Swim class helped me to work out my frustrations, but telling Alice that I was going to be staying at Angela's tonight without her was not something I had a lot of energy for.
As soon as we got home, she ran into my closet to pack my bag or bags, I should say.
"Alice, I'm only going for one night maybe." I argued. "I'll be back in the morning at the latest, not next year."
"But you can never be too prepared." She sang while destroying my closet.
Luckily, mom was home and helped tame the tornado named Alice. She grumbled, but eventually listened to mom and left me to pack by myself.
Then there was the problem with Edward, he did not want me to drive my mother's old truck to Angela's.
"Edward, I have my license, the truck is insured, and Rosalie guarantees that everything is working just fine," I had been arguing with him for almost half an hour now, but he still wouldn't give me back my keys. "Fine, how about we compromise?"
He raised his eye brow to let me know he was listening.
"You can follow me in the Volvo to make sure I get there all right and then I'll call when I'm leaving or if I'm staying the night. Does that sound fair to you?" I had already called Angela after I got home from swim class to tell her that I would be there shortly, but a certain pixie and her twin were the only thing standing in my way. Therefore, I sent a quick text saying that I got held up and would be there as soon as I could.
"I wish you would let me drive you, but if this is the only way." He handed back my keys then grabbed his.
On the way over, every time I saw Edward's face in my rearview mirror, I glared at him making it known that this was stupid of him; but being the cocky ass he is, he just gave me his signature crooked smile. Normally it would make me swoon and I would be lying if I said it didn't work completely.
As soon as I pulled into the Weber's driveway, I flashed Edward a sign to keep driving and not stop. Thankfully, he actually listened, but he slowed down enough for me to see his wink before continuing on.
Only a few knocks on the door and I was greeted by Angela herself and a little toddler in her arms with a matching one on her back.
"I thought you wanted to be a photographer not Jane Goodall." I joked.
"Very funny," She laughed mockingly, "These are just my little brothers."
Both were very cute with matching dark hair like their sister, but unlike her they had grey eyes instead of Angela's hazel color.
"There's a bump on your belly." One of them pointed out as Angela moved to let me in.
"David that wasn't nice." Angela scolded.
"But why does she have a bump?" The other one asked.
Angela looked at me wondering how to answer.
"Because I have a baby in my tummy." I answered. I really did like kids which was one of the reasons for keeping my son.
"Really?" Both of them exclaimed at the same time trying to wiggle out of Angela's arms.
"Yes, would you like to feel him kick?" I asked.
"YEAH!" They shouted then ran towards me.
I placed their little hands over to where my son's feet were currently, and sure enough my sprout kicked. I swear he loves getting attention, but he didn't get it from me.
"It moved." They both yelled then laughed.
"Yup, he loves to do summersaults in there." I giggled.
"When can we meet him?" The one on the right asked. They looked so alike that I couldn't tell who was David and who wasn't. How did Angela know?
"A few more months, he needs more time to grow," I answered. "Although, I'm not sure how much room he's going to have by then."
"What'cha gonna name him?" The one on the left asked.
"I'm keeping it a surprise until he's born." The both pouted. "Don't try that, I get that from my family too." I told them sternly, but playfully.
They both groaned then walked off deeper into the house.
"Don't worry about them," Angela reassured me once they were out of earshot, "They always pout when they don't get their way, but at least they didn't start a tantrum."
"To tell you the truth, so does Alice sometimes." I giggled which made Angela giggle too.
Angela's parents weren't home just yet, which would explain why her brothers were climbing on her. They joked saying that she was easier to climb than the walls.
All in all, they stayed out of our way as we worked on the boring feature. The written portion was nearly finished by the time both Mr. and Mrs. Weber walked into the door.
I was expecting pity or disapproval in their eyes when we were introduced, but they greeted me like an old friend.
"Oh Bella, you've gotten so beautiful since the last time I saw you." Mrs. Weber gushed while squeezing the life out of me.
"It's nice to meet you finally, Mrs. Weber," I replied. "You have a very lovely home." I didn't know what else to say.
"Well thank you, dear." She nodded.
