Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight and the characters that make it amazing. I'm just borrowing them for a little while.

Chapter 6

Something Old, Something New

Isabella watched from the other side of Rosalie and Emmett's bedroom door as they waited for their turn to greet baby Keira. Esme had just come to get them as she had finally drifted to sleep. Her mind, frustrated from all of the sleep she had gotten lately, had not let her rest until then. The door was still closed to the room Rosalie, Emmett, and Carlisle were occupying. They could hear the cries of the newborn through the wooden door. Isabella stood, leaning against Edward due to her hurt leg. He was holding Emily in his other arm and she could see the painful expression written on his face. Her only thoughts when Esme had come in to inform them their new niece had been born were those of relief that it was not a male. She doubted Edward could hold it together to hold someone elses infant son.

Leaning farther into him, she wished she could alleviate at least a small part of the pain he was feeling. Just about two months prior, he had been welcoming new life into the world, just as Emmett was doing now. The difference was, Edward had lost someone just as he welcomed another. "Uncle Eddy, I'm tired..." Emily's little voice pulled her from her thoughts. She looked over to see the little girl burying her face into her Uncle's neck, trying to go back to sleep. He shifted a little and started to rock her gently.

"Do you want to see your new baby sister?"

She shrugged, honestly, and both Isabella and Edward had a good laugh. Suddenly, the door opened and Esme lead them in. Rosalie was on the bed, holding her new infant. Emmett was beside her, his large fingers making little circles on the baby's tiny arm. Edward still had an arm around her and his whole body went rigid for a few seconds. Everyone seemed to not be paying attention and had Isabella not known them, she would not have realized they were doing so on purpose. No one knew what his reaction was going to be and there were very few sudden movements. Esme just talked to her other son and his wife, beaming with pride, and conferring once in a while with Carlisle.

After about a minute, Edward moved the three of them forward. She limped along and felt his arm tightening his grip on her, as if worried she would fall. "I am okay," she whispered to him.

Rosalie looked around Esme to give a small laugh. "I see Sleeping Beauty is going to sleep through the chance at meeting her new sister..."

Emmett just shook his head, "Leave it to Uncle Eddy to put her to sleep. Here, Edward, I'll take her back to bed."

When Edward handed over his brother's daughter, he seemed to not want to let go and the second she was out from his arm, both of this arms were brought tightly around Isabella. Esme beamed even brighter but Isabella felt awful for him. He was clinging to her as if she were his lifeline. Carlisle was cleaning some things up and Esme gladly took the baby for Rosalie so that she could rest a little. Isabella watched as Esme snuggled the baby close to her and cooed. Swaying from side to side, Esme eventually made her way over to them and held the baby out to Isabella. "Would like to hold her?"

She swallowed hard, looking to Edward for a sign that this would not be a good idea. He reluctantly let her go, guiding her over to a chair by the bed so that all of her weight was not on the sore leg. Esme handed the tiny infant down to her and immediately Isabella's entire body reacted. Her arms tightened as if to protect, her heart pounded as if immediately connecting the baby to feelings of love, and even her smile grew, as if to promise the newborn how much they were all happy she was there. Letting out a small cry, the baby balled up her little fists and whined. Instinctively, Isabella rocked her and whispered words of encouragement. The cries died away and the baby began to sleep lightly.

When she remembered there were others in the room, she looked to her husband and asked, "Would you like to hold her?"

He shook his head but came to kneel beside her. He rubbed the baby's little hand with two fingers and smiled at her in adoration. She wanted to hug him, to tell him it was okay to miss his own baby. Instead, she smiled as understandingly as possible. The chair was hard and she shifted after a couple more minutes, obviously uncomfortable. "I shall get Isabella back to bed," Edward stood and turned to Rosalie. "She is beautiful, Rose."

"Thank you. If ever you would like to hold her, just let us know. We know this is not easy for you. There will be others, though, Edward. Isabella is a natural. I promise you will be happy again...someday."

Everyone told them goodnight as he led her back to their quarters. Neither she nor Edward said a word the entire way back. Once in the privacy of their own room, she watched as he wiped at his eyes and undressed before climbing into bed and facing the wall opposite from her. Still standing, she stripped out of her gown, not caring what he had said about her sleeping with them on. She wanted him to feel her, all of her, to know that she was there. Shuffling up to him so she was lying directly behind him, she wrapped an arm around him and pulled him close.

