AN: Hey guys just giving a shout out for a great fan fic author I have found. You should all go check out her writing it is fabulous, I really love Memories of her Scent, and her 10 reasons why I hate the Edward Cullen by: Isabella Swan is a lot of fun. So go to my profile under favorite authors and hit Amaterasu Kinesi, you won't be sorry. Oh and hey the country count for this story is now up to 23, how cool is that!
No I do not nor ever will own anything in the twilight galaxy, that all belongs to the fabulous Stephenie Meyer.
The quiet breeze swaying the tall meadow grasses around me caries with it the delicate scent of summer wild flowers. I smile inhaling the wonderful fragrance. This has been a rare week for Forks. Although I have basked in the dry weather and enjoy spending as much time as possible outside soaking up the rare UV rays; I have missed my friends. Due to the unusual weather the entire Cullen family has decided to take a two week vacation visiting long time friends in Alaska. The last few days alone has proven to me how utterly my life has changed over the last couple of months. I miss Alice's tinkling laughter and energy; Jasper's soothing touch has also been sorely missed.
Gran explained his power to me when he had to leave the hotel in Chicago, but I think it is more than that. For weeks after Dad's death we would sit for hours while I talked about Mom and Dad. I know my raging emotions must have been hard for him to bear, but still he would sit and talk with me whenever I needed him to. I have found myself even missing the ever aloof Edward. Since our return from Chicago he has seemed to pull away opting to spend more time with Gran or by himself than with Alice, Jasper, and I. I do enjoy our rare talks though, when we find ourselves occasionally thrown together by coincidence. The last time we spoke was just before they left for Alaska. He had seemed worried about leaving Gran and I alone; almost as if he had been appointed our guardian. Honestly his behavior irked me a bit. Gran is more than able to manage on her own. He did mention that his brother and sister will be returning the same day they get back from vacation. he promised to bring them by as soon as they get into Forks.
One small white cloud blows past blocking the suns rays for a brief moment effectively pulling me out of my reverie. I focus again on the staff paper in front of me. Using music to block Edward's mind reading capabilities has not only proven to be effective but productive as well. I've been working on a new sonata the last two months in memory of my parents as well as one concerto and a full orchestral piece. All three were coming along very well until I snapped my bow two weeks ago. I can still compose; it is simply more difficult without being able to hear the music. My broken bow combined with the keyboard Gran bought me seven years ago finally dying has left me musically bereft. I would love to practice on the beautiful baby grand in the Cullen's front room, but every time I go near it Alice or Jasper decide it is time to go somewhere and drags me away. At least when school starts I can use the piano in the recording studio. For some reason Gran doesn't want me hanging out at the school this summer. I think some one torching the other school has her a bit freaked out in general.
"Lenai, I need to go to Seattle today to pick up some of the new textbooks that just came into the warehouse. I thought maybe you and I could make a day of it." Gran calls from the front porch, once again drawing me back to reality.
"Sure Gran, that sounds great!" I reply, it really does sound like a lot of fun. I haven't had Granny Bell to myself much this summer. "Give me a few minutes to get cleaned up first okay?"
Gran is waiting for me in the car when I come back downstairs. I lock the door behind me, another new thing Gran insists on since the fire. I climb in beside her.
"Did you make sure all the windows were closed and locked?" She asks.
"Yes Gran, and the back door." I answer rolling my eyes slightly.
The drive to Seattle takes more than twice as long as I am used to with Gran behind the wheel. I am definitely going to have to ask Alice or Jasper to teach me how to drive. Thankfully Washington still lets you get your license at sixteen. Illinois had introduced the graduated license decades ago stranding teenagers without a full privilege license until they reached seventeen and a half. There is no way I could stand riding with Granny, who thinks five below the posted limit is sufficient speed, for another year! Maybe Alice will teach me in her Porsche; that would be fun. I make a mental note of bringing up my learning to drive the next time I see them.
Finally after an excruciating amount of time we arrive in Seattle. We head directly to the Washington State School distribution warehouse to collect the boxes of text books Gran had to order for the new students. The nauseating stale air hits us as soon as we walk in. No wonder schools smell so stuffy the first few weeks each year, I think these storage facilities would be closed down by the Center for Disease Control if they ever took an air sample. The amount of mold I am inhaling is probably taking ten years off of my life span as Gran speaks with the manager about a missing box of books.