"Welcome home, Bella." Mr. Weber said holding out his hand for me to shake.
"Thank you sir." I replied politely. It sort of made me nervous to wonder what he really thought about me. A teenaged girl who was pregnant and refusing to give up her son could sound like a tramp in his book.
"Well, I'm going to start some supper, so we'll leave you two to continue working," Mrs. Weber announced, "You are welcome to spend the night, Bella. The rain is really starting to pick up and I wouldn't feel comfortable knowing that you are driving in the dark and rain."
"Thank you for the offer, but I wouldn't want to impose." I said modestly.
"Think nothing of it, Bella." Mr. Weber assured me. Again surprising me on how relaxed he was around me. Either he's hiding his true feelings or the offer is genuine.
"Ok thanks," I answered. "Then I'll need to call my family and tell them that I'll be staying." I excused myself.
Luckily, it was mom who answered and she was nothing like Edward or Alice which I was thankful for. She wished me good night, although, when I got off the phone with her, Edward immediately sent me a text.
I'll miss not waking up with you tomorrow morning.
Unfortunately, Angela saw it and wouldn't stop bugging me about it as we finished up our work.
Supper with the Webers was just like supper at home. They accepted me even though I was a pregnant orphan. I think they tried not to make me feel that way though for they kept me busy by telling me stories about my parents. Particularly my mother.
I had a feeling she was a little hair-brained, but I didn't know the extent of it.
Mrs. Weber told the story of how she drove by herself, cross-country, the summer before her senior year of high school in her/my old truck. She didn't know all the details of the trip since my mom was by herself, but from what little Mrs. Weber knew, my mom always got into some sort of adventure.
"So in New York, she decided to get a tattoo right when she's passing the shop while walking pass it which was right next to the auto shop where she was having her truck looked at," She laughed, "She said the work took so long that she needed a distraction, so she wondered into the tattoo shop and got a crazy, orange monkey on her buttocks."
"She said she didn't want her mother to find out which is why she chose that particular area." Mr. Weber joined in. Despite the quiet tone, it was hard to figure out that he was a preacher.
If they would have told me this story without any evidence about my mother, I would not have believed them. However, from everything else and what little treasures I've inherited, I have to say that I was a believer now.
"But thank heaven that wasn't the only souvenir she got on her journeys," Mrs. Weber continued a little softer than before. "She collected shirts from every city she stopped at to fill up on gas, eat, sleep, or have work done on her beast. Then when she was pregnant and couldn't leave the house when she went on bed rest she cut up the shirts to make a quilt."
"Really?" I asked.
"Yes, and I helped her sometimes. She was a dear friend of mine, and I was there for her wedding as a bridesmaid and a friend at her side even when she was in the delivery room."
I felt tears building up in my eyes. I was talking to a woman who was with my mother just as she was taking her last breath. Her final gift to me before she left this world.
"Don't be said, sweetheart," Mrs. Weber cooed. "Your mother lived a full life even from just a young age. Her motto was to live everyday as if it was your last."
"Thank you." I choked up.
"Oh great, mommy, now you made her cry." David all but yelled.
"Yeah, now she's not going to come over any more." The other one, who I learned was named Sam, added.
"Boys, do not yell at the table." Mr. Weber chastised
"I'm not sad, boys. I'm actually happy." I reassured them.
The boys rolled their eyes at me which earned them another scolding from their father, but said nothing more.
After Angela and I helped clear the table, she and I got back to work, revising the feature until it was perfect if quite dull by our standards.
"Angela, I'm still really sorry that I'm screwing you up this year." I started.
"Will you stop apologizing? We are still on the paper, but we'll just have to find other things to write about." She assured me.
It still didn't make me feel any better, but she was right, we needed to put this behind us and move on.
Angela and I didn't stay up for very long, I'm thinking for her it was the emotional roller coaster she was on earlier. For me, it was because of the long week.
After a quick breakfast with the Webers, I left for home, and yes I did not tell anyone. Although, I knew that my truck would alert everyone that I was home before they saw me, and that Edward would not be happy, but I didn't care. I was happy that the dreaded paper was done and that it had been e-mailed to Eric. Neither Angela nor I wanted to deliver it to him in person tomorrow.
