Chapter 14: Family

A/N: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended. (In other words – I don't own it, I'm just playing). Please take the time to leave some words if you really loved it or really hated it! Thanks to my beta FE71SH for working the magic.

-EPOV-

I watched Bella leave, a feeling of dread creeping through my body. I knew Alice wouldn't be able to see her, but I wasn't sure whether she would assume it was some sort of trick. She remembered Jacob and her blind spots well enough, but whether she would accept that's what happened I didn't know. I could only hope Carlisle would be the voice of reason if she started to panic. Bella was right. Alice was the key to getting the family onside.

I mentally ticked my family off a checklist in my mind. Esme was very loving. She would trust anyone I brought home, so long as they put a smile on my face and loved me as she thought I deserved. Carlisle would listen to Esme's input, but would never ignore the advice of the little pixie. If Alice convinced him that Bella was untrustworthy, he would go against Esme-begrudgingly, but he would. Jasper would-as Bella had correctly pointed out-do anything for Alice. If Alice supported my choice he would be unlikely to argue. Rosalie and Emmett were a little bit of an enigma, but would trust the guidance that Alice's foresight offered. We all did. We'd been relying on her for too long to ignore her advice. It was just that in this instance, I happened to know she was wrong. I knew she didn't have all the information.

I heard Alice long before I saw her. Her mind was consumed with concern and she was creeping up on the house slowly. Carlisle took note of her caution and was following her painfully slow footsteps. I sighed, and walked to the front door, throwing it open in invitation.

"She's not here," I said. "You know that Alice."

I don't know that, Edward, her inner monologue all but snapped at me. I saw her disappear. For all I know she could be laying in wait upstairs.

I rolled my eyes. "Really, Alice. You need to trust me. I wouldn't do that to you."

The Edward I know wouldn't, Alice argued.

"I am the Edward you know. Nothing has changed..." I trailed off as I heard the doubt building in Alice's mind. "I told you before, she's with Jacob and the pack. They are spending the afternoon together. They are close friends. They always have been."

I could hear Carlisle's internal debate as he listened to my one-sided conversation and ran through the risks and benefits. He decided that I at least wasn't a threat. He retained enough trust in Jacob to consider his friendship with Bella a character reference of sorts.

"Thank you," I said. "At least one person is seeing reason."

I turned and went back inside the house to wait for them to close the final distance. A few moments later, Alice and Carlisle were both standing in front of me.

"Thank you both for coming," I said sincerely. "I just want to get everything on the table now so that we can return to our normal lives."

"Does that mean you are coming back with us?" Carlisle asked.

Alice shook her head. "Not without the brunette."

"Bella," I prompted, garnering an eye-roll. "And Alice is right. I won't return without Bella. Believe me or not, she is in danger from the Volturi. You warned her about the danger in fact." I looked at Alice.

"I think I would remember that," she huffed.

I smiled indulgently. "Are you willing to listen to a story?"

Carlisle leaned forward and nodded. I was glad he was with us, his natural curiosity would definitely help my cause.

"Bella has a talent," I started.

"I knew it," Alice interrupted. What has she done to you? Can we fix it?

I closed my eyes and did my best to ignore her interruption. "I can't tell you exactly what it is, only that it is something that would be coveted greatly by certain parties."

Carlisle nodded. I knew he understood. Especially when his mind whispered, Aro.

"I didn't just fall in love with Bella," I said, worrying about this part of the conversation. This is where I could lose Carlisle's support. "I fell in love with her around thirty years ago. The last time we were in this town, in fact."

Carlisle's eyes narrowed and I could see him piecing everything together. The changes in Edward. The missing memories. Could that all be linked to this Bella?

I nodded a silent confirmation.

"But how?" he asked aloud.

I shook my head.

Either he can't tell us, or he won't.

"Both," I answered.

I wonder what her talent could be? He mused.

"All you need to know is that it's similar to Alice's."

"What?" Alice said. It can't be.

I chuckled at my sisters indignant thoughts. She liked being unique.

"Except instead of the future, Bella can see the past."

That was the point in the conversation where I lost them. Alice actually burst out laughing. "I can see into the past too, Edward. So can you. I'm sure Carlisle is able to as well. It's called a memory."

