AN: So the Easter bunny just stopped by my house to drop off my daughter's basket full of goodies and he asked that I pass this along to you all.
Thanks again for the reviews:
Disclaimer: SM owns all things Twilight
Something There
Sunday was apparently a day of discussion in the Swan household. I almost wished they would have switched the activities of the weekend around, because I could have used a day or relaxation after today.
I had woken up around 8 in the morning and realized that I was the only one functioning in the house. I sat in bed trying to think of what to do, I had my homework done for the next few days, and my room was fairly clean due to the limited amount of time I have actually spent in here while awake.
I sighed and got up and decided that I would try and make everyone breakfast, it was the least I could do for everything that they had done for me.
When I got to the stairs I remembered why I was usually not the first one up and active in the mornings, someone was always up to help me with the stairs. I didn't want to wake anyone up, so I used the railing to help lower myself to my butt and took my crutches in the other hand, and slide down the stairs on my ass a la a toddler.
Once I was on the main level I made my way to the kitchen. I leaned my crutches on the wall and hobbled in between the refrigerator and the cabinets to gather all the ingredients and tools needed to make stuffed french toast.
Cooking was a skill that I needed to have because when I turned 10 my mother required me to start making her meals. That was also the year that I started hanging out in the cooking section of the libraries.
When I was putting some of the ingredients back in the fridge I noticed a package of bacon and decided that would be appropriate for breakfast as well.
While everything was cooking I began to set the table for the four of us to eat. Once I was done and had the food on serving dishes I had to say I was pretty proud of the set up. I smiled because it looked how I always pictured breakfast would look if I had a normal family. Well I guess I sort of do now.
"Wow Bella, this looks amazing." Sue said as she entered the room still in her pajamas. I whispered a quiet thanks, and went to sit down because my leg was starting to hurt.
Sue joined me at the table when there was two pairs of pounding footsteps and voices shouting while making their way downstairs.
"Sue have you seen Bella she's not in her room." Charlie huffed as he made his appearance in the kitchen. When he took the sight in that was in front of him he paused. Unfortunately him stopping his movement was a surprise to Emmett because he just plowed right into his back. Charlie stumbled forward but both men were able to gain their footing before either made an introduction to the floor.
Sue laughed at the two before saying good morning and inviting them to join us at the table.
"Whoa Ma, you really out did yourself, this looks amazing" Emmett praised while filling his plate up. Charlie made his agreement with Emmett's statement.
"While I thank you both for your compliments. I was not the chef of this mornings feast, and you need to direct your comments to her." She said smiling and pointing at me.
I blushed bright red as both the men at the table looked at me in awe and complimented me. Their praises only increased as they ate, however they were more mumbled as they were never fully finished chewing.
After we had cleaned everything up and I was once again settled on the couch. Emmett had left to hang out with Rosalie for the day, and Charlie was getting ready to watch a football game. Well that's what I thought he was doing, but then Sue came in and said she was heading to the grocery store and she would see us in a while. Charlie then turned off the TV and faced me with a very serious expression on his face.
"Bells we have to talk about some stuff okay. Now before you get to worried I'm not going to force you, but we do need to come up with a game plan." he looked at me waiting for an answer.
I nodded without saying anything because I really had no idea what he was talking about.
"Alright, so Carlisle gave me the name of the physical therapist and some exercises that we can work on at home to get your leg better. He also gave me a name of a therapist." He said the last part and it just kind of sat there in dead air. I didn't want to see a therapist, I thought I was handling everything alright. Then I looked into Charlie's eyes and I could tell that I would be going at least once.
"Bells I can tell you don't want to go, and I'm not going to make you" I perked up at that, because my assumption was completely off.
"However, I need you to talk to someone about what happened, whether its' me, Sue, Emmett or any of your friends. I'm not just talking about the past few months, but what happened before."
My eyes started to tear up a little as he kept talking. He had actually gotten up and came by to sit next to me. He put a comforting arm on my shoulder and leaned me into his side.
"Baby girl, I'm not sure what happened when you lived with your mom, and I only know a little bit about what happened when you were in foster care. However, I've seen the scars Bells, and I just wish I could take them all away, but baby I need you to tell some one. You just need to get it out there." By the time he finished his voice was cracking and gruff sounding and tears were falling down his face as well.
Seeing this strong man seemingly broken tugged something in me, I agreed and told him when I was ready I would talk to someone. I didn't want to put those thoughts in his head, there was no need for them.
We stayed like that for a while, Sue returned and Charlie helped her put the food away. They both came into the room a little later and we turned on the TV to watch the game I thought Charlie was going to watch before.