"Hello." I called out, walking into the kitchen. Everyone was there finishing their breakfast, and I was right about Edward's mood. "Suck it up, Edward, I'm home safe and sound." I glared back at him.
"Yes, you both are," Mom agreed with me, "Have you eaten breakfast, yet?"
"Yup, but I think Mrs. Weber's cooking comes pretty close to beating yours." I joked.
"I'll guess I'll have to step it up a bit won't I?" Mom quipped.
"Did you and Angela get your feature done?" Dad asked before taking a sip of his coffee.
"Yeah, we did." I answered.
"You don't sound very happy about it." He commented.
"Only because Angela and I were assigned to do this," I answered, "The principle has been monitoring us to make sure we write articles he deems as appropriate."
"I take it he didn't like your publication on the joys of teen pregnancy?" Angela and I had joked about naming that feature "The Joys of being a Teen and Pregnant", but decided to be realistic and called it "Scared, but Hopeful".
"Nope, now he doesn't trust us or I actually think it's me he doesn't trust."
"Why do you think that, sweetie?" Mom asked putting a fresh bowl of scrabbled eggs on the table out of Emmett's reach.
I looked at her as if saying 'are you serious' then pointed at my sprout. "Do I need to spell it out for you, mom?"
"No you don't," She laughed, "Would you like your father and I to speak with your principle?"
"No mom, we can find our way around this bump." I said confidently. "Thanks anyways."
"Your welcome, but let us know if this becomes a problem." She told me sternly.
I nodded my head in reply then reached for some toast.
"I thought you already ate, little mama." Emmett laughed.
I sent him a glare, but didn't reply.
"Hey Ali, we better hurry if we want to get to the mall for that sale." Rosalie announced after a few minutes of chewing—it would have been quiet if Emmett had not been here.
"Oh shoot, how could I forget that?" Alice jumped. "Here Emmett." She tossed him her plate which was still half full then ran out of the room. I could hear her soft pounding footsteps on the stairs. Rosalie followed only seconds after her, but not in a rush.
"What is everyone else doing today?" Mom asked.
"Want to head to the beach and throw the ball around a while?" Edward asked around the table.
"I'm still going to hang with the kids from the reservation tonight." I added.
"But Bella…"
"Don't start, Edward." I interrupted. "I will be just fine and tonight you will not be following me."
I stood up and walked out of the room making it obvious that this case was closed.
I heard a chair slide on the floor and footfalls coming up behind me, from the strong pull I felt, I knew who it was.
Edward just followed me up to the third floor, Alice walked pass us and raised her eye brows in suspicion, but I shook my head saying that nothing was wrong.
We continued until we came into my room where I put down my bag and began to unpack it.
"Edward, we are not going to talk about this." I started.
"Good, because I don't want to fight with you," He admitted actually sounding remorseful, "I hated that we fought yesterday and I didn't get to really make it up to you."
I turned to look at him then gestured for him to come more into the room. He walked up to me to the point where only a foot separated us. His eyes were still swimming with remorse which was killing me.
"Edward, you did make it up to me last night by following through with the compromise," I hated the distance between us, so I wrapped my arms around his waist still keeping my eyes locked on his, "Please don't send us on a guilt-trip that isn't worth the drive."
He cracked a small smile and brought me in closer for a hug.
"I just worry about the two of you." He whispered in my hair then gave me a kiss on the head.
"I worry about you two also," I looked back up in his eyes, "I love you."
He leaned down to kiss my lips pouring out all the love and passion that he could from this simple, intimate contact. "I love you too." He whispered against my lips.
With a few more soft kisses, he pulled away slowly, but I was not ready for him to leave.
He chuckled at my refusal to let go. "Bella, please don't tempt my self control. I can't tell you how much I want to make up with you like normal lovers do."
"Then what's stopping you?" I inquired.
It was a stupid question that my sprout decided to answer by giving a good kick against, what was probably an organ.
"Oh yeah." I looked down at my stomach and winced.
Edward rubbed my stomach soothingly which helped to settle my son down to the point that he was only doing light flutters against my ribs.
