Who knew that in one simple moment everything could change? That a love that was so pure and strong would fade to be a long, distant memory. But for that one, long minute, I gazed intently upon her innocent face, and I knew the world would wait for me. Deep down in my soul, I knew that the world would wait for me to catch my breath, I just knew it.
'Would this captivating feeling take over my very essence or would I take back control?' I wondered to myself silently.
When Bella told us that her mother was coming with her new born sister, I was excited. I loved babies and Nessie wasn't a baby for very long at all so the rest of the Cullen's and I were counting down the minutes for her arrival. I glanced across the porch, where poor Edward and Bella were nervously pacing back and forth. I knew it was because of Renesme being an only a child and not understanding the concept of what was in the little bundle of blankets. Right on time, we watched as a car turned up the long drive. We all crowded on the porch together, eager to welcome the happy family.
"Hey Jacob! No imprinting again alright? Bella may finish you off this time" I teased with a wink.
"Watch it blood sucker" Jacob retaliated, I let out a hearty laugh as Esme slapped my arm, reclaiming her motherly role.
"Stop it you two! Emmett you behave yourself!" She scolded lightly with a twinkle in her eye
I glanced over to Jacob again. Holding closely to his chest, was Ness.
'How she had grown' I sighed inwardly. She had only lived seven months of her precious life, but she looked just like any healthy eight year old human child. I turned my attention back to Jacob and leaned over.
"You. Me. Lawn. Later. It's onnnn" I told Jacob on the sly.
"You're on muscle man!" he grinned.
I was going to look forward to kicking some dog hinney, I thought gleefully cracking my knuckles, he always put up a good fight. It was more out of the sheer enjoyment of us being able to exercise our true strength, vampire versus shapeshifter. Even though I knew I was the stronger one.
Edward was helping Renée from the car parked in front of us. There she stood holding a tiny bundle wrapped in warm pink blankets, as the cold wind whipped around her.
'Little Hannah' I thought.
I could sense Rose was brimming with jealousy as she eyed the new mother, who gazed with pride into her tiny daughters eyes. As Renée walked towards us, Hannah's little face gazed out from her mother's protective clutch, and as I looked into her bright blue, something stirred inside deep inside. A reaction I couldn't comprehend and it took me by surprise. I felt a feeling of affiliation with this tiny baby girl, and it held an iron grip on my mind. I instantly felt this fierce need to grab her, and protect her. Keep her safe.
I watched as the women moved inside the house, I gently grabbed Edward as he walked past, and lead him aside. I looked into his eyes, knowing he would know instantly.
'Edward, we have a serious problem.' I could feel my eyes turn black as the night sky and no longer golden brown.
"Em, are you ok?" he asked with concern, scanning my mind.
'I can't find a logical explanation, but think I just found my Bella' I replied shaking my head, knowing the future implications of my newfound feelings.
"It hits you like a wrecking ball doesn't it?" he smiled, with a sigh of relief. I nodded, biting my lip.
'I want to hold her, but I don't know if I'll ever be able to let her go." I replied, feeling torn.
Edward's smile dropped as realization crossed his face.
"What about Rose? She would be devastated" He whispered, glancing into the house, watching the group fuss over the infant.
"I know Edward, what do I do?" I followed his gaze, and saw Rose; she shone so beautifully as she held Hannah's tiny little hand in her own. She would have made the perfect mother.
"Come on then, let's get you out of your misery, there are worse things that could happen, but seriously Em. I wouldn't be telling Bella any of this she still can rip you apart, with her fledgling powers, and we were worried about Jacob! Good one Em" He chuckled, walking into the house.
I took in a deep breath and followed Edward into the house and walked over to Rose who was now holding little Hannah. I put my arm around her, and kissed her forehead. Her face, held a pain and bittersweet, and I knew it was because she held something that she had wanted so badly and knew it was something she would never be able to experience. My heart went out for her.
I felt her very essence burn my throat as I allowed myself a deep breath. I knew I wouldn't hurt her; I was stronger and too old for that sort of fledgling behaviour.
I gazed down at Hannah, and to my surprise she was looking back with an intent determined look on her face. She began to cry.
"May I hold her?" I asked softly. I could tell Rose was slightly annoyed that her time holding the baby was cut short, but she handed her to me anyway.
She seemed so tiny in my large arms. I cherished the warm feeling of having her so close to my body, nothing could hurt her. She lay perfectly content in my arms and her crying eyes shed no more tears, but were wide open, full of curiosity. I looked over excitedly to where Edward stood with Bella and Ness. His eyes glazed over, and a small smile on his face as if he was lost in a pleasant memory.
