(EPOV)
"An island!? You have got to be kidding me." Bella shrieked as Carlisle steered the boat to the dock.
The rest of the family shared amused looks and chuckles as she stared incredulously at the snow-covered land rising out of the ocean.
"We said we owned some land Bella. This is our land. It's no different than owning ten acres anywhere else, except this is surrounded by water." I explained.
"A freaking island." She muttered, shaking her head.
A few days after the Volturi visit, we took a flight out of Anchorage, Alaska to St. Anthony, Newfoundland. From there we drove to the coast and took our boat out to an island Carlisle owned from before he found me. Carlisle and Esme sometimes vacationed there, but I had never visited before. Our belongings would be freighted in, along with our cars, which would be stored in a garage on the mainland of Labrador. We would have no need for our cars on the island, and would take our boat to the main island of Newfoundland for anything we might need. The only drawback was that there was nothing to hunt on our island, but a quick trip to either the main island or Labrador would give us plenty to choose from. Bella was bundled up and we all tried to make sure she was well shielded from the spray of the frigid water on the way over. Once we were on the island, we would be crowded in the cabin until spring when we could begin building the new house. Eleazar and Carmen decided to take their time and explore along the way through Canada before joining us here.
Someone had been out to clear off the dock and a path to the house. The cabin was on the east side of the island, overlooking the water, but far enough back into the trees to allow privacy from anyone who happened to travel past. The new house was going to be built on the west side of the island so we could watch the sunset over the water. Carlisle's cabin was something straight out of the pioneer days. It was the quintessential log cabin that used to dot the prairies of America. The wood was dulled with age, but I knew it had been cared for through the years. It had a huge front porch that was as wide as the house and a sloped roof. A stone chimney on the side marked the presence of a fireplace. I hesitantly let go of Bella as her eyes widened with interest, taking in every detail of the outside. She walked forward to the steps and caressed the wooden rails lightly, eventually stopping to look out over the land and ocean that made up the view. Carlisle headed to the door and unlocked it, barely inside before I heard him curse.
"Alice!" The little pixie gave Esme a sheepish smile and they followed Carlisle into the house. Bella turned to follow, with me right behind her. She rolled her eyes and laughed when she saw the many stacks of packages that lined the walls in the living room.
"What? Bella needed some things." She shrugged.
"We don't have that much room her Alice, you're going to have to hold off on any more shopping sprees until we get the new house built." Carlisle explained.
Alice quickly traipsed through the cabin, scrunching her nose with distaste. Needs work. A lot of work. This is definitely all Carlisle.
"I like it." Bella said softly. "I always dreamed about living in a log cabin. It's so simple and cozy." She walked through the small space, taking in the details.
The front door opened into the living room which held the fireplace on the right and two large couches filled the center of the room. There was a small kitchen space in the back right corner that held a table for six. The kitchen literally consisted of one counter with cabinets below it, a sink in the middle, and a stove and small refrigerator on either end. There were a few cabinets above it for storage. There were three doorways on the left, two led to small bedrooms, and the one in the middle held the bathroom, with a washer and dryer in the closet. There was a crude staircase, really more of a ladder, that led up to a loft area over the bedrooms, this would act as a third bedroom. The furnishings were simple and there was little decor. This was a vacation cabin in the woods and no one had spent much time here since Carlisle lived here more than a century ago.
Alice huffed and sat herself down amidst her packages which would keep her entertained for a little while. Jasper took stock of the fireplace and quickly noted that Bella would be freezing here, so he headed outside to collect some firewood.
"Bella, I think the loft is going to be the warmest bed in the house, so you might want to take that room." Esme suggested.
I took one look at the sad excuse for stairs, not even a handrail. "I'm not sure that would be a good idea Esme." I looked pointedly at the ladder and Bella.
Carlisle held back a chuckle. "You're probably right son."
Bella scowled at the exchange. "Oh poor, clumsy Bella, can't even climb a ladder now?"
"You know we're only looking out for your safety, love. What if you need to use the bathroom in the middle of the night?"