"Can you see my past?" I snapped. I was growing annoyed that I couldn't just tell them what Bella's talent was. But even if I could, I knew they would never understand. Even before Bella had torn herself from our lives, a certain mystery surrounded her talent where my family were concerned. I was the only one that ever truly understood what it was like. But at least they had accepted her. I sighed and decided to change tact. "Look, Bella was scared and uncertain and did something silly. I'm not going to allow her to continue to be punished for it. She's suffered enough. As have I."

"What did she do?" Carlisle asked.

I sighed. "I can't tell you...I'm just asking you to trust me." I levelled myself with Carlisle and met his eye. I hoped he would realise there was no hint of deception or hidden intent there.

Carlisle regarded me carefully and was about to speak when Alice gasped. She was having a 'vision' and I had to bite my lip to stop the smirk that threatened to cross my features at the reality. I knew it was actually a memory of Bella's. A memory from so long ago, when she was just new to the life.

Alice and Bella sat side by side on the couch. Bella was as still as stone. She stared pointedly at her lap, looking every part a dog reprimanded by its owner. Alice's fingers curled around her chin and pulled Bella's face toward her. There was no anger present, only awe.

Confusion laced Bella's features. "Aren't you upset?"she asked quietly.

Alice chuckled. "I probably should be."

Bella gave a nervous giggle in response. "I would be."

"Bella, I know you did what you thought was best based on what was in front of you at the time. We've all done that –"

The 'vision' cut off. If Alice paid as much attention to Bella as I did, would have noticed the whirling red irises. I didn't know what had happened, why Bella had felt it necessary to intervene, but I could tell Alice's opinion swayed slightly on seeing the two of them so friendly. But then she faltered.

"Maybe..." Alice started. Maybe she cast the same spell over me.

Bella must have realised she wasn't completely convinced and showed her another memory.

Alice pulled Bella from the house. Alice's whole body was stiff with tension as they put distance between them and our family. As soon as they were far enough away from the house, Alice spoke to Bella, without breaking stride. "Shield me, Bella. I don't want Edward to see this, at least not yet."

"You do realise I will share with him anyway?" Bella asked.

Alice sighed. "Yes, just like I will tell Jasper. But we need to work out the course of action we are going to take first... see it effects you more than anyone."

They had travelled another dozen miles before Alice spun on Bella and stopped cold.

"The Volturi are coming," Alice whispered.

"Oh my god," I replied.

"Just use your shield and watch." Alice held Bella's hand.

After the memory stopped, I pounced. "See, Alice, you will want to protect her. You will trust her judgement as highly as Jasper's."

Alice was still sceptical.

"The least we could do is meet the young woman," Carlisle suggested.

"You will be free to hate her if you like, Alice," I assured her, laughing. "But I doubt you'll be able to."

"So you are admitting that she could bewitch me?"

I laughed harder. "Only by the fact that she has the sweetest, most honest and loyal personality you will ever be able to find."

Alice shook her head. What has she done to you, Edward?

I knew it was a rhetorical question so I didn't answer it. "Would you like me to get her to come back?"

Alice watched the future, all of our futures disappeared after she'd agreed.

"I won't go in blind," she said.

"I'll tell her to come alone," I promised.

Alice saw the beginning of the meeting with Bella.

Alice sat in one corner of the small living room, open hostility was printed all over her features as Bella entered.

"Alice. Carlisle." Bella nodded to each of them before taking her rightful place by my side.

The vision spun suddenly through a number of different scenarios. I knew the reason; there were too many decisions yet to be made. Alice and Carlisle could react in one hundred different ways. There was only one certainty in all of the visions; Bella and I were firmly side-by-side.

- BPOV -

"All right, spill," Jacob demanded.

I sighed. I knew I had promised him that I would tell him everything, but it was harder to start than I thought. "Pull over," I said firmly.

Jacob smiled, knowing the reason I was asking him to stop the car was so that I could show him what happened. With my gift, it was often the easiest way for me to impart information. I ran through my meeting with Edward and my attempt to take him to La Push to return his memories. I skipped over our bedroom antics, and what had almost happened with Alice and Jasper. I knew he would hold a grudge against them for trying to hurt me. I did show him Edward's phone conversation with Alice and her worries about my talent.

"Alice doesn't know you?" Jacob clarified.

"None of them do. I think it's better that way. The less people who know what I can do, the better."

He gave me a grim smile and nodded.