His body was shaking a little and she realized that he must be crying...just too embarrassed about it to let her see. So, pressing her lips to his back, she laid as close as possible and held on for dear life. They stayed that way until the next morning, her refusing to leave him on his own, and him refusing to let her see his admission of torment.

~EA~

The next morning, Edward said nothing to her concerning the night before. In fact, he was once again gone before she was awake. Grabbing a cloak, she headed towards the dining hall but realized no one was there. Striding towards the doors that lead outside, she shivered as the cold hit her when she stepped into the wet courtyard. Making her way to the cemetery, she was truly surprised to not see her husband. Looking around for onlookers, she made sure no one was watching and pulled the cloak closer to her throat. Her fingers worked the wrought iron gate easily, it was evident that it was well cared for. It slid open easily and she followed the heavily beaten path that lead to the two stones that caused her hurt.

Garrett Anthony Cullen and Katherine Antoinette Denali-Cullen had just recently been visited, it was evident from the flowers that were as fresh as if they were just picked. They probably were, she figured, knowing Edward had been gone on his trip and returned days later only to watch over her for the next couple. She felt like she should say something to the princess but could not think of anything worthy. There was so much she wanted to say. That she was sorry this happened to her, that she would take care of Edward, that the princess would not be forgotten...and neither would Garrett.

She felt the need to find Edward, a desperate need that made her heart throb painfully. She found her way back inside, ignoring the confused expressions of Edward's family as she walked past them by herself. He was not there and she refused to stop until she found him. Almost expecting to find him back in their bedroom, she threw open the door and felt sick when he was not to be seen. The washroom door was open and she peeked in, it as well was empty.

Holding her breath, she gently turned the knob to his and Katherine's bedroom. There was no one in there and she knew. She knew exactly where he was. Slowing her breath and calming herself, she took a deep breath and opened the door to the nursery. She found him in the rocking chair, his face grim, and his eyes swollen. "Isabella..." he breathed when he finally noticed her. He stood then, draping a baby blanket over the crib railing and leaning against it.

"Bella," she corrected.

"Please, leave me."

Fear coursed through her as she thought he was going to send her away for good. He must have figured she'd feel that way because he quickly turned to her. "Not for long. I just...I need a few minutes."

"I know you are hurting..."

"Please go. Go eat breakfast and then we will take the horses out..."

"I'll just be in the dining hall. Take your time," she said to him quietly.

~EA~

"Good morning, Jasper!" Esme said cheerfully when Jasper walked in and over to them.

"Good morning, Esme. Emmett, congratulations. I regret not being able to leave the post last night..."

"Do you never sleep, Whitlock?" Emmett asked, laughing.

Edward walked in then and sat beside Isabella, cutting into their conversation and teasing his friend lightly. "I think he sleeps up on the widow's walk..."

"Hush. I just wanted to let Isabella know that there has been word from the Webbers of her clothing being ready. I can take her into town if that is alright with you, Edward."

"I will take her, Jasper. Thank you."

"Do you need me to escort you both?"

"No. We will be fine for the day. Would you like to go today, Bella?"

Isabella watched Carlisle smile at the nickname. "Of course. If you are up for it."

"When you get back we will have to see how everything looks. I am so excited to see the ball gown..."

"Esme..." Isabella began, about to tell her that they would not be attending and that the dress was going to have to be worn at another time.

"Yes, I would love to see it," Edward agreed with his mother.

Shocked, Isabella looked back and forth between the two of them. "I...do not...you said..."

"My mother is right, Bella, I can not keep you locked up here at the castle. We will attend the ball."

"But the others..."

"The others do not know what they are talking about..."

"Alright, then," Esme smiled, "we are going to the ball."

Edward grabbed his cup and raised it, "We are going to the ball."

~EA~

While she had been feeling better, her leg still hurt. He held her hand as she limped along beside him towards the carriage awaiting them. "I thought we were taking the horses..."

With a frown, he sighed, letting go of her hand and heading over to Jasper's horse who was currently grazing in the grass. He brought it over and patted it's side before looking at Isabella. "Mount her."

Isabella's eyes found his, she was shocked. "I...this is Jasper's horse..."

"I am aware of that, Isabella."

"We will not be able to take her..."

"We will not be taking any horses today."

"Then..."

"Mount her," he commanded again.

Shaking her head, she put her good leg into a stirrup and went to lift over the other. She immediately regretted it. The pain jolted her and she tried to hop down, only to get her good leg caught because of the stirrup. Jasper's horse was much taller than the horses she was accustomed to riding, if Jake had his way, she would only be allowed out on donkeys. This time, though, she could not deny her clumsiness. Just as she was about to fall, Edward pulled her to him, righting her even though her foot was still caught. The horse did not move, sensing something was not quite right. She immediately knew Edward was expecting this to happen.

