A/N: Loving the responses guys! Again thank you for the awesome reviews:
merdarkandtwisty
traceybuie
lightbabe
Carlaisabel
Yep, we've met the Cullen children now, so onto Edward! Carlisle and Esme shall be making an appearance in this capter! Will Carlisle remember Bella? Does Edward put it all together?You'll have to read and see:P
I don't own Twilight, Steph Meyers does, I'm simply playing with her characters:) Oh and I don't own Narnia either.
Chapter 4
BPOV
Marry him? MINE? What the heck? I've never even met the man! I let my head clear of these mad thoughts enough to acknowledge that this was Edward; Alice, Jasper, Rosalie and Emmetts adoptive brother. Adoptive vampire brother. Adoptive vampire brother who's bones I'd like to jump. What? No, Stop it Bella!
"Bells? Bells? Helloooooo?" Emmetts voice cut through my inner ramblings, snapping me back to the cafeteria. And back to 5 confused vampires; in the time I had spaced out Edward had taken the open seat beside me, leaving me wedged between him and Alice.
"Hmm? Yeah, Hi Emmett," I murmered, glad I can no longer blush; if I could I would no doubt be the shade of a fire truck.
"Where'd you go there?" his tone was curious.
"Narnia," I responded. I kept my face serious to give the full effect. "Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter took me home. But then Edmund had to go and eat the magical Turkish Delight and he got smooth talked by The White Witch. I had to go get Tumnus the faun whilst Lucy, Suan and Peter tried to bring Edmund back with promises of a Lion called Aslan. Edmund didn't want Aslan so he had a tantrum. Which meant that Tumnus and I snatched him in a rope bag and led them all back through the wardrobe. I was just about to get my thank you of a lovely mountain lion, but nooooo. Emmett had to bring me back. Dick," I said calmly.
Silence enveloped our table for a split second before they all burst into laughter. I struggled to keep a straight face, but I tried desperately. Somehow I managed.
"You owe me a mountain lion Emmett," I murmered, surpressing a grin.
"Fine, fine, I'll get you a mountain lion... I might even get you two! Happy?"
"I'm content to say the least," I smirked.
"Okay, well on that note, Bella, this is Edward, our brother," Alice pitched in. I had no choice but to turn and face Edward. Just don't look into his eyes Bella, don't do it.
"Pleasure to meet you Bella," Edward grinned crookedly at me; if my heart were working it would of stopped at the sight of that beautiful grin. Yet there was something marring his face; confusion? Recognition? I'm sure that I've never met Edward before; surely I'd remember him? I saw Jasper glance at Edward with his own confused expression. Wonder what thats about? I watched Edward shake his head slightly, obviously having an internal argument. After I shared a curious look with his siblings he seemed to snap out of whatever the heck he was doing.
Edward extended his hand for me to shake. I opened my mouth and gripped his hand in an attempt to reply to his unbelievably velvety voice.
However, the moment our skin met, sparks literally ran down my arm, through my tranquil veins and to my deadened heart. I'm pretty sure my jaw dropped. Judging by the shocked look on Edwards face as he looked at our clasped hands, I'm going to hazard a guess and say that he felt that too. Remembering our situation I dropped his hand and almost whimpered in dissatisfaction.
"Likewise,"I muttered, looking away from Edward completely, towards the rest of the table. All four of them held the same, if not more shocked expressions as Edward and I.
"Who are you?" I heard Edwards confused whisper come from beside me.
"Isabella Swan. Who are you?"
"Edward Cullen." I couldn't control the cringe that came from me at the mention of the name Cullen; it brought me the memories of blonde hair, blue eyes and my father, who is all but a blank spot for me, save the hair, eyes and last name. How bad is that? I don't even remember my own fathers first name. Pain swept over me for a moment, before it was covered with a wave of calm and serenity.
The others, noticing my cringe shared a mutual glance; not so discretely wondering what was wrong with me.
"Bella, come back to our home with us. You can meet our parents, well parents for all intents and purposes. I know they'll be thrilled to have you over," Rosalie spoke up, breaking the silence that consumed us. Moments after she spoke the bell rang, signalling the end of lunch time. I took a look at the occupants of the table, finding shock written on each of their faces as they stared at Rosalie. Odd, that's twice she's shocked them today.