I leaned my head back against the seat. "What can I do?" I asked. "How am I supposed to convince my own family that I'm not a threat? That I'm not going to hurt Edward?"

"Just be yourself, Bella," Jacob said, resting his hand on my knee. "Blind Freddy can see how you and Edward feel about each other. The rest of the Cullens will come around. In fact, I'd be surprised if Esme isn't already planning a big 'Welcome to the family' party."

I chuckled darkly. "I hope you are right."

"You know I'm right."

I shrugged.

"So...where to?" he asked. "How long do you think we have to stay away for?"

I groaned. "I have no idea. I don't suppose Harri is up for a little company? That is...if I'm welcome down your way." Other than my failed attempt to lure Edward to the La Push border, I had not ventured onto treaty land. I hadn't formally discussed the treaty with Jacob since long before my transformation. It was just a given that he and his family came to visit the Cullens wherever we were currently living.

Jacob surprised me by laughing loudly. "Do you mean the treaty?" he asked.

I nodded. "Don't worry," I said quietly. "I get it, I really do. Even those of us who try to live without killing are a danger."

He laughed louder. "Bella, the treaty has been defunct for years."

"What?" I asked in surprise.

"After...well after seeing what you did for Cain and what you've done for me and my family over the years, all of the elders agreed to cancel it."

"I guess I never got the memo," I said lamely.

He chuckled. "Well, we aren't exactly going to publicise a love for vamps now are we?"

"I guess not."

We headed down to the reserve but had only just reached it when my phone buzzed. I startled so hard I nearly crushed the tiny device in my hands.

"Bella, we are ready for you now," Edward's voice was tight and full of stress.

"Are you sure?"

I received a strained "Mm-hmm," in response.

"Should I bring Jacob back too?"

"You can't," Edward said.

"Oh." I couldn't help the bubble of panic building, threatening to render me immobile.

"I promised Alice she wouldn't have to go in blind," he explained.

"Do you think we should?" I asked. "Are you sure-"

"I'm not sure about anything, love," he sighed in responded. "All I know is this is our one chance to bring them on side. I don't want to ruin it."

"No, of course not," I agreed. Despite what they had almost done-and potentially could still do-to me, I wished them no ill will. They had no knowledge of how intertwined our pasts were. "I'll be there soon."

I hung up the phone and turned to Jacob.

"Are you sure you should go back alone?" he asked.

"I have to," I said, touching his arm lightly. "Thank you. For always being there. Regardless of what happens, I want you to know that I care deeply about you and appreciate everything you have done for both Edward and I."

"Bella?" he asked, narrowing his eyes. "You are talking as if I won't ever see you again."

I hung my head. "I know."

He growled. "Bella, if you are in some sort of danger going back there..." He trailed off before grabbing my hand. "Don't. Please?"

I closed my eyes. "I have to. I need to right what I have done."

"At least let me come with you?"

I shook my head. "No. I need to do this alone."

He must have sensed the determination in my voice because he dropped my hand. "Okay." He nodded and took a step back.

I gave him a small smile and stepped away.

"And Bella?" he called, just as I was about to run back to Edward. "Me too."

I gave him a bigger, more genuine, smile.

I ghosted through the town, and where possible, I took to the cover of the diminishing wilderness. Where I was forced into suburbia, I used the cover of trees and fences as much as I was able. I arrived back at my house in minutes. I wasn't sure whether to walk in or knock on the door and wait. I figured that, as my shield was down, at least two out of the three inhabitants of the living room knew I was due to arrive any second so I just entered.

I took in the room quickly. Alice sat in one corner, her mouth twisted into something that closely resembled a scowl. I took a moment to steady myself.

"Alice. Carlisle." I nodded to each of them in turn before I practically ran to Edward's side. As soon as I came within a few feet of him, his hand grabbed for mine, almost instinctively. I smiled as his fingers intertwined with mine and he gave my hand a gentle squeeze.

Alice nodded, but looked at me out of the corner of her eye.

"Lovely to meet you, Bella." Carlisle stood and extended his hand.

As I stood and shook his hand in response, I was so nervous that I couldn't help the giggle that escaped my lips. The giggle died away almost instantly, a melancholy feeling sinking in instead. For the past twenty years, Carlisle was a father figure to me. He was the one person in the family everyone went to for guidance. And now it was as if I was meeting him for the first time.