'She is amazing Edward, I feel this intense feeling, pulling me to her. In all my years I've never felt this way before.' I could feel my heart open up to this baby girl, as I lightly ran my hand over her blonde curls. I marvelled at her smooth and soft skin, so full of life, and warm with human blood.
"Feeding time!" Renée announced, ripping me out of my reverie. I didn't want to let her go just yet.
"May I feed her" I enquired, sheepishly. Renee smiled, as she passed me a bottle.
"I don't see why not, I don't think she wants to move, you're a natural!" She smiled, and winked at Rosalie. Rosalie just turned and gazed out the window, with a look of even more despair. I watched as Esme eyed her daughter with a worried expression. Everyone in the Cullen family knew that Rose would give up immortality to have a child. This was a very raw subject for her. I felt the divide between her, and Hannah already.
I turned my attention back to the little baby, and rocked her gently as I fed her the awful smelling formula. Gazing into her blue eyes, I couldn't believe that something so new and tiny was capable of making me feel this way. I tuned intently in on her slow breathing pattern, and her tiny heart. She was relaxed. I relished the feel of her warmth on my cold icy skin. If there was somebody that I would call home, then she would be the one.
As I looked into her eyes I could feel all my walls crashing down.
'She is my soul mate Edward'. I turned my attention to Edward, who was staring intently at Alice. She was having a vision. I was caught out I realised, as her eyes focused again, she smiled brightly at me.
Hannah continued to feed, and I could hear the conversations around us, but my mind was on Hannah, my little Hannah. I now knew what Jacob meant when he imprinted on Ness. The feeling so strong, already, and I had only known her but half an hour.
I thought of my beautiful Rose, our years together. It broke my heart to know that this bond with Hannah was already stronger than ours.
The suckling stopped and Hannah was now asleep, breathing so softly it was hard even for my vampiric hearing to detect.
"I think its bedtime." I offered, trying to remain undiscovered. Knowing I had to hand her back sometime. Not really wanting to be Bella's victim.
As Renee took her out of my arms, they were left shaking and feeling empty. I realized I wanted her love. I needed it, and I would wait as long as I had too, to have it.
'I have to get out of here'. I thought.
I walked quickly outside and down the porch, launching into a run. I ran at such a speed the light rain, hit me like a gale, and the wind whipped wildly at my clothes. I found myself running towards Port Angeles. I found comfort in people watching, enjoying the thought that I could hurt every one of them. Crush them with my bare hands. As much as I entertain the thought, I would never hurt them. Humans were interesting in this era.
When I finally came to Port Angeles, I walked the streets until I found myself staring into a jeweller's window, at this beautiful diamond and sapphire, white gold ring. I knew I had to buy it. It had called to me, I thought as I walked out of the store carrying my new purchase, knowing that this wasn't meant for Rose, but someone very special. It belonged to her.
As I walked home at a supernatural pace, through the dense forest, I pause at the sound of a soft creak from the tree above. I knew immediately who it was.
"Hey Em, are you ok? I was so worried!" Alice asked looking down at me with a concerned frown.
"What do you mean Alice?" I enquired, trying to not give my game away. But I knew, as
Alice pursed her lips, that it was beyond impossible to hide anything from her. Her pursed lips turned into a beautiful smile as she fell with a dancers grace to the forest floor beside me.
"I had the strangest vision today, Em." She motioned for us to keep walking.
"About a piece of jewellery..." She finished cautiously. It felt like the ring was burning a hole in my pocket.
"What about it, Alice?" I asked casually, my interest piquing. She grinned back.
"Well! It's a white gold band, with an oval cut created blue sapphire. On each side is 6 individual natural, very rare .12ctw white diamonds, in...I believe a gorgeous round cut. Clarity is very good with its own natural characteristics." She beamed proudly. I was astounded at her description.
"Can I see it?!" She asked excitedly. I pulled the little velvet box out of my pocket and opened it.
"Oh it's beautiful Emmett!!" Alice gushed. She turned her attention back to me, with a serious look.
"Make sure you give it to her Emmett. In my vision I didn't see you give it to her. You carried it with you for eternity. If you keep it, it will eat you away, and destroy your very being." I started at her incredulous.
"Make sure she gets it Emmett." She whispered, placing her hands over mine, closing the box gently. I nodded.
"I've found him!" She called behind her; I quickly put the box back in my pocket, as Edward, Jasper and Jacob appeared.
"Oh, excellent!" I grinned.
"Emmett! You owe me a wrestling match, remember?" Jacob laughed. Alice leaned over.
"Watch his right leg." She whispered as she took Jaspers hand and headed home to join the others.
I followed Edward and Jacob to an empty meadow, all the while taunting each other with glee. Carlisle was waiting for us.
"Are you ready gentleman?" He smiled. I cracked my knuckles, flexed and took my stance opposite Jacob.
"Ready!!" I grinned.