AN: thank you so much for reading and reviewing
Disclaimer: Stephanie Meyer's owns everything Twilight.
Fill me up, buttercup
There was no sound as we stood there. I finally understood the phrase "deafening silence," because that was what I was experiencing at this very moment in time. Rosalie on the other hand didn't seem to have the same revelation, she instead grabbed my arm and lead me toward a table in the back corner of the lunch room. As we passed other students the silence began to lift, and quiet conversations began to build throughout the room. Everyone's eyes seemed follow us to our destination.
Once we reached the table where Emmett and the rest of his friends were sitting, Rose indicated for me to sit on one side of Emmett while she took her place on the opposite side. Emmett leaned over and gave her a peck on the lips and then turned to help me maneuver my crutches under the table. After I was situated he pushed a full tray of food at me a silent, but obvious hint for me to eat. Over the weekend feeding me became Charlie and Emmett's main priority, Sue had to step in at one point when I looked like I was about to burst if I took another bite of whatever they were shoving down my throat at the time.
"Hey little Bell, hows the day going? How's your knee?" Emmett asked as I picked up the apple that was in front of me. I simply shrugged, I was too nervous to say anything, and I had only looked up to meet Emmett's eyes once when he handed me the food.
"Has anybody been giving you shit? They have haven't they, tell me who because nobody messes with my baby sister." He stated, I looked at him with wide eyes as I realized he just admitted our relation to all of his friends. A chocking sound made me and everyone else at the table look to the boy sitting across from me.
"Eddie, you alright man?" Jasper drawled as he hit is back to help him out. Edward just nodded but focused intently on his own food.
"So, Emmett it seems you have some news." A sweet sounding voice asked that was sitting in between Jasper and Edward said. I recognized the girl right away. Alice Brandon, she was about 5 feet 2 inches tall and had short black hair that was spiked in the back. I had seen her walking around the halls at school, usually on the arm of Jasper, but I had never had any interaction with her.
I felt a tap on my shoulder and looked to my left to see Rosalie leaning around Emmett's back and she mouthed "PIXIE" to me and then pointed at Alice. I smiled a little and went back to eating the apple I had picked up as a way to avoid eye contact any longer.
"Well I'm glad you asked, Turns out Bella here" and he threw his large arm around my small frame as he continued "is my little sister." He stated proudly, then removed his hand and began eating the french fries on his plate.
Alice spoke up again "That's all your going to give us Emmett." he smiled and nodded and she huffed mumbling something about stupid boys and their lack of detail. I then felt her eyes boring holes into the top of my head as I was still focused on the table.
"Well Bella, can you please explain to me this little detail." Her tone was dripping with disgust. I looked up then not sure if I should answer or not, because I wasn't sure if she was asking sincerely or if she wanted to know why the hell I was sitting at her table.
Rosalie seemed to notice my frightened stare because she answered for me. "Bella is Emmett's little sister, it's a long story, that I'm sure neither really want the entire school to be made aware of, so that's the only information you are getting right now." Alice huffed, and Jasper put his arm around her trying to console her. I smiled at Rosalie in thanks, she nodded and then the rest of lunch continued. Alice seemed to get over whatever her problem was and then started planning some shopping trip with Rose for a winter formal that the school was hosting at the beginning of December. The boys at the table talked about football and some other sport. I spent the remainder of lunch eating my apple and trying to hide my discomfort. I also felt the rest of the student bodies eyes taking turns staring at me.
The lunch bell rang informing me that my time in Forks own personal zoo was done for the day and I couldn't be happier. I began to grab my back pack and then I reached down for my crutches. A hand was already holding them up, and I met a pair of green eyes.
A crooked smile spread across his face "how about I give you these and I take that back pack" I don't know what happened but I had no voice and for once had no desire to deny the help offered. I nodded dumbly and gave him the bag and I took my crutches and we made our way to AP Biology.
Once we made it into the room, I handed Mr. Banner the same note that I had to show all of my teachers today indicating my new last name. He smiled and nodded and Edward led us back to our table.
"Alright class, today I want you to work with your lab partners on filing out this study guide that will help you with the next test. I'll be up here and available for any questions." With that he passed out the papers and told us to begin.
Edward and I started filling out our sheets separately, but I could sense him looking at me from time to time. I noticed that we seemed to be the only pair actually working while the rest of the class was catching up with each other. I sighed when I heard my name and figured they were still probably trying to figure out what the deal was with me and Emmett.
"Bella, do you know that answer to number 5, I can't seem to find it." I looked up to meet Edward's eyes and gave him the answer and showed him where I found it in the book. That began our routine until we had the whole packet filled out. I would ask him for help and him me. I realized that we had finished with about half the period left to go.