I grab a small box off the top of the pile and turn to get Gran's attention. "I'm going to wait in the car Gran, this place reeks."
I walk out the door to the sound of Granny's laughter. A fresh breeze sweeps through the parking lot. I breathe deeply trying to rid my lungs of the stagnate disease festering air from the warehouse. After stowing the box in the trunk I decide to turn on the radio and relax while Gran finishes arguing with the man inside. I lean my head against the headrest and close my eyes letting my mind soar with the notes of a guitar rendition of Pachelbels Canon.
My eyes jerk open as Gran slams the trunk scaring the wits out of me. "So what shall we do now?" She asks as she climbs in behind the steering wheel and pulling out of the gated parking lot.
"I need to go by Vladimer's and get a new bow, but other than that I just thought we could hang out together." I answer unenthusiastically. I don't look forward to getting a new bow knowing there is no way I can afford the one I really want.
"That sounds good to me. They just opened a new Thai restaurant by the mall I've been wanting to try, does that sound okay with you for lunch?" She asks.
"Sure. Maybe we could walk around a little and then hit a movie afterwards. I need to find a new backpack before school starts anyway."
Gran pulls into the parking lot of Vladimer's and starts to turn off the ignition. "That's okay Gran this will only take a minute, you can wait out here. The store is pretty cluttered; it would drive you nuts."
I run inside and am greeted by the jingling of bells as the door shuts behind me. "Hello." I call out not seeing anyone working in the front part of the store. A shuffling of papers behind the desk alerts me to some one's presence.
"Ah, it's good to see you again." The disheveled grey haired man from last time says as he sets his papers down on the counter. "How can I help you today?"
"I need a new bow. Mine finally broke." I say sadly.
He reaches over to the locked counter and pulls out the fine leather case holding the bow I've been longing for.
"No, I just need a plain bow." I inform him.
A frown furrows his brow as he places the case back in the cabinet and reaches for one of the cardboard boxes holding the student bows. "Tell you what I can do for you. This will work for now, half price. You come back when you are ready for the other."
"Thank you, are you sure?" I ask feeling slightly bad for accepting his charity.
"Yes, you'll be back. I'm sure." he answers. I pay him quickly and leave the store. I don't want to keep Gran waiting in the car any longer than necessary.
The drive to the restaurant is quiet as we listen to music. Our lunch is served with a flourish. The Thai restaurant is truly exquisite. The waitresses are all dressed in authentic Ruean Ton blouses with pha sin skirts underneath, and elegantly beaded silk shoes. Gran is looking all over the restaurant in awe of the decoration. I feel as though I walked out of America and into Thailand as we came through the doors. Beautiful exotic string music plays in the background adding yet another touch of authenticity to the atmosphere.
Two men are seated at the table next to us as the waitress takes our order. The older man keeps looking over at our table as if he is trying to figure something out. After the third time Granny seems to become annoyed.
"May I help you with something?" she asks in a slightly strained yet still polite voice.
"Bella?" a familiar voice asks.
I can not see clearly the man whom Granny is speaking to so I lean forward creating a better angle to view him from. I can't stop the large grin that forms when I realize who it is. "MIKE!" I almost yell as I bounce out of my seat and hug him quickly before turning to see the shocked look on Gran's face.
"Lenai, good to see you again kid! How's your summer going?" He asks me though his eyes never leave Gran.
"Good," I say then remember I never told Gran about meeting her old friend. "Oh, Gran this is Mike. He was my driver the night of the concert. I meant to tell you about meeting him, but I forgot."
"Mike, well it's good to see you again. It's been a long time." Gran says politely seemingly having pulled herself together again.
"Good to see you too Bella. You're looking very well." he replies with sincerity ringing in his tone.
The younger man at his table clears his throat quietly while shooting pointed glares at Mike. "Sorry, Bella this is my son Matthew Bella is an old friend of mine, we went to high school together, and her granddaughter Lenai."
"Nice to meet you. Did you know my mother as well then?" Matthew asks Gran.
Gran's expression is one of confusion. "No, I'm sorry I don't think I did." She answers turning her gaze to Mike, "Should I?"