"Please do Bella, it's true they will be thrilled," Alice spoke confidently... almost knowingly.
"When? Now?" I asked- it wouldn't be a terrible idea if I were to miss the if it were a terrible idea, I'm still doing it.
"Of course, come on. To the vehicle!" Emmett cried, before running at a relatively human pace through the cafeteria doors and to the parking lot. I laughed whilst the other simply shook their heads at his behavoiur. Somehow I could tell this was natural for Emmett.
I hung back in order to let Rosalie follow her mate and for Alice and Jasper to follow their loony brother and surprise filled sister. Edward hung back with me, for reasons I'm unaware of. If I were to hazard a guess I would say it could have something to do with our... 'electrifying' meeting.
"Come on Bella, I'll walk you to your car," Edward said once we were alone in the cafeteria. He then placed his large hand in the small of my back, sending more shockwaves to my very core. I had to supress a moan that was dying to make itself known. I managed to gain enough control of my haywire feelings to correct Edwards assumptions that I drove to school.
"Oh, I didn't drive,"
"How did you get here then?"
"I ran, Silly Edward," I winked at Edward making sure my words were playful, not offensive. His unneeded breath seemed to hitch in his throat, making me swell inwardly with satsfaction.
"Um.. Right. Lets go then," Edward pressed his hand more firmly into my back, then lead me out the doors and into the dismal atmosphere; though somehow it didn't seem so dismal with the Cullens. We walked over to the shiny volvo (Irony again eh? I was going to ask some vampires to restore my faith in humanity... seems legit). I didn't miss the glances Edwards sibling shared amongst themselves at Edwards and mines current state.
"Bella ran here, shall we meet her at home or...?" Edward asked the others.
"Of course not, Bella shall ride with us!" Alice sang, prancing in a circle around Jasper. Now come on? I mean I'm pretty graceful, but I don't prance. Must be a pixie thing.
"In case you havent noticed Pix, it's a five seater?" I interrupted whatever Edward was about to say. I vaguely heard Rosalie suck in a quick breath and 'Pix' left my mouth.
"I'll sit on Jaspers knee. Bella, sit in the front with Edward!" Alice sang, all but pushing me to the passenger side door.
"Any chance to sit on your mate eh, Alice?" I winked at her, smothering my bellows when she responded by pouting her lips and raising one eyebrow cockily; as if to say 'Hell yeah!'. Jasper, by any means wasn't complaining that Alice was going to sit in his lap; he looked rather smug in fact. I laughed slightly as Emmett, Rosalie, Alice and Jasper climbed into the car, shaking my head disbelievingly.
Edward came to the passenger side door and opened it for me, offering me his hand to help me get situated. I gladly took the chance at more contact with him. Once I was seated with the door closed, Edward was in the drivers seat, putting the key in the ignition and driving us to their home; all in a matter of minutes. As he drove the rest of us kept up mindless chatter, avoiding questions about me as I would no doubt be explaining it all once we reached their home.
When we pulled up at their home I sat, shocked at the beautiful white mansion like building that lay deep in the trees and forest. It's as if the house was built in the middle of a clearing; except it was made to look natural. Trees stood proud and tall in an almost protective manner of the house, shrubs and bushes lay haphazardly, yet alligned with the house. They each had different flowers growing from them; purples, oranges, reds, yellows. The lawn was trimmed and neat, though wild flowers were dotted around in the most endearing fashion. One would think that all this beauty would take away from the houses beauty, but it didn't. It merely enhanced it. The house itself, or as I said, mansion, was simply stunning. Tall, lean and perfect; the pure white colour giving it that feel of safety that is so needed for people like us. I could easily tell that this was their haven; somewhere to be protected and happy with each other. Where they could be normal. If I could cry, I would be flooding Edwards precious Volvo.
I was still staring when everyone left the car, as Edward opened my door for me. Again, offering me his hand he helped me from the car. He didn't release my hand as I stood in awe of the area.
"I take it you like the house then?" he questioned lightly, his tone slightly amused.
"What gave me away?" I teased back.
"Hmm, I'm not sure. Maybe it was the drool on your chin?"