She sighed heavily. "I guess you're right. One of the other bedrooms is fine, I don't like to be hot when I sleep anyway. I always left the window open..." She clenched her jaw shut, and suddenly became interested in the fireplace mantle. I quickly moved to wrap her in my embrace and she stiffened. Bella was even harder than usual to read these days. Sometimes she wanted me to hold her, other times she didn't want me anywhere near her, but I couldn't figure out any rhyme or reason as to which reaction she expected from me in any given situation. It was frustrating to say the least. I loosened my hold and saw Esme's look of pity. I just shrugged and move to take her bags to one of the bedrooms.
Alice headed to Bella's room as I was coming out, her arms full of clothes she had just freed from their packaging. Not two seconds later there was a scream followed by a roar that startled everyone. Alice came charging out of the bedroom and went into the other one, emitting another frustrating growl, before leaping up to the loft. In a flash she was out of the house and we heard the unmistakable sound of a tree cracking and splintering. We all tried to put a cap on the laughter that threatened to bubble up. We didn't need words to know what her problem was.
Closets. Or more specifically, the lack of closet space. There were three closets in the house, and each one was only about two feet deep and four feet wide. To ask Alice to make due with such limited space was truly an imposition on her lifestyle. After all, there were six people in this house who needed full wardrobes. Bella shook her head and went to her room to lay down, she didn't spend much time with the family yet, preferring to read or write in a journal Alice had given her.
A few moments later, Alice waltzed back into the house, with a sickeningly sweet smile on her face. I groaned when I saw what she was planning in her mind, and she had already roped Jasper into the plan on her way back to the house. It appeared that our first project for this little cabin would be to expand the bedrooms in order to add on closets big enough to hold our wardrobes.
"Carlisle, I need to go to the main island for some supplies. We'll be making some renovations." She explained smugly.
"Alice, is this really necessary? Surely we have enough space between the closets and dressers for our clothes. I realize it may not be what you are used to, but there's nothing wrong with 'roughing it' for a little while. Esme has already given you free reign on the closet designs in the new house."
"It will be months before we're able to move into the new house. We really can't go that long without a proper wardrobe. Don't worry, Jazz and I will do all the work." Alice wrapped her arms around Jasper's waist, after he deposited a load of wood by the fireplace. He rolled his eyes and shook his head. Any chance you'll help get me out of this? He thought in my direction.
I answered with a chuckle. "You're on your own there stud."
"Alice, dear, why don't we all go to the main island tomorrow. We'll get settled today and figure out what we need, then we can get it all at once. They stocked a few things for Bella to eat, but we need to do grocery shopping as well." Esme asked reasonably. "I'm sure Bella would like to go out too, she's been cooped up inside for a long time."
Alice stiffened for a moment before squealing. "That's a great idea Esme!"
"Alice!" I warned. "I doubt Bella is in any mood to participate in one of your usual shopping marathons."
"How about not talking about me like I'm not here." Bella's quiet voice came from the doorway to her bedroom. "I wouldn't mind getting out of the house, but I'm really not up for a shopping marathon or trying on clothes. Sorry Alice. But I love the clothes you just dropped off in my room. Thank you for thinking of my comfort over style." She gave her friend a small smile and a hug.
Alice returned the smile. "You're welcome Bella, I'm not completely evil."
~~**~~
"Come on Bella, you need some new bedding. Something pretty." Alice pulled an unwilling Bella into the third store of the day.
The small town had plenty of shopping, though not of the caliber Alice was used to. Everything was covered in snow, and one of us kept a hold on Bella at all times so she didn't slip. Alice had already purchased more clothes for everyone, including a week's supply of cashmere sweaters and thick wool socks to help keep Bella warm. Esme and Alice's eyes lit up when we entered the household goods store and quickly got lost picking out curtains and bedding along with completely unnecessary decorations.
Carlisle, Jasper, and I were going to head over to the hardware store in order to buy the building supplies Alice wanted. We would have them delivered to the boat and take them over to the island before coming back to pick up the girls. They still had to go grocery shopping for Bella.