Mike smiles, "Yes actually you did know my wife. In fact you were the one who set us up in the first place." he laughs slightly at Gran's increasing confusion. "I married Jessica our sophomore year of college."
"Oh," Gran answers looking a bit surprised "And how is Jessica now days?"
Sadness fills his eyes as he answers. "Jessica died almost twenty years ago."
"I'm so sorry Mike; I didn't know. That must be really hard for you." Gran replies sympathetically.
"It was, but you have to keep living. I'll always love her, she was a great woman." Mike continues to tell Gran stories of his life.
We decide instead of talking across the isle that it will be easier if they just join us at our table. I move over to Gran's side to make room for them. Our lunch is full of conversation and stories from both Gran and Mike's lives. They both seem to be enjoying each others company very much. The waitress brings separate checks for us but Mike refuses to let Gran pay for our lunches, insisting our company has made his day too pleasant to let us pay. He swears spending his lunch with us has been a gift, causing a light blush on Gran's cheeks.
Gran invites Mike and Matthew to join us at the mall but they have to refuse saying they have other plans for the day, but Gran and Mike exchange numbers before leaving making plans to 'Get together some time'.
The rest of the day if filled with talk of Mike and Matthew and how happy Gran was to run into her old friend. She shares more of her dark time after the Cullens left so long ago, and how Mike proved himself as a true friend during that time even though she never gave him any reason to do so. It's nice to see Gran smiling while she speaks about her past. She has cried way to many tears lately. We also tease about the nightmare this trip would be if Alice were with us. I have fun acting like Alice in several stores throwing piles of clothes at Gran and dancing around yelling out instructions as to what she needs to try on. We nearly get thrown out of Macy's when instead of yelling out my directions and throwing a pair of jeans at her I yell at a clerk and hit her upside the head with the pants.
Overall it is a great day. The best part of all the fun is not buying a single thing at the mall! Oh the looks the store clerks give us, as we walk out of the stores after leaving a pile of clothes to be re-hung and not purchasing anything, could send a rabid dog running. I knew Gran is great but I never thought I could have this much fun with her. It's almost like her time with Mike earlier has opened up a new side to Gran I never knew existed.
We drive back to Forks in an exhausted but comfortable silence. Gran has turned on an oldies station. I enjoy listening to the mostly unfamiliar music, and sing along to the few songs I know from listening to music with Alice. Some of it is not to bad, some of it is really horrible. I laugh as Gran sings lyrics to some of the songs. I'm amazed she can sing the lyrics without blushing. Four hours after leaving the mall we finally pull into our drive.
"Goodnight Gran." I whisper as I bounce up to place a kiss on her cheek. "I'm exhausted, see you in the morning."
"Goodnight sweetheart." she replies kissing my forehead. "Sweet dreams."
EPOV
The dense trees rushing past my windows bring me peace. Home, I'm finally going home. These last two weeks have been the longest of my very long existence; I have felt as if I had left a very vital piece of myself behind. The aching had increased with every mile I had driven away from them. It's hard to admit but more than one piece was torn away as I watched the Forks city limit sign fading away in the rear view mirror. It is even more difficult to admit that I don't know which piece hurt more as it tore itself free from me. Alice and Jasper had accompanied me on the drive to Alaska; I think they were concerned I might turn around if left to make the drive on my own. They were probably correct.
I enjoyed my time with Eleazar and Carmen during our visit, but I am so thankful it is over. Tanya was even hospitable this trip; you will never know how glad I am that she has finally met her mate. None of us ever thought the day would come when Tanya would find someone she would be content to settle down with. Silas seems a bit strange, but if he makes Tanya happy and keeps her lustful thoughts off me I'm more than happy for them.
Seattle fifty miles the green highway sign states. A wave of excitement washes through me as I mentally calculate how long it should take me to arrive. One quick stop at Sea/Tac international airport to pick up Rose and Emmett and I will be on my way. Carlisle and Esme had offered to pick up Rose and Emmett from the airport, but that would have meant having Alice and Jasper ride with me back to Forks. As much as I love them both I don't want to share my feelings with Jasper right now. The last thing I need is for him to be reading anything into my confused feelings. I need the space to figure out exactly what I have been feeling these last couple of weeks.