With his arms around her, holding her firmly to the horse's side, she felt him reach down and help her free her foot. Now, she was on the ground but still in his arms. The horse wandered away. "Now, Isabella, will you trust my judgment?"

His eyes were burning into hers and she felt herself flush and her breath quicken. "Verily." His face was inches from hers, moving her head slightly would be all it would take for their lips to meet. Hers were already parted as she looked up at him, desire scorching her again. Just as they were about to touch, the neighing of one of the carriage horses broke the silence. They jumped, as if guilty, and Edward began to laugh. Taking her hand, he gently kissed it, before leading her up and into the carriage.

They made their way into town and Isabella immediately noticed that there were more people milling about than before. Edward explained that the ball was always cause for excitement. "They do not have much to look forward to, except Sunday picnics. The ball gives the citizens a chance to be a part of the community."

They found the dress shop and Edward helped her down and into the building. Women, young and old, were gathered to either make or pick up purchases. A thin girl with dark hair approached them. She looked a little stressed. Without actually getting a good look at them, she gave a small smile and headed behind the counter they were in front of. Grabbing a booklet, she began thumbing through it. "I need your name..."

"Cullen," Edward said firmly.

Her head snapped up then as her eyes went wide. "Edward..."

"Hello, Angela. I trust you have been well."

"Verily. I would like to say that I thought you have been well...but I can do nothing but offer my sympathy..."

"'Tis not necessary. We are here to pick up Isabella's things. Have you two met?" he asked, turning to Isabella. When she denied that they had, he turned back to the Angela. "Angela Webber, this is my...wife...Isabella Marie. I trust that you and yours have taken great care with her articles."

"Oh, yes. I feel you will be very satisfied with the ball gown we created for her. It truly is fit for a beauty such as herself."

"Thank you," Isabella blushed.

"Who is holding up this line?" crooned a girl about five people behind them.

"Thank you, Angela," Edward said. "I shall see you at the ball."

"You are very welcome."

While Edward carried the larger garment bags to the carriage, Isabella walked with Aundrea to get her mittens and small things. Each one was in a fleece lined box and the question of money came up again. She felt guilty. It was not until she was leaving, carefully trying not to drop anything, when she heard the annoying voice from before—the same one that was not being patient in line. This time, though, the voice was coming from the girl as she stood in front of Edward. He looked like he was about to panic. The guilt quickly dissipated as it was replaced by anger.

"I was wondering when we would see you in town again. I am sorry to hear of the princess's passing... but I would be happy to try to...satisfy that part of you that yearns for her..."

"That will never be necessary," he said, striding over to where Isabella was listening to them, hat boxes heaped in her arms. Taking the boxes, he lead her over, "Bella, you should have waited for me, I was just loading the gowns into the carriage...I could have come back for those..."

"It is fine, Edward," she said with a small smile.

"Jessica, this is my wife, Isabella Marie. I am only here to pick up some things for her so that she will be safe and warm for the long winter months."

"I have heard rumors of you marrying someone else. I supposed I did not believe it..."

"'Tis true."

"Well, then, Edward...Isabella, I will see you both at the ball."

Isabella put on her biggest, fakest smile. "Yes, it will indeed be a pleasure for me to see you again."

~EA~

"That girl is horrid," Isabella commented as the carriage pulled away to take them back to the castle.

"She knows not how to interact appropriately with others I'm afraid. I think that she means well..."

"Yes, she very well means to make you unfaithful." Immediately, Isabella regretted saying those words.

He looked hurt at first, then agitated. "I may be many things but an adulterer is not one of them, Isabella."

She frowned, they were back to being formal. "I did not mean that you would...partake...in such activities. I just meant that she wants you."

He brushed her hair behind her ear and said, "There is only one person that I want."

Katherine, Isabella thought. The rest of the ride home was fairly quiet and she found herself thinking about the new baby...her new niece. It was evident that the night before had caused her husband much pain and she wanted to try to help him. The idea of the ball worried her as she had just witnessed how some of the women from town treated the death of his beloved princess. He was right, it was frustrating to have to hear apologies and sympathies that are only reminders of what has been lost...reminders of the fact that they can not give him what he truly wants, his princess.

