Okay, I like writing too much to end this story. I'm going to keep updating. I'm not sure how often, or for how long. I have a bunch of oneshots flitting around my head, so you'll have to deal with me for a while longer.

I haven't done an Emmett oneshot in a while. I always wanted to know how he felt around this time.

Hope you didnt' all abandon me!

-TheLondonUnderground

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight and all things related to Twilight. However, I do own Sampson the goldfish.

Doubt

Emmett POV:

When I was in fifth grade we did one of those mundane science projects where you had to observe a fish to learn its behavioral patterns. Anyway, the best part about the project was that you got to take home the fish afterwards.

I named my little fish Sampson. He was my first pet and soon became my obsession. I don't know what it is about goldfish, but they are hard pets to let go of.

Anyway, Sampson wasn't looking to good after a while. I knew they had a short life expectancy, a fact that was crushing me as I watched him get worse and worse. I felt so helpless, looking at that fish. It was suffering, struggling, and I was so powerless to do anything to help it.

Every time I looked at Edward I saw Sampson.

When we first decided to leave Bella alone I agreed with the decision whole-heartedly. She was a human who knew too much for her own good. Our separation would protect our safety. As time went on, I became full of doubt.

Edward was never much of a social person before, but now he hardly acknowledged us. He never wrestled anymore, never played baseball, and didn't speak a word when he drove us to school. I missed my brother so much. I would even appreciate a pessimistic, sarcastic remark if that meant things were going back to the way they used to be.

Yes, something needed to be changed.

My family and I were currently seated in the family room, minus Edward of course. He was out running around somewhere, poor kid. I set down the magazine I was reading and looked around the room. Rosalie was absentmindedly flicking through channels on the television. Esme was scrapbooking and Carlisle was reading a book. Alice and Jasper were nestled on the couch, whispering quietly to each other.

"We were wrong."

Immediately five pairs of golden eyes flickered up to meet mine.

Carlisle set down his book. "About what Emmett?"

"I'm talking about Bella and Edward…and the decision we made."

Rosalie's eyes narrowed at me and I grimaced. I knew she would not like where I was heading with this, and I knew to expect a couple of lonely nights.

I began again. "We're all turning a blind eye to what we see happening. Edward is a miserable wreck right now. He doesn't talk anymore, and I can't even recall the last time he laughed or smiled. This really can't be the correct thing to do."

Esme's eyes lit up, and I knew she shared my views. She often regarded Edward these days with anxious looks of worry. She never really liked what we had decided to do in the first place.

Rosalie sniffed and flicked off the television. "Technically, he made the decision himself. He's stubborn enough to follow through with it too."

Alice breathed something that sounded like "Not for long" under her breath but I wasn't sure.

"I know honey, but we can't pretend we didn't help influence that decision. We were yelling insults at him the moment he walked in the door after saving her. He wouldn't disappoint us, even if it meant hurting himself in the process."

Jasper leaned forward and rested his head in his hand. "Emmett, it's far too risky. I can't allow Alice's life to be at risk like that, or anyone's for that matter. The Volturi would come down on us faster than we could explain our case."

I tapped my finger on my knee, trying to figure out how to explain this. "I know the risk. I know what it entails. I also know that Edward has watched us be all lovey-dovey for at least 80 years and never complained. Never told us if he was lonely, or disliked flaunting our love in his face. So after all this miserable waiting he finds someone he cares for, and she's different. She comes with obstacles and other things we never had to worry about before. And because we are trying to cover our own skin we say he can't be with her."

Everyone seemed to understand where I was going now.

"I feel guilty depriving him of what he has been without for so long. And now that he has it he turns his back on love to please us. And he still doesn't complain. We can see it killing him and he doesn't speak a word. Can't we put up with a little trouble? We were harsh and judgmental a couple of months ago. It isn't fair, and I just want my brother back. I miss him."

Esme put a hand to her mouth and motioned for me to continue.

"I may be just a big goofball, but I know our family hasn't been the same since. I don't want to live like this anymore."

Rosalie's eyes had softened and she looked at me without emotion. In my book, that was a good sign.

Carlisle cleared his throat and we turned our attention to him. "It seems a vote is in order. The issue is whether or not to repeal the act to ignore Miss Swan. Who would like to vote first?"

Alice immediately raised her hand. "I can't see his future anymore. It's all snarled up and senseless. I know enough about visions to know that is not a good sign. I vote yes."

I raised my hand next. "You know where I stand."

Carlisle nodded and looked towards Jasper. He was hesitant but eventually sighed. "I don't like the risk we have to take. I do feel bad, but I don't see how this would end well. However, I have to feel his emotions every day. I was one step away from bringing this up myself, so yes."

Alice smiled and gave him a quick kiss, which in turn caused him to smile.

"Absolutely Yes."

Esme's vote did not surprise us. Carlisle was quick to agree with her. We all looked to Rosalie.

She crossed her arms and shrugged. "It would appear I am outnumbered anyway. Alright, repeal it."

I reached over and squeezed her hand. I knew of Rosalie's concern for her brother, though it was well hidden. She hated seeing him unhappy just as much as I did, but would never admit to it.

"The ban is now repealed. However, I do not think Edward will readily agree to this. We will tell him what we have decided, but none of you are to pressure him into a decision." We laughed at how Alice's face fell. Carlisle's word was law.

The room was quieter after that. Esme leaned her head on Carlisle's shoulder with a crazy grin on her face. Carlisle kissed her hair, his smile mirroring hers.

I was walking to my room down the hallway when a low voice stopped me.

"I hear the forest needs thinning."

I turned towards Edward's door and smiled. "You're on."