The promise I made to Bella keeps playing in my mind over and over again. I can't get the tone of voice she used out of my head. It seemed almost as if she were saying goodbye, closing a door, but we have spent so much time together since then. Seeing her laugh again, her smile it has healed a wound I never thought would close. Watching her with Lenai has shown me what a wonderful woman she has become. I know I would have been wrong to have taken that from her, but part of me still wonders what could have been. I understand she has no more of those feelings toward me anymore, but to see the looks she casts between Lenai and I is uncomfortable to say the least. It's almost as if she is seeing something I am blind to. Lenai is a sweet girl and is becoming a good friend, but nothing more. An uneasy feeling tightens my stomach with that thought. Surely there is nothing more, I've been letting Alice's thoughts influence my own to much lately is all. Watching Jasper and Lenai together hasn't helped either, the amount of love he feels for the child is astonishing. His thoughts of her are almost paternal; it amazes me how this little girl has so intricately woven herself into the weave of our family in such a short time period. Rose even sounded excited to meet her when I spoke to her over the phone confirming their itinerary. There is just something about her I can not put my finger on.
Turning off the highway I follow the signs to Sea/Tac. Within moments I pull up to the curb, Emmett and Rosalie are already waiting with their luggage.
"What took you so long, bro?" Emmett booms slapping me on the shoulder before pulling me into a tight hug.
"Sorry Emmett, I had to convince Esme and Carlisle at the last minute to take Jasper and Alice home and let me pick you two up. I got a later start than I had planned." No way was I going to admit that my driving had been slower than normal due to contemplating what exactly is going on with me right now. I'd never live that down. For that matter it will be a while before I live down being late for any reason.
"So there's no welcoming party for us!" Emmett yells. "I see how it is. Sure no one wants to come pick us up, we've only been gone for three months and we've already been forgotten." he teases.
"Oh shut up Emmett, and get in the car." Rose growls. "There's a new little human I'm just dying to meet." she adds with only a small amount of sarcasm.
"Right, Bella is back. Tell us about her, is she still the same? Does she still fall all the time?" Emmett asks excitedly.
"No Emmett she's not the same, she's human they do change you know." Rose answers for me as she smacks the back of his head.
I laugh at the look of outrage Emmett gives Rosalie. "Rose is right Emmett, Bella has changed a lot. She's still just as clumsy though, the stories Lenai shared with me about her make me wonder how she's lived this long without ending up in a wheelchair or worse."
Both Emmett and Rose laugh at that, obviously remembering some of Bella's more infamous moments.
"So Bella's granddaughter, Lenai, tell us about her." Rose asks.
"You'll get to meet her soon enough. I promised her I would bring you two over as soon as we're back in Forks." I answer.
The rest of our drive is filled with stories of their latest honeymoon. Emmett tells his tales of trying out the exotic wildlife. I guess angry rhinos are about as much fun as irritable grizzlies.
Laughter is exploding from the car by the time we pull into Bella's drive way. The sun is just beginning to set turning the windows of the house into mirrors of red. Diamond lights dance around the field reflecting off of us as we step out of the car.. Without knocking I open the living room door and enter. I do not want to stand on the porch any longer than necessary in case an unexpected visitor should arrive.
"Bella." I call out not seeing her in the living room.
"Edward?" she calls from down the hall. She steps out of the kitchen once again with flour up to her elbows. The smile spreading across my face is unstoppable, almost every time I come over she is baking something. "Just a minute let me get cleaned up. Have a seat in the living room; I'll be right in."
We each take a seat and wait for Bella. "Emmett!" Bella practically screeches as she throws herself across the living room into his waiting arms. He eagerly closes her in a tight embrace. "Emmett, can't breathe, break my bones." Bella whispers.
Emmett smiles somewhat shyly as he pulls Bella back away from him. "Sorry, I forgot how easily breakable you are." He looks at her intensely for a moment. "Damn, lil sis you got old!"
In a blur Rose's hand collides once again with the back of his head. "You idiot! You don't say that to a woman!"
Bella and I are laughing as Emmett looks sheepishly at Bella. "Sorry." he mumbles. "Crap, I hope she's not mad at me now."
"It's okay Emmett, that's what happens when your human." she laughs.
Rose approaches Bella cautiously. "Bella, it's good to see you again." Wow she's really aged, she looks so familiar though.
"You too Rose." Bella responds quietly before opening her arms and giving Rose a motherly hug.