"I thought this was a day game" I asked because it was starting to turn dark outside and Sue had mentioned starting supper.
Charlie chuckled and pointed at a box under the TV "DVR, no worries there Bells." Sue just rolled her eyes at her husband.
After Emmett returned and we had supper, and I was sitting in my room getting ready for bed when there was a small knock on the door. Sue poked her head in when I said whoever it was could come in.
"Hey Bella, do you have a minute." I said I did and motioned for her to sit on my bed.
"Charlie told me you two talked today, and I just wanted to say that I'm glad and I wanted to let you know that I'm here if you ever need a woman to talk to okay." I nodded and said thank you.
She got up and came over to the head of my bed and placed a small kiss on my forehead.
"sweet dreams, baby girl."
Once she left I let the tears fall. While I didn't really have any in-depth discussions like Charlie and Sue seemed to be wanting, it was still emotionally draining. I've never been around people who have cared for me so much and my tear ducts apparently didn't know any other way to process it.
I eventually cried myself to sleep.
Ж
Like the week before, Sue woke me up and helped me get ready for school. Emmett had a bowl of cereal waiting for me when he brought me downstairs and into the kitchen. I picked up the spoon and looked inside the bowl and quirked and eyebrow at him.
"What, so I'm a fan of Special K. Please don't tell anyone, besides I wanted to repay you for yesterday." He smiled at me, I let a small giggle escape and started eating my breakfast.
Eventually we were on our way to school and Emmett parked next to the silver Volvo XC90 as he did every day. I only knew the name of the SUV because the first time I saw it Emmett spent the entire drive home discussing his love for Edward's vehicle.
However, today there was a small turn of events though. Before Emmett could make his way over to help me out of his jeep, the door had opened and Edward's hands were around my waist and helping me down.
As he lowered me to the ground our bodies brushed against each other. I looked down and mumbled a thank you as the all too frequent flush colored my cheeks. I felt Edward's index finger under my chin and began raising my head so I could look him in the eye.
"You're welcome" he whispered before Emmett made his way over and startled us. Edward jumped back a few steps and greeted Emmett. I caught his eye and a small smirk came across his lips and his face turned a light shade of pink. Well what do you know Edward Cullen blushes.
Emmett grabbed my bag and started heading to the school when Edward reached out and grabbed it from him.
"Hey man, why don't I just take her bag. We have the same class and that way you don't have to rush to the other side of the school to make it to your first period on time."
"Thanks man, I'll see ya later little Bell." Emmett shouted as he started making his way towards his locker and class.
I smiled at Edward and indicated for him to lead the way. We stopped at my locker first than his, the whole time I could feel the eyes of the other students on me. I was starting to wonder if I had a neon sign above my head that said look at me, because I have been stared at every day since coming here. I used to blend into the student body at my other schools and was pretty much ignored, at times I wished for that solitude.
Ж
The morning flew by and before I knew it lunch time was here. I began making my trek to the cafeteria I had my head down focused on making sure I didn't trip and injure myself further. I heard someone yell my name as I neared the doors to the lunch room.
"Bella," Alice called again as she got closer to where I had stopped and waited for her.
We hadn't really gotten past the first impression that had occurred last week. She basically ignored me and I pretty much ignored everyone else unless they had made direct contact with me first.
"Thanks for stopping. Um, can I talk to you for a second before we go in there." She nodded her head towards the doors I was about to enter. I shrugged my shoulders and followed her to a quiet corner by some sophomore lockers.
"I just wanted to say that I'm sorry about last week. I know that I can be rude at times, but I was shocked and as I'm sure you can guess I don't like not knowing things. As for the rest of the week I really wasn't sure what to say to you. I just hope you can forgive me and we can start over."
I was still a little weary, but I didn't want to make things uncomfortable and I'm pretty sure Emmett won't let me skip out on lunch so I agreed and she bounced and chatted merrily as we made our way to the table.
As we approached everyone Edward saw me coming and raised his eyebrows and motioning to the girl next to me. I simply raised my shoulders, I really wasn't sure what brought on her apology. To be honest it threw me for a loop to the point that I wasn't registering what she had been talking about since I agreed to the truce.
We each took our respective seats since everyone else was already there. Emmett pushed the tray full of food in front of me like he did every day. I had been doing better and eating a little more than I did the first day, not because I was hunger, but because I didn't want to see the look in Emmett's eyes when I didn't.
In the middle of lunch the conversation turned to what everyone's Thanksgiving plans were. With everything going on I had completely forgotten that Thanksgiving was this week and that we only had school for two days. Rosalie was going with her parents to Seattle to be with her grandparents, Jasper was flying to Texas with his family, and Alice was heading to Portland to see her cousins.
