You Didn't Have Me At Hello

A/N Don't own it.

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Chapter 20 – Dedication

Emmett POV

I saw mom and dad just holding each other after the announcement. I knew this meant the world to them. I was hypnotized in their emotional moment that I didn't notice that my little sister left. Jasper eyed Rosalie and Rose whispered "Bella left. Go get her."

I ran out. That little girl can walk fast even in high heels. She probably went to her office. Her door is closed.

"Bella"

Nothing – is she in there?

"Bella"

I am going in – just in case she fainted – she looked so worn down. There she was with her head on the desk – sobbing. I went to her and knelt down.

"Bella-boo, what's wrong?"

She sobbed a little more. I hated seeing her cry. She was the last person I wanted to see cry.

"Bella boo – you did great. Why are you crying?"

"I'm sorry Emmett. I was trying to fight my tears. It's silly."

"What's so silly?"

"I promised Angie no crying for a year. It's just that I am so happy to give something back to your family and it just overwhelmed me to see your parents and well.."

Bella is so silly. She was so true to her word for everything. She was worried that she was crying for a promise she made to Angie. I am going to have to get Angie for this one.

"Silly Bella-boo, come here."

I sat on the floor and she sat on my lap and I held her and she cried.

"Bella, I can sincerely say that we all love you very much. I can't imagine my life without you. You are my truly the little sister I wanted so much in my life. I love you and never be embarrassed of anything you do, ok? Remember that I will always – always be there for you – no matter what."

She held me tighter and cried more. I knew she needed to hear that. I do - I loved her with all my heart and all my powers. She was so special to me and I will try my best to make it up to her for all the shit I put her through when we were young. I feel so guilty that the things that we did to her had such an impact on her now. She is a strong woman but I know she has a delicate soul, which I believe we created that.

"Bella boo, I know mom and dad want to see you. Let's go ok."

"Ok Emmy – and thank you – for everything."

"Bella boo – I will always be there for you – forever. I love you."

"I love you too Emmy."

She cleaned her face a little and placed some makeup. Once she was done I gave a big hug and we went to the conference room. Everyone was still there drinking some champagne and eating whatever was ordered. Rose came to her and gave her a big hug. She must have whispered something to Bella because she responded that she was good.

Mom and dad were speaking to Jasper and Edward when they noticed Bella come in. Not even hesitating, they both came over to Bella quickly. Jasper and Edward followed a little slower. Mom lovingly took Bella's hands into hers.

"Bella – thank you. Thank you so much my darling Bella."

Mom's eyes were filled with tears of happiness and then they held each other's arms. I heard Bella just barely say "Anything for you Esme." Mom finally let go of Bella and then Dad just opened his arms and Bella came to him and hugged. It felt like a long lost daughter coming home. I couldn't hear what Dad said to Bella, but it must have been strong words because Bella was sobbing. I knew that out of everybody, Dad would be the most kindest and appreciative of what she did.

After Dad let her go, I was surprised Edward gave Bella a hug. It was quick but thoughtful. Their friendship had not blossomed yet and I knew what Edward's real intentions were for which I wasn't happy with. I need to sit down with him and "make him understand not to hurt her."

Jasper and Bella hugged much longer and I could tell Jasper was whispering something to her. They had established that same brother-sister relationship which she and I had. Their relationship was fun to see. It seemed like they didn't need to speak in order to get their point across. Finally Mom said something

"Sweetie, you haven't been eating and you look so tired. Why don't you go home and get some rest?"

"Thanks Esme, but I still have a lot of work for the De Luca project and they are looking for a report by the end of the week. As well, I am a little behind on the carnival stuff and.."

"I am home and I could take care of that."

"Esme, really, I'm fine."

Carlisle then interrupted "Ok, let's not get into an argument and let's just go to lunch. Then we can come back to work."

We all agreed and left for our favorite diner. We were all in the mood for something greasy and bad.