"He's learning already to be the responsible one." Edward joked.
I almost took that into offense, but realized that it was just the hormones talking.
"No, he just wants attention too." I replied leaning my head on Edward's chest.
We stayed like that, in each other's embrace, until we heard someone thundering up the stairs.
"Hey little bro, where are you?" Emmett called out then looked into my room. "Ah ha, found you two before it could get too far. You know, we should change the rooms around if you two can't control yourselves." He joked.
"Ok then, Emmett. How about Edward moves down to Rosalie's room and Rose takes his?" I challenged.
Emmett looked at me with a scared and panicked look. "No, Belly, please," He dropped to his knees and pleaded. It was both funny and pathetic. "I need my Rosie to chase way the monsters at night."
"More like riding the monsters away, Em." Jasper joked.
Emmett gave his brother a death glare then jumped to his feet.
"Hey," I shouted, "What have I said about fighting in my room?"
"Sorry." They both muttered.
"Thank you," I said, "Now what did you want, Emmett?"
"Uh…just wanted to see when he wanted to head to the beach." He replied sheepishly pointing at Edward.
"I'll be ready in ten minutes." Edward responded.
"Let's take the Jeep, it would be better on the dirt roads there." Jasper added.
"Maybe we could take Bella's," Emmett jumped in, "Another smug or dent won't be anything new to it."
I marched right up to him, fisting my little hands in his shirt bringing his face down to meet my angry face.
"You will not touch my truck or even think about it, Emmett Cullen," I seethed, "And if you do, hell will seem like heaven on earth after I'm through with you."
Edward's hands were over mine trying to get mine to release their hold on Emmett's shirt. Jasper was trying to remove Emmett from my grasp, but I hung on too tightly to let that happen.
"Bella, please let go, love." Edward whispered in my ear.
"I…I….I" Emmett stuttered as he began to walk away even though I still had a good grip on him. "So…Sorry little mama." He smiled weakly.
I released my hold on him and smiled a sinister smile. "Think Emmett, I'm sure Rosalie wouldn't be too happy either if you hurt my truck after all the hard work she put into it."
If Emmett looked scared before, he now looks petrified.
He nodded his head mutely, but stayed frozen in place.
I stared laughing to help him out of his frozen state.
"Emmett, I'm joking, but please think before you speak or else hell will come down on you." I warned gently.
After about 30 seconds of silence from him, Emmett broke out in a huge grin then picked me up for a hug.
"Woo….you really had me going there for a second, little mama." He bellowed in my ear.
"Emmett, put her down!" Jasper and Edward shouted at their beast of a brother.
Emmett looked at my face, which I pretty sure was blue then sat me down still looking happy as a clam.
"Emmett, how many times have we warned you about doing that to Bella?" Edward scolded as he protectively incased me in his arms.
"Sorry man, but you know how I am." He answered.
"Dude, she's pregnant, you can't keep doing that to her or else you could hurt her and the baby." Jasper added.
"You alright, Bella?" Edward asked me looking over my body for any injuries.
"I need to sit." The bear hug left me light-headed.
Edward helped me over to my bed then sat down next to me still holding onto my arms.
Now Emmett looked remorseful. "Did I really hurt you, Bells?" He slowly walked over to me, Jasper shadowing him just in case.
"It's alright, Em, you just knocked the wind out of me." I tried to smile, but I could feel the tension in the air. "Just remember that you need to learn to control your strength now and for the future when your nephew comes."
"I promise." He wrapped his arms around me—gentler than before—and laid his head on my stomach as sort of a hug to the baby. "Thanks, little mama."
I patted his back a few times "No problem." I replied.
When he came back up, his smile was back which made me smile in return.
"So ten minutes then?" Emmett asked jumping back up to look at his brothers. "I'll see you crazy cats downstairs by the Jeep." With that he took off out my door. My pictures on the shelf near the door rattled as he pounded down the stairs.
"You alright now, Bella?" Jasper asked as he stopped one of my pictures from falling down.
"Yeah thanks." I replied noticing the picture in his hand.
