clearly proud of how well he had done.
I shook my head, smiling slightly at him.
"I'm sorry Mike, but I'm not dumping Emmett. You seem like a pretty nice guy, but I don't think it would work. Me and Emmett have a lot in common, and I don't know anything about you." I tried to look and talk apologetically, but he must not have gotten it.
He just kept smiling and shook his head, looking at me again with his head slightly to the side.
"Really? I seriously doubt that. C'mon, give a real local a chance to you some fun. I mean think about it, he is kinda weird, you know. And you're way too hot to be dating a freakishly large guy like that." He was laughing and my anger was rising.
"Don't call him that. I said no, now please leave." I stared at him, my eyes narrowed into small slits.
"Oh come on! You have to admit there's something that just isn't right with him. He's huge! Like, way too big for a normal guy. Admit it, you're only dating him cause you're living there. You don't really like the freaky guy, do you?" He sounded puzzled but I didn't really care, all I saw was red.
With speed that even shocked myself, I was on my feet and beside him in a flash. I grabbed a handful of his hair and jerked his head back, bringing my face over his.
"I told you not to call him that. You should have listened." I paused, watching his eyes grow wide.
"But I.. just wanted you to dump the loser and date me..." He was cut off by a sharp smack of his face against the table.
"Agghh! What the fu..." I shook my head and he stopped.
"Shut up and listen very carefully. Emmett is not a freak and he's not a loser. He's sweet, kind, and amazing. And he isn't just my boyfriend, he's my fiancée. So it isn't just a fling. If you ever talk to me again, you'll be sorry. And I hear you calling him a freak, I'll whip your ass myself. Are we clear?" I spoke in a deathly whisper, smiling sweetly as he nodded painfully.
"Good. Now get away from me before I hurt you any more. And you might wanna go wash that face. I think I broke your nose." I laughed a little and let him go, looking at a very stunned Bella with a gesture for the door.
She rose with wide eyes, looking a little bewildered at what just happened. I went up and paid the waitress, looking at him when she asked what he had done.
"Didn't know when to shut up and wouldn't take no for an answer." I smiled at her shocked expression, leaving a ten on the counter for her tip before I walked out.
"What the heck was that, Key? Did he really deserve all that?" Bella was shocked, her voice quiet even though we were outside.
"I don't know, Bel. He just really pissed me off talking about Emmett like that. I don't really know why, I just did it. Maybe it's a mate thing." I looked at her, unable to keep the smile from my face.
I know if Emmett could have seen that he would have been so proud, and that thought alone made my heart glow and my smile grow wider. We were silent on the ride back to her house, only chatting about other things before going to bed.
I dreamt of Emmett that night; a dread that had me wishing I was a vampire already. That wish only got stronger when I woke up to his phone call, the clock flashing noon.
"Wake up sleepy head. I'm out here to take you home." He laughed through the phone and I sat up.
Bella was still sleeping, so I kept quiet and left her a note. I grabbed my stuff quietly and rushed down the stairs, stumbling out the door. I climbed into his jeep and tossed my stuff in the back, leaning over to him for a deep, intense kiss. His hands found my waist and my tongue slid between his smooth, cold lips. Out mouths meshed together, our tongues dancing a fast tango before he moaned and slowly pulled away.
"You didn't miss me at all, did you Ria?" He teased me and chuckled, squeezing my leg a little.
I smiled and shook my head, scooting closer to him and straddling the shifter. He would have to reach between my legs to shift gears, and I could tell he knew it. I bit my lip as he looked at me hungrily, a little blush creeping up my cheeks.
"I didn't miss you any more than you missed me, Mac." I spoke innocently, my left hand sliding over his thigh.
I don't know what it was, but I felt like I had to touch him. I needed to feel him under my skin, have him so close that it hurt.
"Mmm.. Damn it, Ria... You're gonna make this so hard..." He looked at me, his eyes dark and voice husky with lust as he pulled out of Bella's driveway.
I giggled a little, staying silent as we went home. The entire trip was full of touches, smiles, and sideways glances. We pulled into the drive, walking into the house hand in hand.
"You feel like playing a few matches, babe?" He kissed my hand, winking and smiling broadly.
I bit my lip and looked at him, feeling horrible for telling him no.
"Um, I kinda need to talk to Aunt Esme. It's pretty important too. When I'm done I'll be all yours, okay?" I stepped closer to him, my head falling back as I looked up at him.
He looked sad for a minute, then smiled and kissed me hearing I'd be all his when I came back.
"Okay babe. Take care of business and I'll do a few practice ones. She's out in the garden, playing with her flowers again. Hurry." He cupped my face and kissed me again, a slow, lingering kiss.
I sighed as I watched him go upstairs, promising myself I'd make this as fast as possible.
I stepped outside and found Aunt Esme, standing next to her with my arms crossed lightly.
"Aunt Esme? Is there something I should know about our family?" I asked her quietly, hoping I wouldn't sound too accusing.
She looked up at me, a slight confused look on her face.
"We have already told you everything about us, sweetheart. Is there something else you have questions about?" She spoke sweetly, rising to her feet as she pulled off her gloves.
"Not this family, Aunt Esme. Our family."
AN: Mwahaha! I know I am evil! But I do it so well! Please review if you read, I know there is bound to be questions!