Edward began talking again, but for once it had nothing to do with my knee or school work.
"Bella, I know Alice can come across as rude, especially when she doesn't understand something or know all of the facts, I hope you can forgive her or at least look past it." I said a small okay, because I really wasn't sure what I was supposed to say to that statement. However my small answer seemed to be alright because he gave me a smile and started working on some other homework and I followed suit.
After class was over I made my way to gym and gave the teacher both notes, one from Dr. Cullen informing him of my limitations and the one with my new name. He directed me over to the bleachers and said that we can discuss what I can do to make up for my participation as this injury is going to last longer then the first one. I was in the middle of reading when I heard Emmett.
"Hey little bell" I looked up and smiled and he waved then returned his attention to the teacher and began playing basketball as they were all instructed to do so. Him and Rosalie were on the same team and choose to play in the court next to the bleachers where I was sitting. Throughout class he kept distracting my from my book and asking me to watch certain shots. I smiled each time because he was so happy, and Rosalie seemed to be happy that I was acknowledging Emmett and interacting with him. When class was over Emmett instructed me to wait for him in here and that he would be back to help me to the jeep and we could go home.
After about 3 minutes the gym was empty and I sat waiting for my brother. I smiled to myself when I realized that was the first time I thought of him that way my brother in such a casual thought.
"Don't get too comfy bitch." I looked up and groaned when I saw Tanya and her two lackeys coming towards me. I didn't respond thinking it was the best way to get out of this situation, plus I figured Emmett would be here soon.
"I don't know how you stayed here or what your deal is with the Swans, but just know that this little life you've created isn't going to last and you will be gone before you know it."
"Tanya, I told you to back the fuck off." Rosalie yelled from the other side of the gym. Tanya just looked at her and waved for her two henchmen to follow her out of the gym.
"Bella how long has Tanya been making threats to you?" I shrugged for the millionth time that day, I didn't want to drag her or anyone into my problems with Tanya. I still don't know what I did, I just knew enough not to bring anyone down with me.
"Rosalie, please don't tell Emmett" I whispered, looking around to make sure he didn't enter the room. She looked at me skeptically and raised an eyebrow.
"Why?"
"Because he is having such a good day, and he is so happy right now. Plus I don't need him trying to fight my battles. Please I can handle this on my own." I pleaded with her, hoping she would understand.
Emmett chose that moment to come into the gym announcing his presence and directing us to follow him. Rosalie nodded slightly to me, and I breathed a sigh of relief.
Ж
Emmett and I arrived at home at about 3 in the afternoon. He again scooped me out of the jeep and brought me into the house and sat me on the couch in the living room and ran out to get my crutches and our bags. He dropped my stuff off by me and went into the kitchen. He came out moments later with one of the largest sandwiches I've ever seen a large glass of some orange drink and a bag of chips. He caught me staring and just gave me a dimpled grin and went back to his eating. I laughed and started on my homework.
After about an hour of doing our work Emmett huffed and closed his last book.
"I don't know about you little bell, but I can't wait until we graduate and homework is D-O-N-E!" I laughed and agreed, but got a little sad, I didn't want the homework to be over I wanted to go to college, but it's never been an option for me.
"Well, I guess it really won't be done, I mean we have college afterwords, but at least we won't have like 7 classes that all have homework, only like three or four." I just nodded and reached for my book to read, not really wanting to have to hear about Emmett going to school. I'm happy for him, but after the past few weeks I don't think I could hold it together.
"You okay over there?" Emmett asked his voice had gone soft. I shrugged without looking up. He nudged the foot of my healthy leg that was planted on the floor.
"Bella, you can talk to me you know. I get that I don't give off that sensitive shit, but I am a good listener, and I'm always going to have an ear for my little sister. So stop with the shrugging and tell me what's going on."
My eyes started to sting with tears and I rubbed them before the tears had a chance to fall.
"It's just that a lot has happened this week. Don't get me wrong I'm so thankful for it, honestly it was more than I ever could hope for. I just feel bad." Emmett looked at me confused and waved his hand in front of him indicating that I should continue. "I want to go to college and I know that isn't a possibility for me. That's why I feel bad, because I have more than I ever dreamed of and I want more and I know I shouldn't." I looked back down at my hands that were resting in my lap after I was done.
I could feel Emmett shifting and felt his hands on my face making me look at him.