"Wha... Vampires cant drool!" I exclaimed as I wiped my chin. Sure enough, it was bone dry. Edward smothered his snickers and surprisingly some giggles as he watched me. I glared at him, somewhat realistically, before raising my chin haughtily and walking towards the porch, away from Edward; who stood shocked out of his ever so manly giggles. The only downside to this was that I lost contact with Edward; I missed that contact almost immediately. However as Edward ran to me, apologising profously for being a bit of a dick I was the one stifling my own giggles. He snatched my hand between his own, begging me for forgiveness.
"Please Bella, I'm sorry, that was rude. Forgive me?" he pleaded, holding our hands over his dead heart, his eyes wide and innocent looking. My own tranquil heart almost fluttered at the sight.
"Of course," I replied, drinking in the almost immediate change in his demenour. His eyes brightened and his face broke out into that knee trembling crooked grin. I found myself smiling back at him. We were brought out of our moment by a throat clearing up ahead of us. I swivelled(never dropping Edwards hand) to find the rest of Edwards siblings and two other vampires I hadn't yet met staring at us, each with goofy grins on their faces. Edward and I must of looked a sight to see; hands clasped at his chest, barely any space between us, gazing deeply into each other eyes; gold on gold, with grins blinding each other. And to be honest, I wouldn't have it any other way.
Part of me worried about this; I'm perfectly happy and comfortable in Edwards presense after knowing him, not even for 2 hours. Part of me worried that I was diving in the deep end head on; worried that this was all moving at an incredibly fast rate. The same part of me worried at how attatched I've already become to Edward and his siblings. Alice, the endearing little pixie, so cute and energetic; Jasper, obviously protective, yet with no danger on the horizon he's like the big brother every girl needs; Emmett is the same, except he's just a big teddy bear. He's the other big brother a girl needs, someone who can protect and make you laugh; Rosalie. Her siblings seemed shocked at her hospitality towards me, yet I could tell she knew I wasn't a danger. Much like Jasper, I get the impression that without the danger she's a wonderful person; and Edward. I don't even know how to summarise how I feel about Edward. He isn't a big brother, I can tell you that though. Edward seems like the sun on a rainy day... No that won't fit. Forks doesnt get much sun. Hmm... He's important. Thats all I can really say without sounding like a daffodil. And that worries me, that he's so important.
However, another, more dominent part of me is telling me to accept this. Telling me to accept the Cullens. I feel safe with them, I feel like they are home. I feel as though they can be the family I lost as that small ten year old girl. No one can replace my mother and father, but they can help fill that void in my 353 year old life.
"Not that that display wasn't heart warming or anything, but I'd rather hear Bellsies story. So Edward if you don't mind..." Emmett left the sentance hanging, but his implication was there. Basically he wants us to get inside so I can entertain them with my life story, and in return learn their stories. I chuckled at him, along with everyone else; including the two vampires I have yet to be introduced to. Edward and I followed the other six vampires, chancing shy glances at each other every couple of minutes.
We followed them into the house, which much like the outside was outstanding in beauty. Everything was so light and open, everything on show. It just proves that this family have no secrets. We entered the living room, walking in couples; Alice and Jasper first, then Rosalie and Emmett, then the two mystery vampires and then finally Edward and I. Alice and Jasper sat snuggled together on a sofa, with Emmett sat beside them. Rosalie perched herself on the arm of the sofa leaning onto Emmetts broad shoulder. The other two vampires (Who i hope I get introduced to soon, because frankly I'm sick of calling them vampires, or mystery vampires) sat on another, smaller sofa; his arm wrapped gently around her shoulder, her hand rubbing small circles on his knee; as though she was soothing him. I smiled at the soft gestures they shared; it's very obvious that they're mates, even if the love they share isn't on massive display. Edward led me to the only seats left; the small love seat which could be seen from wherever they sat. Something told me the others had something to do with this being the only seats. Edward and I sat, theighs touching and hands clasped; he wouldn't let go of me. Hey not that I'm complaining!
"I'm sorry, we haven't been introduced," the other female vampire said, her voice soft and motherly."I'm Esme,"she smiled gently at me, her topaz eyes showing a hopefulness that I didn't quite understand. I smiled back at her and took a moment to process her appearance. She was rounder and less angular than the others, but that just helped her motherly role. Her waist was dainty and perfect. Her features were all soft in her heart shaped face, rosy lips that begged to whisper condolences and praise. Her eyes showed her obvious love for her family; it felt as though I could see the bonds that tied her to her family in her eyes. She had caramel hair that framed her face, finishing of her motherly appearance.