It was one of the few that were stored away by the state. My parents' wedding picture; they were standing outside looking very wet. I'm guessing that they got caught in the familiar Forks rain for their clothes looked drenched, their hair was dark with moisture, and my mom's make up was smeared down her cheeks. Still, they were smiling and her daisies glistened so beautifully.
"Do you remember them much?" Jasper asked.
I didn't realize that I had walked up to the picture until he asked me that question. It took a minute to process it and to debate whether or not I wanted to answer.
"You don't have…." He tried, but I decided to speak.
"Nothing about my mom, and only a little about my dad." I replied quietly not really sure he understood me.
"You look so much like them." Edward wrapped his arms around me for support. I didn't feel the need to break down and cry, but it was comforting to have him near.
"Yeah," I agreed, "I keep looking at these pictures to see if I can get an idea of what my son will look like." I spoke without thinking.
"I'll bet he'll have your chocolate brown eyes and dark hair." Edward whispered taking a whiff of my hair. He must have understood my hesitation.
"I'll bet anything that he'll look exactly like you, Bells." Jasper must have picked up on my moods too.
I smiled back at them both in appreciation for understanding. It still frightens me that my son would have some traits of his real father either physical or mentally. I can just pray that he'll grow up with a good heart.
The guys stayed for a few extra minutes, no more words were said, but it was enough. Both of them knew that a few words needed to be said at that moment. For that, I was grateful.
They said their goodbyes then left to get ready for the beach.
I decided to take a nap since I only slept for seven hours last night. I could have slept in longer, but that seemed rude to stay so long there.
Putting in one of my classical musical CD's, my body calmed down enough for sleep to overtake me, but not before setting the alarm on my cell phone. I still planned on going to see Jake and the others tonight.
Edward's Point of View
We haven't done this in a while, just us guys hanging out for an afternoon with no sisters or girlfriends to worry about.
Now, don't get me wrong, I love Bella and my sisters, but sometimes I need a guy day like the girls need their own days.
"Smell that, boys?" Emmett asked, but didn't give us a chance to ask what he meant. "No estrogen or perfume which means that we are free men." He bellowed.
"Em, this is just a free day for us," Jasper explained, "We are still committed to our women aren't we?" I could see his brotherly side coming out.
"What about you, Jazz?" He shot back.
"Yeah, Jazz, what say you?" I added. Hey, Alice was my sister too. My twin, in fact, which means I'm more connected to her than Emmett is.
"You both know that I would kill myself before you two would if I ever hurt Alice." He answered devotion dripping from his words.
"You are lucky we believe you, man," Emmett laughed, the dude cannot stay angry for too long.
"The same with you and Rose, thanks man." We knew what he was referring to.
Because of what happened to Rosalie as a child, she had become angrier and rarely trusted others besides Jasper. It took a lot of convincing on mom and dad's part to get her to open up to us. Jazz had to help too, but since day one, Emmett had always been there for her. Of course, mom and dad raised us to treat women with respect and Emmett didn't cut any corners.
I don't know how it happened, but one night after months of isolating herself from everyone—including Alice—she opened up to Emmett about everything. We found them the next day both asleep in her bed with red puffy eyes. I had never seen Em cry, but after hearing Rose's story for the first time, I couldn't keep the tears at bay.
After that, Rose really started to open up more. Her, mom, and Alice would go off together and shop, and over the next few years, it wasn't a secret that she and Emmett were becoming quite close.
At the age of the 13, mom and dad agreed to let Emmett start dating, but he already had a girl on his mind for a while by then.
It was strange seeing them like that at first, but when Jasper was finally ready to ask Alice out then things turned from just strange to, surprisingly, normal.
"So, anyone brought their trunks besides me?" Emmett asked.
Was he serious?
"Dude, are you crazy?" Thank you Jasper for reading my thoughts.
"Come on guys, I wanna have a little fun." Em answered.
"You wanna have fun in the hospital because that's where you're going to end up if you jump into the cold water." I reasoned.
"I won't be in there for too long." He retorted.
"Mom is so going to kill you when she finds out." Jasper groaned.
"Who says she's gonna find out?" Emmett wagged his eyebrows, but also threateningly.