"This list is a mile long." Carlisle groaned as we entered the hardware store and decided on a plan of attack.
"Did you expect anything less from our dear pixie?" I scoffed. "And don't think Esme didn't add to it...Dad." I teased.
"We'll just split it up and meet back at the front. Divide and conquer. They'll have to deliver it all to the dock. Edward you take the tools, I'll take the lumber, and Carlisle you get everything else." Jasper barked out the orders.
We each took our own flatbed cart and went our separate ways. Thirty minutes later we had checked out and made arrangements for the delivery, so we headed to wait at our boat for them. On our way, Carlisle's phone buzzed and I heard Alice mentally calling for us.
"Bella!" I exclaimed and we all took off at a run.
We found them sitting on bench outside of a store surrounded by bags. Bella was paler than usual, and beads of sweat had broken out all over her face. She groaned and rested her head on Alice's shoulder.
"What happened?" I demanded.
Calm down Edward, she'll be fine. We just overdid it today. Alice pouted guiltily. I'm sorry.
"She's not feeling well, I think we just overdid it today." Esme explained.
Carlisle had made a quick assessment and nodded. "She'll be fine. She just needs to eat and rest. Edward, take her back to the boat, I'll come with you just to make sure she's ok. Jasper you stay here with Alice and Esme and finish the shopping. I'll be back to pick you up."
I lifted Bella into my arms and followed Carlisle back to the dock.
"Edward, I can walk." She feebly protested.
"I know, love, I just like having you in my arms again." I whispered to her, earning me a scowl and a roll of her eyes, but after a little while she sighed and laid her head against my chest with a smile.
"You really must not feel good if you aren't going to put up more of a fight." I chuckled.
She looked up at me with those beautiful brown eyes. "It's just...well...you were honest."
"What is that supposed to mean?" My heart sank.
"I don't know Edward...let's talk when we get home."
I merely nodded, not trusting my words, knowing I could easily push her away by saying the wrong thing. She wanted to talk, and that was a start.
We had reached the dock and there was a truck waiting for us. Carlisle showed them our boat and we got it loaded up. I placed Bella in one of the seats and stood behind her protectively as Carlisle took the helm. It wasn't long before we made it to our island.
"I've got it Edward, go take care of Bella." He gave me a knowing smile and I sprinted up to the house with her. Fix her something to eat first. His thoughts raced after me.
I gently laid her down on the couch and started a fire quickly. There was a little more color in her cheeks too. I ransacked the kitchen trying to find something easy for her to eat, that ended up being a plate of fruit and cheese, and then I found some crackers. Bella had taken off all of her outerwear and she took the food from me with a grateful smile. She didn't talk much these days, but so many emotions swirled in her eyes. I was getting better at reading them, and Jasper helped when he was around. Maybe it was cheating, but I'd relied on my gift for so long, that I needed any assistance I could get in trying to figure out how to read her. She was in such a fragile emotional state that I didn't want to risk saying or doing the wrong thing which would then set her off. A simple mental note from Jasper when he saw me studying her helped me start to understand the different flickers of emotions that passed over her beautiful face. I had misread her so many times in the past, and I had to make things better, fight for her, give us a chance. I joined her on the couch with a glass of orange juice as she ate.
"This is really good. Nice and fresh." She complimented between bites.
"Esme had them stock the fridge before we arrived. Did you want anything else?"
"No, thank you."
We sat in silence while she finished eating. I took her dishes to the kitchen and had them washed and put away almost instantly, before joining her on the couch again. "Esme was thinking about getting a dishwasher, but we convinced her it was faster if we just washed them ourselves." I chuckled, hopefully keeping the mood light.
The corners of her mouth twitched, almost laughing. I missed the sound of her laugh, a real laugh, not the sarcasm laden scoffs she'd let out since she had been with us again.
Our eyes searched each other in silence, before she dropped them to the hands in her lap.