I sat back down and Edward's hand tightened around mine again. He made small circles with his thumb. I looked over to him and he gave me a tight smile. I wanted to make everything better. Despite our decision that it would be better if Edward's family didn't know about me, knowing the more everyone knew the more we all would be in danger, I wanted to give them back everything I had stolen. I wanted to be part of the family again. I didn't want the blank, unknowing looks that I was getting from both Alice and Carlisle. Each one was like a dagger to my still heart.

"Bella, can I talk alone for one moment?" Edward asked.

I nodded. He stood before wrapping his arms around me. He led me into the kitchen. I knew Alice and Carlisle would be able to overhear everything, but I trusted Edward's lead.

"Are you all right?" he asked, pulling me close to his body. "We don't have to do this if it's too hard."

I took a moment to breath in his scent, using it to calm my mind from their traitorous thoughts. I blew it out. "It's okay."

He rubbed his hands along my arms lightly.

"It will all be okay," he promised. "I was thinking, maybe a demonstration is in order? Show Alice what your visions entail?"

My visions? I asked in my mind, confused as to why he'd use that word. He knew as well as I did that they weren't simply visions, I literally stepped back into the middle of the events.

He nodded. "I know, love. I think Alice needs a little convincing." He winked.

Convincing? How?

"Just show her what you can do," he whispered. "Just trust me; you will know what she needs to see."

There's something you want me to show her?

He nodded.

Something only I can show her...

He nodded again and grinned at me as I realised exactly what he was planning.

But how can you be sure it won't make things worse.

"Trust me, it didn't."

"Okay," I said with a nod.

Edward led me back into the living room and we took our seat side by side.

"Bella has agreed to show you her talent," he told Alice and Carlisle. "Doing so is a great act of faith, because she is at her most vulnerable during that time."

I saw Alice's eyes widen a little in surprise before narrowing again.

Edward held my hand and nodded, letting me know that he had the memory he wanted me to see in his mind. I pushed out my shield and felt the familiar tug run through my mind as I fell back into the past.

Carlisle, Alice and Edward were seated in almost exactly the same positions as they were in the future I had just left.

Edward spoke first, his voice filled with undeniable authority. "All you need to know is that it's similar to Alice's."

"What?" Alice huffed.

Edward chuckled at something before continuing, "Except instead of the future, Bella can see the past."

Alice laughed loudly. "I can see into the past too, Edward. So can you. I'm sure Carlisle is able to as well. It's called a memory."

I knew why Edward wanted me to show Alice a memory. He was unable to explain anything else without giving too much away, but Alice wasn't going to understand without something other than Edward telling her she could trust me.

"Can you see my past?" Edward snapped. I could see him trying to calm himself before sighing. "Look, Bella was scared and uncertain and did something silly. I'm not going to allow her to continue to be punished for it. She's suffered enough. As have I."

"What did she do?" Carlisle asked, seeming genuinely concerned.

Edward sighed again. "I can't tell you...I'm just asking you to trust me."

I decided to help Edward with the first memory that came to mind. The one time Alice had put her absolute trust in me; the time I realised I was the one who had stolen her human memories and she was giving me carte blanche permission to review them and tell her whether she would want them back.

I watched Alice closely as I showed her the memory. I could tell she wasn't convinced. I needed to show her that she could trust me. That she could confide in me. One memory presented itself immediately, her pulling me from the house so we could discuss the impending Volturi visit-the moment that started this whole mess.

"Maybe..." Alice started.

I cut her off by showing her the waiting memory.

"See, Alice," Edward said as soon as the memory stopped. "You will want to protect her. You will trust her judgement as highly as Jasper's."

"The least we could do is meet the young woman," Carlisle suggested.

I felt my mind returning to the present. I looked straight over to Carlisle. "Thank you, for being the one to offer to meet me," I said. "It means a lot to me."

Carlisle smiled. "So you can what, read other people's memories?"

"Something like that," I answered.

"Fascinating," he murmured.

You don't know the half of it, I thought and Edward chuckled by my side.

"You did great," he whispered into my ear.

So what now? I asked silently.

"Alice, Carlisle, I'm sure there is plenty you want to think about and discuss," Edward said, in a voice that clearly showed the conversation was finished. "You have my phone number when you are ready to talk."