"Fine, we'll let you make your own choices," I gave up," Besides mom and dad always encourage you to try to think."
"The word try being the key word." Jasper joked which had him and me laughing while Emmett glared at us.
"I'm thinking right now that you two are going to make such interesting sand castles by the time I'm through with you." He threatened.
I rolled my eyes at his threat and Jasper just chuckled.
"What are you snickering about, Tex?" Emmett glared at Jasper through the rear view mirror.
"Just thinking about what Rosalie is going to do if you act stupid again." He chuckled again.
"You mean when he scares her again like last time." I allowed that thought to process into Emmett's mind, but he still didn't get the message.
"Again, who's gonna tell her?" That was the worst argument he could have made which meant we needed to stop or else this conversation never will.
The sky was cloudy, but the rain was expected to come later. It was still good enough weather to throw the ball around a bit though.
"I'm surprised that little pix sis of ours isn't going crazy planning for the homecoming dance." Emmett broke the silence after catching the ball Jasper threw him.
"She's working on it," Jasper answered, "I suggested that she keep it quiet because of Bella."
"What about her?" Em asked throwing the ball at me.
"Em, do we really have to spell it out for you?" I questioned.
"Dude, I know she has a lot on her plate, but why can't she be let on the secret if Alice is going to drag her to the dance either way?" He asked back.
"I don't know if Bella will come to the dance." I answered.
"Why not? She hardly does anything fun anymore."
"She's always ready to crash by the weekend," I answered, "She actually fell asleep after Jazz and I left the room."
"Yeah, but she was still planning on going to see her friends at the reservation." Jasper added.
"But when Alice gets a hold of her, she won't have any time to rest the day of." Emmett said sarcastically, but we knew he was speaking the truth. Any dance to Alice was important and took proper time to prepare for or at least that's what she keeps insisting.
"Do you even think Bella would want to go to the dance?" Jasper asked.
"I don't know, I haven't asked her," I answered catching the ball once more.
"Why not, the coach is expecting all the guys on the team to go." Jasper reminded us.
"And since we are the top players of the team, it's like a priority for us." Emmett added.
"I don't really care about the coach's opinion," I answered, "I'll ask Bella and if she says yes then we will. I'm not forcing her to do anything she doesn't want to. She's had enough men in her life to do that to her." Damn, I said too much.
"What are you talking about, man?" Em asked.
"Nothing, just throw the ball." I hoped they would drop it.
"Is that what happened with her last boyfriend?" No such luck.
"Jasper, throw the stupid ball." I seethed.
"She told you didn't she?" He asked throwing the ball at me.
I took a breath wondering how much I should reveal to them and thinking about if Bella had told Rosalie or Alice anything that she told me.
"I don't want to say too much, all I can say is yes, but nothing more." I relented.
Jasper and Emmett looked at each other, but agreed.
"So we haven't caused any trouble lately," Emmett again broke the silence. "Think it's high time that we cause a little mayhem?"
"Do we even want to know what's going on in that little brain of yours, Emmett?" Jasper asked, but I could tell that he was interested as was I.
"Well, we do owe Newton and Crowley a bit of attention in return of the attention they've been giving our girls lately." He snickered.
I almost growled thinking of the last time they were near Bella. They scared her and harassed her, that night she was tossing and turning more than usual, but it wasn't enough to say that she was having a nightmare. Possibly with all the pain she has gone through in the past, she has adapted to the point that it doesn't give her nightmares anymore. It truly breaks my heart to see my angel having to learn to adapt to such torment.
"Chill E man,"
"Yeah Edward, we all want to get back at them," Jasper was tossing the ball from one hand to the other before throwing it, "Alice had a nightmare that night."
"Rose was punching her pillows in her sleep." Emmett said solemnly.
I shook my head not wanting to speak more of Bella that could reveal too much of her past. Also it was hard to relive that night where I had to incase my arms around her tightly enough for her to realize that I was there. I felt helpless then, but what else could I do?
"She had a similar reaction didn't she?" Jasper, always the therapist.
"Do I have to say it?"
"Say what?"
"He wants Bella to tell us when she's ready."