I decided to take the plunge. "So what did you mean when you said I was honest?"
She closed her eyes and swallowed. "It's just that you told me you were carrying me because you wanted to hold me in your arms. Any time you had carried me before, I always felt like a burden...that you were doing it because I was too slow, too weak, too human. It was...nice...to hear you say that you just wanted to hold me. I felt...wanted."
How could she think that! "Bella, I never meant to make you to feel like a burden. Oh love, it was all I could ever do to stop touching you. I have always and will always want you." I tentatively reached out to lift her face so I could see her. "Please don't hide your beautiful face from me. Look at me. You have never been a burden to me, to any of us. I love you, and everything I do is because I love you."
She nodded, but I wasn't sure she fully understood the depth of what I feel for her. Bella had always been insecure, pointing out my perfections, comparing herself to our kind in every way. She always felt unworthy, no matter how I tried to convince her she was not. Other members of my family tried to do the same. Jasper told me how often he felt these kinds of feelings surrounding her. Could she not understand how it was I that was unworthy of her? She was a beautiful, kind, selfless, loving woman, and I was a monster. I knew the things I said to her that day in the forest would be what she needed to hear in order to let me go, but I never thought she would believe them. Instead she embraced them because she always felt she wasn't good enough for me, and my words only entrenched that feeling deeper into her psyche. I confirmed her deepest doubts in our relationship. I would have to do everything I could to show her that she was most certainly worthy of my love, but she would have to work on her own self-confidence. Bella had to learn to love herself, before she could feel completely comfortable in our relationship. I had my own part in this. Had I ever known my actions were interpreted like that by her, then I would have made my intentions clearer. I thought she would have known how much I utterly craved to be with her, touching her, every single moment of every single day. I took that for granted, and I did not show her that my love was the motivation behind the things I did. That would have to change. She would have to learn that she was the center of my universe. A plan formulated in my head and I would speak to the rest of my family when Bella was sleeping. Carlisle and Jasper would be best at helping with the fundamentals, and I knew I could count on the rest of them for the details.
Bella still had not replied to my declaration.
"Bella, you do understand that don't you? That everything I have ever done was only because I love you. I wanted to protect you, keep you safe, love you endlessly. Please tell me you understand that." I pleaded with her.
"I guess...I know that now because you've told me...but in the past I wasn't always sure. I often felt like I was a child without a voice of my own. Everyone seemed to make all the decisions for me, especially you. I knew I was breakable, slower, clumsy...and it just seemed like that was constantly being pummeled into my brain whenever I was around you. Your concern for my safety outshone your love for me...if that makes any sense?"
"I can see now how you would have thought that. Everything I did must have seemed so overbearing...I'm so sorry..."
"Don't apologize Edward. Words are easily spoken...you have to show me that you love me, the clumsy human, and not that you've taken on the burden of safeguarding my fragile life. What hurt me the most was the fact that you didn't want to change me." She whispered the last part. "To know that you didn't want me for eternity, that you were denying me the one thing I wanted most...to be with you, and only you, forever. To be equal to you so you didn't have to fight the call of my blood, so you could kiss me properly and show me you desired me as a man desires a woman, so that I could stand beside you instead of always behind you being protected. It's all I ever wanted, and you didn't love me enough to make it happen. You didn't want me as much as I wanted you. To know that I was nothing more than a silly distraction in your endless existence..."
"No Bella, No! That is not why. I know I've told you this countless times, but I did not want to damn you to this life. We are monsters, unnatural beings that should never exist. Of course I wanted you beside me for eternity, but I knew how much you would be giving up, and I couldn't ask that of you." She started to cut in, and I knew what she was going to say. "But I understand now, love. It should have been your choice all along. It was not my choice to make for you. I should have trusted that you understood all that you would be giving up and what you would become...I should have trusted that you could have made your own decisions. I was wrong Bella. I was so horribly wrong to deny you that choice...to know now that you felt that it was because I didn't want you...you have to know that's not true Bella. I'm a very selfish creature, I want you beside me always. I just didn't want you to regret this immortal life. Rose has wallowed in her grief over losing her humanity since she was changed. Esme too mourns the loss of unborn children. I didn't want you to go through that. I was so wrong to have ignored your wishes, can you ever forgive me?"