"You are going to college, for one I don't think dad would allow you not to. Second don't worry about the money, dad has some stuff saved up, and I've been given a partial football scholarship pending admission to Udub, and I'm sure there has got to be some academic scholarship just waiting for you. I mean shit you are a fucking genius." I laughed and wiped at my tears that were falling and shook my head. "Don't deny it. Edward's told me how you are in English and that biology class you two are in, and to impress him is pretty big, since he's the smartest kid in our class. So you listen to me Isabella Marie Swan. You ARE going to college and get all kinds of learnin' done whether you like it or not." He finished his statement with a kiss on my forehead and then turned the TV on and grabbed his bag of chips.
"Well said Emmett." I jumped and squeaked a little at the sound of Charlie's voice. He chuckled a little and leaned down placed a kiss on the top of my head.
"How was school today?" He asked as he sat in his recliner. I discovered this weekend that the old blue plaid color chair was his, and if he was in the room that's where he sat, and if you were in it and he came into the room you got out.
Emmett started telling him about his day, I didn't really pay attention, opting instead to read my book. Charlie's voice brought me out of the story I was engrossed in.
"Bells what about your day?" I smiled at the name, every time him or Emmett said their name for me I felt the flutter of hope begin to swell again. I shrugged in response which earned a glare from Emmett. So I started talking.
"It was okay, nothing to exciting happened." Charlie smiled and started to watch what Emmett had on the TV, apparently though Emmett felt the need to fill Charlie in, on things I didn't even know Emmett was aware of.
"That's not true little Bell. Pop, Jessica and Tanya were giving her shit again today." I looked at Emmett horrified that he would tell Charlie that, I'm already enough trouble with my leg, I don't need him to get dragged into issues I had at school with the other kids.
Charlie's eyes cut to me "What did they say Bells?" I looked at him and then Emmett and saw that I couldn't get out of this.
"I don't know, they just weren't my biggest fans before, and seemed to be upset that I was back. It really isn't anything to worry about." Charlie decided that his next sentence needed to be addressed to Emmett instead of me.
"Will you please keep an eye out and inform me if something happens." Emmett nodded his agreement to complete the task, and then the only sound in the room was breathing and the show that was on TV.
Sue came in about an hour later saying that she was beat from work and thought we should just order pizza. We all agreed and she went to order it when Emmett yelled at her.
"Ma order an extra one, Edward was going to come by tonight to play some basketball and his dad is working and his mom is at a conference so he needs to be feed." She said she would and my heart rate increased with the realization that Edward was coming here, to my home. Sue peeked her head into the living room, phone in hand.
"Bella what kind of pizza do you like?" I shrugged but then remembered the seemingly unwritten rule in this family that that wasn't a satisfactory enough answer "pineapple and Canadian bacon, but I'll eat anything."
"Oh good, that's my favorite and those two don't like it so I rarely get to order it." She smiled at me and went to the kitchen to finish ordering.
A little while later I was still sitting in the living room reading and Charlie was watching TV. Sue was sitting on the loveseat reading her own book. Edward had shown up about 20 minutes ago and him and Emmett were outside playing basketball before the pizza came. Apparently it was a popular meal tonight because the wait was an hour. We all heard the car door slam and the two sweaty boys poor into the house. Sue got up and went to pay for the food while Charlie helped me up and into the kitchen. He pulled out a chair for me and brought and extra one to my right so I could put my leg up. I said a quiet thank you and smiled at him. His eyes lit up and he went to take his place.
We all had our food and the table was alive. The boys and Charlie were talking about sports and Sue teased all of them, but the best part was they all included me. I was able to speak up and I teased with the best of them. All throughout the meal I would catch Edward's eye, and he would either smile or wink. Either way my stomach filled with butterflies, and my face would flush.
Edward said goodbye at around 10, and said he would see Charlie for fishing on Saturday. I was informed during dinner that once a month Charlie and Dr. Cullen would drag Emmett and Edward out to the lake to fish, while Esme and Sue would sit at one of the two houses and relax. Then they would all get together and have a big dinner of what they caught, or they would thaw out some steaks just in case.
I went to bed that night with so much hope that my life was going well, I wasn't sure my body could hold it all.
Ж
The rest of the week went by in a blur, and I followed much of the same pattern that I had the first day back at school. There were a few differences though. The queen and her witch twins left me a lone, I would go to the cafeteria on my own, and Edward and I had developed a friendship. We would talk before classes and during if we were given the time to. He was a very funny man, and on Friday he even asked me to help him in a prank against Emmett. He said he needed my help because I live with him, he didn't tell me much more but said I would know more on Saturday. Which was today, I rolled over and looked at the clock groaning when I saw it was only 4:30.