"She's told you bro, but not us?"
"She's trying to figure out her past before she was adopted, and start a new life. Give her some time and breathing room, alright?"
"Ok, I'll stay out of it." Emmett never got involved unless asked.
"You two know where to find me." Jasper was the same way.
I smiled in appreciation and threw the ball with all my might at Jasper making him take a step back when he caught it. It only started a war.
It was the end of the day; our stomachs were starting to growl for some of mom's cooking. We decided to head back, but Emmett ran towards the water pulling off his clothes in the process.
"Please tell me you at least have a body suit on?" Jasper yelled at him.
Emmett just pulled off his shirt and revealed he wasn't. We rolled our eyes at him as he pulled off his pants and shoes. Thankfully, he had on his swim trunks.
Jasper went to go grab Em's shoes while I carried on to my car. I always kept blankets in my trunk just in case. Both Alice and I get that over preparedness from our mom.
Just as Jazz was reaching the car, Emmett was coming out of the running and I could clearly see him shivering all the way back here.
I couldn't help but laugh at his stupidity. Jasper looked to see what I was laughing at then joined in when he saw Em.
"Ok, that was stupid, but it was fun as hell." He stuttered.
Jazz and I just laughed harder while trying to hand him his clothes and blankets.
Emmett didn't stop shivering until we almost made it home, and Jasper and I didn't stop chuckling until I parked in the driveway.
"Remember, not a word to mom or dad about this." He threatened, but it only made us laugh louder.
He mumbled something as he got out of the car, but we didn't catch it.
"Hello boys, did you have fun?" Mom was in the kitchen per usual cooking up something.
"Yup." We answered.
"Emmett Cullen," She shouted, "You went into the ocean didn't you?"
Seeing as Emmett was going to get a lecture from mom, Jazz and I headed out to give them some room, but we could still hear them as we were climbing the stairs.
Before going into my room, I decided to check on Bella. As I was opening the door, I nearly jumped for an alarm went off as soon as I poked my head through the door.
"Hey, sleep good?" I asked quietly when Bella stirred to reach the alarm.
She nodded her head, obviously not ready to be up.
I walked in and sat on the side of her bed. She smiled as she looked up at me.
"How was the beach?"
"Cold, but it wasn't raining. Emmett jumped into the water before we left. He's now getting an ear full from mom." She giggled.
"Still going to the party tonight?" I asked.
"Yeah, I need to get ready to go." She pulled herself up into a sitting position slowly.
"You sure, you want to go alone?" I pressed once more half knowing what her answer would be.
"I'm sure, since you guys can't stand each other." I wasn't sure if she was joking or not.
"It's just a stupid rivalry between our schools," I said seriously, "I am so sorry that we put you in the middle of this."
"Thank you," She replied then aimed for a kiss.
After two more pecks on the lips then one more on the nose, I stood to help her up.
Bella went into her closet for only a few minutes then emerged wearing a dark blue sweater and jeans. Even casual, she still looked as radiate as if she were wearing a gown.
Before she had time to complain, I pulled her to the bed and slipped her socks and shoes onto her feet. She glared at me; it only caused me to smile back at her. By the way her lips were twitching, I knew she wasn't mad.
I still didn't feel comfortable with Bella driving her mom's old truck—could it even be called a truck—but if I said anything then we would end up in a fight all over again. Truly, I did hate it when we fought, but I think I hate the truck more than that.
However, what I hated even more was seeing her drive away in said truck leaving me behind with this empty feeling. Man, am I sounding like a pathetic little kid missing his mother.
I watched as she drove down the driveway until the trees completely blocked my view of her. The urge to follow her was hard to resist, but knowing her reaction if I did would not be good.
Heading back into the house, I decided that a distraction was needed. My family doesn't really attend many of the parties around Forks unless it's for something major like Halloween or celebrating important games that we've won. Since we go as a group, mom and dad trust us to look after one another. We all know our limits—except for Emmett who usually drowns himself in alcohol until he passes out.
Other than the parties, there really isn't much to do in quiet Forks and not much excitement. However, with the revenge idea fluttering around in my head, I'm thinking tonight would be a good night for some action.