"Rose, Emmett I'd like you to meet my granddaughter." Bella states proudly. "Lenai, will you come down for a minute please. There is some one I'd like to introduce you to." She yells.
Lenai bounces lightly down the stairs coming to a dead stop as her eyes meet Rosalie's. "You!"
Rose and Emmett stare up at her looking confused by her outburst. "I know you, your the flight attendant!" A picture of Rose wearing a dark blue polyester flight attendant outfit playing cards with a little girl on a crowded airplane fill her mind.
A smile spreads slowly brightening Rose's expression. "Of course, how could I have not known. Little Lenai." Her tinkling laugh fills the room as a playful fire lights her eyes. "You still play Rummy?"
"Of course." Lenai beams.
Everyone wears expressions of pure happiness as Lenai continues bounding down the stairs directly into Rose's waiting arms. "You are still just as cute as you were seven years ago!" Rose teases. "I wanted to take you home and keep you, you know that right." "She's not much bigger than she was then either."
"She's the little girl?" Emmett yells disbelievingly. "She wanted to keep her like a puppy. She would have too except for that stupid no immortal children law."
"Guys, why am I the only one who doesn't know what's going on here?" I question. "Rose, when were you ever a flight attendant, and why?"
Emmett snickers as he elbows Rose in the side lightly. "Damn she looked good in that suit. I wonder if she still has it. Hey stewardess..." Ugh, I need to sanitize my mind now.
A low growl meets him in response from a not so happy Rosalie. "I lost a bet to Alice." Rose answers. "And you wouldn't know because it happened seven years ago while you were on one of your I'm so unloved pity parties in South America." she adds bitingly.
Okay so that's not really fair, but I'll let it go for now. I don't want to have this conversation in front of Bella and Lenai. "So what possessed you to bet against Alice? I thought you were smarter than that." I reply sarcastically. Better to turn the attention back onto her and how she already knows Lenai.
"There was no way I could loose! We were designing clothes under a new company name again, and she bet me that she could get more clothes displayed in the winter fashion mags than I could. I already had over thirty designs done and she hadn't even started yet. We both worked like crazy, and then one day she just quit designing. I knew something was up when she would laugh every time she walked by my door. A week later she walked into my room with a garment bag in her hand and a stack of magazines in the other. She laughed as she told me they had moved up the deadline and I had already missed it by five days. She was holding the first run editions of the new seasons magazines while all my designs were still hanging in my closet. In the garment bag was a flight attendant suit, and a hiring letter telling me when to report for work. She laughed telling me it would help me with my 'people skills'. I swear if Jasper had not been home that day to pull me off of her she'd be dead right now."
"So you saw Bella seven years ago and never told me!" I ask as my anger rises, how could my family have kept that secret from me. Who cares about the silly bet.
"I didn't know it was her I swear Edward. I would have told you. Bella's age never crossed my mind. I just thought she was a sweet grandmother with a beautiful and enchanting granddaughter. I remember how much it hurt to say goodbye at the end of the flight when I had to turn Lenai over to her. I promise, I did not know it was Bella." Rose answers softly. "I didn't know Edward."
"It's true Edward." Bella speaks up putting her arm around Rose's shoulders in a reassuring and somewhat protective manner. "I of course knew exactly who you were. I never did figure out why you were on that flight. As egotistical as it may sound I thought maybe you guys were watching over my little family." Bella adds sadly.
The atmosphere in the room has quickly gone from celebratory to contemplative as we stand around in silence.
"Okay this is a little awkward." "So, anyone want to play Gin Rummy?" Lenai asks lightheartedly. "I learned from the best." she winks at Rose conspiratorially as the room bursts with laughter.
"You know Edward cheats right?" Emmett accuses. "Like she stands a chance against us even if you weren't cheating."
"That's okay, I know how to block him, and he never could read Gran's mind so...(ready for another concert Edward) who's playing?" she answers bouncing behind the couch to get two decks of cards from a side table.
The rest of our day is filled with laughter and high spirits. Yes this is definitely home, this is where I belong. The missing pieces of my life have been found and placed in the void making me complete.
Okay guys little blue button down there, let me know what you think. Oh and yah I unloaded all of your guns so don't try to shoot me for the Mike scene. Once again there's a sneak peak for those who send me some review love.