I looked to her mate,to take him in aswell. Even sat down I could tell he was tall, 6'1" maybe? Again, he wasn't as beefy as Emmett, nor as lanky as Jasper. He was muscled but in an understated way. He looked like someone you would expect to see in my day; his features all gentle yet straight and angular. His topaz eyes lay in his head, showing years of wisdom and knowledge. What shocked me was the blonde hair, sleeked over to one side in an old fashioned yet modern do. I remember my father having that hairstyle; well it wasn't as modern but still. I looked back to his eyes, which betrayed his own confusion and saddness?
"I'm Carlisle Cullen," he spoke gently, as if he were talking to a small child or even an animal; as if he didnt want to scare or confuse them... or in this case me. He couldn't however stop the pain that consumed me as he spoke his last name. I reached up and held my crest to me gently as I silently mourned the loss of my family.
"Isabella Cu- Swan," I replied, again cursing my blunders. And for some reason I didn't think the Cullens would let it go like Mrs Cope had. I was right. I ignored their questioning stares. Seeing as Edward wouldn't let my hand go I drew my hand from my chest, causing my small chain to fall on top of my hoody. I vaguely heard several gasps go through the room after this, but I didn't realise why.
Instead I reached my hand forward in an offering to shake Carlisles hand. He leaned forward in his seat, staring intently at my crest. As he reached his own hand forward I caught sight of a small ring on his hand. If it weren't for my excellent eyesight I would have failed to see the small silver lion, balancing atop a trefoil; an open hand above the lion. My families crest. I froze in my seat, before looking around at everyone. In some way, shape or form, they all had the Cullen crest on them; I don't know how I missed it before. Alice had a choker with the emblem on it, Rosalie had a heavy expensive looking necklace with it on and Esme had an inconspicuous bracelet. Emmett, Jasper and Edward all had wrist bands with the crest, and then there was Carlisles small ring.
Suddenly, faint memories were throwing themselves at me in my head; my father reading me to sleep, promising me he would stay safe, my father and I reading through some of my grandfathers mythology books. My father telling me about his hunts after the demons. I remembered just sitting in the same room as him as he thought of medicines and ways he could help people when he wasn't hunting. The way he would call me 'Isa' as a pet name. The most prominent memory however was of when I was about 8 years old. I remember sitting at the kitchen table with my mother and father as they proudly showed me my birth certificate; normally I wouldn't have one as we weren't royalty. But father had said he paid a pretty penny to have it done, so he could always remember the day his angel was born. I had blushed at that. But even then I had loved looking at that piece of paper, as it claimed me to be theirs; Katherine and Carlisle Cullens daughter, Isabella Marie Cullen.
As soon as I remembered this I snapped my head round to meet Carlisles eyes. Or rather, my fathers eyes.
"Isa?" he whispered, shock and disbelief colouring his tone. I nodded my head silently, my mouth agape. For the first time in 360 years i have seen my father... as a vampire. He seemed to be brought out of his shock as he jumped from his seat, ignoring the shocked stares of his family; he pulled me from Edwards side, crushing me to him in a bone crushing hug. He buried his face in my hair, mumbling about how he cant believe it, and that he must be day dreaming. I laughed shakily, burying my own face into his shoulder, my arms tight around his waist.
"I think I speak for us all when i say... the hell just happened?" Emmett interupted the moment. It always seems to be Emmett interupting my moments. I'll have to have a word with him about that.
"Emmett, language!" Esme reprimanded. "But yes, what is going on?"
Carlisle turned us so that we faced everyone, meeting everyones gaze cooly with his excitement barely concealed. I glanced at Edward mainly, finding him sat with a knowing look on his face. He actually looked rather smug, as if he had proven himself right.
"Everyone, this is Isabella Cullen. My biological daughter," my father said, a wide smile meeting five hanging jaws.
A/N: Cliffieeeeeeeeee:o! haha, sorry about that, but I needed to end it somewhere! This is my longest chapter so far, so i hope it's alright!
I won't be updating for a day or two, I'm still working on the next chapter, but I will get it to you as soon as physically possible:D
You're fantastic at it, leave me a review, brighten my life (I don't have much of a life o.o) MUCH APPRECIATED B)