Assembling my brothers and pulling them away from their girls was not easy, but after I hinted what my plans were, they were game. The girls were not stupid and wanted in as well. They felt it was high time that their harassers got some major payback, and with all of us putting our heads together, it was going to be epic.
Thankfully, mom and dad didn't bother us much, but I think they knew we were planning something hopefully they just thought it was something for Christmas. Either way, they left us alone to plan.
It was about five pm when we started planning, when we had everything down and all that we needed gathered it was 6:30. We needed to move fast.
Jasper and Alice rode his motorcycle, while I borrowed mom's—she and I share it on numerous occasions. Emmett and Rosalie rode in the Jeep since it was all black, and, although it was a monster, it was quiet.
We raced down the road to the home of our first victim; Mike Newton. We knew he would be heading to another party tonight which was the reason for the rush. He usually doesn't arrive to one until about 8:30 or nine then crashes there with a girl laying next to him both naked.
Mike's parents were also partiers and went out or hosted parties every weekend. Lucky for us, we only saw Mike's car still in the driveway.
The rain was coming down lightly meaning that we needed to make this quick. We agreed that Rosalie and Emmett should head over to our next destination—Tyler Crowley—and get started there. We would meet up in the high school's parking lot when we were finished.
While Jasper kept watch, Alice and I got to work. I smashed and smeared the old mayo that was in the back of the cupboard onto the windshield of Mike's car. Alice was able to unlock his car and hid rotten food from the garbage under his seats. It already started to smell bad. Finally, we found some fresh mud and created a nice mess all over the driver's seat. In the dark it was hard to make out was the material of the seat verses the mud. Hopefully Mike was stupid enough to not notice the differences.
It was done within less than fifteen minutes which was good because Jasper signaled that Newton was getting ready to head out. It was bit early for his usual routine, but we still made a mad dash to get off the property.
We were smart and cleaned up after ourselves except for the mess we just made.
Alice wanted to take pictures to document our achievement, but we already agreed not to incase of incriminating evidence. This was considered vandalism and we could get into major trouble if we were found out. Knowing Emmett, he would try to take pictures as well, but also knowing Rosalie, she would not let him.
By the time we made it to the parking lot, Rosalie and Emmett were just parking. The engines were barely turned off before we all started laughing thinking about the reactions the guys will make when they discover what had happened.
We didn't want it to be known that it was us since this was just a harmless prank, but if they were ever stupid enough to mess with us again then we would let them know who they were dealing with.
After a good laugh, we decided to head to the diner for a little celebratory dessert. First, though, we thought it best to change cars and clothes since they we were black and dirty.
Mom and dad were in the living room watching TV when we came in, but they didn't say anything. Looking at their faces, I could tell that they knew we were up to something, but they knew, we knew how to cover our tracks and not to take things too far.
By now it was a little after eight, but we changed quickly then said a proper goodnight to mom and dad before leaving. Now they knew we really did something, still they didn't ask and we didn't admit to anything.
Watching the couples group together as we headed to my Volvo, I realized that Bella wasn't here to witness our fun. I wish she could have and had participated. Now I missed her for the first time in a couple of hours. How pathetic am I?
Esme's Point of View
They were up to something tonight, I could feel it.
My children, all—besides Bella—came in tonight at quarter past eight wearing dark clothes and snickering.
I could only guess what those kids of ours were up to.
They walked into the house like devils, but they left as perfectly behaved angels. Something was definitely wrong with this picture.
"Any ideas as to what they were up to tonight?" Ah, so my sweet husband did notice something was off too.
"I have no idea, but I'm hoping it wasn't as terrible as I think." It truly did scare me when they all had an evil glint in their eyes, but the instinct of trust always dominated over that fear.
Carlisle and I trusted our children to make good choices and to only fight when defending oneself. Even that, however, should be a last resort.
"What's say we only punish them if they get caught." He proposed.
"I say that is only fair, we don't know what they were up to," I agreed, "They are only going out for some ice cream or something after all."
A mama bear always defends her cubs even if they've done something wrong. Mother's always stand by their children.