"What about you Bella?" Alice asked me. Before I could answer Emmett responded.
"You know we always go over to the Cullen's for holiday's since Eddie's mom refuses to see his grandma and my parents don't have any family anymore." I looked up at Emmett in shock, because No I didn't know what our plans were or what our extended family's status was.
"Yeah Alice, you know Emmett can't not have my mom's pumpkin pie." Edward pipped in.
Everyone started laughing and agreeing to Edward's statement and finished their meals.
Ж
It was about 10 am when we pulled up to the Cullen's home on Thursday. The rest of the week had gone by with no big events and yesterday Emmett and I stayed home while Charlie and Sue went to work. Emmett spent most of the day trying to educate me in the fine art of gaming. I think I'm more confused today then I was before he started explaining everything to me.
Charlie had told me the night before that we spend pretty much the whole day at the Cullen's. He said we ate around 3 in the afternoon, but Esme and Sue liked to cook the majority of the food together.
Sue took the lemon meringue pie I had made the night before out of my hands. I had asked Sue what Dr. Cullen's favorite was and she said she wasn't sure but that he was always complaining about only having pumpkin and apple pie on Thanksgiving and he would love variety. She said her and Esme weren't big bakers and those were the only kinds they could make well so that's what they had. I had told her that I wanted to bring something as a thank you for everything they had done and wanted to contribute something to the meal, hence the pie.
Our little family made our way up the stairs to the Cullen home and as soon as Emmett placed me on my legs he barged into the house. Announcing his presence and his need for some snacks before football. Charlie smacked him on the back of his head reminding him of manners.
Charlie had done that a few times, as well as Sue and Rosalie. The first time it happened I flinched, but didn't say anything. I noticed that they didn't do it often, but they usually had a smile or laugh on the face, also it was never very hard. It was still hard for me to see, but I decided that I wasn't going to have my issues interrupt their way of life.
Sue and Charlie took our food into the kitchen where I followed. Esme and Carlisle were standing in there and greeted the other two adults.
Carlisle's eyes light up like a Christmas tree when he saw the pie that Charlie was holding.
"Please tell me that is store bought and you two have finally taken mercy on my stomach and decided to change it up a bit this year."
Sue scoffed "You wish. No Bella made this for us so all your praise and thanks needs to be given to her."
Carlisle beamed at me and walked over and planted a very fatherly kiss on my forehead.
"You are now my favorite." He stated as he looked at the pie longingly.
"And what am I, chopped liver?" I jumped a little at Edward's voice, but recovered before anyone noticed.
"Can you make a pie that isn't apple or pumpkin?" Carlisle asked his son with a raised eyebrow. Edward shook his head in the negative and Carlisle continued. "Well, I wouldn't say you are chopped liver, but you definitely rank below Ms. Isabella here." He had placed his hands on my shoulders and gave me a small squeeze as he finished talking.
By the time the three men left the room to join Emmett to watch the pre-game show my face must have looked like a fire truck.
However once they left the three of us got to work. I was very happy to be helping these women and my list of everything I was thankful for this year just kept getting bigger and bigger. Both woman had shown me more motherly affection in the past few weeks then I had ever felt from my own mother. To be honest I felt that way about them within an hour of meeting each of them.
A little while later Charlie came into the room and asked if I need to rest my leg. I nodded as it was getting pretty sore and I needed a break from the kitchen chair that I was using as a stool, especially if I would be eating our supper this way. He led me into the living room where all the boys were and directed me towards the couch... towards Edward.
Carlisle and Charlie were sitting in the recliners and Emmett was sprawled out on the loveseat, so next to Edward was the only option. I sat down on the end and leaned back against the arm rest and stretched my leg in front of me. I apologized when my foot hit Edward, he simply smiled and scooted over a little. However it was in the opposite direction I thought he would, he moved closer to me and picked my leg up and laid it down in his lap. He didn't say a word but returned to watching the game.
Up until the time Sue and Esme called us for dinner we didn't move and my heart felt like it was going to pound out of my chest. This boy was going to kill me.
Once we were all situated around the table Carlisle stood up and cleared his throat.
"I know most of us want to dig right in to the delicious looking meal that has been prepared for us, especially a certain pie." he stated and winked at me before continuing. "But as you know it is a tradition of the Cullen's and Swan's to say what we are thankful for and then we can eat- so with that said everyone please try and keep Emmett's stomach in mind when it's your turn."
Everyone snickered a little at the comment and Emmett just smiled as proud as he could be.
Carlisle cleared his throat again and began.
"I'm thankful as always for my wife and son, old friends and new ones, and for the wonderful meal before us." He indicated that it was Esme's turn next.