When they returned, she was surprised that no one was around and they got her packages into the house without being bothered. Edward opened each thing as it was spread out all over the bed. She watched him curiously, seeing that he was checking everything as if to ensure that it was up to his standards. With an amused smile, she sat down beside a blue hat box and asked, "Does everything pass inspection, Master Cullen?"

He looked up at her then, almost as if he'd forgotten she was even there. "Yes, I suppose it does."

When his eyes came to rest on the large garment bag that held the ball gown, he raised an eyebrow as if to inquire if he could open it. She shrugged and replied, "You have made these purchases, Edward. If you want to look them over, do not allow me to stop you."

He frowned and pushed the box aside so he could sit beside her. "We have made these purchases, Bella. 'Tis your money, too."

She stayed silent, unsure of how to respond. When he said nothing, she took a deep breath and stood. Standing in front of him, she closed her eyes and said, "If this is my money to spend as I will, I wish not to go to the ball."

"I thought you wanted to go. You sounded verily offended when I did not ask you to go with me before..."

Her stubbornness seemed to rise to the surface and she shook her head, "May I remind you that you have yet to ask me?"

He held up a hand as if just humoring her and said, "Will you attend the ball with me, Bella?"

"No," she answered outright.

"Why the devil not?" he asked, seemingly offended and she began to feel bad.

"You are right, Edward. It is not fair to have to mingle with people who will be judging us each and every moment we are there. Surely, word is being spread of your younger wife. The younger wife who you have taken recently after..."

"You might as well just say it. I had wished to keep you two separate. It is too late for that now."

"...after Katherine passed on."

"I do not very much understand why you will not return to your family," Edward said, as if musing out loud to himself and not to his audience.

"I do not very much understand why you are so willing to have me go. You have admitted that you have feelings for me and though I know you miss her, does not even a part of you wish that I remain here?"

"Never feel that I do not want you here. It is for that exact reason that I feel you should not be. If you do not wish to attend the ball, then so be it. I have some things to attend to before dinner. I shall see you then."

Standing, he walked out quickly, shutting the door behind him. Suddenly feeling exhausted from his mood swings, she sat back on the pillows, her body having to be just so in an attempt to not lay on any of her new clothes. She could not help but feel guilty over the money spent on her gown and then another guilty feeling hit her. Regardless of whether it was appropriate to send Alice the letters she had written about her marriage, she had yet to send her a letter about anything. She had no idea what was happening back home and suddenly began to worry.

Sitting down at the desk outside, Isabella began to think of what to say to her friend. It felt as if she had been away for ages. So, she began with the castle and the people who inhabited it. She continued with the dress shop and the gown. She brought up the princess and how poor Edward was still reeling from her loss and the ill-fated ball. She wrote of the new baby before asking how things were back home. Was her father faring well? Did Jacob take her leaving in stride? Did he even still work the land for them anymore? Was Charlotte happy and still singing? By the time she ended the letter, she was feeling more homesick than she had in the longest time.

Thoughts of Jacob Black came to mind and she wondered if she could ever think of him as more than a good friend again. In her mind, it was clear that Edward would dominate that part of her life until probably the end of it. Briefly, she considered writing to him. She felt the need to apologize...but she quickly pushed that notion to the back of her head. Jacob did not deserve to have to hear from her and not be able to be with her. The mere thought of it was cruel and she prepared the pages she'd just written to Alice to be sent, desperately trying to kick the guilt she was feeling—over everything.

~EA~

"She is just so precious," cooed Esme later that evening at dinner. Rosalie had decided to join them but Isabella could tell she was in a great deal of pain and discomfort. She watched as Rosalie helped Emily with her meal and then picked at her own. For whatever reason, Emily was fussy and Emmett decided halfway through the meal to take her back for a nap. It was just a typical meal with them, everyone tip-toeing around what they all were really feeling. Isabella felt guilty yet she smiled and acted as if she was enjoying dinner like a starving man would.

Once in awhile she would steal glances at Edward as he would steal glances at the baby. Carlisle was holding her now and he seemed to be checking her over in the way only a doctor could. "I trust that your gown fits to your liking," Esme said as they were finishing their dessert of apple sauce.

"Um..."

"It fits her beautifully," Edward answered for her. "I have decided that we will be staying here, though. I do not wish to take Isabella out at night when it has been so cold."

Carlisle shifted in her seat and even Emmett looked uncomfortable. Esme, ever the honest one, gave him a sad, sympathetic smile. "My dear, she will be fine. You must stop this worrying over her getting sick..."