"I think that if we keep talking like this, then yes I will be able to forgive you. You have to stop making my decisions for me, I need you to ask me what I want, to listen to my opinion, my concerns, and to take those into account. You have to talk to me too Edward, you can't keep secrets from me anymore, even if you think it would hurt me or scare me to know the truth, you have to tell me. I need you to be honest with me, tell me what you're thinking, what you want, what is going on. You are so used to just picking things out of people's minds, I think you forget the rest of us can't do the same. You are always so guarded about what you are really thinking. That just makes me feel like you don't trust me or that you think I can't handle things. I think by now I've proven I can handle this life, that it is what I want. You always tell me that I just don't understand, but you need to know that I do. You have to accept that I'm pretty damn smart and I'm not going to run screaming from you. I had my chance after that night in Port Angeles, and I told you it doesn't matter what you are. If you were human, vampire, werewolf, whatever...it doesn't matter...I love you Edward, and that is all that matters." She slipped her small warm hands into mine.
"I think I understand that now. And I promise I will stop making decisions for you. We'll work on our communication, I won't hide things from you any longer."
"I also can't promise that I won't ever be sad about the things I've had to give up. But even humans make sacrifices and mistakes that can't be undone. It is possible to mourn what could have been while still enjoying what I do have. There are no guarantees I would be happy if I stayed human Edward, a million things could go wrong. I could die young in a car crash or from cancer, and if you think a few miserable human years are worth giving up an eternity of happiness with you, then you really are masochistic. It's possible I would have never found love again, or I could end up with someone who was abusive, or someone who left me for another woman. What if I ended up never having children, maybe I wouldn't be able to get pregnant? I could have ended up a lonely old woman. Why would I want to risk an unknown future like that when I had everything right in front of me – a beautiful man who loved me, a wonderful family to spend time with, not to mention endless time to spend with those I love. Tell me Edward, why would I want to give any of that up?"
"But what about Charlie and Renee? Your friends?"
"It's too late to wonder what if...I'm already dead to them. I can't change what happened, I can only accept the consequences. They will mourn, no parent should have to bury their child." Tears slipped down her cheeks. "But life goes on, and they will heal. They'll always miss me, but they'll remember the time they had with me..."
I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her into my chest, gently stroking her hair. Bella would be mourning the loss of her parents as much as they were mourning her. However, they didn't have another daughter to help ease the ache, and Bella had us. It would never be the same, but it would be something.
Bella took a deep shuddering breath. "I don't think I'll ever be able to forgive myself for what I've put them through." She whispered. "Can you imagine how heartbroken Charlie was when he found...I can't believe I hurt him like that."
It was just like Bella to think of others before herself. "Shh. He will always love you Bella, you will always be his little girl. Charlie may not understand why you did what you did, but I do know he blames me for it, not you."
She abruptly pushed herself away from me and stood up. "I'm sorry Edward, I just can't talk about this yet." Bella went to her room and shut the door. I heard her crying softly on the bed, hurting for Charlie and Renee.
My family also chose that time to enter the house. They had returned a little while ago, but wanted to give us some space since we were finally talking. I felt Esme's arms slip around my chest from behind as she kissed the top of my head. It's progress my son, she's healing. Bella loves you. I nodded slightly. I knew we made a lot of progress today. Bella had so much to deal with, and I just wanted to take all the pain and guilt away from her.
She's feeling better? Carlisle asked, his head craned slightly towards her door listening intently to her vitals. I nodded again.
"Alice, give her some time, please?" I asked my sister softly as I heard her deciding to go bombard Bella with all the new purchases.
Sure. Came her short reply.
Alice and Esme started putting away the groceries, and Jasper started unpacking all kinds of electronics.
Carlisle chuckled. "I guess we're bringing the cabin up to the twenty-first century?"