Rosalie POV

I feel so privileged to have such a beautiful family as we do now. The love we all have for each other is genuine and true more so now that Bella has been in our lives. Who would have thought that such a tiny little woman had so much to give to us. Our families rarely needed anything financially but we never realized that what we were missing was true love and friendship. She has provided that in so many ways in such a short time.

As I was looking at her during lunch, I hoped that Demetri would be a good person for her. Emmett and I talked about Edward's "intentions" for Bella which we were both against. Edward had a lot of work ahead of himself. He needed to grow up. Looking at him though, something must have happened during the trip. He seems different and doesn't look at Bella like he is going to eat her alive. As I was looking at Edward, Mom started:

"So Bella, how is George, Angie, Brad and the family?"

"They're good, actually very busy. At first they were just doing lines, but now they are actually filming. I really haven't seen them except for the kids. Angie keeps tab with me – she tells me the filming is a little physical but she is loving it."

"How about Demetri?"

Ha ha ha - Edward cringed. He is jealous. Interesting concept for him.

"Demetri is fine. He is supposed to be back in the states soon. He travels a lot and so we really just keep in touch for now via email."

"Are you ok with that honey?"

"Yes, Esme, I am. It's tough though and I really don't know if he is actually interested in a relationship or not. I can just imagine how hard it is for him losing his wife so I am not pushing it. Besides, what else can I do? All I have is time so if it happens, it happens, if it doesn't then that has been dictated by the cards."

Bella has a great head on her shoulder. I know she likes what she so far knows about Demetri but she isn't fallen too head over heels. That is definitely the brain taking over than the heart. As much as I want this to work out, I rather have her happy and content than hurt and miserable. I know she wants to fall in love, but she doesn't want to hurt either. She admitted to Alice and I that she never had a real kiss and I know it really sad that she hasn't had that, she looks forward to that. I remember my first "real" kiss as does Alice. I hope it would be a memorable for Bella as it was for me.

Third week of June 2009

Bella POV

I cannot believe its June. Work has been really busy, but I love it. I am not just putting my best foot forward but I am learning a lot. It amazes me how everything works in our bodies, how advanced diseases have become. Our world is so complex and I look forward to the possibility of learning every day.

I can't imagine my life right now without the Cullens. They have become more of my family now than ever more. Alice and Rosalie have become my confidantes. Jasper and Emmett have been my fun and my big brothers that I go to for any advice. Carlisle and Esme have become my surrogate parents. Edward and I slowly have gotten to know each other but I still have a wall up with him. It is going to take some time, but I know that wall will crumble.

It's Sunday and I need to relax. Angie and Brad were taking the kids out. George and I just hanging out on the couch and we are just catching up today. As always, he has me in his arms. He has been doing that more often now since we don't know when we will be seeing each other again. That always make me feel "good". Their visit is almost over since the filming is wrapping up. From here, George is actually going back to California to attend to business matters. Brad and Angie are going to be going with the family to New Orleans to continue with their home building projects. I am going to so miss them so much. They are my rock but I know they will always be with me no matter what.

Ding dong. George looked at me –

"You expecting someone? Or are we expecting more flowers?"

"Hardy har har. Jealous?"

"Nope."

I hit him because he is smirking. I get up not caring that I look like a bum. Its bum day today. I have absolutely no makeup on and I am wearing old jeans and t-shirt. I should have dressed a little better. As I opened the door "Demetri?"

He smiles his sexy smile "Isabella. I have missed you." We hug. I wasn't expecting him at all. "What a surprise! Please come in."

George was surprised to see him as well. "Demetri, how are you today?"

"Good George and yourself?"

"Very good. Listen Bells, let me go. We can talk tomorrow. Demetri's here and you should you now 'attend' to him."

Pain in my ass – I will be getting him for that comment.

"Um, thanks George."

"I'll leave you here ok…Demetri, hope to see you again."

"Same here George."

He left. That SOB left, I am going to have to hurt him. Humph.

"So Bella, how are you?"

"I am good Demetri. Let me apologize for how I must look. Please sit down."

"You don't have to apologize."

"Would you like something to drink?"

"Bella – we need to talk?"

Ugh, those aren't the words I was expecting.