"Mother, let it go."

"You truly can not keep her locked away! That is not fair!"

Finally, having enough of this, Isabella put her spoon down and said, much louder than necessary, "I am the reason we are not to attend! I do not wish to go."

Standing, she went to leave without asking to be excused and Edward caught her hand. She froze, it was as if he were trying to communicate something to her. Finally, after throats began to be cleared and she could feel the awkwardness in the air, Edward cleared his own throat and stood. "We will be retiring early tonight. Please, excuse us."

She led this time, practically dragging him through the doors to their bedroom. "I am sorry!" she cried as soon as they were out of ear shot. "I never meant to speak so rudely to your mother..."

"I believe she deserves it. I think it is good for her to be knocked down a few rungs once in awhile. She needs to learn she can not control everything."

"I do not mean to offend, she is a very kind woman. I feel grateful to have her as your mother."

"Why do you feel grateful to have me?" he asked, walking over to where she was still standing behind the door. "Do you feel that way or is it just pity? Is sorrow all you feel when you look at me because that is not love, Isabella."

"How dare you say that?" she asked, deeply hurt.

"You know very little about me other than I have lost two people very close to me in the recent past. You seem so unhappy here, running away, hiding from me..."

"We have already discussed that! I was hiding...I never ran away!"

"So you are here a couple weeks and already can forget your beloved Jacob back home?"

"You are just being mean now," she said quietly, trying to stop the tears which she knew were inevitable.

"Exactly what I am trying to explain. Why are you still here? What is in this for you?" he asked bluntly, taking a step towards her.

She had nowhere to go as the door was closed behind her. Instead of cowering, or running and hiding like he had mentioned, she squared her shoulders and took a step even closer to him. She could feel his breath he was so close. "You. I am in this for you. While you may not have developed those feelings you claimed you have, I verily developed those for you!"

Emotions poured through her that she had never experienced. He was so close to her, the urge to kiss him once again pounded through her veins. Everything in her wanted him. She fought those feelings, though, vowing that he would make the decision if and when they would actually kiss as married couples so often do. When she saw the torment return to his face, she stilled completely. Seconds later, he guided her gently from the door, opened it, and walked out. Isabella sat there, looking at the spot he had just been occupied, and wondered to herself what the devil the benefits of being there truly were.

~EA~

Isabella laid awake for what felt like hours before she heard the door creak open. He tiptoed in and she knew he was trying to be quiet. Watching him from the bed, she saw him take off his clothes before turning to lay down. He frowned when he saw her. "It is late..."

"I was having trouble sleeping."

He shook his head but laid down beside her. "Why do you not wish to attend the ball?" he asked suddenly.

She slid up on the pillows a little and answered honestly. "I do not want to upset you anymore than you already are. It is evident that you do not wish to be around everyone in town because of what they say about us. It is too soon for you..."

"Do you know where I was?" he asked quietly, turning to face her completely.

"No."

"I visited with Emmett and Rosalie. I held Keira." When he did not say anything else, she stayed quiet, waiting for him to say what he needed to say. "I miss my son."

It was not what she expected him to say as he usually avoided the topic altogether...especially with her. "I know. There are not words to describe how I feel for you..."

"He's dead," Edward whispered, then with tears on his face, he said even more quietly, "and so is his mother."

"Edward..."

"Go to sleep, Isabella."

"No..."

"I want to accept that they are gone. That is why I wanted to go to the ball but I feel that perhaps I should not accept it. I should not have married you, Isabella. It was wrong of me. Now, go to sleep."

One step forward, two steps back. At least they are communicating with each other a little more. I'm trying not to drag this out but with both of them confused and hurting, they are not immediately just going to be okay if they have a good time at a ball together. I am working on the next chapter now, it should be up Sunday. Thank you for all the reviews and support! As is the norm, send me a review and I'll send you a preview :) LP xx

PS I REALLY need a beta for a o/s I am doing for a contest. It deals with BDSM and I am having trouble finding someone I agree with, who enjoys that type of story, to beta it for me. If you are interested, tell me so in your review or private message me. I would REALLY appreciate it!

Also, I FINALLY figured out how to do a blog and have posted the banners from Everyday Hero and Delicious, Delightful and Devilish—both are posters won in contests. Please check out the pages! Everyday Hero- http:/ letzigprincess-everydayhero. blogspot. Com/ and Delicious, Delightful, and Devilish- http:/ letzigprincess-delicious. Blogspot .com/ (Just take out the spaces)