Chapter Five:
I felt bad about not telling Seth about this but I really didn't want him to worry and this was something I kinda wanted to do by myself. I was with Esme but I was closer to being on my own than I would be with Seth. I had explained everything to Esme on the way into town and we were in the middle of picking out some outfits and strollers along with getting things like diapers and formula for her when my phone rang.
I answered quickly and walked outside, leaving Esme with the cart full of stuff. I told him where I was and within only a minute he was pulling up next to the sidewalk. My heart raced as I yanked the door open and threw my arms around him. "I was so worried about you." I told him, holding back tears. He was my best friend.
After a minute he pulled back and got out of the car. He opened the door to the backseat of the car. There was a pink car seat in the back and a matching diaper bag. He pulled the baby out of the seat and held her out towards me. I took her, cradling her in my arms. She was so small, so precious. "Kassie would have been a great mom..." I trailed off. I felt bad for the little baby who was watching me, a small smile forming on her lips. I felt bad that she would never know her real mother or father. That she would never meet her biological family.
Esme came out of the store then, cart full of bags and boxes in tow. A smile lit her face the second her eyes hit the baby. "She's so beautiful." Esme said with a smile.
I could see how tense Ryan was though it took me a minute to realize why. "It's ok. She's not gonna hurt anyone. This is Esme Cullen. Carlisles wife. " I told Ryan but he still didn't relax or turn his back towards her as he took the car seat out.
"Esme this is my friend Ryan who I told you about on the way here."
"It's a pleasure to meet you Ryan." Esme said politely though you could tell that she actually meant it.
Ryan gave her a small nod before turning towards me. " Where's this stuff going?" He asked, relaxing a little. I pointed to Esmes car which happened to be parked right in front of his. He started putting the car seat in the car. I took a step towards Esme and started to hand the baby over to her so I could load the stuff in the car but Ryan jumped in between us. I could hear the growl starting to rise from his chest. I shifted the baby and slid one arm out from under her. I put my hand on Ryans shoulder.
"She's not going to hurt her." I told him. He was still tense and I could practically feel his hatred for vampires. I knew that his kind had been hunted and killed by vampires for years but these were ones he could trust.
"I only trust you with her. I don't trust bloodsuckers with her." He told me, his voice hard, icy even.I put my hand on his cheek and his eyes instantly met mine.
"It will be ok. I'll take care of her, keep her safe. I promise." I dropped my hand, putting it back under the baby. It was amazing how much he cared for his little sister, it made me want to have a sibling, at least one that was from my moms side but I knew that wasn't going to happen.
He nodded and quickly loaded everything into the car. After everything was in the car he took the baby and put her in her seat. He gave her a soft kiss on the top of her head before stepping back and shutting the door. He turned towards me and I could see the tears that were coming to his eyes. "Don't worry, she will be safe with me."
He pulled me into a tight hug, so tight I was surprised he hadn't rushed any bones. "I'm gonna miss you." He said with a sad tone in his voice.
"I'll miss you too. Promise you'll be careful and call when you can."
" I promise." He said, letting go of me. He took a few back steps and got into his car before speeding away.
Esme and I got into the car in silence. It wasn't until half way back to the house that she spoke. "So what is her name?" She asked, glancing back at the sleeping baby in the backseat.
"She doesn't have one. Her mother died minutes after her birth. She was killed by the volturi."
"Then what are you going to name her?" She asked curiously.
I turned and looked back at her, she was sweet, innocent, but I knew at the same time she would be strong like her mother had been. "Abrielle. Bri for short." I decided.
"That's a beautiful name. It fits." Esme told me, a smile on her face.
I felt the car slow and realized that we were already back at the house. "You think Seth will be mad about me not telling him?"
"He'll get over it. He couldn't get mad at you. I'm going to go make dinner. I'll send the boys out to get the stuff. " She got out of the car and went inside. I took a deep breath before getting out and getting the baby. I had just gotten abrielle out of the car when the boys came out of the house.
I looked at the ground, not wanting to see the disappointed look on Seths face. But I knew I had to do it. Ryan and his family had helped me and it was my turn to help them. I closed my eyes for a second then opened them to find the sight of Seths shoes right in my line of vision.
I looked up at his face though he didn't seem upset. "I'm sorry but I had too." I started. but before I could say anymore he pulled me into a hug.
"It's ok. Edward explained. I'm not mad. But I bet Rose is gonna be excited. Good luck trying to keep the baby away from her." I gave him a confused look which he seemed to understand. "Rose is one of the Cullens. She loves kids. Always wanted some of her own but couldn't have any."
"Oh. Ok. " I took the baby in the house and waited on the couch while Esme made up a bottle.
Any ideas as to what should come next?