Jasper shrugged. "Well if we're going to be here until spring, I figure we'd all be happier with more entertainment options."
The three of us unpacked various satellite components for the television and internet. There was already a flat screen on the wall, but we only had a DVD player for it since we couldn't exactly get cable out here on the island. I was put to task setting up three new laptops, one was just for Bella. He had also gotten the iPod I asked for since there was no room for a piano here. I wanted to download my playlist to it for Bella, especially her lullaby. She would also need the laptop in order to finish up high school. It would be too much to travel back and forth to the main island by boat every day, so we thought she might do some kind of correspondence online in order to get her diploma while she was still human. We could worry about college later when she was more settled in her new life. There was also another small flat screen and DVD player for Bella's room which we would set up later. Jasper and Carlisle installed the satellites and hooked up all the cables. The last thing he pulled out was a Wii with all the trimmings and plenty of games to choose from. You could feel the excitement in the air, we were men after all.
Alice was the first to claim a laptop and test out the connection, shopping of course. Which reminded me I wanted to thank her for being so considerate about Bella's wardrobe. She filled Bella's drawers with soft and warm yoga pants, tanks, tees, sweatpants, and hoodies instead of the usual jeans and designer outfits. Such a small thing, but it meant so much to Bella to have comfortable clothes. She did amend her wardrobe a little today with some nicer pieces, but the week's worth of cashmere sweaters were practical and comfortable as well as being stylish. I would look into the usual Paris fashion shows and get her tickets for a little vacation with Jasper. Maybe that would be something Bella would want to do, I'd have to wait and see, but I'd love to take her to Paris this summer...maybe even a small European tour would be possible. I was excited just thinking about it. What better way for her to spend her last human summer.
In the late afternoon Bella decided to come out of her room. She tripped over the piles of purchases Alice had left by her door, but then slipped wordlessly into the bathroom for a quick shower. After she was dressed, she joined us on the couch and steeled herself for Alice's onslaught. Jasper slipped into Bella's room to set up all the technology, while Alice started pulling out everything to show her. She had purchased purple bedding since that was what she had in Forks. Soft and warm flannel sheets and a fluffy down comforter, along with new pillows. They, of course, bought all the accessories to match such as curtains and a rug, and a smattering of small things that were really unnecessary. Alice pulled out another bag full of books and a couple more journals for Bella, knowing she loved to read and hadn't brought any books with her. The cabin didn't have a library and our books were in storage until we finished the new house. They had also purchased new pillows and chenille throws for the living room, wanting to make sure Bella was always comfortable and warm. Bella was looking through her books, and pulled out a couple cookbooks raising her eyebrows at Alice.
"What? Esme wanted to learn to cook for you."
"That's really sweet, but I can cook for myself, you don't have to learn just for me. It's not like I'm going to be eating food for much longer." She replied, with an appreciative smile.
"Nonsense dear, I'm going to have plenty of time on my hands and it would be nice to learn something new and useful." Esme flitted into the living room and made off with the cookbooks.
"She is really looking forward to it." I whispered reassurance to Bella, who hated the thought of anyone doing anything for her.
Esme was a mother figure to us all, and it was her greatest pleasure to take care of us in any way she could. She would love cooking for Bella, and Carlisle was quite adamant that Bella needed a nutritious diet in order to bring her up to a healthy weight and had already formulated balanced meal guides for Esme to follow. Ever the doctor, he was concerned with the whole picture and wanted his newest daughter as healthy as possible while she was still human. He even had purchased a stash of exercise dvds for Bella since she would be cooped up in the cabin for the most of the winter. Since he wasn't working at the moment, Bella was his one and only patient and he was wholly dedicated to her. I idly wondered how he would spend all this free time, as it had been decades since he'd taken any kind of extended leave. He worked more hours than the humans ever could without succumbing to exhaustion, giving as much time as he could to help others.
Bella and Alice carried off the new items to her room and it didn't take long before we heard Bella gasp. "What is all of this Alice?"