I sighed when I heard the reason I was up, Emmett was grumbling and not walking very softly. Charlie had been banging on his door for the past fifteen minutes at least trying to get him up so they could go meet the Cullen's. I closed my eyes and waited for the noise to stop, which it eventually did and fell back into a peaceful sleep.
I woke for good to Sue shaking me awake saying we had to get ready and go over to the Cullen's for our girl time with Esme. She helped me up and into the bathroom, much like she had the rest of the week. At around 11 in the morning we were both ready and were in her car heading over to the Cullen's home.
It took us a while to get there, but we eventually turned off the main road and into a very long and curvy driveway that was hidden in the woods. My eyes almost bugged out of my head as I saw the large white home in front of me. I couldn't even begin to describe it, mostly because I had never seen anything else like it.
Sue and I started to get out of the car when a woman a little taller than me, with caramel colored hair approached us.
"Hi Sue, Hi you must be Bella." she said warmly and directed us into the home. It took us a few minutes because of the steps to get onto the porch, and usually Emmett was there to help with stairs for me, but eventually we made it. Esme had instructed me to call her that saying that Mrs. Cullen was an old witch who lived in Chicago.
The plan for today was to watch lifetime movies and eat junk food in the massive living room, while the steaks marinated. I was informed by both women it was a rare day that they didn't have steak on these days.
It was about 3 in the afternoon when the boys returned the house, all of them grumbling. The boys were complaining about being woken up at an ungodly hour for nothing, and the men about the boys and their lack of respect and appreciation for male bonding.
Esme heaved herself up off the couch and directed all the males to take showers and change because they smelled, and promised them food when they were all done. Sue had followed her into the kitchen to help. When I had attempted to get up to help, Sue and Esme both stopped me and told me to relax, which I found odd since that was what we had done all day.
I had been sitting in the living room getting antsy waiting for someone to join me. I got my wish a few minutes later when a wet haired Edward plopped down on the couch next to me and sighed.
"Be thankful you are a girl and your knee is busted, otherwise you would have had to endured two middle aged men talking about the glory days of their youth and telling you how you don't understand life."
I giggled at his statement and his body language, he was making himself as long as possible while sitting, and had his head resting over the back of the couch and eyes closed. At the sound of my voice he turned his head and peeked at me from one eye and a smirk came across his face.
"Oh you think that's funny" and without warning he had his hands tickling my sides. We were both laughing loudly as he continued his assault as carefully as he could.
He started to slow down after a moment and both of our breaths were coming out with effort. I looked into his eyes and saw something staring at me that I've never seen before, and my breathing stopped. I noticed his gaze travel down to my lips and back up to my eyes, and he apparently saw what he needed to as he began to lean in. Unfortunately Emmett's voice broke the trance.
"Hey Eddie, do you still have the super Nintendo, because I am in the mood for some good old Mario cart." he asked while he settled himself in the chair to our left. Edward had returned to his side of the couch before Emmett entered the room. I looked at Edward as he ground out yes and started to get their game set up.
My breathing had returned to normal when Emmett addressed me.
"So little Bell, do you know how to play" he motioned to the gaming system. I was about to answer, but I got distracted by all of the gaming systems that they had, god almighty I didn't even think there were that many out there. Apparently my stare was a little too long
"Bella, you okay" Edward asked, I shook myself out of my daze.
"Yeah, sorry, no I haven't ever played a video game." This statement lit up Emmett's eyes and thus began my tutorial into all things related to video games. At one point Emmett had gotten up to point out a consul and Edward leaned over and whispered in my ear.
"You better pay attention, buttercup, because I think he may test your knowledge later." My breathing hitched when he returned his attention back to Emmett.
Esme broke me out of my spell, and told us supper was ready. Much like supper had been earlier in the week, this meal was filled with conversations and laughter.
Once we were done eating, Sue asked Edward to play a song before the adults put in a movie to watch to wind the day down. I was confused until I saw Edward go over to the piano I had noticed earlier.
He sat down with ease and began playing a song that I had heard a few times in my life and singing with a voice that touched my soul
Why do you build me up (build me up) Buttercup, baby
Just to let me down (let me down)and mess me around
And then worst of all (worst of all) you never call, baby
When you say you will (say you will) but I love you still
I need you (I need you) more than anyone, darlin'
You know that I have from the start
So build me up (build me up) Buttercup, don't break my heart
Charlie began dancing with Sue and Carlisle and Esme took a turn as well, Emmett was doing something that he called the shopping cart.
The whole time Edward was singing he was staring at me. His voice wasn't perfect, but to me it felt like velvet that wrapped me and kept me safe. Once again hope filled my heart, and I went to sleep that night dreaming of dancing and green eyes.
AN: please read and review- again I will send a preview of the next chapter.