"I'm thankful for my husband, my son, good and stable jobs for both Carlisle and me, a roof over my family's head, and for all of the Swans."
Sue spoke next "I'm thankful for Charlie and Emmett, our good home and good food, but this year I'm thankful for my daughter, Bella." at the sound of my name and daughter I looked up at her. We both had fresh tears pooling in our eyes. I saw Charlie reach over and grab her hand and gave it a squeeze, before he began.
"I'm not a man of many words, but this year I feel as though I could combust with the amount of things I'm so grateful for in my life. As always I'm thankful for my loving wife, my son whom I couldn't be prouder of, but this year I am so blessed, because this year I get to be thankful for my baby girl. I am so proud of her, and I am so ecstatic that she found her way to us and has made us complete."
By now the tears that had developed when Sue spoke were pouring down my cheeks.
"That was good pop." Emmett said and began his own list of gratuity. "Well I'm thankful for my Rosie, even if she isn't here to hear that. I'm thankful for my ma and my pop, and for all of their support. I'm thankful for this good lookin' food and that we have a new pie to try. Most of all this year I'm thankful for my new baby sister."
Apparently no one at the table expected Emmett to be so serious, we all just sort of sat in stunned silence until Esme indicated for Edward to go.
"I'm thankful for my mom and dad, a roof over my head, my car, my friends, and buttercups."
I blushed when he was finished, when no one had been listening to us this week he would always call me buttercup.
I realized that it was my turn, of course I had to go last, stupid leg put me on the opposite side of Esme and in between Edward and Carlisle.
"I guess it's my turn, I'm thankful for all of you and for you all being so welcoming of me." it wasn't what I'm sure they all wanted to hear, but I didn't know what to say.
Ж
It was later in the evening and everyone was in separate parts of the home paired off. I had wondered around a little and found the Cullen's library. I was currently sitting on the floor with my legs splayed out in front of me reading a book called Mrs. Mike. I had become so engrossed in the story that I didn't hear that I had company.
"That's my mom's favorite. She said she's loved it since she was a young girl." Edward said as he sat down by me. I just looked at him curious as to why he was in here when everyone else wasn't.
"That was a good pie Bella. I can fully see why my dad replaced me with you." He chuckled and I stared at my hands in my lap not really sure what to say.
"Can I ask you something?" He asked after a few moments of silence, I nodded my consent and gave him a minute to formulate his question.
"I noticed when we were saying what we were thankful for at dinner you didn't say your mom. I can tell everyone knows something that I don't and if you don't want to answer it's okay, I was just curious."
"no it's okay. Um where to start." I put the book down and stared at my hands again. I felt Edward place his over mine and take one into both of his. His touch gave me a confidence I never knew I had and looked at him while I began talking.
"I didn't feel comfortable saying that I'm thankful for anything. My mom died in March. She drank more than normal that day, which had to be a lot for her, anyways it finally did her liver in. I guess it feels sort of inappropriate to be thankful for anything the same year your mom died. To add on to that anything I'm thankful for I wouldn't have right now if she didn't die." Edward still had my hand in his and was changing between interlacing our fingers and turning my hand over in his.
"I can see that, if you don't mind, what was it like living with your mother?"
I sighed not really wanting to answer, but not really able to stop myself from speaking. I always figured that when I told someone what my life had been like I would censor it, but with Edward I didn't. I wanted him to know and I trusted him with the information. I told him everything, from her drinking, to me scrounging for food. I told him about my beatings and the men.
When I was done I had tears falling again and I noticed that so did Edward. He removed one of his hands from mine and moved his arm around me. He tucked me into his side and kissed my forehead.
"It's okay to be thankful that she is out of your life and that that life is done. It's okay to be thankful for the loving parents and brother you have downstairs. To be honest I am beyond thankful for those things because that means you are here with me right now, and I wouldn't have it any other way."
I looked up at him when he was done talking. He took his hands and placed them on my face and ran his thumbs over my cheeks removing the evidence of my tears. He looked to my eyes to my lips and back. I gave a slight nod, not really grasping what was about to happen. He leaned in and I felt his lips tentatively brush mine. He looked me in the eyes and placed his lips on mine once more. I sighed and closed my eyes.
It wasn't a long kiss and most from the outside wouldn't call it intense because our lips remained closed, but the energy between us was one of the most powerful things I could imagine. We didn't seem to need a heightened passion, we understood each other enough to know that it was not the time or place for that.
Once we managed a few more pecks he tucked me back into his side and began humming and rocking me. I felt my eyes close again and sleep overtook me.
AN: Please review and you will get an extra little egg for the next chapter.