"Well you see Bella, this is called a laptop, and this is a television, it makes pretty pictures..." Alice joked.
Bella nearly growled. "I know that Alice." She spat. "Why is my room decked out in the latest technology?"
I'll handle this. Carlisle joined them in Bella's room and Alice left closing the door.
Why can't she just say thank you and accept this stuff. Everything has to be a fight. We only buy things for her because we love her. It's not like we could ever spend all the money we already have, and it just multiplies even more through the years. Maybe I should show her the actual total of my account alone and she'd stop making these silly protests.... Alice was fuming.
"Bella, why are you upset?" Carlisle's calm voice floated out to us.
"You know why." She replied sullenly. As much of a fight as she could put up against me or Alice, her respect for Esme and Carlisle tamed her fury.
"Bella, are you a member of this family now?" He asked.
"Yes."
"Then it is our job to provide for our family, correct?"
"I guess."
"Did your parents buy you things you needed?"
"Yes."
"Then shouldn't we now buy the things you need?"
"I guess."
Carlisle's reasoning would win her over.
"Well then, considering it is freezing cold outside with drifts of snow piled everywhere, you'll be stuck inside this cabin more often than not. Add that we are on a private island far away from any kind of entertainment, doesn't it seem appropriate that we have our own means of entertainment? You've always enjoyed music, and since we don't have a stereo here, the iPod will provide hours of listening pleasure. You have your own television so you can watch movies or TV. The laptop is a necessity, if you want to get your diploma, you will need to take some online courses." He explained. "I know you like to read, and Alice has purchased a good amount of books for you to start with, as well as journals since she tells me that the writing you've been doing has been helping, right?" She must have nodded. "So you see, these are all necessities. Why don't we get all this uncomfortable business out of the way at once. You are now a member of this family, what is ours is yours." The rustle of his pants and the faint creak of leather told us he was pulling out his wallet. Alice and I exchanged looks and waited for Bella to start yelling, but it never came.
"What is this?" Her quiet voice asked.
"It's your ATM and credit cards. We have other stocks and accounts set up in your name as well, I'd be happy to go over them with you sometime if you'd like. Each month the interest from your savings account is transferred to your checking account, which is the account the ATM card is linked to. There should be plenty in there for whatever you may need, however this is an American Express card and there is no limit. Also, when you use it your flights will automatically be upgraded to first class, along with several other amenities. I'll give you the brochure that explains it all, or Alice could tell you."
The whole house could hear Bella's heart racing. Jasper winced, obviously from the emotions flying from her. She's pissed and overwhelmed. He let me know.
"Carlisle." I warned.
It's better if we just get this out of the way Edward, she'll be fine and you know she'll accept this better from me than from anyone else.
"Bella, I understand that us spending money on your makes you uncomfortable. I understand that you don't feel entitled to the money in the accounts I've just given you access too. However, you have to understand that we have more money than we could ever spend. We've had many lifetimes to amass this fortune, and with Alice's talent of predicting stock market trends, and our collective knowledge of investing, we could fund several small countries on the interest alone. We give an awful lot to charity as well, I'd be happy to go over all of that with you too. If you are going to be a part of this family, you are going to have to accept that this comes with it. If you want or need anything, please do not hesitate to buy it, because if you don't buy it for yourself, one of us will buy it for you. Go online, order whatever books you want to build your own library. If you don't want Alice to do your shopping, then do it yourself." Alice's growl was audible to the whole house. Carlisle chuckled. "Though I guarantee you she's still going to shop for you anyway. It's what she does, she shops for everyone, it makes her happy. You are such a giving person Bella, and you have to understand that we are too. It makes us happy to do things for each other. It's a part of being a family. I don't want to hear any objections from now on. You are a part of this family, and there's nothing wrong with letting us spoil you a little. You have brought so much happiness into our lives Bella, and you have been through so much. We love you." He finished his big speech and Bella's sobs could be heard again. I saw through his eyes that she was curled into his chest, and he was soothing her as only a father's arms could.